Hurricane Travel Guide: When to Cancel, Reschedule, or Ride Out the Storm

You’ve been counting down the days to your dream vacation—beach time, cocktails, pure relaxation. But now, there’s a hurricane forming, and suddenly your plans feel like they’re up in the air. Should you keep your travel plans, cancel, or wait it out and hope for the best?

The answer depends on how strong the storm is and where you’re headed. Making a decision for a cruise or island vacation is much different than a trip to the coastal areas of the U.S. mainland. Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision without losing your money, or your mind.

Tropical depressions and tropical storms are the weaker of the tropical systems, but can still cause travel disruptions. A tropical depression is a cyclone with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 39 mph.

What to Expect: A tropical depression or storm means gusty winds and heavy rain, but it’s typically not the end of the world. You might see rough seas and rip currents which could cancel boat tours or excursions, but the resort will likely still be running. Cruises also still run during tropical depressions or storms but may change course to avoid the rough swells.

Should You Cancel? Not necessarily. If your trip is all about the beach, you may want to rethink things. But if you’re okay with some indoor fun, you can probably still enjoy your vacation.

What to Do: Keep an eye on the forecast, check with your airlines and cruise lines about possible delays, and see if your hotel has a flexible cancellation policy.

Once a tropical storm produces winds at 74 mph it becomes a hurricane. The scale then goes from Cat 1 to Cat 5 based on wind speeds. A CAT 1 is a bit risky, but still manageable for vacations.

What to Expect: Dangerous winds will produce some damage. Older mobile homes are at risk. Snapped power lines can result in power outages. Debris can harm people or animals. Some small trees may fall and cause mild damage to structures. Flights and cruises might be delayed or even canceled.

Should You Cancel? If the storm is hitting right when you’re supposed to arrive, it’s probably a good idea to reschedule. If it passes a few days before, expect some lingering effects but nothing too extreme. Plans are likely still good.

What to Do: Call your airline and hotel to see what your options are. Some places offer free rebooking if a storm is expected.

Dangerous winds will cause more extensive damage. Uprooted trees can cause property damage. If not in a safe space, there is a greater risk for physical harm from debris and storm surge, along with the increased likelihood of power outages. Roofs and siding could be damaged. Roads may also be blocked due to downed trees.

• What to Expect: Major hurricanes mean serious damage, airport closures, long-term power outages, and a whole lot of chaos.
• Should You Cancel? You will need to assure you are in a safe place away from the risk of storm surge and dangerous winds. Extensive power outages are likely during the worst of the storm. Roads may be covered by debris or flooded.
• What to Do: Consider changing or canceling your plans. Check refund policies and travel insurance to see what’s covered.

Extensive damage expected from dangerous winds including structural damage to small residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Many trees uprooted or snapped. Power outages lasting several days or even weeks.

• What to Expect: Major hurricanes mean serious damage, airport closures, long-term power outages, and major travel disruptions. Cruise ships change course or trips may be shortened. In rare occasions, the hurricane impacts the home port.
• Should You Cancel? Yes, no question about it. Your vacation will have to wait.
• What to Do: Cancel or reschedule ASAP. Check refund policies and travel insurance to see what’s covered.

A Category 5 hurricane is likely to cause extensive damage to structures including roof, doors, windows, and trees. Extensive power outages are likely with widespread tree damage possible. Some wall failures with complete house roof structure failures are possible.

• What to Expect: Major hurricanes mean serious damage, airport closures, long-term power outages, and major travel disruptions.
• Should You Cancel? Yes, no question about it. Your vacation spot will receive extreme impacts. Cruise ships will be rerouted or postponed.
• What to Do: Cancel or reschedule ASAP. Check refund policies and travel insurance to see what’s covered.

Category five hurricanes are the strongest tropical systems on earth known for catastrophic wind damage and storm surge. Complete collapse of structures is possible with widespread infrastructure damage. Storm surge can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas, especially when it coincides with high tide. Tornadoes are also likely.

• What to Expect: Complete shutdown of areas in the path with mandatory evacuations
• Should You Cancel? Yes, no question about it. Your vacation spot will receive extreme impacts. Cruise ships will be rerouted or postponed.
• What to Do: Cancel or reschedule ASAP. Check refund policies and travel insurance to see what’s covered.

Final Travel Tips for Hurricane Season

• Get Travel Insurance BEFORE the Storm is Named: Make sure it covers hurricanes and last-minute cancellations.
• Keep an Eye on the Weather: Check WeatherPassport.com and other trusted sources for updates.
• Know Your Hotel and Airline Policies: Some places let you reschedule for free if a storm threatens your trip.
• Be Patient: Forecasts can change, sometimes for the better.
• Have a Plan B: Consider shifting your trip to a different time or location if a storm is brewing or is expected to make landfall.

Hurricanes can be stressful, but don’t panic! If a storm is in the forecast, take a breath, check the details, and make the best call for your trip. Whether you postpone or push through, the key is staying safe.