Vacationers Should Weather-Proof Plans

1. Don't take a trip during hurricane season to places that are historically affected.

For residents in North America, hurricane season is late summer and fall. Storms generally hit the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Some resorts offer hurricane guarantees, which means something different at every resort, but generally covers you if a hurricane hits while you’re at the resort. You would most likely get a replacement vacation within a year. The resort chain Sandals, in particular, is well-known for accommodating guests when bad weather threatens. Sandals chartered aircraft to take guests from its resorts on Turks and Caicos Islands to Jamaica to finish their vacations as Hurricane Frances approached.
If the best time for you to vacation is during hurricane season, choose a destination that isn’t usually affected. California and Hawaii are good choices.

2. Buy travel insurance.

If you’re spending thousands on a week-long getaway, $100 more (usually less) isn’t much for some peace of mind.
You can buy travel insurance from your travel agent, from a tour company, or from a third party. It’s very important to make sure the policy you buy is underwritten by a third party.
Travel insurance can also protect you in cases of illness, accidents requiring hospitalization, jury duty and more.

3. Get advice from a travel agent.

You might have your heart set on a September wedding in Jamaica, but a travel agent can help you decide if that’s really your best choice.
A travel agent can help you with arrangements in case of a weather emergency and more. It may be confusing to know whom to call when a storm is bearing down on your destination and the airline has canceled flights. A travel agent can also be your advocate in the event of a complicated rescheduling situation.