Hurricane Melissa: Lessons to Learn
Hurricane Melissa hit hard this week, carving through parts of the Caribbean and disrupting countless vacations — but also reminding us that nature still calls the shots, no matter how carefully we plan. Jamaica is taking a heavy hit as I write this, and recovery will take time. For travelers, this is a good moment to step back and talk about what we can learn from storms like this: how to plan smartly, stay safe, and support recovery in the right way.
Avoid hurricane season (or plan carefully if you can’t)
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, peaking in August through October. That doesn’t mean you can’t travel during those months, but it does mean you should plan with risk in mind.
If you want the same Caribbean warmth without the stress, May and early December are often perfect shoulder-season options — beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and a much lower chance of storms.
If you do travel during hurricane season:
Buy travel insurance that specifically covers weather cancellations or interruptions.
Book refundable or flexible fares when possible.
Monitor the National Hurricane Center and your airline or cruise line’s advisories as your trip approaches.
Safety first: what to do if you’re caught in a storm
If you ever find yourself in a destination that’s in the path of a hurricane, the most important thing is to follow local instructions. Hotel staff and cruise crews have detailed protocols and know how to respond safely.
A few practical, real-world reminders:
Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors.
Don’t drive or wander outside “to see the storm.” Floodwaters and debris move faster than you think.
Conserve phone battery and charge portable power banks while you can.
Keep bottled water, nonperishables, flashlights, and medications within reach.
Register with your country’s embassy (many allow you to do this online).
Put your passport and ID in a ziplock bag and keep them in a small, secure bag or fanny pack you can grab at a moment’s notice - preferably one that firmly attaches to your body.
Use a Sharpie to write your name, date of birth, and country of citizenship on your arm or leg. It’s an unpleasant thought, but if communications go down, this can be crucial for identification and rescue coordination. (Alternately, consider ordering an identification bracelet ahead of time, like a RoadID.)
Acquire a life jacket immediately when you hear there may be a storm. Don’t assume one will be available later, especially in coastal hotels or small guesthouses. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
And about moving inland or upland: yes, distance from the coast helps with storm surge, but altitude isn’t automatically safer. In mountainous or hilly islands like Jamaica or St. Lucia, heavy rainfall can trigger mudslides or landslides. The best plan is to move to higher, structurally sound buildings in designated safe zones — not just “uphill.” Local authorities will know where those are; follow their evacuation guidance rather than making assumptions based on elevation alone.
If you’re on a cruise, expect rerouting or itinerary changes — possibly several days at sea or a different home port. It’s inconvenient, but it’s how captains keep everyone safe when conditions change fast.
Supporting recovery the right way
As soon as Melissa moves on, Jamaica will be focused on grieving, cleanup and rebuilding. Some resorts will reopen quickly; others will need months. When a destination is hit by a hurricane, travelers often swing between two extremes — cancel everything or rush in to “help.”
The best way to support recovery is to visit when locals say they’re ready. Tourism dollars matter, but arriving too soon can strain limited resources meant for residents. Watch for updates from the Jamaica Tourist Board and official advisories before rebooking.
Once the island reopens, travel is one of the best forms of support. Stay at locally owned hotels, dine in independent restaurants, and shop with artisans instead of chains. When tourism returns thoughtfully, it fuels recovery directly.
Reliable ways to help now
Jamaica Red Cross: jamaicaredcross.org — provides emergency shelter, supplies, and medical aid.
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA): cdema.org — coordinates regional disaster response across the Caribbean.
Food For The Poor Caribbean Relief: foodforthepoor.org — delivers supplies to hard-hit communities.
Global Giving Hurricane Relief Fund: globalgiving.org/hurricane-relief — vets local NGOs and updates progress reports publicly.
If you’re unsure which to choose, start with CDEMA — they’ll often list partner agencies doing on-the-ground work in each affected country.
Every hurricane season brings another reminder of how connected travel, weather, and community resilience really are. The goal isn’t to stop exploring — it’s to travel with awareness.
Build flexibility into your plans. Learn the seasonal risks before you book. And when a place you love takes a hit, give it time to heal — then return with patience, empathy, and curiosity.
If you’ve been dreaming of the Caribbean, don’t give up on it. Just keep a flexible calendar, stay informed, and remember that recovery takes time — but your visit, when the time is right, helps these beautiful islands get back on their feet.
