How Risky is Oct. for Vacations?
 

Hi again,

I have another question. Do you think we are totally insane for planning on renting a home in Florida for the month of Oct?

I'd hate to rent and lose all the money from having to cancel. Do you think we better steer clear for Oct?

Thanks!

Well, last Oct. did bring us Wilma. So it would be iffy.

You didn't say where in Fl. but the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area has been luckier than other areas.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Well, you have to ask yourself "Why October?" & balance that off against the risk. We have gone to Ft. Lauderdale/ West Palm in October many times over the years.There was always the risk of a hurricane. We were lucky & a hurricane never did hit while we were there. However, we only went for a week. I could not handle a month there in October but your risk tolerance may be higher than mine!

The storm season peaks mid Aug-Sep, the last two years have been a little different. No one knows what this year will bring. I can see no reason for a change of plans.

Please let me know ASAP! I have lived in the Orlando area for 19 years. If this is insane, I ought to move.

Vic! :-) After Charley, Frances, and Jeanne......I think we must be insane!

Jenny, October used to be pretty quiet, but the hurricane experts have been telling us for the last few years that we're in a period of increased hurricane activity.....so yes, it's a risk. Only you can decide if it's a risk you can tolerate.

What part of FL - will you be right on a beach - and what type of house? (I would get info on how hurricane proof it is - or be ready to leave if you must.)

Also - travel insurance would be a good idea - if you can get it for a house rental.

Unfortunately, it used to be that you were fairly safe in the middle of the state. But, alas, two years disproved that theory. I have lived on the west coast since 1982 (St. Pete). We have been extremely lucky not to have a direct hit yet. But I would say anytime between June and November would be iffy. You never know. The good thing about October, though, is that it tends to cool off a little bit more at night.

Orlando Vic, get out now! We've been on the coast on SC for 22 years and just realized we should leave also!

Where should we move?

GoTravel, you shd move to the East coast of Canada!

Yes but Nova Scotia is still susceptible to hurricanes believe it or not.

In all seriousness, a rather large chunk of the planet is vulnerable to hurricanes or typhoons during warm weather.

Hurricane Season of the last five years or so did damage and killed people in almost half the states in the US.

The big story now is how NYC is overdue to be hit with a hurricane.

Hurricnaes in Nova Scotia & Ontario
1.August 25, 1873(Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia)
2.October 15, 1954 (Hurricane Hazel in Toronto, Ontario)
3.September 29, 2003(Hurricane Juan in Halifax, category 2)

"Based on hurricane records during the past 100 years it appears that such a strong hurricane(as Hurricane Juan) hits Nova Scotia once every 50 years."

So, GoTravel you shd be ok in Nova Scotia for 47 years! :)

We were going to look for something in Cape Coral. Found a nice (new) home for $4,000 a month that takes dogs, has a pool, spa, on a canal.

The good thing about a new home is the home would be up to date on current codes :)

We do have friends up North in Spring Hill that we would go stay with if a hurricane was to visit. But the house we are looking at looks pretty sturdy. (well, I hope it is)

We're going then because my husband wants to get away to study for a test he has to take. So it is just a casual, relaxing trip. We won't be doing any site seeing, etc.

Here is the place we are thinking about renting http://www.vrbo.com/global/siteFrame...turnurl=/67287 Your opinions are always welcome :)
Jenny

Jenny, perhaps this is a potential trial move to get out of Ohio??

Hi Aliska,

Oh yes, this is a trial trip. I am always taking trial trips out of Ohio! LOL

I hate it here and am just trying to make sure we make the right decision before we move.

Anywhere is better than Ohio :(
Jenny

November is an excellent month to visit Florida. It cools down and the humidity is lower.