Responsible Travel After Natural Disaster

When storms hit the Caribbean, they bring more than wind and rain. They bring fear, uncertainty, and a shift in daily life as families prepare for the recovery ahead. Families living abroad wait patiently for updates on their loved ones. As Hurricane Melissa affects the Caribbean, my thoughts are with those in that reality.

As I watched the news of Hurricane Melissa, my heart went back to Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria. I wasn’t there, but most of my family was. The island was without power for weeks, some areas for months. Those who were lucky enough to own a generator spent hours in line for gas. Nights were spent in complete darkness. I witnessed the resilience of my family and friends through screens and phone calls.  I saw an island I love deeply trying to breathe again.

Their experience shaped how I view travel in the aftermath of disaster.

Travel is powerful. It can restore economies and uplift communities. But timing matters. Compassion matters. And sometimes, the most supportive thing we can do is not show up right away.

Why Not Rush Back Into Paradise

After a hurricane, earthquake, flood, or wildfire, a destination needs time to stabilize. Even if the skies clear quickly, danger lingers where you can’t always see it, such as damaged roads, unstable structures, unsafe water, gas leaks, and essential services stretched thin.

Traveling too soon can unintentionally cause harm.

• You may put yourself in danger. Infrastructure may be compromised, and conditions can change without warning.

• You may take resources people desperately need. Food, lodging, medical care, and transportation should go first to those who lost homes and livelihoods.

• You may slow recovery efforts. Relief teams need clear roads, available lodging, and access to supplies. Travelers, even well-meaning ones, add demand at a time when capacity is already strained.

• You may step into a grieving community. People need space to mourn and rebuild without feeling observed or pressured to welcome visitors. Maui is an example of a destination where locals wanted space after the devastating wildfires. 

Loving a place means giving it time to breathe.

“But I Want to Help”

That instinct is beautiful. And there are meaningful ways to help immediately, just not from a resort still running on emergency generators or with a car needed for emergency services personnel.

The most effective support right after a disaster is often:

• Donating to reputable relief organizations: The Prime Minister of Jamaica posted a donation link - supportjamaica.gov.jm.

• Sharing information from verified sources

• Offering solidarity and compassion

• Supporting trusted local businesses once they reopen

When Is It Time to Return?

Travel does matter. When the time is right, it brings jobs back, supports families, and helps restore normal life.

But we should wait until:

• Emergency workers have come and gone

• Local authorities and businesses say they are ready for visitors

• Communities have had time to stabilize emotionally and physically

• Infrastructure is operating safely and reliably

• We have confirmed that our presence won’t take away from residents’ access to resources

When in doubt, ask someone who knows the ground truth: the local tourism board or a trusted travel advisor. They’ll know when travel supports healing instead of interrupting it.

Traveling Responsibly After a Disaster

When the destination is ready, here’s how to return responsibly:

• Research carefully. Know which areas were affected and which are fine to visit.

• Follow official updates, not click-bait headlines. Puerto Rico, for example, maintains real-time updates on what’s open and operating following storms.

• Be respectful. Recovery can take years. People may still be healing emotionally even when businesses reopen. It’s been 8 years, and I know people who still tear up at the mention of Hurricane Maria.

• Spend intentionally. Book local guides, eat at family-owned restaurants, support artisans. Make your visit meaningful!

A Final Thought

The Caribbean isn't simply a vacation spot. It is home to people who love fiercely, rebuild with strength, and hold tight to community and culture. When storms come, they do not just interrupt travel, they disrupt lives. 

So we pause. We support from wherever we are. And when the time is right, we return with gratitude, respect, and purpose.

For everyone in the path of Hurricane Melissa, and for every family remembering storms of the past, my heart is with you.