SUMMER IS UPON US
….and so is hurricane season! But, who can ignore all those deals for a Caribbean getaway? I know! It is considered off season but think in terms of deep blue seas under the umbrella of clear-blue skies. If that doesn’t entice you to even stop and consider checking out the wonderful deals being offered by premier cruise lines, how about the fewer number of people to share those beaches with?
With six hurricanes and thirteen storms with monikers already in this season’s forecast by The Weather Channel, there is only one way to deal with this seemingly dire prospect of having a vacation ruined by a natural disaster (and to borrow from the Boys Scouts of America motto): BE PREPARED.
First, buy travel insurance – I cannot stress this important step enough when you plan your vacation. The norm is get your insurance within 60 days of your first deposit. There are a number of features and benefits you can take advantage of in addition to the basic coverage you buy. You saved to take that vacation – it is your travel investment dollars – so why take a risk that you would lose it due to some unforeseen circumstances? Think of the insurance as your SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT guaranty.
Second, do plan your travel and do not leave it until the last minute to ‘settle’ details that may be out of your control. Going on a Caribbean vacation? Monitor the weather daily. If going on a cruise, what emergency procedures are in place to deal with a hurricane? Review your resort’s evacuation plan, where do you go if the plan has to be implemented, More important may be knowing what your hotel and/or airline’s policies are in the event of inclement weather.
Third, make sure you give advance warning to your relatives about your trip and ask them if they are amenable to being your Emergency Contract in case of any untoward event during your vacation.
Having considered every facet of your vacation would give you some assurance that you have done all that is within your control….the rest will be up to your insurance company!