Storm-proofing a vacation

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NEW YORK

Despite forecasts of a busy hurricane season, the idea of a summer vacation on a tropical beach appeals to many travelers. And there is one advantage: It costs less now than at other times of the year.

"Many of these places -- Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico -- are warm-weather destinations and this time of year is their offseason, so deals are abundant," said Linda D'Arcy, a travel specialist with American Express Travel.

Here's what you need to know about making your vacation hurricane-proof.

THE FORECAST: The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration predicts 13 to 17 named storms in the Atlantic this season, with seven to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five expected to be major. Last year forecasters also predicted a heavy hurricane season, but they were wrong. The El Nino weather phenomenon, which warms the Pacific and calms storms in the Atlantic, kicked in unexpectedly.

AIR TRAVEL: According to David Castelveter, spokesman for the Air Transport Association, if a hurricane is headed for your vacation destination and you are not there yet, air carriers "will generally, under any severe weather conditions, provide some sort of a period of time in which you can use that ticket without paying the penalty for changing a nonrefundable ticket."

If you are at your destination and must leave because a hurricane is en route, "they'll just rebook you on whatever flights they have to get you out."

But it gets complicated when the forecast is imprecise. "They're not going to allow passengers to just change reservations because of a remote possibility that a hurricane could be near," Mr. Castelveter said.

Some passengers who tried to leave Cancun, Mexico, ahead of Hurricane Wilma in 2005 found airlines unwilling to rebook them without hundreds of dollars in additional fees. That's when it pays to have used a travel agent or tour company, or to have purchased insurance.

INSURANCE AND OTHER GUARANTEES: For 5 percent to 7 percent of the cost of your trip, you can buy trip-cancellation insurance that will refund tickets and reservations if your vacation is canceled, delayed or interrupted because of severe weather or other reasons. You will also be covered for rebooking flights, extra days in a hotel, and other expenses, loss of belongings or damage to rental cars, and certain medical expenses, according to Jon Ansell, spokesman for the US Travel Insurance Association. A comprehensive policy also usually includes 24-hour hot-line assistance.