Hurricane Bertha as of yesterday.
Photo: NOAA

Hurricane season is upon us, and if recent years are any indication, Bertha is the first-born of many sisters. Travelers headed south for summer getaways have had to deal with the possibility of hurricanes interrupting their beaching and mai tai-ing, but resorts are wising up and softening the blow with hurricane protection.

The Bermuda Department of Tourism, for example, is reassuring pink sand-loving travelers with a Hurricane Guarantee. Here's how it works:

* In the event that a hurricane-force storm is predicted by the Bermuda Weather Service to approach within 200 miles of Bermuda and within five days, guests can cancel their reservations without penalty. Deposits can be refunded or applied to any future booking.
* If a hotel's services are affected by a hurricane, guests will not be charged for rooms, food, beverage, or other essential services used during that time.
* If a hotel is not able to continue its operations, guests can return for a complimentary stay within one year from the hotel's reopening. (Other expenses, including airfare, food and beverage, and incidental room charges are not covered by the guarantee.)

Check the Bermuda Tourism Web site for more information and for participating properties. Hotels not listed there might have their own policies in place; just contact your hotel directly for details.