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Manage your vacation during hurricane season
Here are tips on how to stay safe while traveling in regions that may be affected by Gustav
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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- All eyes are on Tropical Storm Gustav as it heads toward the Gulf. If you're planning on traveling during this hurricane season, here's what you need to know.
Be advised that if you have booked a trip to Key West, Florida, New Orleans or the Gulf of Mexico, you may face the wrath of Gustav as early as this weekend.
The places that are generally most vulnerable to hurricanes include the Caribbean, Cancun and Central America. Hurricane season runs from June to the beginning of November.
Keep in mind that even inland areas that are far from the coastline can experience destructive winds, tornadoes and floods from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Before you leave, register with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration Web site at travel.state.gov.
This way, if there's an emergency, it will be easier to contact you. If you're in one of the areas where Gustav could hit, check in with your tour operator or airline about their policies for travel back to the US in case of a hurricane.
For example, Delta is allowing passengers who may be affected by Gustav to change their travel plans if they planning to travel by September 1st. And of course, leave a detailed itinerary and your local contact information with a friend or family member in the US.
Keep in mind if your flight is cancelled because of a hurricane and you put the cost of the tickets on your credit card and you're not rebooked on another flight, you can refute the charges. And remember that some bigger-name resorts will give you a credit to come back at a different time, says Anne Banas of SmarterTravel.com.
In Gustav's case you may think about traveling to the eastern Caribbean to places like Barbados and St. Lucia or Bermuda or Costa Rica instead if you want a tropical style vacation. These are safer areas, says Banas.
Or consider traveling to less hurricane-prone areas, such as Aruba, Bonaire or Curacao, says Banas. Otherwise, book a cruise. Cruises can divert around the storm. They can go to a different port of call. Of course, you may not go to the destination you were planning on, but at least you'll have a safe vacation.
If you plan on spending thousands of dollars on your vacation, you may consider travel insurance that will reimburse you in case your plane is delayed or canceled. Some travel insurance policies can cost up to 8% of your trip. 
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