One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting to check the climate and weather conditions before embarking on their dream vacation. If you’re heading out to Spain to go rafting in the Pyrenees, an unexpected snow storm can turn your wet and wild adventure into a real-life exercise in avoiding death by hypothermia.
That particular trip is open from March to mid-November, so late or early snowstorms are definitely a possibility you need to take into account when you’re planning it. The weather doesn’t know – or care – that you’re on vacation. It’s going to happen anyway, so you might as well pay attention and be ready for it.
Vacation Preparations
When you’re getting ready to go on vacation there are a million things to do, from packing extra underwear to arraigning for someone to take care of Fluffy and Fido while you’re gone. Additionally, you should always check the weather forecast for the area you’re heading to. You can enter the zip code or name of the city to get a full forecast for the area during the time you’ll be there.
Preparing For Bad Weather
You’d be surprised how many people don’t check the forecast before they leave on vacation. As much time as people spend on the internet – like right now while you’re reading this – why not spend a little more time to find out what the conditions will be where you’re going. That way you can be ready for it.
If you’re taking a summer tour of Denmark and Sweden, it might be warm during the day but cold at night. Preparing for bad weather is just good planning. Pack smart so you won’t be caught off guard.
One genius refused to pack a raincoat when they were going on vacation to Cuba because they didn’t want to “jink it” because obviously, the weather responds to how we pack.
Yeah, right.
Travel Tips
So, here are some quick and easy ideas for preparing to deal with the weather, good or bad, on your next vacation.
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Back-Up Plans. If you’re planning on visiting city parks or festivals, there’s always a chance of a rain-out ruining the day. Make sure you have a back-up in place so you don’t find yourself moping around your hotel room all day playing solitaire on your laptop. Have alternate plans such as museums or plays that you can go to. Many festivals stretch over several days. If you can’t go on one day, switch plans and go back the next day when the weather is more cooperative.
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Pack Smart. If you’re going to a warm, tropical paradise, pack your flip flops and shorts but also take some rain gear and warm clothes. In many parts of the tropics, rain is a daily occurrence. Make up your mind not to let the rain stop you and go right ahead anyway. You’ll dry off in a hurry when the sun comes back out.
If your trip is in the northern climes, sweaters and windbreakers might be standard attire even in mid-July. Don’t assume the conditions there will be the same as the ones at home.
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Take Extra Cash. When the weather interrupts your plans it will probably cost extra to make last minute changes to your itinerary. If you’ve planned your vacation down to the last penny you’re going to be stuck in your hotel room. If you have some extra money on hand though, you’ll be able to change gears at moment’s notice without spoiling everything or spending money allocated for later.
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Arrange alternate travel. Sudden storms can cause temporary road closures. If you intended to take the train or use a specific highway to get to your next destination and it gets closed, make sure you have more than one way to get where you’re going.
Before you go, sit down with a map and explore at least two different routes from every location on your trip to the next one. If you can find three ways to get there, even better. The more options you have available, the less likely it is that you’ll be prevented from reaching your destination.
Poor Planning
It’s been said, “poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.” If the weather interrupts your vacation and you’re not ready for it, don’t expect the hotel staff or tour operators to go into emergency mode just for you. It’s your vacation. Take responsibility for it and you won’t be at anyone’s mercy, least of all, the weather’s.
