Hurricane season is officially upon us. Hurricane Dean has already scared Jamaica and is set to hit the Cayman Islands before proceeding to central Mexico. The unpredictability of these tropical storms was underlined last night when Jamaica, braced for full impact, was spared from the worst as Dean unexpectedly changed directions. Still, the North American mainland of Mexico, Belize, and Texas are in the forecasted path.

Hurricanes are some of the most spectacular natural forces. The yearly pictures of the devastation brought by these swirling giants have almost become expected. And, though this is generally the low season for travel to the Caribbean region, some travelers go during the Northern hemisphere's summer to take advantage of off-season prices.

For people traveling south during Hurricane season (usually at its height in August and September), Keeping an eye on the weather is paramount. The National Weather Service's Hurricane Center web site has up to date information including the latest warnings and projections of the areas the storms might affect up top five days in the future.

I'm sure there is many a tourist second-guessing their idea of a summertime trip to the Cayman Islands. With many people on standby for the few remaining flights ahead of the storm, there should be quite a few people getting their travel memories from riding out the storm on the floor of the airport.