Getaway Guide To Hurricane Hangups

Vacation plans are often set months or at least weeks in advance. Hurricane warnings can be a matter of days. And they frequently change course. So, how do we plan ahead for that shore, tropical island or cruising getaway during hurricane season? It's not easy. How do I know this? After living in the Caribbean and Bermuda for six years, then covering 40 years of big blows for KYW-Newsradio, I think I get it. Now that Danny, the first named storm of the season is out of the way, here are a few things you should know. – Jay Lloyd

CANCELLATION POLICIES

When making reservations for island or seashore vacations during hurricane prone months between August and late October, always carefully check cancellation policies, particularly storm related. Each individual hotel and cruise line sets its own rules. Some can be restricted to situations requiring evacuations, airport and highway closures or inability of the property to accommodate guests during, or in advance of a major storm. In many cases, if the hotel is operating when you are due to arrive and highways are open, you could lose a deposit or more by cancelling. Whether golf courses, water sports, beaches or entertainment is available, is not always a consideration. However Diane Wieland, Director of the Cape May County Tourism Office notes, that shore hotels do try accommodate guests and many offer credits toward future visits if a hurricane strike is forecast. Make sure you understand the policy at your lodging choice.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

I generally buy travel insurance for overseas getaways and cruises. It's essential for many medical situations, especially for travelers who have health insurance through Medicare. But it's also important for storm related disruptions. However, many policies have restrictions that require airports or highways to be closed, evacuations ordered or hotels and transportation unable to accommodate visitors during a storm. Insurance companies often require that the policy be bought before a storm is named. It's best during hurricane season to consult with your insurance broker to determine what you want and what you can realistically get in a policy.

CRUISES

Cruises are unique because they travel over the same waters that channel hurricanes. It is not unusual for cruises to be rerouted, sending you and your merry fellow passengers to destinations, not on the original itinerary. Cruises can also be delayed or cancelled entirely, depending on the location and duration of a named storm. Carefully read the cruise line policy on storm related refunds and cancellations. The last Caribbean voyage of the Windjammer" Fantome" is a stark reminder of nature's fateful power . The Fantome, a towering sailing vessel was chased into Belize by Hurricane Mitch in October of 1998. The skipper put all passengers ashore, where they were flown to Miami. But the Fantome then put to sea to escape the storm. Mitch kept changing course until to two met. Ship and crew were lost. Passengers who had their vacations cut short were grateful for the change of plans.

BOATING AND FISHING GETAWAYS

Days in advance of a hurricane coastal waters, bays and rivers can begin churning. Many boat owners however are often determined to stick to plans for fishing or sailing. New boaters have a tendency to overestimate their own seamanship and their vessels. Pay attention to NOAA marine weather forecasts and small craft warnings. Always decide whether to go or stay on the side of caution. The fish can wait. A flounder dinner isn't worth a life or the cost of the boat.

TOO CLOSE

A Coast Guard shipmate of mine in Bermuda left a hurricane party with his wife to show her the drama of the sea before an impending storm. As they stood on a jetty 61 years ago, a wave swept her away. There was nothing he could do. She was never found. As awesome as the spectacle may be, stay a safe distance from the shoreline. Keep children away and follow all emergency instructions. The consequences of ignoring them are irreversible.

Enjoy but stay safe!