HURRICANE WATCH
Ivan the Terrible
If a trip to southern climes is in your plans, chances are your destination was spared or has already recovered from Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan. But here's a list of exceptions and where you can find detailed information about the status of specific communities and hotels.
• Grenada: The hardest hit by Ivan of all the Caribbean islands. Hotels that are still standing anticipate that it could take months to reopen. Details: www.grenadaemergency.com.
• Jamaica: Ivan closed roads, ports and airports for a time, but the island basically righted itself rather quickly. Montego Bay airport reopened last week, and at press time, Kingston airport was awaiting the reopening of access roads. Cruise ports also reopened last week, as did most hotels and resorts. Exceptions are listed at www.visitjamaica.com.
• Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman was seriously hit by Ivan; Little Cayman and Cayman Brac were spared. The islands' Web site, www.caymanislands.ky, is focused on disaster relief needs and at press time had no details for tourists.
• Barbados: Minimal brush with Ivan, but four hotels were affected. Details: www.barbados.org.
• Bahamas: Grand Bahama Island was the most seriously affected by Frances. Most hotels in the 700-island chain have reopened or will soon, but several anticipate being closed until November. Details: 800-BAHAMAS, www.bahamas.com (click on Bahamas Bounce Back).
• In the United States, three states in Ivan's path have set up hotlines for tourists. Call for updated info: Louisiana, 800-994-8626; Alabama, 800-222- 2262; Florida, 800-287-8598.
security watch
Patdowns and Urns
The latest travel tips from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration: Don't wear bulky clothing when going through airport security lines, and don't carry cremated ashes in heavy urns.
