How to take advantage of hurricane season travel — without the worry

A cruise to Cozumel, a piña colada inPunta Cana or an all-inclusive in Aruba sounds like paradise just about now, are we right? The only problem is the potential for a nasty, swirling hurricane to come sweeping across the Atlantic. June through November, that threat looms large in parts of Florida, the Caribbean and coastal Mexico—or maybe not. As it turns out, right now might be a good time to book your hurricane season travel after all. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Travel insurance can protect you
We often skip out on travel insurance hoping we’ll never need it, but hurricane season might be the one time of year where investing in some level of protection is essential. According to Allianz Global Assistance, a worldwide leader in travel insurance, purchasing coverage can ensure you’re reimbursed for travel costs such as hotels, meals, flight changes and other essentials, should a storm develop. Click here to read more about protection options for an upcoming trip and to get a rate quote.

Related: Try island hopping in the Florida Keys by seaplane.

2. The remainder of this year’s hurricane season is expected to be mild
According to weather.com, the remainder of this year’s hurricane season (through late November) will likely be below average, with a 90% chance of 6-10 named storms emerging, but with only 1-4 expected to turn into actual hurricanes and only 0-1 reaching Category 3 strength (that’swinds ranging from 111 to 130 mph). Consider, as well, that “peak” hurricane season in the eastern Caribbean and Florida tends to last only through mid-September. But remember, according to Allianz Global Assistance, travel protection won’t cover you for a tropical storm or hurricane that has already been named (although it may still protect you from losses not related to weather).

3. Prices are lower
We don’t have to explain that hurricane season is considered low season in Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean, thus you can expect deeper discounts. In the past couple of years we’ve seen hotel discounts during peak hurricane season reach as high as 35% off in Barbados and up to 41% off in St. Maarten. Even this late in the season and with the cost of protection factored in, big discounts remain available. Plus, you can expect less crowded beaches and shorter lines at the swim-up bar.

4. Cruises offer a safer alternative
If the promise of unlimited buffets aren’t tempting enough, how about a reasonable guarantee of better weather? Unlike islands—which are stuck permanently in one place—cruise ships move and because they use sophisticated weather tracking technology they can (generally) steer clear of inclement weather. Not only that, but generally the cheapest time of year for cruise travel in the Caribbean is fall after the summer crowds have left and before the dry, winter season arrives in full force. If a storm does force a cruise-related cancellation, travel insurance may be able to reimburse (although not in the case of simply “bad” weather). Among the other perks that comes with cruise insurance? You’re covered if you have to cancel due to illness, a family emergency, or literally missing the boat.

Related: The three best days to book holiday travel.

5. The ABCs are (mostly) hurricane free
Floating in the southern Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Venezuela, the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are mostly outside the pathway of so-called “Hurricane Alley” (the same is true of Trinidad and Tobago). These Dutch Caribbean islands have a semi-arid climate which means they are less humid their Caribbean counterparts. Between Aruba’s white sand beaches and entrenched tourism infrastructure, Bonaire’s beloved scuba diving and snorkeling (considered to be among the world’s best) and Curacao’s pastel-colored buildings and tolerant atmosphere, and you’ve got your choice for the perfect vacation. And as always, if there’s even a shadow of a doubt, spring for the travel insurance so you don’t have to worry.

Tagged: Caribbean, Cruise, Florida, Mexico