What Canadians Should Know When Travelling During Hurricane Season
by Geraldine Ree /
Resorts in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean islands and the east and Gulf coasts of the United States typically offer great deals at this time of the year, encouraging many travellers to book their next gateway under the sun. These deals come with a catch however; they’re being offered at the peak of the hurricane season in these regions, extending through November.
Even though travelling during major weather events, such as hurricanes, is always a risk, the decision to travel is an entirely personal one. Travel Advisers should be ready to inform their clients of the risks at their destination, and of how to get help in case of an emergency while abroad. They should also always purchase travel insurance as soon as they book their travels, and make sure it covers trip cancellation or interruption if there is a major weather event.
The Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories make it easy for travellers to check a country’s alert status. It also provides regularly updated information on local safety and security conditions, as well as areas to avoid, and natural hazards and climate conditions.
You can also encourage your clients to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad, a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify and contact travellers directly in case there is an emergency, such as a natural disaster, during their trip.
Be sure to remind your clients to carry contact information for government offices near their location that provide consular services to Canadian citizens abroad, and let them know that they can also contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by telephone at +1 613 996 8885, or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.
