Holidays during the Atlantic Hurricane Season

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Each year the Atlantic hurricane season sees storms sweep across the Caribbean and eastern seaboard of North America, wreaking havoc.

The season runs from June to November but started in earnest this week, with the development of Hurricane Bill off the Cape Verde islands.

Moving north the first major hurricane of 2009 appears unlikely to strike land, but with storms Claudette and Ana following on its coat tails, the volatile region remains under threat.

Tourists naturally steer clear during the hurricane season, but where exactly is at risk and what alternatives are there for holidaymakers? Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at the options.

Hurricane Bill

North Atlantic Hurricane Season
The Hurricane season runs through the summer months in the northern hemisphere, with between ten and 15 named hurricanes recorded each year. As well as posing a threat to local communities hurricanes can also disrupt holiday plans in affected areas.

However, the threat is often localised to specific regions and short lived. Once in a generation events such as Hurricane Katrina are the exception, not the rule, with many storms passing harmlessly at sea.

The Foreign Office only advises against travel to an area or region if it considers the risks of travel too high. Regularly updated information on tropical hurricanes is provided, with holidaymakers advised to check the website before travelling.

Most at risk are the Caribbean and coastal areas of North and Central America. For example Bermuda is presently threatened by Hurricane Bill, with the Foreign Office warning air transport services could be disrupted and advising guests to reconsider postponing travel plans until after the storm has passed.

In the USA it is Texas and Louisiana that are most at risk, along with Mississippi. Holidaymakers there are advised to keep an eye on the National Hurricane Centre and World Metrological Organisation websites during the season in order to keep up with what can be rapidly changing situations.

Wish You Were There
So with the ever popular Caribbean enduring its low season, where can holidaymakers head for their annual dose of vitamin D? Kenya is one option.

The dry season runs from June to September on the east coast of Africa, providing a spectacular backdrop for one of the greatest events in the world of wildlife. Each year over 1.6 million animals, including wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, migrate over 1,800 miles in search of luscious grass, with every step tracked by the continents most dangerous predators.

Wldebeest, Masai Mara, Kenya

This incredible journey takes place in August and September and a safari holiday in Kenya is the perfect opportunity to observe this wonder of the natural world. The Kenyan national parks (Samburu, Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Lake Manyara) are also a great location to spot the Big Five.

Mount Kenya, Nairobi and the Ngorongoro Crater (where fossil remains have been found dating back 1.75 million years) are also near at hand.

Heading across to Asia, Malaysia offers some fantastic foodie breaks over the summer months.

Penang, for example, is often referred to as the food capital of Malaysia. Cuisine here ranges from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya dishes to foodstall favourites including nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa.

Penang's capital, Georgetown, is hawker stall heaven, where the most delicious food requires you to wait for al fresco tables and costs as little as 50 pence per dish. When trying to decide on which stall or restaurant to visit, the rule of thumb is that the most popular place among the locals is normally the best!

Visitors might like to check out the iconic colonial Eastern and Oriental hotel for afternoon tea or a traditional Nasi Lemak breakfast.

Or how about Langkawi? Recently designated a UNESCO Global Geopark this cluster of 99 islands offers beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating myths and legends. 

Beach in Asia

Food lovers are spoilt for choice with the bewildering array of delectable traditional cakes, noodles and seafood dishes as well as other local and International cuisines. The pasar malam (night market) on a Tuesday night is entirely focused on food allowing guests to take in an abundance of local delicacies, prepared right under your nose.

Holidaymakers can soak up the eco chic vibe at Bon Ton Resort and enjoy their signature dish, Bihun Soup.

Finally, while the east coast of America is witnessing the worst of the hurricane season, Nevada in the west will likely be bathed in glorious sunshine - perfect for a driving holiday in the US.

Called 'the most beautiful drive in America', the Lake Tahoe East shore drive affords breathtaking views around the lake, surrounded by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The Nevada side (Highway 50 and State Route 28) is mostly undeveloped except for the fabulous recreational opportunities afforded nearby, including riding, golf, walking, camping and even casinos.

Also found in this area is part of the historical Pony Express trail and the historic sacred grounds of the Washoe Indians.