The minute you touch down on vacation, you want to be sure you’ve left all of your worries behind. That’s why a travel insurance policy is so important-letting you rest easy in the knowledge that if any unexpected issues do arise, your policy will have your back. But, with so much industry jargon involved in the policy process, how well do you understand what you’re paying for? You know you’re paying for a policy, but what  exactly is the travel insurance premium?

What is a travel insurance premium?

In basic terms, a travel insurance premium is the name given to the amount of money that you must pay for an insurance policy. This varies from person to person based on the type of policy they take out, as well as a number of personal factors applicable to that individual.

The type of policy that you decide to go with, including any additional extras, determine how much you pay as your premium. You should make sure that you aren’t agreeing to anything that you don’t need, as this could see you paying more than necessary.

What determines the cost of my premium?

There are a number of different factors that go into deciding how much you will be charged for your travel insurance premium. The first thing is the type of policy that you go with; policy packages that are tailored to extreme sports vacations, for example, will set you back a little more than a standard policy. Similarly, if you need to have your insurance policy medically underwritten, it will probably cost you.

Your premium will take into account the total cost and length of your trip-the longer you travel for, the more of a risk you pose to an insurer. And the more money your vacation sets you back, the more they will have to pull out for coverage in the event of a cancellation, delay or interruption.

Another key factor is your age-simply because older travellers, in theory, are more likely to fall ill or become injured while travelling. When you are applying for your travel insurance policy, most insurers will ask that you fill out a quick survey about your general health. If it is discovered that you have a pre-existing medical condition, the likelihood is that they will press you for more information about this, and it may end up affecting your price. It is important that you are honest with your insurer about your health from the get-go. If you do end up falling ill on your trip, and your medical condition is revealed (even if it has nothing to do with the sickness at hand) it could void your policy and ultimately see your claim being denied.

However, the good news is, unlike auto and home insurance, your travel insurance premium will not be affected by any claims you’ve made in the past.

What is the difference between a premium and a deductible?

So you got your policy, and paid your premium-is that the same as a deductible? Alas, it is not and there is actually more money to pay out if you do make a claim. A deductible is the amount of money that you take responsibility for before the insurance company pays out on a claim.

So, if your travel insurance deductible is $200, and you find yourself needing emergency medical treatment which ends up costing you $10,000,  it’s your responsibility for paying the $200.  Luckily, many insurers will allow you to pay a deductible waiver, which means that while you do pay a little extra money up front, your insurance company will pay out immediately.

While there are a lot of things that come into play when deciding on your premium, it varies from insurance company to insurance company. If you don’t like the premium amount you are initially offered from one insurer, you can always search around and find one that is more suitable for you.

When it comes to travel insurance there is all kinds of jargon used to define your policy that you might not understand. However failure to make sense of important aspects of your policy could be the thing that makes or breaks a valid policy and ultimately a successful claim. One of these terms is ‘medically underwritten’; many people require their policy to be medically underwritten, but what exactly does this mean?

What is medical underwriting?

Medical underwriting is a term that is used to refer to the use of medical or health information in the evaluation of an applicant for insurance coverage, typically health, life or travel insurance policies.  This is usually used either in a customers favour, or against them, when deciding if they should be granted a policy, how much coverage they get and the premium rate of the policy.

The insurer will examine factors such as your age  health history, any medication you are on, and the risk associated with providing any medical insurance for you. They may decline an offer, charge you a higher fee or limit the amount of coverage you get.

Why is this important for travel insurers?

Having a medically underwritten policy is particularly useful for travellers who may have a pre-existing medical condition, or a health history, that would possibly hinder their chances of getting coverage. While standard travel insurance might not cover them, being individually assessed by a professional means that a price can be set to fit your exact needs.

Travel insurers want to protect themselves against any potential risks, and if you are someone with a long medical history or a pre-existing condition, you pose a heightened risk. As you might imagine, if you have any health issues, an insurer deems you as more likely to file a claim, and thus you will probably have to pay a higher premium.

How does an insurer underwrite a policy?

Usually when determining a travel insurance policy an insurer will want to gather information from you about things including your age, any pre-existing medical conditions, the length and destination of your trip, and they will also require you to let them know if you are planning on including any extreme sports in your trip. Now, if you are someone that needs a little extra coverage because of factors relating to health, then there are a couple of additional things your insurer may require from you.

Medical underwriting can be done over the phone or by completing a medical questionnaire. By answering questions on your health, the insurer will, create a policy unique to your history and conditions. Any pre-existing condition that is declared will be covered and will have no stability clause.

The most important thing during this process is that you are honest with your insurer, even if it means you end up with a higher premium. If you are found out to have been dishonest on your application, this could void your insurance completely.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Canada? Canoeing, cottage country and vast lakes maybe-but surfing, not so much. Surprisingly, though, not only is surfing on the rise in Canada, its not just the east and west coasts that’s a popular spot for those seeking the swell. In fact, they also get some of their best surfing sessions on the Great Lakes, too. And with roughly 2,000,000 lakes nationally, more than the rest of the world combined, there is plenty of opportunity to ride some sweet waves.

1. Tofino, British Columbia

Sitting on the west coast of Vancouver Island is Tofino, Canada’s surf capital, offering a perfect mix of waves ideal for both beginners and experts. There are plenty of beaches spread throughout this beautiful area, so there is plenty of choice. Long Beach is a 16-km stretch that offers plenty of space for all levels of surfers, right in the heart of nature. Another great, though admittedly smaller, spot is Cox Bay Beach, loved by locals because of its constant waves year-round. However, it’s popularity does mean that it is often crowded, and the spot hosts many national and international competitions annually. If you’re just getting to grips with your board, a nice place to learn is Chesterman Beach-a long sandy strand which required much bigger swells to break.

2. Kincardine, Ontario

Nestled in southern Ontario, on the shores of Lake Huron, is Kincardine beach. Not only is this a great swimming spot, the surfers of Ontario flock here to surf from spring right through until fall. However, even with Mother Nature on your side, there are still less than 50 solid surfing days in Ontario. While the weather does play a big part in whether there are any rideable waves, the right planning can go a long way and has even resulted in surfers hitting waves as high as ten feet. An added bonus to Kincardine is the presence of parking, washrooms and even hot showers-perfect once you emerge from the often less than chilly lake.

3. Kananaskis Country, Alberta

Winding through the 4,000 sq km region of Kananaskis Country provincial parks is the Kananaskis river, a hot spot for surfers hoping to catch some waves at the foothills of the Rockies. Sure, you don’t often think of surfing and rivers together, but Santa Claus and The Green Tongue are two of the best spots in Alberta to catch some waves. Along with year-round surfing, they also offer a pretty picturesque backdrop. In between the two spots is also a one-metre-tall man-made wave, built by Canadian surf group Surf Anywhere, and is ideal for those daring, experts who wants something steep and fast.

4. Habitat 67, Quebec

Canada has a couple of great river surf spots, including a The St. Lawrence River, whose wave is so well known it has a name- Habitat 67. It is named because of its proximity to the famous building-block style apartment complex of the same name on Cité du Havre Peninsula. Surfing the Habitat 67 wave sees surfers ride a stationary wave, which is a form of river rapid, providing enough current to support a large wave face. That means it is an exhilaration, almost-never ending surf session. In the summer this hot spot can see long line-ups, so you may have to cut your ride short, but is the best in the spring, but be prepared to dress for the frigid temperatures.

5. Hamilton, Ontario

Surfing definitely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Lake Ontario or Hamilton for that matter, but it’s actually a local favourite for surfers from across the GTA-and even further afield. Van Wagner’s Beach, while not a Californian paradise, still works well when it gets the right winds. If you catch the weather when she is just right, you are in for some strong rips, so make sure to be prepared. The prime time to surf is in the colder months, so make sure you invest in a well-insulated wetsuit before you hit the water.

6. Summerville, Nova Scotia

A two hour drive out of Halifax, near Port Mouton, is Summerville-a beach break sat at a river mouth. With moderate temperatures, and a swell sent over by hurricane season, this sandy stretch is a hot spot for surfers August right through until November. Despite this, there are still some keen shredders who seek out the best thrills and take on the wild winter waves that hit the shores.

7. Petitcodiac River, New Brunswick

A unique spot on Canada’s eastern coast, with a record-breaking history behind it, is the Petitcodiac River. Located near Moncton, the river, often nicknames ‘The Chocolate River’ due to its deep-colored water attracts riders from across the globe to ride its wave. In fact, the Petitcodiac River tidal bore offers one of the longest surfable waves, not only in Canada, but in the world.

Twice a day, at high tide, the bay reverts back into the mouth of the rider, rushing against the current, creating a breathtakingly huge wave. In fact, back in 2013 two Californian surfers made the journey North to be set a new world record for the longest distance surfed on a wave-29km. However, the River hasn’t always been a surfers paradise. Back in 1968 a causeway was built between Moncton and Riverview to stop the swell, and they were only reopened in 2010. SInce then, Moncton has been capitalizing on the tourism money flying in from the travelling surfers desperate to dip their toes in the chocolate waters.

8. Sturgeon Falls, Manitoba

Right in the heart of Whiteshell Provincial park is Sturgeon Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that feeds its connecting river with incredible surf conditions. The actual spot is at the moment where the Nutimik Lake meets the Whiteshell river, and the waves can vary in size depending on how much water passes through the falls. Surfers hit this spot between late spring and summer, and make the most of its 15 surfable waves. It’s most well known is called Big Mouth and hits every 20 seconds.

Remember, if you do decide to hit the surf, it’s still considered an extreme sport and like all daring activities, it comes with its own risks too. If you are deciding to venture outside of your home province, your provincial health care will only stretch so far and may not cover for things such as emergency evacuation or transport. You should absolutely consider investing in a strong travel insurance policy, so that you can focus on the big things-shredding those waves.

When you decide to buy a travel insurance policy you will notice that your travel insurance provider will ask a number of questions-many of which refer to your health and medical history. This can cover everything from previous cancer treatments to high blood pressure, and it is really important that you fill this out before applying for your policy. These questions, along with others to do with your age, destination and trip activities, are all things that make up the final price and amount of coverage your insurer offers.

However, within those questions are some technical terms which could trip you up when you make a claim, if you don’t understand them. One of the biggest is “pre-existing conditions” which can make or break a travel insurance policy.

What is a pre-existing medical condition?

It is vital that you understand what this term means, since it could be the thing that voids your insurance and lands you with a denied claim. A pre-existing medical condition is defined as a medical condition that exists before your effective date of insurance. This is different from a medical condition which is defined as an injury, illness or disease; or complication of pregnancy within the first thirty-one weeks of pregnancy, but that has occured while on your trip and was not a problem before.

Your insurer will outline their own personal terms and conditions surrounding pre-existing conditions, as well as what they specifically define as a pre-existing condition, in their policy booklet. Conditions that are on the more severe end of the spectrum may impede on whether you are approved for emergency medical travel insurance or not, as you pose a bigger risk to the insurer.

How can a pre-existing medical condition prevent me from getting coverage?

Some insurers won’t cover pre-existing medical conditions  due to the risk involved. Other insurers will lay out their own terms for which pre-existing conditions they will and won’t cover.

For example, at PrimeLink, we ask about doctor’s advice surrounding travelling, ongoing treatment and test results, lung conditions, transplants and terminal illness, amongst other things.

What happens if I don’t mention a pre-existing condition?

If you become ill or have an accident while on vacation and make a claim for it, your insurance company will foot the bill for any costs incurred as a result of hospital stays, medical treatment or medication, depending on how much coverage you have. However, if your insurer discovers that you have an pre-existing condition, it could be grounds for denying the claim-even if the condition wasn’t related to your emergency. This is why it is vital that you are honest with your insurer from day one and to read your policy details.

Consider a TravelSense policy

Since pre-existing medical conditions pose a higher risk you can end up paying out of pocket for a good insurance plan, or missing out on one at all. Luckily, PrimeLink offers a specialist plan called TravelSense for those with pre-existing medical conditions. The plan covers all disclosed pre-existing conditions for a manageable price, which means you can rest assured that you will have the most perfect vacation with little to worry about. If have any concerns about your medical condition, have a chat with your insurance broker and see what the best options are available for you.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and discover that an insurer won’t cover you based on this, don’t worry. There are plenty of travel insurance companies out there who all have their own stipulations about what they will and won’t cover, so have a hunt around and find the right kind of coverage for you.

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to travel insurance. You could opt for emergency medical, all inclusive, or the less known travel accident insurance. But, how do you know what level of coverage is right for you? Well, sit tight, because we are going to take a look at both travel emergency medical and travel accident insurance. By looking at what they entail and the pros and cons of each, we can hopefully help you find out which type of coverage is right for your needs.

Travel accident insurance

What is it?

Travel accident is not as popular as travel emergency medical, so it is not as widely known to travelers as a travel insurance option. The simplest way to describe this type of coverage is to think of it kind of like a life insurance policy. Essentially, it works similarly to life insurance as it protects you against accidental death and dismemberment in the case of a travel accident. Due to its nature, it is a more niche level of coverage.

Who is it for?

Many can obtain this level of coverage, however, it may be more suited to some travellers than others, because they may not be covered due to their activities by travel emergency medical coverage. Including:

• War correspondents
• Journalists
• Government employees
• Frequent business travelers
• Missionary and aid workers
• Travelers that anticipate experiencing an significantly increased level of risk.

What are the pros/cons?

Each type of travel insurance coverage has their different pros and cons, so it is up to you to know which options are better suited to your needs.

Pros

• You have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of if something were to happen to you while away.

Cons

• While it covers you in the event that the worst should happen, it typically does not carry any coverage should you get sick or injured while abroad.
• You also miss out on any coverage associated with missed or delayed flights, and lost or damaged baggage in the case of all inclusive policies.
• Because it does not cover that which is typically covered by traditional travel insurance, you would have to obtain two policies for complete coverage.

Travel emergency medical insurance

What is it?

Travel emergency medical is the typical type of travel insurance that you hear about. It covers you in the event that you fall ill or become injured while on vacation, or traveling outside of your home province. Depending on the level of medical coverage you opt for, you will also have coverage for cancelled or delayed flights as well as lost or damaged baggage.

Who is it for?

• Individuals leaving their home province or country for a business trip.
• Individuals or families who are traveling outside their home province or country for a vacation.
• Travelers that anticipated experiencing a typical level of risk associated with their travel plans.

What are the pros/cons?

Much like the travel accident coverage, there are pros and cons to this level of travel insurance.

Pros

• If you get sick or injured while on vacation, you can focus on recovery as medical expenses will be covered by your travel insurance provider.
• Some plans, such as PrimeLink’s TravelSense, will provide sufficient coverage to those with declared pre-existing conditions.
• As it is a common form of travel insurance, it is easy to find affordable coverage quickly.

Cons

• Depending on what level of travel medical insurance you obtain, you may not have coverage in the event of an emergency evacuation.

The takeaway

Which type of travel insurance you opt to get is dependent on your needs as a traveler. If there is a high level of risk associated with your trip, then it may be wise to obtain the travel accident coverage. If the level of risk posed by your trip is typical of that involved with traveling, you should be able to forgo the additional coverage and stick with travel medical. It is important to keep in mind however, that if you choose to get travel accident insurance, it is wise to also obtain a travel medical policy to ensure you have complete coverage.

Let’s face it: smartphone apps make many mundane things simple.

With the touch of a screen, humans everywhere can enjoy a type of convenience unavailable in past generations. We want some food? We can tap-tap-tap and get it delivered by bike courier. We want a ride from our house, to the airport, to stay at some wonderful bed & breakfast across the ocean? Tap-tap-tap; we’re there.

But what if we want to file a claim after one of our kids falls ill while we’re on that gorgeous trip abroad? Tap-tap-tap on the always-available TravelAidmobile app, and our claim has begun before we have even returned home.

It’s travel insurance support, but mobile

Wouldn’t it be great if you could access one of the most important aspects of your trip without having to call anyone or wait on hold?

Travel insurance coverage relies on quick communication between both the client and the insurance company. This is so that claims details are accurate and up-to-date, and so that any bills can be followed and measured in a timely manner.

Downloading a travel insurance apps takes the back-and-forth out of the claims process to help you focus on your surroundings and anything that may be ongoing when you’re away from home. It can also act as a safety net, giving you practical travel tips and immediate support in the event of an emergency.

TravelAid can help when you need it most

In an effort to make your claims process as smooth as possible, PrimeLink offers Active Care Management’s (ACM) TravelAid mobile app to its valued customers.

The TravelAid app travels with you, wherever you go. You’re able to conveniently keep track of your policy type and its provisions and restrictions, and, the app will notify you of any travel advisories or updates particular to your destination.

Your perfect travel companion

This app was made with you, the client in mind, attempting to resolve some of the most common obstacles associated with travel.

The mobile TravelAid app is a resource for local emergency phone numbers such as ambulance, police, and fire services; depending on your location, these numbers are not a universal “911”. The app also maps out the nearest medical facility so you can get to support as soon as possible.

And perhaps best of all, the app allows you to start your travel insurance claim as soon as you need to, helping you avoid the phone calls and paperwork while you’re still abroad. Filing your claims on-the-go ensures you get everything taken care of so you can continue your trip without hassle.

Download the TravelAid app today

As a PrimeLink customer, you can download the TravelAid mobile app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

No matter where your travels take you, bring TravelAid along. PrimeLink aims to help you get the fastest travel insurance service available through this unique offering. Its convenience is one of the many reasons customers call our service “quick and painless.”

To help make sure you get the most of your time abroad, it is important to sleep well. However, for some, that could be a tall order. Whether it’s the separation from your bed and usual sleeping habits, or the rush and excitement that can come with traveling, it can be hard to fall asleep at night.

Here are some tips to help you sleep better at night, so you can get back to enjoying your vacation abroad during the day!

Try to maintain some sort of schedule

While you may not want to hold yourself to much of a schedule while on vacation, doing so could work wonders on your sleep schedule. If you make it a point to get up and go to bed at roughly the same time every day, you will have an easier time waking up and falling asleep. This is especially helpful if you are off on a long vacation.

Book safe accommodations

When looking at accommodations for your trip be sure to look at reviews and see what people have to say about the safety of the building and the area. If you do not feel safe in the area you are staying, chances are you will have a harder time sleeping at night.

Pack a travel sleep set

A simple travel sleep set can be a life saver while you are away from home. There are tons out there on the market, or you can make your own! All you need to pack is a pair of ear plugs, a sleep mask, and a neck pillow. This will help immensely if you are traveling on a long flight or train. This way you can comfortably catch some extra shut eye before reaching your destination. It can also be handy once you get to your accommodations. If the walls are thin, or you are sharing a room with a snorer, the earbuds will be a saviour, similarly the eye mask can help if too much light leaches into your room.

Bring a hypoallergenic pillowcase

If you suffer from allergies it is a good idea to pack a hypoallergenic pillowcase cover. It won’t take up too much room in your bag, but it can be a life saver in hotels, hostels and Airbnbs. Some places may fill their pillows will down, which can trigger allergies, making sleeping restfully a tall order. A hypoallergenic pillow case can help protect you from a potential reaction. It is also helpful if the cleanliness of the room is not up to your standards, giving you a barrier between you and the pillow.

Put on some lavender hand cream before bed

Lavender has a very calming sent, and it can be a great natural sleep aid. By putting on lavender hand cream before bed, you will not only wake up with soft hands, but you will also be able to take advantage of its relaxing aromatherapy properties. This will help you to fall asleep easier and have a more restful night’s sleep, allowing you to enjoy the following day to the fullest!

Pre-adjust to the new time-zone

If you are flying somewhere that is outside of your usual time-zone, adjusting while vacationing can be difficult. So, it is beneficial to get yourself acclimatized to the new time-zone before you get there, that way you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Depending on the time-zone, adjust your sleep schedule to either go to bed a little later or earlier, that way your body will get into a rhythm before you get there. Additionally, you can switch your watch to the new time as soon as you get on the plane.

No one hopes for bad weather on vacation, in fact, we all pray against it, but sometimes Mother Nature has her own plans. Bad weather could be due to the time of year you decide to travel, or it could be storm season near your destination.

In this post we’re going to look at a few different scenarios that might occur if your vacation stay gets (extremely) dampened by the weather, both before you depart and once you’ve arrived.

You cancel your trip due to a travel advisory

If you’re travelling somewhere in a few weeks and a travel advisory has been declared, would trip cancellation coverage apply to your booking?

Yes, but there are conditions:
As long as the travel advisory was not known before booking the trip, the cost of cancellation will be covered. The advisory declaration must be “sudden” and “unforeseen;” two key words that validate the majority of insurance claims. Contacting your insurance provider quickly is also an essential step.

Conversely, if you have booked your trip despite a travel advisory that was already in place and have only recently decided not to see the trip through (because yeah, it’s still looking pretty bad around your vacation spot) your cancellation will not be covered.

Your airline cancels or delays your flight due to a storm or an earthquake

Say you’re ready to head home on your scheduled flight and your airline decides to err on the side of caution and cancel or delay your flight until conditions improve. Some airlines will provide hotel vouchers or flight discounts in an attempt to comfort you during this inconvenience.

It’s important to contact your insurance provider before you speak with the airline if you are planning to file a claim for trip interruption. A good travel insurer will work behind the scenes with the airline to void any credit given by them so that the you, the client, may receive a full cash refund through their insurance coverage if preferred.

Your destination is devastated by weather in the middle of your trip

In an extreme weather event abroad, a number of things may happen that would incentivize you to cut your trip short. This may be a weather event that was not predicted until after your arrival, and it may not have reached travel advisory status quickly enough. Power and water could be down for an indefinite time or debris might make your beach stay unpleasant. What happens if you just want to go home?

This scenario would fall under trip interruption coverage. If your resort has been made uninhabitable, you would be covered for an earlier flight, along with the lost portion of your trip.

You need emergency evacuation, ASAP

If you are hurt and emergency repatriation is recommended, your insurer will have access to emergency teams that specialise in getting travellers to safety. It’s a good idea to speak to your insurer as soon as possible.

With this coverage, your insurer will have the option of paying the emergency service provider off in full, or they may reimburse you for the funds once you make the claim.

Know your policy in and out

Though the above information is true for PrimeLink customers who opt for the specified coverages, it may not be the same for your particular insurer if you are not a covered by us. Because every insurance provider is different, it’s always best to talk to your own travel insurance agent so they can go over specific weather-related claim scenarios.

As a rule of thumb, always discuss emergency situations and chance weather events with your travel insurance provider – before booking and again at departure – so you know what to do if you find yourself stranded far from home.

Many travellers are in reality, simply aiming for the beach.

The bodies of water facing some of the hottest beach destinations go through stormy phases each year, in relatively predictable fashion. Hurricanes are not surefire weather events on islands or low-lying regions, but, enormous water events do tend to occur during specific months in specific hurricane hotspots around the world.

Use our guide in this post to see which months pose the most danger to particular vacation destinations.

January to March

This time of year is when Canadians really want to flee our frosty climate for absolutely anywhere better.

Avoid: The South Pacific

The islands within the South Pacific meet peak cyclone season from January to March, so it’s best to avoid Australia, French Polynesia, Cook Islands and New Zealand. Parts of Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Borneo) also experience a rainy season during this time.

Seek: The Caribbean and Atlantic

The Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean water bodies experience gorgeous weather for most of our Canadian winter. This is why resorts and vacation packages fly off the shelves around this time for beach-seeking northerners.

Weather is also nice in places like Hawaii, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka, as well as East African destinations like the Seychelles.

April to June

Avoid: The Eastern Pacific

Hurricane season picks up in the Tropical Eastern Pacific which includes parts of western (Pacific) Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru and the Galapagos Islands. This wet season will continue off and on until the fall. Typhoons have also been known to form around these months on the other side of the ocean, in the Western Pacific.

Seek: The Caribbean and Atlantic

What was once sunny, now gets hot and windier, but it will still be pleasant. Hurricanes begin here around June 1st, so you may still check out a Caribbean or Southern US destination until then. Humongous storms rarely form, and if they do, they’ll happen later in the summer.

Seek: The South Pacific

The cyclone season in the South Pacific ends by May 1st, so, the previously no-go destinations around Australia and New Zealand open up for travellers starting in May.

July to October

Some would call this “full-on hurricane season” in a few tropical basins around the world.

Avoid: The Caribbean and Atlantic

The peak for hurricane season here is September 10th, but, devastating hurricanes have also occurred here during late August. Be careful booking your Caribbean vacation any time after July.

Avoid: Eastern Pacific, Hawaii

It’s also peak storm season during the summer for the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and around Hawaii. Rainy season ends in mid-October here.

Seek: Southern Pacific and Southwest India

Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji are good bets if you’d like to avoid what’s going on around the Atlantic. Western India and parts of East Africa also experience a reprieve in these summer months.

November to December

Avoid: Hawaii

It’s generally still rainy season for Hawaii between November and December.

Avoid: East Africa

By December, monsoons have been known to hit eastern Africa, but typhoons can be felt all the way to April.

Seek: Caribbean, North Atlantic, Mexico

By December 1st the official hurricane seasons ends for the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean.

Make sure you do your research for the specific destination you’re interested in visiting. If you do encounter a storm on your stay and need to cancel or interrupt your trip, a good travel insurance plan will cover the cost and pay for your evacuation if need be.