It’s Hurricane Season - But We Are Visiting Hilton Head Island
Apr 29th 2008travelTravel Insurance
What if a storm hits Hilton Head Island before you get ready to go on vacation? The answer is simple… stay home!
But before you unpack, just check to make sure whether the Island has been affected. We have had many tropical storm warnings over the years, but unlike Florida we’ve been extremely fortunate. In our opinion, the best offense is defense. We recommend purchasing travel insurance. Even the most basic travel insurance will provide some compensation if flights are canceled or the island is closed down due to a hurricane.
In 2006, the National Hurricane Center is predicting a hurricane season with 8 to 10 named storms. As residents of Hilton Head Island, we always prepare the best we can. We are constantly planning ahead. You should do the same; you need to plan ahead. While we cannot forecast the weather day in and day out, the Internet can provide help in dealing with the variety of weather conditions vacationers may face that could take a toll on Hilton Head Island. The Weather Channel site and the National Hurricane Centers site are two excellent resources.
At Hilton Head Rentals we recommend the following. Use the services of a travel professional, especially if you will be vacationing during hurricane season. When buying vacation packages through a vacation rental property management company or a travel agency, it will reduce your stress because travel professionals are your advocates and are ready to help you through difficult travel scenarios. If a vacation is booked online it may be difficult to get through to one of their representatives.
Purchase Travel Insurance.
On Hilton Head Island there are a lot of different vacation companies that offer a variety of vacation insurance plans. If you book directly with a vacation rental management company that offers homes, villas and condos, they will in all likelihood have insurance plans to offer. If you’re working with a travel agent, they can assist you in determining which plan provides the best coverage for the right price. Some even offer a “cancel for any reason” waiver, allowing you to see that a hurricane might be swirling for Hilton Head. With this type of plan, your travel professionals can quickly use their resources to find an alternate resort area so your vacation won’t be sacrificed.
Whatever you do, never assume anything. When it comes to flights and airline travel, even when you purchase an open ticket or even if you purchase non-refundable tickets, most airlines will attempt to accommodate passengers due to severe weather like hurricanes. And if a hurricane hits a destination a where you might be vacationing next month, do not assume that the resort sustained damage. Call - your travel professional can provide up-to-date information on the status of the Island resort and conditions in the area around the island.
Always try to be ahead of the Curve! If you’re flying, always call your departing airport well in advance to check on the status of your flights. Check the weather at your final destination up to 72 hours in advance before your trip. Knowing in advance what the expected weather pattern is going to be will help you to prepare and take necessary steps on alternatives if needed.
Whenever possible, pack as lightly as possible. Checked luggage complicates your life if a flight is rescheduled or re-routed. Be sure to carry a fully charged cell phone and have all your phone numbers readily available, including after-hours emergency assistance numbers in case alternate travel arrangements need to be made. Located (in most cases) less than 10 hours by car from most major cities along the east coast and in the Midwest, Hilton Head Island can be a destination where air travel might not be the best way to come and go during hurricane season. If you can take an extra day, you might actually enjoy the drive and forego the hassle of having to worry about air travel.
All in all, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit and explore. A stressless time getting here will assure you the best vacation for the entire family to enjoy. So get prepared, then relax and get into the vacation mode. The most important advice is to expect the unexpected. As in life, if you are prepared for everything, you can handle just about anything - even a hurricane.
Richard A. Neste is recognized as one of Advertising Age’s 100 Best & Brightest in the 90’s, named one of the 10 New Idea People by Adweek, the 1991 Ace Award winner for Knife & Fork Menuzine©. Presently the Executive in Charge of Performance Development Corporation.
For more information about Hilton Head Island, please visit: