So I figured yesterday's post would be my last about what to do to prepare yourself for travel during Hurricane Season. But I really needed to do a post about all the Suppliers during this time. Air Transat, West Jet and Air Canada have arranged all kinds of extra flights to evacuate people from the effected areas. They have been amazing getting people out of harms way.
The cruise lines came into ports early and letting those who had places to go off and then took those who did not have a safe place to weather the storm back out to sea away from the storm path.
Disney World is letting people re-schedule their vacations and are trying their best to honour any promotions they may have had such as free dining.
Cruises that have been cancelled are getting the same considerations with most cruise lines. Also of not a lot of great ports and countries have been hit badly already. St Maarten, Tortola and St Thomas. Keep in mind that when the cruise lines start up again that many of those ports will likely have to be changed for quite some time you may see Eastern Itineraries switched out to Western Itineraries.
Last but not least I want to give a big huge high five to all my fellow Travel Agents who have spent countless hours on phones holding with suppliers trying to make sure that their clients stay safe and that they are impacted as little as possible. This what we do when you book with a travel agent you can rest assured that from the minute you contact us and then book we will follow you and make sure your vacation is a success until you are back home.
Wishing everyone in the effected countries and Hurricane path continue to stay safe
Want to connect with me www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca or www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Thursday 7 September 2017
Tuesday 5 September 2017
Hurricane Season
So we are heavily into Hurricane Season and I am sure you are wondering what does this mean for travel. There are so many variables that I probably will miss some. Currently the Caribbean and Florida are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Irma. We have already seen the damage from Hurricane Harvey and what it did to the state of Texas.
First and foremost if you are going to travel during Hurricane Season you need to have travel insurance. Travel Insurance will protect you in so many ways some of which you may not even think of. If you can not leave on time insurance, will have your back. If you get stuck in location while many resorts will work with you in providing a discounted rate if you have insurance you will be able to claim back that amount. It is not just about requiring medical assistance which is some countries can be quite costly.It is all the little things that you just do not think about.
When travelling if you are on prescription medications think of taking more than just the amount of time you are away. If you end up stuck for a week you do not want to have to try and get your prescription elsewhere.
For my American friends and clients who think a driver's licence and birth certificate is okay for cruising if it a "closed" loop meaning it starts and stops in the same destination you can not be more wrong. Many who were aboard ships during Hurricane Harvey were not able to get off in Miami and arrange to fly home from there instead they were forced to stay on their cruise ship for an extra week Why because you need a passport to disembark and not return to the ship at any other port. This holds true for a non hurricane season cruise. If some happens to you and you need medical assistance in another country and do not get back on the ship you are stuck there until you can arrange for an emergency passport. I can not stress how important it is for you to have a passport. Even for my Canadian friends and clients who decide to drive to the United States (you can cross with children under 16 with just a birth certificate) if you need to get home in an emergency you will not be able to get on a plane. Yes Passports are expensive but think of how expensive they will be during an emergency.
Travelling during Hurricane season means you need to be flexible and adaptable. Your cruise may be cancelled completely. A few lines have now cancelled due to Irma. Some are returning to ports early. Think about getting stuck on a cruise ship longer. Your drink package is only good for the length of your cruise you will now have to pay to increase it.
Some resorts have evacuated to sister resorts. Meaning they are trying to keep as many guests together as possible is a smaller area. Disney World has closed down in the past due to Hurricanes. When they do so you are asked to stay in your rooms. Boxed meals are provided. In value and moderate resorts where there are outer buildings no contacting corridors you are on your own. If you know a Hurricane is coming order water, drinks, food from a local store so that you have things to do. Maybe pick up some card games or board games if you are stuck without power. It is is hard being confined to a small room. Deluxe resorts have inner buildings so it is much easier to gather and be with more people but even still find things to keep your children's minds occupied and off the storm.
All in all please be safe and think smart when you are travelling in the Fall!!!
You can find me at
www.facebook.com/Stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor or www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
First and foremost if you are going to travel during Hurricane Season you need to have travel insurance. Travel Insurance will protect you in so many ways some of which you may not even think of. If you can not leave on time insurance, will have your back. If you get stuck in location while many resorts will work with you in providing a discounted rate if you have insurance you will be able to claim back that amount. It is not just about requiring medical assistance which is some countries can be quite costly.It is all the little things that you just do not think about.
When travelling if you are on prescription medications think of taking more than just the amount of time you are away. If you end up stuck for a week you do not want to have to try and get your prescription elsewhere.
For my American friends and clients who think a driver's licence and birth certificate is okay for cruising if it a "closed" loop meaning it starts and stops in the same destination you can not be more wrong. Many who were aboard ships during Hurricane Harvey were not able to get off in Miami and arrange to fly home from there instead they were forced to stay on their cruise ship for an extra week Why because you need a passport to disembark and not return to the ship at any other port. This holds true for a non hurricane season cruise. If some happens to you and you need medical assistance in another country and do not get back on the ship you are stuck there until you can arrange for an emergency passport. I can not stress how important it is for you to have a passport. Even for my Canadian friends and clients who decide to drive to the United States (you can cross with children under 16 with just a birth certificate) if you need to get home in an emergency you will not be able to get on a plane. Yes Passports are expensive but think of how expensive they will be during an emergency.
Travelling during Hurricane season means you need to be flexible and adaptable. Your cruise may be cancelled completely. A few lines have now cancelled due to Irma. Some are returning to ports early. Think about getting stuck on a cruise ship longer. Your drink package is only good for the length of your cruise you will now have to pay to increase it.
Some resorts have evacuated to sister resorts. Meaning they are trying to keep as many guests together as possible is a smaller area. Disney World has closed down in the past due to Hurricanes. When they do so you are asked to stay in your rooms. Boxed meals are provided. In value and moderate resorts where there are outer buildings no contacting corridors you are on your own. If you know a Hurricane is coming order water, drinks, food from a local store so that you have things to do. Maybe pick up some card games or board games if you are stuck without power. It is is hard being confined to a small room. Deluxe resorts have inner buildings so it is much easier to gather and be with more people but even still find things to keep your children's minds occupied and off the storm.
All in all please be safe and think smart when you are travelling in the Fall!!!
You can find me at
www.facebook.com/Stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor or www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
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