Would You Know What to Do If a Tsunami Hit While You’re on Vacation?
When we picture the perfect vacation, we imagine sunsets, laughter, and leisurely exploring—not emergency alerts or natural disasters. But in reality, travelers around the world are occasionally caught off guard by events like earthquakes or tsunamis—especially in regions along the Pacific Ring of Fire, such as Japan, Indonesia, California, Chile, or New Zealand.
On July 30th, 2025, a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings as far as Japan, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast. Evacuations were ordered, flights were canceled, and ports were temporarily closed.
These moments are a sobering reminder that preparation matters, especially when you're far from home.
So what should you do if an earthquake or tsunami strikes while you're traveling?
Let’s walk through some key steps to protect yourself, and why working with a travel advisor can make all the difference when it matters most.
Understanding the Risk: Earthquakes + Tsunamis in Travel
Earthquakes can happen without warning, often in areas where tectonic plates meet. Travelers are especially vulnerable if they don’t know local evacuation routes or building safety standards.
Tsunamis are large sea waves typically caused by undersea earthquakes. They can travel at jetliner speeds across the ocean, reaching distant shores hours after the quake, but with devastating force.
10 Things to Do Before and During a Natural Disaster While Traveling
Know the risks before you go.
Research whether your destination is prone to seismic activity or tsunamis, especially coastal regions in the Pacific.Choose smart accommodations.
Stay in hotels with clear evacuation procedures, especially if near the coast or in high-risk earthquake zones.Register with your embassy.
U.S. travelers can use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and help from the embassy in an emergency.Identify evacuation zones.
Ask your hotel concierge or host where to go in the event of a tsunami or quake. Look for posted evacuation signs in coastal cities.Sign up for local alerts.
Download apps like NOAA Weather, the Red Cross Emergency App, or local equivalents in your destination country.Have a go-bag ready.
Include basics like water, a flashlight, snacks, ID, cash, phone charger, and your travel insurance info.During an earthquake: drop, cover, and hold.
Protect your head and neck under sturdy furniture. Stay indoors until the shaking stops.After a quake: move away from the coast.
If you're near the shore, head immediately to higher ground. A tsunami may follow minutes or hours later.Avoid waterfront areas for 24+ hours.
Tsunami waves can come in multiple surges. Even after the first wave, danger may persist.Stay calm—and contact your travel advisor.
We’ll help you reroute, communicate with airlines and insurance, and make decisions with the latest verified information.
Why You Need a Travel Advisor in Times Like These
When natural disasters hit, the last thing you want is to be stuck on hold with an airline or refreshing the news on your own. Here’s what I offer my clients:
Real-time alerts and updates based on your location and itinerary
Emergency assistance and rerouting guidance
Communication with tour operators, hotels, and cruise lines
Advice on travel insurance coverage and claims
Peace of mind, knowing someone is looking out for you—even from across the globe
You won’t get that from a booking website or discount travel portal.
Final Thoughts
While natural disasters are rare, they can happen while you're traveling. The key isn’t to avoid travel altogether, but to travel smarter.
As your travel advisor, I’m here to help you stay informed, prepared, and supported, so you can explore the world with confidence, knowing you’re never alone in a crisis.
