Amanda Tessoff, a travel advisor based in Highland, Mich., and affiliated with Pixie and Pirate Destinations, is well-versed in both Caribbean travel and hurricane experiences. Last year, she found herself at Sandals Montego Bay when Hurricane Beryl made landfall over the Fourth of July weekend. Though the storm caused some minor disruptions, Tessoff described the experience as manageable.
In October, Tessoff returned to Jamaica, this time to celebrate her fiancé Jorge Muniz’s milestone birthday at the Sandals South Coast. Their trip began on October 23, with plans for a week-long stay alongside family members.
As concern about Tropical Storm Melissa developed shortly after their arrival, Tessoff’s past experience with hurricanes reassured her. She and Muniz were cognizant of the storm’s potential impact but initially felt confident about their travel plans. However, as the weather worsened, resort staff began advising guests to seek flights home. Unfortunately, flight options dwindled swiftly, leaving Tessoff and her party with few alternatives.
By October 26, the resort had initiated safety protocols, consolidating guests to a building farther from the ocean. This move was largely precautionary, given the storm’s projected path. "They kept us informed every step of the way," Tessoff noted, emphasizing the resort’s proactive communication.
On the morning of the storm, Tessoff and Muniz retreated to a closet devoid of windows, which they deemed the safest option. As winds intensified, she described the sound as resembling a freight train, a hallmark of severe storms. The couple monitored the situation from their safe space, observing water seeping through the door around noon, likely as the eye of the storm passed.
Despite the chaotic atmosphere, they noticed that buildings remained structurally sound, although damage was evident, including holes in the ceiling and debris scattered everywhere. By evening, a power outage left them without crucial amenities, but they were eventually moved to a new room with a generator supplying power.
In the storm’s aftermath, Tessoff and her group, along with around 70 other guests, were relocated to Sandals Negril. The drive revealed the extent of the devastation, with downed trees and damaged infrastructure. “The scene was wild,” Tessoff remarked, reflecting on the visible toll the hurricane took not just on the resorts but on the local community as well.
Once settled in at Sandals Negril, Tessoff’s family was able to secure flights back home, but Tessoff and Muniz faced additional challenges. A charter flight scheduled for them was abruptly canceled, yet they were fortunate to catch another flight days later. However, the airport experience was anything but smooth, as conditions remained challenging due to the lack of power and air conditioning.
Despite the tumultuous ordeal, Tessoff praised the resort staff for their outstanding support during the crisis. Many staff members were unable to contact their families but prioritized guest wellbeing. Tessoff remarked on their dedication, saying, “They were bending over backward for us, making sure we were fed and cared for even during an uncertain time.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Tessoff expressed confidence in traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season again, noting that such trips can still be rewarding. She indicated that she would be more diligent in promoting travel insurance to clients, especially after witnessing the financial implications of last-minute travel changes firsthand.
Tessoff plans to use this experience as a teaching moment for her clients, underscoring the unpredictability of travel and the importance of having a travel advisor. “Not everything goes as planned, but this is when it’s really good to have a professional on your side,” she concluded, emphasizing the role of travel advisors in navigating unexpected disruptions.
