Planning 101 Travel Tips

Planning a Florida Vacation During Hurricane Season – What You Need to Know

June 13, 2023

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. Unless you can plan your vacation outside of these dates, there’s a good chance that your travel dates will coincide with hurricane season.

While it can be stressful to constantly worry that your trip will be ruined every time there’s a disturbance in the ocean, don’t let it ruin the excitement of planning your vacation.

Traveling during hurricane season can still be an unforgettable adventure, as long as you embrace the relaxed, go-with-the-flow attitude that comes with it.

So, grab your rain ponchos and get ready to learn some valuable tips to ensure a magical and safe adventure!

Buy Travel Insurance

If you’ve ever worked with a Travel Advisor, then you probably know that Travel Insurance of any kind is always recommended. Even if you’ve never purchased it before, if you’re traveling during hurricane season, it’s something that you should really consider.

While travel insurance does come with a cost, the potential savings and security it provides usually far outweighs that cost.

Whether you include travel insurance in your vacation package or you purchase one on your own, it is important to carefully review the policy details, coverage limits, and exclusions before purchasing. You’ll want to make sure it aligns with your specific needs and travel plans.

Disney and Universal Studios does have travel insurance. They’re also incredibly accommodating when it comes to refunds, with or without insurance.

But, unless you’re willing to lose money on things like flights, car rentals, or hotels you planned to stop at during your road trip to Florida, having some sort of protection is recommended.

multicolored umbrella

Stay Informed

You’re likely already watching the weather, so you’ll know what to pack. But, when you’re traveling during hurricane season, you’ll likely find yourself checking the weather more than usual.

Staying tuned to reliable weather sources will help you stay on top of the news. If anything changes, you should have adequate time to change your plans, if needed.

I know it’s disheartening to have to postpone or cancel a vacation. It’s especially frustrating when there is a chance you will lose money. But, if you have any concerns, stay home. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute

It’s common to want to end your trip early when a hurricane is coming. But, don’t wait until the last minute to make this decision.

If you don’t want to wait out the storm at your hotel, make the necessary arrangements to leave as soon as possible.

You’re not the only traveler trying to flee the state before a big storm. Airports will be packed and roads will be backed up. You don’t want to wait until the day before the hurricane hits, just to find yourself stuck at the airport for a few days.

Your best bet is to keep an eye on the news. If you waited too long to leave, you’ll be happier at your Resort than on the road or in the airport.

Flexibility Is Key

We understand that not everyone can easily switch their plans. But, the more flexible you can be, the better off you’ll be.

It’s tempting to want to immediately cancel your vacation once you learn a hurricane will be be interrupting your plans. But, it isn’t always necessary. As long as it’s safe for everyone to get to work, the Orlando Theme Parks usually only close for a day or two.

Pay close attention to official weather advisories, updates from local authorities, and recommendations from the destination you’re visiting. Safety is the most important thing. But, typically, a few days is enough time for things to get cleaned up and ready for Guests.

If you’re worried about losing money, oftentimes it’s cheaper to postpone your plans for a few days than it is to cancel and rebook at another time. And if you are working with a Travel Advisor, they can handle all the changes for you.

Festival of the Lion King Show in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Explore Indoor Activities

With or without an active hurricane, hurricane season coincides with rainy season. So, be prepared for some wet Theme Park days.

Don’t let the rainy days get you down. This is the perfect time to take advantage of indoor attractions and shows. From 3D experiences and indoor rides to live performances and interactive exhibits, there’s no shortage of entertainment to keep you occupied during inclement weather.

You never know…you may find some hidden gems you might have overlooked otherwise.

Embrace Spontaneity

While the Orlando Theme Parks are undoubtedly the main attraction, don’t forget that the city offers a world of entertainment beyond the rides. Sometimes a change of venue is all it takes to turn your mood around.

From museums to shopping sprees, culinary delights to theater shows, there’s a lot of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered. Be open to changes in plans, unexpected detours, and new experiences. Sometimes, the most memorable moments happen when you least expect them.

Have questions? Feeling anxious? Don’t know where to start? That’s where we step in.

We know what to do, and more importantly, what NOT to do. We’ve done the training, we’ve made the mistakes, and have learned from them, And that’s what makes us the perfect people to help you.

From perfectly curated itineraries to direct access to your Travel Professional, our goal is to take the stress out of planning your vacation.

Simply fill out whichever form works better for you, and we’ll discuss your options.

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Hawaii Destination Specialist

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