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Universal Orlando Resort: Where to Stay & Play for a Few Days

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My recent stay at Universal Orlando Resort was so much fun and I’m going to share and highlight my favorite moments with you. First and foremost, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort on the property which allowed me early access (one hour) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It was my first time experiencing Diagon Alley™. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and was able to … [Read More...]

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Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

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Strike a pose at Pose Selfie Studio

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Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

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Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

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I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

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I am excited to be collaborating with my fellow foodie lover Hannah Victoria on this listing of places to eat in St. Thomas USVI whether you are visiting or local to the island. We are giving you our personal opinions based on our dining experiences … [Read More...]

Food

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What I Learned Travelling to the Virgin Islands in Hurricane Season

My trip to the Virgin Islands during hurricane season taught me that weather risk is only one part of the planning. The bigger lesson was learning to leave room for delays, changing ferry schedules and the occasional afternoon when the beach simply was not the right place to be. The islands were still beautiful, welcoming and enjoyable, but the experience rewarded flexibility.

For Australian travellers, hurricane season can feel familiar because many of us understand cyclone warnings around Cairns, Darwin or Brisbane. The terminology and local systems are different, though, and the Caribbean’s small islands can feel especially exposed when flights, ferries and supplies depend on a limited number of routes.

Choosing Dates With More Than Weather in Mind

The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with the greatest activity generally occurring from August through October. That does not mean every day in those months is wet or unsafe. During my visit, I experienced bright mornings, short tropical downpours and stretches of calm weather that made the season feel far less dramatic than the forecast headlines suggested.

Still, the probability of disruption rises during the peak months. A storm does not need to make a direct landfall to affect the Virgin Islands. Swell can cancel ferries, airlines can adjust schedules and local businesses may close while residents prepare. I found that early June and late November offered a more comfortable balance between lower risk and the benefits of travelling outside the busiest periods.

Australian school holidays also influence the decision. Families from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane often plan around those dates, which can push up fares and reduce accommodation choices. Travelling just outside the main holiday windows gave me more flexibility and made it easier to change plans when weather conditions shifted.

Reading Forecasts Like a Traveller

I quickly stopped relying on a single weather app. A forecast showing rain did not necessarily mean a ruined day; tropical showers could pass within an hour. The information that mattered most was the storm’s projected track, wind strength, rainfall totals, marine conditions and any official watches or warnings.

The National Hurricane Center became more useful than a generic phone forecast. Local hotel staff and boat operators also provided practical information because they knew how conditions were developing around specific islands. I checked updates each morning rather than constantly refreshing forecasts, which helped me make decisions without turning the holiday into a weather-monitoring exercise.

The Virgin Islands are divided between the US Virgin Islands, including St Thomas, St John and St Croix, and the British Virgin Islands, including Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Their entry requirements, transport arrangements and official advisories can differ. Confirming which territory I was visiting made a real difference when checking travel alerts and cancellation policies.

Building an Itinerary That Can Bend

I learned to avoid booking every night on a different island. Island hopping sounds easy on a map, but ferry services can be suspended in rough seas, and a late arrival can affect a connecting transfer. Keeping a few nights in one base reduced the risk of being stranded between reservations.

The order of activities mattered as well. I scheduled snorkelling, sailing and other water-based outings early in the trip, leaving museums, shopping, restaurants and relaxed pool time for days when conditions were unsettled. This approach worked better than trying to force a beach excursion into a narrow weather window.

Accommodation location was another practical consideration. A property close to the airport or ferry terminal was convenient for arrival and departure, while a place with an indoor lounge, covered dining area and reliable backup power felt more comfortable when heavy rain arrived. I also asked about storm procedures before booking, rather than assuming every resort handled weather in the same way.

Travel concern What I experienced Sensible approach
Flights Schedule changes were possible when storms affected the region Avoid tight connections and monitor the airline directly
Ferries Rough seas could interrupt inter-island services Keep a buffer day and confirm sailings locally
Rain Showers were often brief but intense Plan flexible activities and carry quick-drying clothing
Accommodation Power, water and access could be affected in severe weather Check backup systems and cancellation terms
Insurance Weather disruption depended on the policy wording Read the PDS before paying for the trip
Money Cards were widely accepted, but small cash payments remained useful Carry US dollars in modest amounts

Understanding Insurance and Travel Rules

Travel insurance became much more important once I read the fine print. Policies can treat a named storm, a government warning and a cancelled service differently. Some cover trip interruption, extra accommodation and missed connections, while others apply exclusions if a storm was already known when the policy was purchased.

For Australians, the Product Disclosure Statement deserves careful attention. The Australian Consumer Law does not automatically reimburse every disappointing travel experience, particularly when weather affects an overseas supplier. Airlines, hotels and tour operators have their own terms, and the insurer’s conditions may require travellers to contact the provider before making alternative arrangements.

I also checked passport and transit requirements early. Australian passport holders may need an ESTA when travelling through the United States, even if the final destination is the US Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands have separate entry requirements. Rules can change, so I relied on official government and territory websites rather than an old booking page or social media post.

Packing for Heat, Rain and Island Practicalities

The most useful items in my bag were simple: a lightweight rain jacket, dry bags, quick-drying clothes, reef-safe sunscreen and shoes that could cope with wet pavements. A compact power bank was valuable when I spent long days away from the hotel, especially because weather-related interruptions can make charging less convenient.

The local electrical supply uses US-style plugs and around 110–120 volts, so Australian visitors need an adaptor and should check whether devices support the local voltage. I packed fewer formal clothes than expected. Resort wear was fine for many venues, while breathable fabrics were much more comfortable than the outfits I might choose for a cooler Australian winter escape.

I also carried some US dollars in small denominations. US dollars are used in the US Virgin Islands and widely accepted in the British Virgin Islands, although cards were common in resorts and restaurants. Tipping follows US customs, so I budgeted for service charges and gratuities rather than treating them as an unexpected extra.

Mobile coverage and data costs required attention too. Australian roaming can become expensive quickly, and a local SIM or travel eSIM may be worthwhile if a compatible phone is available. I downloaded boarding passes, maps, booking details and emergency contacts before leaving reliable Wi-Fi.

The Choices I Would Make Again

My strongest memory was not of missing out, but of enjoying the islands at a slower pace. A weather delay gave me time to talk with locals, find a small restaurant away from the main tourist area and appreciate how much island life depends on preparation. Residents had practical routines for storms that were more useful than dramatic online commentary.

I would still travel during hurricane season if the dates and savings suited me, but I would treat flexibility as part of the cost of the holiday. The Australian habit of checking Bureau of Meteorology warnings before a coastal trip is a useful starting point, yet the Caribbean requires extra attention to marine conditions, territory-specific alerts and transport links.