Powerful winds. Heavy rain and flooding. Thousands of flight cancellations. The 2024 hurricane season is here, and affecting popular summer travel destinations such as the Caribbean, Florida and other coastal areas.
Most recently, Tropical Storm Debby made its way to the Florida coast, disrupting travel for many. And a recent study out of Colorado State University predicted that this year’s hurricane season will bring more than the normal average of 14 storms. As of this publication, more than 23 storms have been reported.
But these record-breaking numbers are not keeping travelers at home. Here’s how advisors might prepare clients set on traveling during hurricane season.
Pro Tip 1: Make Sure Clients Are Risk-Aware
If a client inquires about travel to the Atlantic hurricane belt from June to November, Madison Straight, a travel advisor with HC Travel Firm, will immediately point out the risks involved in that timing.
“I make sure to address this in my kick-off call,” she said. “Educating clients about potential risks is a crucial aspect of our job.”
If the client can’t change the destination, they can perhaps change the time of year they go. If they must travel during hurricane season, Straight recommends specific safeguards.
Pro Tip 2: Encourage Clients to Buy Travel Insurance
First, Straight emphasizes the importance of travel insurance with clients, calling it “vital” for hurricane season. Travelers should confirm that their insurance is comprehensive, covering weather-related disruptions and emergencies.
For many clients, a once-in-a-blue-moon vacation is a big financial investment, and protecting that investment is wise.
“Anyone who is making a significant investment [in a trip] should seriously consider protecting themselves with travel insurance,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Partners Insurance.
“The right travel insurance plan can reimburse pre-paid, nonrefundable costs when a trip has to be cancelled for a reason covered by the policy, and it can cover the cost of both medical emergencies and emergency transportation.”
Pro Tip 3: Encourage Clients to Pack an Emergency Kit
If clients book a vacation when a hurricane or tropical storm may arrive, Straight encourages them to pack essential items.
“Preparing for emergencies is another key aspect [to hurricane travel],” Straight said. “Travelers should pack an emergency kit containing essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, non-perishable food, water and necessary medications.”
She also recommends travelers familiarize themselves with local evacuation plans; be ready to follow the destination’s safety protocols; keep devices powered up and have back-up batteries at the ready; and keep important travel documents with them, ideally in a waterproof pouch or Ziploc bag.
Pro Tip 4: Keep Calm — and Informed — Even In the Face of Terrible Weather
Like showbiz, the show must go on when it comes to travel, especially if a client is already in their destination when something goes awry.
In the face of a hurricane alert, it can be easy for travelers to get lost in panic and stress. Abbey Meyer, CEO and cofounder of Sky High Travel, says that an advisor’s role is to mitigate some of that stress.
"Advisors will talk clients off the ledge,” Meyer said. “We will tell you; ‘I’ve already started looking at flights to get you home.’ An advisor is going to give you educated quality options.”
Meyer pays attention to local news in the destination to get better insight into what is happening on the ground. Straight of HC Travel Firm takes a similar course of action.
“Staying informed is our top priority,” Straight said. “We need to consistently monitor updates from reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center. Tracking storms is also essential — I find myself checking my Weather Channel app and Doppler radar daily to stay ahead of any developments that could impact my clients’ travel plans.”
And Allianz Travel Insurance has a useful app called Allyz TravelSmart, which provides policyholders with flight information, safety alerts, and information regarding their insurance plan. Advisors can share this tool and similar ones with their clients pre-trip.
Pro Tip 5: Stay In Communication With Clients
Weather predictions can change quickly, leaving clients stuck unexpectedly. Straight noted that this can make things quite difficult on an advisor.
“When I have a client traveling during hurricane season, and I notice a storm intensifying, I always keep them informed that we’re monitoring the situation closely. This allows them to understand the potential impact and make informed decisions.”
Straight will act swiftly, helping clients leave the destination ahead of the storm if possible, or booking new accommodations if the original one was impacted by a storm. If flights cannot take off, clients should follow the safety protocols outlined by local officials.
Ultimately, it is up to the client whether they want to travel to an at-risk area. Should they choose to take the risk, advisors will do what they can to help.
“Remember that, despite your best efforts to assist, you cannot control the weather,” Straight said. “Focus on providing accurate information, planning effectively, and educating clients about potential risks.”
