How to plan a Caribbean getaway amid travel chaos

The recent military operation in Venezuela disrupted vacations to popular destinations. Here are tips for buying travel insurance and protecting your trip

- GABE CASTRO-ROOT

THOUSANDS OF TRAVELLERS found themselves stuck in the Caribbean this week after the US military operation in Venezuela on Saturday forced widespread flight cancellations. Many more with upcoming travel plans during peak Caribbean vacation season are no doubt watching the situation anxiously. Should they go? And if they do, how can they protect themselves and their money in case tensions erupt again? More than a few are betting on travel insurance.

Hopper, a popular travel app, reported a 67% jump in purchases of" flexible booking services," its version of insurance, since US forces raided Venezuela and captured its president, according to Lindsay Schwimer, a spokeswoman. But if future military action in the region causes another round of disruptions, standard travel insurance may not protect you. US engagement with Venezuela is already a "known event," said Suzanne Morrow, the chief executive of Insure My Trip, a brokerage firm and comparison website for travel insurance. That means if you didn't get your policy before Saturday, buying it now won't help. Here are some tips.