Why not the Caribbean in the Summer?

Question

The Caribbean islands are completely dry of tourists in the Hurricane season, while people flock to Mexico and Florida which are in the same zone.
Can anyone explain the logic?

Answer 1

For the past three years I've been traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season, I prefer it because its not overly congested with tourists. But believe me there are still plenty of tourists there. Maybe people figure it's easier to get home from Mexico or Florida than the Caribbean.

Answer 2

I guess you are referring to American tourists? I'm not sure how valid any of these explanations are but here are some things I can see that factor into the fact that there are fewer Americans in the Caribbean during the Summer:

1. The weather is at its best for most of the country during the Summer months so most people don't need/want to travel too far; Summer vacations also seem to be more "family-oriented" and often involve more of a driving trip (often somewhere in the same state or a "roadtrip" across the US) versus flying somewhere during the Winter( Florida, and even Mexico, is viewed as more family-friendly than most places in the Caribbean).
2. No passports are needed to get to Florida and most Americans still don't own one; I think Americans can STILL get to Mexico without a passport but I'm not sure if the same can be said for the Caribbean.
3. Proximity- Mexico is much closer for much of the US and Florida is still closer for others.
4. Cost- it's cheaper to fly or drive to Florida than it is to fly to the Caribbean. It's also less expensive for most Americans to go to Mexico than it is to go somewhere in the Caribbean based on plenty of personal experience visiting both regions. Travel companies offer far better "deals" to places in Mexico than to locations in the Caribbean. I live in Michigan and Mexico is generally a much less expensive trip although I would assume most Caribbean islands are probably closer.
5. Culture assimilation- Florida is part of the US and there is no "culture shock" for Americans that don't like anything that is different.
6. As other people have responded, it appears easier to evacuate from Florida or even Mexican resort areas when they are threatened by weather than from Caribbean islands; I'm guessing some people would be afraid of being "stuck" if bad weather arises. I also believe that us Americans assume hurricanes are still a bit more likely to hit the Caribbean than Mexico.

I'm sure there are plenty of other things to look at, but these are the factors that came to mind off the top of my head.

Answer 3

I have gone 2 times to the caribbean with Princess cruises, but both times were not during hurricane season. If I remember correctly, Princess cruises out of New York during the hurricane season. If that is the case, then that gives Princess many options if a hurricane is approaching. I think that is a much better idea then leaving from Florida, or Texas, or New Orleans. Always remember Princess cruises always have the safety of the passengers in mind. One last thing, do remember that it will be hot in the caribbean during that time, so wear all cool clothes.

Answer 4

Unless you are a professional swimmer you don't want to be on an island during a Hurricane. Logic??? Something to do with losing your life, but then again I guess some people really don't even have one. Feel free to waste your money on taking a vacation during hurricane season I'm sure the Caribbean Resorts would love to take your money

Answer 5

We've been six times to Cuba and twice to the Dominican Republic in the hurricane season and had no problems whatsoever.We know there is a small chance of a hurricane but if there are problems Travel companies won't fly there or they will evacuate you.The resorts are quieter,we which we like and you get to meet more people on a personal basis as you don't get lost in the 'crowd'.
I think it comes down to the fear factor,personally I would love to experience one for the excitement of it, the hotels are geared up for them and of course I want to be safe as I'm not a reckless person.There are long enough warnings and most people that don't leave the area stay of their own choice unless it's mandatory.
The hurricane months are the times when it's MOST likely to happen,it doesn't mean it will.
We are going in 4 weeks to the Dominican,I'll keep checking.

Answer 6

that mostly the college kids that go to Mexico while the more mature adults go to the Caribbean when it's cold up north

Answer 7

i know why can;t we have summer's in the caribbean??????

Answer 8

It all depends.