Hurricane Season in the Caribbean and Latin America lasts from June 1 through November 30, but it's rare to see a large storm in either June or November. Most major hurricanes occur between August and October, with the peak season usually being September. We are here to help guide you and assist you with planning your vacation during this period. We've included several nifty travel tips that you might find useful when planning your Summer or Fall vacation getaway.

Avoiding the Storms:

When planning a trip to the Caribbean or Latin America during Hurricane Season, keep in mind that hurricanes are less likely the further south you go. The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) as well as Trinidad and Tobago are rarely hit by hurricanes, though all have been hit by them in the past. Similarly, the islands of Barbados and St. Vincent---as well as the islands below them---are statistically less likely to experience a major hurricane; however, as Grenada discovered in 2004 with Hurricane Ivan, never say never where hurricanes are concerned. Click here for more hurricane-safe destinations.

1. Always purchase a travel protection plan, especially if you are going to a hurricane-prone area.
2. Consider a guided or escorted tour, especially if you haven't been to the country before. These tours normally have an experienced guide and a motor coach which is capable of evacuating you out of the weather-stricken area.
3. Pay with a credit card -- it's easier to work out the refund if you have to cancel or change plans. In addition, you might want to consider increasing the available balance on your credit card just as a backup if you get stuck on your tour. Also purchase travelers checks.
4. Why not pack your cellular phone!!
5.  Remember to leave your hotel address and telephone with friends and families. Provide them with as much information about your travel plans and itinerary.
6. Weigh all the costs before making a decision about a vacation destination, and don't be afraid to ask your travel agent for his or her suggestion.
7. Use a travel agent to plan and book your trip. If something goes wrong, you have someone to advocate for you. Use a travel agent who can advocate on their behalf.

Try to Avoid the Storms:

Track hurricanes online with weather websites during the season. Some good sites include:

• The National Weather Service - National Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Hurricane & Storm Tracking for the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans - http://hurricane.terrapin.com
• Hurricane News and Information - http://www.hurricanetrack.com
• Weather.com Tropical Storm Center - http://www.weather.com/newscenter/tropical/

Where to Go From Here:

• Hurricane Season
• Hurricane Guide
• Hurricane-Safe Destinations
• Check the Weather
• Call the Airlines When a Hurricane Strikes

Other Important Links

Health Crisis - Worldwide Check

• Center for Disease Control
  www.cdc.gov/travel

Travel Warnings

• U.S. State Department Travel Warnings
  www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html

Online Passport & VISA Applications

• 24 Hour Passport Processing
  www.travisa.com

Passports, VISAs, and Travel Advisories

• Bureau of Consumer Affairs Home Page
  www.travel.state.gov

Airport Status

• Real Time Airport Status
  www.fly.faa.gov/ois

Currency Conversion

• The Universal Currency Converter
  www.xe.com/ucc

OANDA, The Currency Site

• Provides currency and foreign exchange
  rates to investors, travelers, and online
  businesses.
  http://www.oanda.com/