In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, many travelers have canceled or rebooked vacations planned for areas left devastated by the storms.
A recent survey by Virtuoso reports a shift in bookings away from storm-affected locations and toward Caribbean islands that were not hit, such as St. Lucia, Aruba, Barbados and Jamaica. At the same time, overall reservations to parts of the Caribbean and Florida have declined. Some travelers are even replacing island trips with destinations farther afield—popular European spots like Iceland are gaining attention, while warmer alternatives in Central America, such as Costa Rica and Belize, are also drawing those seeking to escape colder weather.
The damage to well-known luxury destinations has forced many vacationers to change plans. Exclusive islands like St. Barths and Anguilla, long-known as hubs for upscale travel, may face prolonged recoveries before tourism returns to previous levels.
Many people and communities in affected regions need support to recover. If you are considering contributing, there are reputable organizations and local relief groups working across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Florida, Texas and other impacted areas that accept donations to assist recovery and relief efforts.