Tropical storm Arthur threatens millions of July 4 vacationers - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

As Tropical Storm Arthur threatens the eastern coastline, millions of holiday trips are in jeopardy. AAA Mid-Atlantic reports that this weekend is supposed to be one of the busiest Fourth of July holidays, in more than a decade.

As hot beach spots brace for a storm, vacationers are bracing for a possible rain-out. Experts say the sooner you can make a decision on whether or not you're to risk taking your trip, the more money you'll save on taking the loss, if you chose to cancel.

Rebecca Cantu, of Chester, and her two sons and husband are planning to take a five-hour drive to the North Carolina's coastline to celebrate the Fourth of July. However, their trip could get rained out if Arthur strikes.

"We've  never been in this type of situation before, so I'm not really sure what to expect. I'm a little nervous," said Cantu.

Martha Meade with AAA Mid-Atlantic says hotel cancellation policies aren't often easy breezy during big holiday weekends.

"Whether it's a rental home or hotel, they make all their money in a very short amount of time. So when you have a holiday weekend coming up, cancellation penalties are going to be very strict," explained Meade.

Experts advise checking your hotel or rental property's cancellation policy as soon as possible. You might have time to back out without getting a fee.

"Find out when the deadline is to cancel…You don't wait a day and find out that it doubled what it was going to cost you," continued Meade.

Some hotels might not charge if you cancel before the deadline. Others may work with you to change your dates, or hit you with a fee equal to one night's stay.

"I was trying to wait for the last minute to maybe see if the storm would go out to sea," added Cantu.

Millions of people are also hoping Arthur will find its way out to the ocean, and not the shoreline. 

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