PULSE POLL: HURRICANE SEASON TRAVEL TRENDS
TRAVEL TIP: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE STORM
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: TURNING A TROPICAL VACATION AROUND
2012-08-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Despite predictions of an above-normal hurricane season in 2012*, 63% of travelers polled still plan to travel to destinations within the hurricane belt during this time. Of those, 36% plan to travel after September 1, the time that is typically the most active of the season. Over the past five years, 42 named storms have appeared after September 1, compared to 35 that have formed in the months prior.**
Travel Guard recently polled travelers to learn how hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) affects their travel plans. Results are below.
Easy Breezy: Travelers are able to overlook the threat of a hurricane disrupting their vacation for many reasons, with 35% of those polled choosing to travel during this time because summer schedules make it more convenient. Travelers also cited travel deals (19%) and fewer crowds (13%) as reasons to travel within the hurricane belt during summer and fall. The remaining 33% cited various reasons spanning from family events to general summer travel and family occasions for travel during this season.
Taking the Kids?: Though hurricane season falls during the peak summer travel season, only 9% of travelers polled actually travel with their children during this time. The majority (59%) prefer to travel with their significant other, while other popular travel companions include friends (12%) and multigenerational family (10%,) with 10% opting to go solo.
Smooth Sailing: During hurricane season, one-quarter of travelers polled opt to brave the open seas and cruise to multiple destinations within the hurricane belt. Back on land, popular destinations for travelers include Florida (16%,) Mexico (11%) and Georgia and the Carolinas (9 %.) Only 5% of those polled visit the popular Caribbean destinations of Jamaica, Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic.
When it Rains, It Pours: Travel can be unpredictable, and traveling to a hurricane-prone destination during hurricane season adds an additional level of uncertainty. As a result, more than half (59%) of respondents are most concerned with weather-related trip circumstances disrupting their travel plans through trip cancellation or interruption. Additional concerns include loss of non-refundable expenses (18.89%,) medical emergencies (13%) or inclement weather making accommodations uninhabitable (8.3%.) In an effort to safeguard their investments, 79% of travelers polled purchase travel insurance.
*Associated Press: http://weather.yahoo.com/us-forecasters-raise-atlantic-hurricane-185901333.html
** National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastall.shtml
TRAVEL TIP: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE STORM
Despite the real possibility of severe weather in the hurricane belt, great deals and fewer crowds often lure travelers during hurricane season. When severe weather strikes, travelers can find themselves stranded by missed air connections or cruise departures resulting from weather-related flight delays.
The best way to prepare for potential severe weather is to purchase a Travel Guard travel insurance plan before a hurricane is named. Should a traveler be forced to cancel a trip due to a named hurricane or other covered reasons, travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage can reimburse travelers for pre-paid nonrefundable expenses, up to the limit of coverage purchased.
Travel insurance through Travel Guard can also help when severe weather conditions force the evacuation of a hotel or resort. Reimbursement for nonrefundable and additional travel expenses are provided due to covered events, so it’s important to understand your Description of Coverage.
Travel Guard plans also include 24-hour, 7-day assistance for emergency medical needs or referrals, assistance with cash transfers, replacement of lost travel documents, pre-trip health and safety advisories and e-mail and phone messaging to family and friends.
By visiting www.TravelGuard.com, customers can find out what exactly is covered in the event of a named hurricane. There are also a number of hurricane resources on the site where customers can track potential threats.
For the complete line of travel insurance and assistance service plans, visit www.TravelGuard.com. For more tips on how to prepare for travel during hurricane season, visit: http://ow.ly/cYgkP.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS: TURNING A TROPICAL VACATION AROUND
Paul and Nancy L. of Commerce, Mich. had planned a family vacation to Cozumel to go scuba diving and swim with the dolphins. They were all set to depart with the children in tow, when severe weather hit and their flight was cancelled.
They were re-routed on a flight that would depart 36 hours later, forcing the family to spend two nights at airport hotels before departing for Cozumel. “We would have arrived three days late for our seven day vacation,” said Paul.
The duo opted to cancel their long-awaited vacation and was completely reimbursed with a simple call to Travel Guard. “The claims process was very clear and uncomplicated,” said Paul. “We received a check which covered every non-refundable expense we had incurred and each person I spoke with at Travel Guard was understanding and helpful. The service they provided has earned them a lifetime customer. We had never before purchased trip insurance. Now I can say we will never again plan a trip without trip insurance.”
About Travel Guard
Travel Guard Worldwide, Inc., a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks. Travel Guard’s global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allows clients to receive best-in-class care. Travel Guard’s suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels. The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguard.ca.
The coverage listed here is for U.S. residents only. To learn more about coverage in Canada, please call 1-866-648-8422.
This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Travel assistance services are provided by Travel Guard.
If you’d like more information about Travel Guard news, contact:
Carol Mueller
1.715.295.9123
Carol.Mueller@travelguard.com
Shannon Semmerling
1.715.295.0950
Shannon.Semmerling@travelguard.com
Ashley Norman / Anna Parry
MMGY Global
1.212.219.7560 ext 6777 / 6766
anorman@mmgyglobal.com
aparry@mmgyglobal.com
###