Hurricane Concerns
 

My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon for mid-September. We'd love to visit the Caribbean, but are concerned about hurricanes. Any advice? Should we be looking elsewhere? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

September is the peak of the hurricane season. They start off of Africa and there is no certain way to predict where they will head. The solution is to leave the area you are staying if one heads your way. This may not be convenient in all cases. If you are worried it is certainly best to go elsewhere. If you are like us, we would go and take our chances if that is where we wanted to be. However, there are all kinds of wonderful places in the world. Some might might be within 500 miles from where you live. Marriage involves, living, doing, sharing, and loving together. Often, what you enjoy and remember the most is what happened when things were not perfect. Make your honeymoon an interesting adventure together and this does not have to cost an arm and leg.

<BR>Moira, You don't mention where you are going but you are in the best part of the hurricane season. We stay at Timothy Beach Resort in St. Kitts and they have a hurricane plan for the safety of the guest. I wouldn't give up a vacation just for the fear of a hurricane. You have a better chance of NOT seeing a storm.

We have been caught in the BVI during a hurricane in September (Georges, in 1998). The professionalism of our hosts, The Moorings, and trip interruption insurance, helped prevent it from being the disaster it could have been. September offers many enticements to the Caribbean traveler -- less expensive, no crowds, generally decent weather, a more laid-back atmosphere -- but it comes at the risk of these storms, which are unpredictable. As my husband says, "you pays your money and you takes your chances." Having traveled in the Caribbean at all times of the year, I wouldn't rule out September, but I do it with full knowledge and with trip insurance.

If you are concerned about hurricanes, consider one of the "ABC" islands (Aruba, Bonaire, or Curacao) which are out of the hurricane belt. Personally, I''ve been to Aruba and I loved it.

Stayed at Bonaire this past June. While generally considered out of the hurricane belt, it did get hit hard with large waves (no wind) from Hurricane Lenny last summer. Most damage was along the shore with homes, piers, boats damaged. Most of the damage now repaired.

No matter where you go in September, do purchase the insurance. And remember this is just the first trip of your marriage, and there will be many more! <BR> <BR>How about a cruise? If a hurricane approaches, the itinerary is re-routed to avoid it. <BR> <BR>Or how about Mexico? Cancun and Puerto Vallarta both have tons of wonderful resorts that are as good or better than Caribbean islands. <BR> <BR>Best wishes! <BR>