If you and your family have been dreaming of a beach vacation, deciding to book during off-season months might look like an appealing option. After all, you’ll likely encounter fewer people, cooler weather, and better prices. But, what about other aspects of the weather that can pop up? Hurricanes can pose a real threat to vacationers theoretically starting in June, but especially in the peak months of August through October. Even though the thought of a hurricane can be a bit scary, especially if you’re away from home, we’ve got some tips to keep you safe and give you a little peace of mind. Remember to stick to safety first, and the caution of hurricane season becomes nothing more than a small road bump in your fantastic trip to Crystal Beach, Texas!
After you take your safety measures, make sure you plan ahead for what you’ll do on the Bolivar Peninsula! Request access to our free Vacation Guide for insight into the best ways to spend your getaway. Get the guide and start planning today!
How to Vacation During Hurricane Season
Cancellation Options
Depending on where you book your vacation, some hotel and rental companies have been known to provide hurricane guarantees. These guarantees are designed to defer your vacation rather than protect your investment. When choosing your accommodations, it’s wise to take a little extra time to research and ask questions before making your final reservation.
Travel Insurance
If you find yourself wanting to invest in added protection during peak times of the hurricane season, travel insurance can you provide you with peace of mind. Not only does it apply in times of inclement weather (hurricanes included) but it also protects you in case of sickness or various other emergency situations. Here at Swedes, we recommend Trip Preserver for protection against unforeseen events.
An Emergency Plan
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to cancel or defer your trip in time, it’s helpful to have an emergency contingency plan. Two things are recommended while you travel.
- Medical Emergency First Aid Kit
- Simplified Medical History
As always, the best emergency plan is to avoid inclement weather all together but if you’re in the middle of your vacation, keep an eye on the news as you may be asked to evacuate or head to a designated safe area.
Stay Prepared to Evacuate
If the weather takes a turn for the absolute worst, you may be ordered to evacuate your home. Sometimes these orders give you a little time to prep but often times, time is of the essence, so it pays to be prepared.
- Observe: Keep an eye on the weather by watching local TV channels and making note of the available/recommended routes for evacuation.
- Pack It Up: Pack a bag full of clothes for a couple of days at least. Don’t forget your cell phone charger, medications, cash, and any identification you may need.
- Unplug: If time permits, turn off your water, electricity, gas, and power. It’s also a good idea to unplug your appliances.
- Kit It: It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car at all times, no matter the weather. You’ll want to include jumper cables, food with an extended shelf life, bottled water, sleeping bags, maps, and a first aid kit. If you’re super into emergency preparedness, try designing your own bugout bag.
Monitor the Weather
When vacationing on the coast, it’s important to keep a close eye on the weather before and during your stay. Hurricanes can manifest in various forms starting with heavy rainfall, high winds, and rip currents. Great sites to check are National Weather Service and The National Hurricane Center.
Book Your Stay with Swedes Real Estate
We hope we’ve been able to give you some peace of mind and planning tips for booking your vacation during hurricane season. If you’re not planning to purchase a beach home, we hope you’ll consider the Bolivar Peninsula for your next vacation. If you’re interested in getting away to our beautiful 27 mile stretch of Bolivar Peninsula, check out our rentals. We hope to see you soon!
