The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season just started, and storms are already brewing! But should that stop your travel plans to the (mostly) Sunshine State? No way! It just takes a little preparation and planning to prevent a hurricane from blowing your vacation off course.
Know Your Timing
Hurricanes season stretches from June 1 to November 30, covering peak vacation months. If you’re planning a summer or fall trip to Florida’s beaches or amusement parks, there are some great resources for weather updates and tips. We recommend that you check out the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Awareness website first. The most active part of the hurricane season begins around late August and lasts through late October, so make sure to factor that into your travel plans. Weather apps are also helpful tools to keep you up-to-date on storm activity.
Pack Smart (and Safe)
Try to limit your luggage to carry on bags only, which will make it easier for you in case flights are rescheduled or cancelled. Pack any medications you may need, cash, and travel-size toiletries and personal items, including a small bottle of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, disinfectant wipes, and two masks for each person.
When you reach your destination, you can purchase bottled water and non-perishable food for each member or your family – and don’t forget your pets! In case of a power outage, it’s always a good idea to have solar battery powered USB chargers for your electronic items, a battery-powered flashlight or lantern, and a first-aid kit on hand, too. Check with your rental property’s manager to see what they provide!
At Kong Vacation Homes, you’ll find a welcome basket with snacks and other items when you arrive at your rental, along with extra soap and surface sanitation supplies that you can use at your discretion.
Be Aware of Travel Restrictions
Be familiar with the COVID-19 rules and restrictions at your destination. Here is information from Florida’s Department of Heath for travelers: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/travelers/
Stay Connected
Make sure to let friends and family members at home know where you are traveling and how to contact you there. Keep your phone charged, because texting is often the first service to come back online after a storm.
Have Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your investment, in case you have to cancel or change your plans at the last minute. With insurance, you can cancel your trip (with at least 48 hours of notice) prior to departure, if you know a hurricane is threatening your destination.
Leave Early
If a storm is approaching, consider cutting your vacation short. By leaving early, you’ll avoid the big crowds that will pack the roadways and airports once the hurricane is confirmed. Also, check the hurricane policies in the rental contract for your vacation home or for your flights – you may not be entitled to a refund unless there is a mandatory, state-ordered hurricane evacuation.
If you do get caught in a hurricane, seek shelter on high ground and follow instructions.
Be Prepared to Extend Your Trip
While the hurricane itself may pass quickly, the aftermath could result in problems for travelers. The airport could be closed, and flights could be cancelled or overcrowded. Electricity could be down, and roads could be blocked or flooded. As long as your accommodations are safe, be prepared to stay put longer than planned.
Try Not to Stress Over Traveling During Hurricane Season
While it’s important to be prepared, the odds of a hurricane hitting are low. As long as you plan ahead and don’t mind the risk of inconvenience, you’ll most likely find more sunny days than not in Florida!
If you have any questions about what we do to at Kong Vacation Homes to make sure our properties are hurricane-ready, we’d love to hear from you. For more information, contact us at 866-499-9026 or info@kongmg.com.