What you need to know before traveling during hurricane season

As forecasters predictabove-normal hurricane activityTravelers planning to visit Florida, Mexico, or the Caribbean should be aware that the Atlantic basin is a good place to go this year.

You can also find out more about the following: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA is forecasting 13-19 named storms with winds of 39 mph and higher. There are 6-10 hurricanes predicted (winds 74mph or more), and 3-5 major storms (category 3, 4 or 5, with winds 111mph or greater). NOAA is “70 percent confident” that these predictions are accurate.

The Atlantic is plagued by hurricanes every year between June and November. Although the chances of a hurricane hitting your destination at the exact time you travel are low, they can still disrupt your vacation.

As a born-and-raised Floridian, I’m used to it and know what to do—we track storms, prepare when warranted (and party when not), batten down the hatches, or get the hell out of Dodge, depending. Non-natives can be intimidated by hurricane season, which is understandable.

So what happens if a hurricane threatens to derail your plans—or worse, hits while you’re there? To help you through the storm, we’ve gathered some insight. Here’s everything you need to know about hurricanes, from your cancellation rights to how to ride it out.

1. Understand your destination’s risk level.

The severity of hurricanes and the infrastructure in each region vary. Miami is different than a Caribbean island, and being in Gulf Coast Cities below sea level is different still.

Island and low-lying regions may experience prolonged outages or slower recovery if they are in a large city.

Construction quality and infrastructure also play a major role in determining how well a location does. The Caribe Hilton In San Juan, for instance, the hotel underwent a $150-million rebuild following a devastating hurricane Maria hit in 2018. Now, it has hurricane resistant features such as impact windows in each guest room, upgraded exteriors and building systems, and enhanced structural components to protect guests in case another major storm strikes.

Booking a trip for peak hurricane season is a good idea. You should consider the ease of leaving quickly in case you need to, as well as whether or not your destination has the resources to bounce back. Also, think about how comfortable you are with it.

Ask your hotel how it handles emergencies if you are traveling to an area that is more remote.

2. Book carefully and ask about hurricane insurance.

If you are booking during hurricane season, it is best to book a trip with full flexibility and no penalties for changes or cancellations.

If you’re not booking somewhere with a transparent “hurricane policy,” ask directly—some resorts, especially those in hurricane-prone areas, are surprisingly flexible when a named storm looms. Find examples of hotels’ policies on hurricanes below:

• “If you are unsure about the National Hurricane Center The (NHC) will notify passengers that they are exempt from any penalties for changing their travel plans if the hurricane is categorized as category 1 or greater, a local authority has issued an official alert, and the flight path is confirmed to pass directly over or close to the destination.”–The Excellence Collection
• “If a hurricane warning is issued by the NHC for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within seven days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.”–Disney
• “In the event that any Palace Resorts, Le Blanc Spa Resorts, or Baglioni Hotels and Resorts is directly impacted by a hurricane … we will gladly offer a certificate for a return stay to the original resort for the number of unused nights.”–Palace Resorts

You’re forced to evacuate? During times of crisis, some hotels near and far from the storm’s track offer guests reduced “distress prices” that allow them to reach safety without breaking their budget. Some hotels offer no-show policies, relocations and extensions, as well as evacuation assistance.

Even properties with strict policies will often make exceptions when an emergency is imminent. However, it’s important to read the fine print because even a storm that is approaching might not trigger a full refund unless there are official travel warnings and evacuation orders in place.

3. Think about destinations that are outside the hurricane belt.

Skipping hurricane season altogether is an option—sort of. There are some tropical destinations that are out of the hurricane’s reach. The islands of Aruba You can also find out more about the following: CuraçaoThese islands, which are outside of the hurricane belt, offer a reliable escape, even during the peak hurricane season. These Dutch Caribbean islands offer a year-round sunny, warm climate.

4. Travel insurance may not cover hurricanes.

There’s a big misconception that travel insurance will cover you in the event of a hurricane. Once the storm is announced, it can be too late to get coverage. It may seem that travel insurance is a good idea, but some policies do not cover weather-related cancellations.

You can buy travel insurance through companies like Allianz You can get coverage for hurricane-related trip interruption, cancellation, and delay, but you must buy it before the storm is named. According to their policy: “Travel Insurance is designed for protection against sudden, unforeseen events and situations.” When a hurricane (or other severe weather) becomes a named storm, it also becomes a ‘foreseeable event’ with known potential to affect your travel. When you purchase travel insurance after the storm has been named, it will not cover storm-related claims.

Look for policies with a broader “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) add-on, which allows you to cancel for almost any reason whatsoever and receive a percentage of nonrefundable trip costs back—but know these are more expensive and often must be purchased soon after booking.

No matter if it’s hurricane season, you should always carefully read the policy and not assume anything.

5. Don’t pack a hurricane kit—but be storm smart.

A survival kit is not necessary for a vacation. packing smart Never hurts.

Simple items can make a big difference. Can go a very long way. Starlink Mini is a great option for traveling, since satellite internet can often be used even when other services are unavailable.

You should ask before you arrive if there is medical staff on site, a storm-resistant building, or direct access to emergency services.

6. Keep an eye on the weather and be flexible.

Local alerts will say “hurricane” or “hurricane” if a storm is imminent. These terms aren’t interchangeable; a watch means hurricane conditions are possible—usually within 48 hours—while a warning means they’re You can expect to receive a response within the next few days.A typical time frame is 36 hours. You should take immediate action, or leave the area if instructed.

Keep an eye on local alerts and NHC forecasts if you think a storm is coming. Your best friend is flexibility. Changing your travel dates or destination can make a huge difference. Storms are unpredictable and things can change very quickly. It’s better to miss a few vacation days than be in a crisis and put local authorities and emergency response teams under more stress.

The good news is that, in 2025, the NHC’s improved hurricane analysis will enable it to issue warnings “up to 48 hours before the arrival on land of storm surges or tropical-storm force winds” (instead of the previous 48), allowing people to better prepare.

Certain airlines waive the change fee when a storm threatens certain routes. And hotels may allow you to rebook with no penalty. Don’t wait until a situation becomes chaotic to make changes.

I am often asked, “How can you live in Florida with so many hurricanes?” Then I ask: “What natural disaster gives you several days’ notice?” Wildfires and tornadoes strike without warning; hurricanes give you a week’s notice if they are approaching and several days if it is more serious.

The storm’s path can change at any time, but in general, you know where it’s going to hit and what will be within its cone of destruction.

7. Follow local advice if you are already there.

When you’re away from home and a storm is approaching, pay attention to what the hotel and local authorities have to say. Most large resorts have established hurricane protocols—including emergency generators, stocked supplies, and training to help guests shelter in place if needed.

Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa In Mexico, for instance, has survived many storms, and increased its in-room entertainment to keep guests entertained inside. They launched a Joy of Missing Out in-room concierge service this year with unlimited 24/7 room services, books of your choice, and a DIY margarita or guacamole kits to enjoy in the room. When the weather is bad, they often offer specials.

If you’re staying in a vacation rental, make sure you know how to safely operate a generator if needed—and never run it indoors. Even in the most modern resorts, internet and power can be lost. Plan to stay safe no matter where you go and make sure you know how you can stay connected.

The Red Cross recommends that you download emergency apps, keep a flashlight or a headlamp handy, and be prepared to survive without electricity, water, and cell service for several days, especially if you live in a remote area.

8. Hotel staff deserve your respect.

If your vacation gets disrupted, locals’ lives do too. During storms, resort teams work round the clock and sometimes sleep on site while caring for their families. A little patience—and maybe a generous tip—goes a long way during and after a natural disaster. In times of crisis, remember that we are all in this together.

9. Visits should be avoided after a severe storm.

Recovery times can vary after a storm. Some places recover in a few days, while others take months or even years. Infrastructure, supply chains and access to clean drinking water can be affected, particularly in smaller islands or less developed areas.

Returning tourists can be crucial for local economies. Your trip can be a powerful tool for recovery if officials declare it safe and that the community is prepared to welcome you back. Respect the past.

I can’t wait to see guests return to Palm Island Resort & Spa In the Grenadines, the resort was destroyed by Hurricane Beryl (not long after I visited the idyllic paradise for the first time) in June 2024. Since then, it has been supplying emergency aid to Union Island. I am following the progress through social media and cheering them on in their slow but steady rebuilding process.

Here are some more tips for traveling during hurricane season

Sometimes the trip just can’t be delayed. When traveling during hurricane season, choose nonstop flights early in the morning to avoid being stranded during connecting layovers. This is especially true in areas that are prone to hurricanes.

Travel advisors can be invaluable during disruptions. If flights are cancelled or hotels close down, they have access to information and can quickly rebook your trip.

Last but not least, let your loved ones know about your plans and contingencies. Also, save emergency numbers such as the direct number of your hotel, the contact information for your local tourism board and your airline customer service. You can sign up for emergency alerts in your area and download apps, such as FEMA’s or the Red Cross’s, to get push notifications.

It is possible to travel during hurricane season with some risk, but by being flexible and planning well, you can minimize the impact. Know your rights, keep an eye on the weather and make sure you book flexible reservations. Safety should always come first.