The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1^st and attention has already turned to early predictions about what to expect for 2019. An average season usually consists of 12 named storms, of which six are hurricanes and three are major hurricanes; however, the past two years have seen a higher-than-expected number of storm systems.

For this year, meteorologists from Colorado State University (CSU) are predicting a total of 13 named storms, including five hurricanes and two major hurricanes. There is a reportedly high likelihood that these conditions will persist through peak hurricane season, typically between August and October.

Travelers during the hurricane season have to take more precautions than usual in order to stay safe. Here are a few tips to reduce your risk while traveling this hurricane season and continue to enjoy your trip.



 

Check Your Travel Plans

It is important to check travel insurance plans to ensure they cover costs from hotel cancellations or trips ending prematurely due to severe weather. Note also that insurers will often implement higher deductibles once a weather event becomes a named storm. The insurance policy number should be kept on-hand and related documents brought on the trip in case you have to call the insurance company.
 

Flexible Booking Options

Look for airlines and hotels that have flexible re-booking options in the event the destination is in the path of a storm. Airlines will usually issue travel alerts on their websites indicating the time periods when travelers can rebook their tickets without penalty in such an event. If travelling to locations susceptible to storms during hurricane season, travelers may also consider booking accommodations further inland due to the higher risk of flooding along the coast and hazards such as storm surges.
 

Stay Connected

Should you already be in the destination and a storm is impending, you should closely heed instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders. If flying, contact your airlines as soon as possible to obtain a seat on the next available flight; if there are no seats or the next flight out is not until a day or two later, consider buying a one-way ticket back home on another airline.

Other pre-travel precautions include leaving detailed information about your itinerary with family and friends back home and keeping medication and other essentials in carry-on luggage.
 

Waterproof Kit

Organize a kit in a waterproof container that includes a whistle and small flashlight; bottled water; non-perishable food items; a battery-powered radio; any medications taken regularly; and vital travel documents, emergency communications and next-of-kin information. Hotels in hurricane-prone locations may provide their guests with some of these items, but if not, they can be purchased at local stores.

Travelers should also ensure their cellphone is charged, for instance by bringing one or more power packs with them, to let their family members, friends and/or employers know where they are, as individuals may get displaced during a storm and its aftermath.
 

Mobile App

In case of an emergency, make sure to have the Global Travel Plus Mobile App downloaded on your phone. The 24/7 Operations team is one-tap away in case of an emergency and offers travelers Pre-Trip Information, Luggage Assistance, Prescription Assistance, Evacuation and Repatriation Services and more.