We’re in the heart (or should I say, eye?) of hurricane season right now, and every other week it seems the National Weather Service issues a new alert. So far this year we’ve seen Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, and, currently, Edouard (we hope you’re okay Louisiana and Texas!). Officially, the hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 1, which is a long time if you plan on just hunkering down at home until it’s done. My advice? You can keep on traveling to regions prone to hurricanes as long as you use common sense. Keep in mind that the vast majority of people who travel to these regions during this timeframe see nary a hurricane. In fact, in most places right now, the weather is pretty darn lovely.

But if you are traveling toward the storm, here are some recommendations:

Photo courtesy of Samantha Berg.

If you’re going somewhere like the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season, you might want to start checking the forecast as early as two weeks before you go. Since storms often start forming miles and miles from shore, you’ll be able to see if anything’s on the radar. Edouard, for example, was only a tiny “blip” on the radar screen last week and has grown to its current strength quite quickly, so be sure to follow the storm’s progress closely, and if an official storm watch or warning is issued for your intended destination, then you should check your airline or travel provider’s customer alert page for the latest information on the storm and reservation change/cancel policies. You also might want to check ahead with your hotel to see that they’ll be fully operational when you arrive.

If you’re already in your destination when a hurricane decides to crash your vacation stay (how rude!), please listen to the authorities. They know much more about their destination than you do. Ask your hotel front desk what to do, tune into local TV and radio, and heed all signage. Follow all evacuation orders. Avoid the roads. And have patience with the airlines and airport personnel who have to consider your safety when making the call as to allow takeoffs and landings. Going on a delay-induced rampage really truly honestly won’t help anything—no matter how good it feels at the time.

If you've been impacted by Edouard--or any of this year's storms--leave a comment and let us know how you're doing!