Page 2 | Cancel holiday because major storm likely? Lose £500

Pwrt · 2025-08-13T15:09:40+00:00

We booked a 5 night break for a beach holiday. It’s now forecast that a hurricane will pass near or directly over the island when we are there. Travel insurance wouldn’t cover disinclination to travel. Even if not a direct hit, we’re looking to get three solid days of rain and wind. Would we be stupid just to cancel and book somewhere else? We would lose £500.

PigletSanders · 14/08/2025 08:36

samarrange · 14/08/2025 00:41

Given that the only hurricane currently forecast is Erin, a bit of googling suggests Saint Martin or the British Virgin Islands.

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I assume she lives in the US then, as a five day holiday from the UK would be bonkers.

3luckystars · 14/08/2025 08:37

But she is paying in pounds. I would like to know more about this bargain holiday.

Someiremember · 14/08/2025 08:47

3luckystars · 14/08/2025 08:37

But she is paying in pounds. I would like to know more about this bargain holiday.

Good luck! Op won’t be back…

Someiremember · 14/08/2025 08:48

PigletSanders · 14/08/2025 08:35

She doesn’t want people to minimise her concerns, or laugh at them or the location.

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You don’t think the location is relevant to the question?!

Xmasbaby11 · 14/08/2025 08:51

I would cancel. No way would I willingly travel towards a hurricane. Even if it’s not that bad, the worry would ruin it for me.

Xmasbaby11 · 14/08/2025 08:51

I would cancel. No way would I willingly travel towards a hurricane. Even if it’s not that bad, the worry would ruin it for me.

TheNumberfaker · 14/08/2025 10:43

Having flown out to a Caribbean island with a hurricane due to pass by (not directly over) several years ago, I would definitely cancel. Holiday company in UK said it was no big deal and we should fly out, when we got there, the reps were amazed we had chosen to come because most places/trips would be closed…
Our hotel was cut off for a couple of days due to flooding, rep was evacuated for her safety, weather was grim for pretty much the entire fortnight.

NightPuffins · 14/08/2025 10:54

I suppose it depends on your preferences for the holiday. Personally I’d still go, because I’d rather be in a storm somewhere else than sitting at home miserable. Change of scenery, food, adventure, etc. And there’s always the possibility it will change course or move on quickly. But if the one and only purpose of your holiday was, for example, lying on the beach, then perhaps don’t go.

iamnotalemon · 14/08/2025 12:43

NightPuffins · 14/08/2025 10:54

I suppose it depends on your preferences for the holiday. Personally I’d still go, because I’d rather be in a storm somewhere else than sitting at home miserable. Change of scenery, food, adventure, etc. And there’s always the possibility it will change course or move on quickly. But if the one and only purpose of your holiday was, for example, lying on the beach, then perhaps don’t go.

Have you ever been in a hurricane? Bit different to a storm!

NightPuffins · 14/08/2025 13:22

@iamnotalemon Yes I actually have, twice!

Ireallywantadoughnut36 · 16/08/2025 08:07

Definitely wait until the 48 hrs just in case it goes off course but if it is going to hit I wouldn't go. Sometimes they can be dangerous but they're also a pain for the local community and the less tourists they have to try and service the better. Added to which quite often you can end up stranded for a few days so you might not be able to fly home. A proper hurricane isn't just a bit rainy and windy, they can be super destructive. I personally (especially when europe is so warm over the summer) would not book a Caribbean island over hurricane season - go after Christmas instead. Even losing £500 you'll be able to get a good last minute deal and if you go to europe itll still be super warm and sunny and no chance of wind or rain.

wishIwasonholiday10 · 16/08/2025 08:22

NightPuffins · 14/08/2025 10:54

I suppose it depends on your preferences for the holiday. Personally I’d still go, because I’d rather be in a storm somewhere else than sitting at home miserable. Change of scenery, food, adventure, etc. And there’s always the possibility it will change course or move on quickly. But if the one and only purpose of your holiday was, for example, lying on the beach, then perhaps don’t go.

Food options even in a resort can be limited and pretty grim during a hurricane (although of course you should be happy to have food and shelter at all which may be more than the locals can say). Having been caught out by one before (that wasn’t forecast when we set off) I wouldn’t go.

Cat3059 · 16/08/2025 13:05

If it's the Caribbean then I'd give it a miss. For that short a break it's not going to be fun even if it's not a direct hit. And if it is it could be a complete nightmare.

OneGladRoseTiger · 16/08/2025 13:46

NightPuffins · 14/08/2025 10:54

I suppose it depends on your preferences for the holiday. Personally I’d still go, because I’d rather be in a storm somewhere else than sitting at home miserable. Change of scenery, food, adventure, etc. And there’s always the possibility it will change course or move on quickly. But if the one and only purpose of your holiday was, for example, lying on the beach, then perhaps don’t go.

You’ve clearly never experienced a hurricane. I live in Florida and have experienced many. “I’d rather be in a storm than sitting at home”. Are you for real? A hurricane is not just a storm. Did you not see the aftermath of Katrina or Sandy on the news? You’re looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths. Complete destruction. Infrastructure collapsing. Even if the wind doesn’t pull your roof off, you still face a huge risk of flooding. Power goes out for days.

But, you’d still go because it’s a “change of scenery”.

CountryQueen · 16/08/2025 14:37

I’m assuming that the OP is already on a US trip and has paid £500 for flights and deposit to the Caribbean? Otherwise it can’t be right.

mmsnet · 16/08/2025 14:45

is it a secret country?