Travel During Hurricane Season: Considering the Odds

While some travelers may find it surprising, there are many reasons why vacationers choose to travel during the Hurricane Season. Recent disasters have brought worldwide attention to the damage that can be caused by hurricanes. Still, many travelers choose to visit the Caribbean and surrounding areas during these months. First, The Facts Hurricane season lasts throughout much of the year in the Atlantic - June through November. During this time of year tropical storms can form into fast-moving storm systems that can severely damage property if they reach land. However, it's important to remember that that not every storm makes landfall, and not every strong storm turns into a hurricane. Tropical storms and even tropical depressions can make landfall and cause tornadoes and flooding problems as well, but are far less severe than hurricanes. Typically the last months of hurricane season bring the strongest storms. Months like September and October see spikes in the number and intensity of hurricanes, while, in the early months of the season, damaging strikes are rare. Location, Location, Location If you'd like to travel during the hurricane season, there are many ways to eliminate some of the danger from hurricanes. Prepare for the worst by checking out the hurricane policy of the hotel you choose to book your stay with. Many hotels have hurricane policies offering complimentary stays for the same number of nights the following year, and other similar plans to help ease the sting of a disrupted vacation. Choose your destination wisely. The southern Caribbean usually avoids the brunt of hurricane season. In fact, there is a "hurricane zone" through which most of these tropical storms pass. Islands outside this zone are rarely hit. The best-known of these islands are known as the ABC Islands. Dutch territories Aruba, Bonaire, and Cura