How to Respond When Disaster Strikes While on Vacation

One of the exciting aspects of traveling is its predictability.  Imagine planning an all girls or family trip for a year to one of bucket list destinations.  Everything seems to be going great on your trip until disaster strikes.  Disaster can come in several forms such as earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes, blizzards or tsunami to name a few.  In the Caribbean, which tends to be a frequent vacation spot, hurricanes tend to be the likely disaster.  Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.  In the eastern Caribbean, the season tends to be busiest during mid-August to mid September.  It is critically important for travelers to be ready and take precautions prior to the hurricane and after the storm.  As I recently endured hurricane Irma while on vacation in the US Virgin Islands, I have a few travel tips that  can help prevent a catastrophic vacation.

Prior to your trip:

1. Plan your trip accordingly.  Choosing your dates will determine whether you have the vacation of your dreams or increase your likelihood of being in an unlikely situation.  If your schedule permits, you can choose to fly during non-hurricane season.  If you are unable to have any flexibility with your dates, you can opt for either extreme of the hurricane season such as early June/July and late November when less activity is expected.

2. Obtain Travel Insurance.  It is a great idea to always purchase travel insurance that covers natural disasters such as hurricanes.  

3. Research hotel/lodging polices on natural disasters.

Prior to the Hurricane:

1. Have an evacuation plan and identify locations of shelters

2. Frequently tune in to weather forecasts for updates

3. Obtain a supply of canned foods, bottled water, first aid supplies, battery operated radios, lanterns and flashlights

4. Keep important documents and prescription medications in a safe and secure place

5. Obtain a necessary supply of cash for several days for possible power outage after the storm and nonfunctioning ATMs

During the Hurricane:

1. Stay indoor and away from windows

2. Stay calm

3. Follow through with evacuation plan if needed

After the Hurricane:

1. Continue to remain updated with local weather information and further instructions

2. Contact airline for flights confirmation or cancellation

3. File necessary insurance claims

HAPPY TRAVELS

Dorsche Beach, St. Croix