I recently saw a video of a woman in Jamaica having a fit after she received a cold breakfast at the resort the day after Hurricane Melissa devastated the island. In true privileged form, she berated the staff and insisted that someone prepare a hot meal for the guests who had paid good money to be at this resort. In all of my years of traveling, I have never seen a person that was utterly tone death. The people she was berating probably lost their homes. The food that she felt was beneath her would feed families on the island that had no other options. And while I am sure she didn’t expect to be traveling during a natural disaster, she was. And with that comes a level of compassion that, for her, didn’t exist.
What would you do if a natural disaster struck while you were halfway around the world and you couldn’t just drive home? It happened to me a few years back during the volcanic eruption in Iceland. And while my story was not nearly as traumatic as being in Sri Lanka during a tsunami or Jamaica during a hurricane, there were a few things that I could have done better.
We never know when disaster will strike. And not all natural disasters are as predictable as a hurricane. That said, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. Keep reading, because this guide breaks down how to plan ahead, where to avoid, and exactly what to do if the unexpected happens.
How to Stay Safe When Traveling During a Natural Disaster
From hurricanes in the Caribbean to wildfires in Greece, extreme weather is changing how we travel. Some are more predictable than others giving us plenty of time to make decisions that will keep us safe. But others seemingly come out of nowhere and before you can pack your passport, you are in it. While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can control how prepared we are when she shows up and critical steps we can take before hand to stay safe. Here’s what seasoned travelers do before they board a plane, during an emergency, and after the disaster passes.
1. Know the Risks Before You Go
Before you take advantage of super low prices to a destination, research what natural disasters are common in that destination during different times of the year (e.g., earthquakes in Japan, hurricanes in the Caribbean, monsoons in Thailand).
Check historical data for patterns during the time you plan to travel. This will give you an indication of what a typical season looks like. Use websites like Weather.com, U.S. State Department, or Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for updated advisories leading up to your trip. Download any local emergency alert apps before your trip.
2. Understand Regional Disaster Risks (and When to Avoid Them)
Some disasters are easy to avoid. The seasons is clearly identified and you understand that traveling during these periods come with increased risks. Here are the times to avoid if you don’t want to find yourself traveling during a natural disaster.
The Caribbean & Southeast U.S. (June–November)
June to November is arguable the cheapest time to travel to the Caribbean. Hotels prices are low, flights are reasonable and you get to experience the islands with very few tourists. It also happens to be hurricane season. During this time there is increased risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. Making for a less than desirable beach vacation.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking in August and September. The good news is hurricanes usually have a long projection window. You typically know the general direction and projected date of impact well in advance.
Southeast Asia (May–October)
During May to October, coastal and island regions like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines have an increased risk of a monsoon.
Monsoons mean heavy rains, floods and landslides. For days on end, people traveling to these areas are stuck inside if they are lucky or buried under a landslide when they are not.
Instead of May-October opt for trips starting in November. During this time you get clear skies and calmer seas.
Japan, Indonesia & Pacific Islands (July–October)
Typhoons and earthquakes are more difficult to predict in advance. They typically occur without warning so your best defense is having a great plan.
To make things even more complicated, typhoon season overlaps with peak tourism months.
Your best plan is to have one. Know what to listen for and where to go if there is ever an alert. Pay close attention to alert systems and avoid coastal areas if warnings are issued.
Europe (June–September)
It sounds odd to say don’t go to Europe June to September when we all know this is peak tourism season. School is out and parents have been waiting all year to take their kids somewhere (anywhere).
Unfortunately, this is also the time when wildfires and heatwaves are prominent. Especially in southern regions like Greece, Italy, and Spain which are closer to the equator you’ll find that climate change has intensified summer wildfires and extreme heat.
Instead try visiting during spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October). I’ve often found the prices are cheaper during these times because tourism is still low.
Australia & New Zealand (November–April)
There are a ton of things to kill you in Australia so you don’t need to add natural disaster to that list.
Cyclones and bushfires are the primary culprits here. Think of a cyclone as a hurricane over Australia. It is a closed low-level circulation with a low-pressure “eye” at the center, surrounded by a powerful “eyewall” where the strongest winds and heaviest rain occur.
You’ll find cyclones in Northern Australia while southern regions face fire danger during the hottest months. Keep in mind they have summer when we have winter. So try to visit May to October for less risk.
3. Buy the Right Travel Insurance (and Read the Fine Print)
Even with the best plans, shit happens. I wasn’t even in Iceland when my plans were disrupted by a volcano. But because of the smoke and the risks for aircraft flying over the region, many flights were cancelled. Little known fact, most US aircraft will pass near Iceland on flights to and from Europe. Lucky for me, I was on a business trip and they covered everything. But that’s not the case for most travelers.
Make sure you have travel insurance that covers natural disasters, evacuations, and cancellations. Verify exactly what is covered. Things like medical evacuation and repatriation are imperative. Consider add-ons like “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage for extra flexibility. No need to head to the Caribbean with an approaching hurricane just because you don’t want to forfeit a few dollars on a hotel. I use a service called SafetyWing. You can find a link to their site here.
Most importantly keep hotline numbers handy and claim instruction saved digitally. They may not send a private jet for you ahead of a hurricane but they can ensure that you can cancel when one is approaching.
4.Stay Informed and Create an Emergency Plan Before You Leave
It’s probably the last thing we think about when we will be traveling but having an emergency plan in place can save your life. Doing simple things like sharing your itinerary and lodging details with someone you trust can go a long way to ensuring your safety if something happens.
Next make sure you know where to find the nearest embassy or consulate. No one ever wants to need them but they are an important resource when you do. Enrolling with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) helps officials find you when they have insight into issues headed your way.
I always imagine myself having to flee in the middle of the night to someplace safe and will always have an emergency travel kit ready to go. This includes having copies of documents, cash, flashlight, power bank, first aid, and medication in waterproof packaging and within easy reach.
6. Stay Calm, Assess, and Act
After the immediate danger has passed, stay indoors until local officials advise it is safe to be out. When it’s safe to do so, be smart. Don’t go searching for luggage that you may have left behind unless it is safe to do so. Your safety is far more important than your possessions.
Follow evacuation instructions if provided and stay away from damaged infrastructure, flooded zones, or unstable buildings. While locals may be incredibly helpful keep in mind that they are experiencing the same disaster and could have possibly lost everything. Be respectful and kind.
When it is safe to do so, contact your family and the embassy. It will be a relief to those that are concerned about your safety and could ensure resources are deployed where most needed.
My Perspective
I don’t see much that can forgive the behavior of the lady I mentioned early in this post. It’s unreasonable to think that a resort without power that has experienced the same disaster as the guest could do anything more than they were already done. I find they were going above and beyond to even provide a continental breakfast. Shame on the guest that caused such a scene.
Disasters happen and not all are avoidable but with little preparation, you can minimize the impact to you. Knowing when to go (and when to skip) is half the battle. Make sure you are covered if anything happens and stay informed, flexible. Above all, stay safe.
Ready to travel smarter? 🌍 Save this guide for your next trip and subscribe for more tips on traveling safely, confidently, and boldly, no matter where in the world you’re headed.
FAQs About Traveling During a Natural Disaster
What destinations should I avoid during certain months due to natural disasters?
It depends on the region — hurricane season in the Caribbean (June–Nov), monsoon season in Southeast Asia (May–Oct), and wildfire season in southern Europe (June–Sept) are high-risk times. Planning around these windows minimizes risk and improves travel safety.
Can I still travel during hurricane or typhoon season?
Yes, but do so with extra precautions — flexible flight bookings, disaster coverage insurance, and awareness of emergency procedures. Traveling during these months can offer great deals, but only if you’re prepared to adjust your plans.
Discover more from TwoBlackTravelers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
