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If so, make sure you are aware of the risks and know what to do if a hurricane does hit during your stay with these hurricane season travel tips.
Watch for travel advisories
Hurricane season generally ranges from the months of May to November. You can still travel during this time, though it might be considered risky. The Government of Canada advises that if you are travelling to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the east and Gulf coasts of the United States during hurricane season, consular officials might not be able to help Canadians during the storm. They also recommend checking travel advisories twice. Once when planning your trip and just before you leave for the airport to know if it’s still safe to go on vacation.
Purchase travel insurance
It’s strongly encouraged to buy travel insurance if you are travelling during hurricane season. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellation and trip interruption costs such as cancelled flights and hotel stays. Make extra copies and bring the travel insurance documents with you on your trip. Just remember, you have to purchase travel insurance before the Government of Canada issues a travel advisory. When obtaining travel insurance, make sure your policy includes coverage for extreme weather events.
Important contact information
Be sure to tell or email close family members and friends your travel plans including flight numbers and what hotel you are staying at. Also, write down or make a note in your mobile of the closest Canadian embassy or consulate and their contact information as well as the phone number for Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre. This is a 24/7 number you will want to have if you require emergency assistance.
Pack preparedness
Similar to assembling a home or car emergency kit, make sure you pack emergency items with you in the event of a hurricane. Some important items to take include:
- First aid kit.
- Bottled water.
- Non-perishable food items.
- Flashlights.
- Portable phone charger (make sure it’s charged and ready to use).
- Important documents (passport, travel insurance, identification etc.) and Ziploc bags to put them in if a hurricane does happen.
Travelling during hurricane season doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your vacation. After all, you are there to see the sights and relax. Just make sure to check for weather advisories beforehand and follow the rest of our hurricane travel season tips. Enjoy the warm beaches!
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These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.
In Quebec, Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. In Ontario and Alberta, Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Direct Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance.
