Check ahead before you travel

With the start of the Atlantic hurricane season just under a week away, holidaymakers could be in for a shock having booked a holiday to the USA for June and turning up to find they are caught out in the stormy weather, rather than being greeted by beaming sunshine.

According to research out today by esure Travel Insurance esure.com, 79 per cent of holiday bookers did not know when the hurricane season in popular parts of the USA begins and 87 per cent do not know when the monsoon season blows in across parts of Asia.

The research also shows that less than half (48 per cent) of holidaymakers check the weather for severe weather warnings prior to booking their holidays abroad and only 47 per cent check the foreign office website to see if there are any warnings against travelling to that destination.

Furthermore, the research also reveals that one in five (20%) will not take out any travel insurance cover.

Jacky Brown, Head of Travel Insurance at esure, said: "Most people love to jump on the bandwagon of a sales season, or last minute bargain bucket deal. A holiday package may look great from the outset, but come holiday time - you could be caught out by flying out to your destination, such as Mexico, during the hurricane season. Delays and even flight cancellations in such extreme weather are inevitable, therefore it's vital to make sure you have travel insurance to make sure you're covered."

Tips for holidaymakers looking to book their holiday this month:

1. Plan ahead before you travel: Make sure you check the British foreign and commonwealth office (fco.gov.uk) for any warnings about travelling to your holiday destinations and to see if you require any visas prior to travel. Make sure that all your vaccinations are up to date and find out about any other suggested medical advice by visiting your health-care provider. Follow this advice and be aware of possible health risks during your trip. Websites such as dh.gov.uk/travellers

Check the weather ahead of packing for your holiday (bbc.co.uk/weather/world/ ).

2. Don't forget to buy travel insurance: make sure you take cover to protect you and your family should the unexpected happen. Essentially cover will be provided for you becoming ill or getting injured whilst on holiday, are delayed at the airport or end up having to cancel your holiday because of weather warnings. Also, make sure you take your insurance documents with you as having telephone numbers and policy particulars at hand is crucial.

3. Check what's covered: if you're booking a holiday for the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, make sure you have sufficient cover should any of the following happen:

Cancellation - if you decide you wish to cancel going on your holiday because it is deemed unsafe to travel to your holiday destination because of the hurricane season.

Missed departure - if you can't get to the airport due to the hurricane or if the airport is closed as the hurricane approaches.

Travel delays - if after delays to your outbound journey due to circumstances that are beyond your control and you then choose to abandon your trip.

Catastrophe - if you're forced to move from your pre-booked and pre-paid accommodation, or if you're injured and hospitalised as a result of a hurricane.

Tips for holidaymakers if you are in a hurricane region during the hurricane season:

Regularly check or subscribe to the FCO country travel advice alerts
Monitor local radio and TV for advice
Keep in touch with your travel/tour operator
Register with the local British Embassy
Follow local advice - and leave the area if advised
Remember that airports and hotels may shut down if a hurricane approaches