What to Do If a Hurricane Threatens Your Vacation

Knowing what to do if a hurricane threatens your vacation is important. A lot of planning goes into creating the perfect getaway and no one wants a hurricane to change those plans. Sometimes it does happen and knowing what to do is vital.

A few years ago my family planned a vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We decided on where we would go, what we would do and planned out the details except one. We didn't realize that hurricane season is from June 1 to the end of November.

As luck would have it a tropical storm began to develop about two weeks before we were supposed to leave. It became a hurricane right before we were supposed to leave. After a few frantic calls to our travel agent we found out what to do. If a hurricane threatens your vacation this article may help.

Check your travel insurance.

Cruises, getaways to major theme parks and other expensive trips often have trip insurance built in as part of the package. If a hurricane threatens your vacation the trip insurance may offer you some financial protection. Call your travel agent or check your vacation package.

Contact your cruise line or destination choice.

Places like Walt Disney World and cruise lines have policies in place to help travelers know what to do if a hurricane threatens their vacation. Generally, they will try to keep their schedule intact if a hurricane threatens but rescheduling may still be worth a try. Call the cruise line immediately if you decide to try to change your travel plans.

If you absolutely cannot change your plans do keep in contact with the cruise line for updates. Because of a hurricane, itineraries may change, ports may close and other changes to your vacation may happen. Call or monitor the website for your cruise line frequently for up to the minute information.

Touch base with your airline.

Some airlines will allow you to reschedule without a fee if a hurricane threatens your vacation. Contact your airline to find out what their policies are and what you can do.

Things to do if you are already on vacation when a hurricane looms.

Create a plan.

If you are already on vacation don't panic. Try to remain calm. Plan for your travel plans to be impacted and work out a plan. Your travel insurance may have a toll-free helpline for this very reason. Give them a call. You may also want to talk with your hotel staff. They might have been through something similar and may be able to help.

Follow local instructions.

Be sure to monitor the local news and follow any directions that you are given by local government. Call the airline immediately if you are advised to leave because of a hurricane. Many carriers will waive fees and some may schedule extra flights to accommodate the recommendations of local government.

Charge your batteries.

Communication when your vacation is threatened by a hurricane is important. Be sure to to fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other battery operated items.

Visit the ATM.

If your vacation is threatened by a be a widespread power outage may be possible. If that happens your debit and credit card could be temporarily useless. Cold hard cash may be the order of the day. Follow your usual travel precautions when it comes to carrying money in any amount.

Buy snacks.

If a hurricane threatens your vacation you may have limited access to food. A few snacks and bottled water may be helpful.

Contact the folks back home.

One of the most things you should do if a hurricane threatens your vacation is touch base with the folks back home. Let them know where you are and update them on your plans. This can alleviate stress and worry for everyone.

Hopefully you will never need the information that is in this article. Most getaways go off without a hitch. However, it is always a good idea to be prepared and know what to do if a hurricane threatens your vacation.