As a destructive hurricane season nears its final month, travellers are gearing up for what could be for many a treacherous winter weather season. The US National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center recently released its winter weather forecast, warning of above-average precipitation for over half of US states.
With average holiday trip costs up 5% over 2023, Squaremouth has broken down travellers’ winter weather concerns and shared tips on navigating holiday travel.
Travellers want protection against winter weather
According to a recent survey of over 1,000 Squaremouth customers, 21% of travellers are buying travel insurance for the first time this winter. This comes as no surprise, as 24% of travellers shared that they have had a trip negatively impacted by winter weather, and 31% are expecting to encounter similar weather-related disruptions this winter, or even more than in previous years.
Travellers are spending more on travel
According to the survey results, more than half of travellers are expecting to spend the same or more on trips this winter. Average holiday trip costs have risen 5% from US$6,891 in 2023 to $7,225 in 2024. As a result, US travellers are opting for destinations with lower average trip costs, such as the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Aruba and Mexico.
Winter travel insurance tips
- Get coverage early: travel insurance can reimburse a trip’s costs if the traveller is forced to cancel due to inclement weather but, in order to be eligible for coverage, travellers must have bought their policy before a storm is named
- Allow extra travel time: missed flights due to traffic on the way to the airport are not covered by travel insurance; only those missed due to road closures or being involved in a traffic accident can be covered. Squaremouth recommends that travellers allow extra time to get to the airport amid winter weather
- Get coverage for winter sports: if travelling for a ski or snowboarding holiday, plans with a sports and activities benefit can cover injuries sustained on the slopes and protect winter gear
- Save emergency contacts: whether it’s local emergency services or a travel insurance provider’s 24-hour assistance service line, Squaremouth recommends that travellers make a list of who to call if a winter disaster strikes.
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