CAA North & East Ontario Advises Travellers to be Vigilant in Hurricane-Prone Areas

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 25, 2011) - With Hurricane Irene battering through the Bahamas and set to have an impact along much of the east coast, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) is reminding those planning to travel to hurricane-prone areas to be diligent and prepare for impacts of extreme weather.

Individuals who are currently scheduled to travel to areas commonly impacted by severe weather during the hurricane season – lasting from early June to late November – are advised to be vigilant by keeping in contact with their travel agent to monitor the status of their travel plans.

Though much attention is often focused on cruise ships during the hurricane season, the technologically advanced weather systems and equipment aboard these ships allow cruise lines to monitor voyage routes and plan around potential weather disturbances in advance. While itineraries may change, the outright cancellation of a cruise due to weather is rare, as they have the advantage over land-based resorts of being mobile and able to work around port closures caused by severe weather conditions.

"The safety of travellers is always at the forefront for CAA North & East Ontario and our travel partners," said Christina Hlusko, Vice President of Travel Services Operations for CAANEO. "Our travel agents are readily available to assist those travelling to potentially affected areas during the hurricane season with any questions they may have about their planned journey."

CAANEO advises travellers with scheduled trips to hurricane-prone areas in the next few months to heed the following tips:

• register your itinerary at the Canadian government office in the country you plan to visit or online at voyage.gc.ca;
• provide family and friends in Canada with copies of your travel documents, including passport identification page, travel insurance plan, itinerary, and accommodations;
• purchase travel insurance that will specifically cover trip cancellation or interruption in the event of a hurricane;
• confirm the status of your travel arrangements prior to leaving;
• while travelling, monitor local news and weather reports. Always pay attention to the advice of local authorities and tour operators;
• before you leave, regularly check the federal government's travel reports and warnings website at travel.gc.ca for essential information on your destination.

CAA Members planning to travel to vulnerable areas this hurricane season are invited to contact one of CAA North & East Ontario's travel professionals regarding any questions they may have by calling 1-800-267-8713 or visit caaneo.ca/locations to find a Travel Store location.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members.