Traveling to the Caribbean in the summer or fall may sound like a great idea, until you remember that hurricane season can last from June to November. But you don’t have to abandon your dream of escaping to white sandy beaches completely! Statistically, the odds are excellent that you’ll enjoy a sunny, hurricane-free vacation. It’s also a great time for travelers to snag some of the best deals, and enjoy smaller crowds on the beaches and perfect temperatures with low humidity. Before you book your last minute Caribbean getaway, here are seven tips to keep in mind.

SOME CARIBBEAN DESTINATIONS GET AFFECTED MORE THAN OTHERS

The South American Caribbean coastline is less frequently affected by hurricanes in comparison to other Caribbean islands, thanks to geographic luck. Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad, and Tobago have also seen less hurricanes than more northern islands. Another smart option for exploring higher risk islands during hurricane season is to book a cruise instead. Cruise liners source real-time weather information and re-route to avoid danger zones.

DON’T GO WITHOUT TRAVEL INSRUANCE

The most important thing you can do if you are planning to visit the Caribbean during hurricane season is to buy travel insurance. Specifically, you should get trip-cancellation insurance, ensuring that you’ll be fully compensated for your airfare and hotel/cruise arrangements if a storm prevents you from traveling. It’s also important that you read the fine print and learn what you’ll need in order to make a claim. Many companies will need a written statement of cancellation or amendment to validate your claim.

INDIRECT HITS CAN ALSO INTERRUPT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

Just because the eye of the hurricane doesn’t pass directly over an island doesn’t mean it won’t be affected by the storm. Hurricanes can sprawl over hundreds of miles of land and sea. Due to high winds, heavy rains and storm-surges, flooding can occur even on those islands touched by the storm’s outer bands. Check with the National Hurricane Center to determine whether the island you plan on visiting will be affected in any way during your travel dates.

READ THE FINE PRINT ON ANY HURRICANE GUARANTEES

Some resorts offer a hurricane guarantee, but you should be sure to read and understand the fine print before you forfeit additional travel insurance. In some cases, you may only get a portion of your money back, or you may be offered a voucher for a future stay just for those nights your trip was affected.

DON’T GO INCOMMUNICADO

Although unplugging during your island getaway is ideal, you don’t want to be so out of reach that you’re not in the loop with the latest information regarding any impending storms. Storms can form pretty quickly, particularly along Mexico’s east coast. Storms can also strengthen or weaken off course at any given moment. Stay in the know, and make sure to check in with the hotel on a daily basis.

PACK FOR EMERGENCIES

Thinking ahead will ensure you can handle whatever situation comes your way. Keep important phone numbers close, and pack a portable phone charger in case you lose electricity or get stuck at an airport for long periods of time. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra supply of cash at hand. If there’s a power outage, ATM and card machines could be down, and a supply of cash to last a few days or to pay for a return transport may be a lifesaver.

USE A TRAVEL CONSULTANT TO BOOK YOUR GETAWAY

There’s no better time to work with a FROSCH Travel Consultant! Our Travel Consultants will not only offer you expert advice and provide first-hand recommendations, but they can also handle all of your travel arrangements, including booking your round-trip flights, hotel room, excursions, and ground transfers. Our Travel Consultant’s also provide you with the opportunity to purchase travel insurance, so you can protect your investment. On top of all that, they are on-call 24/7 to help you reorganize in the event of an emergency.