7 Ways To Make The Best Of A Rainy Day Traveling

Anyone who knows me well is aware of the fact that I simply cannot stand rain. (I didn’t spend four years in sunny Southern California for nothing!). However, as an avid traveler and tour guide, I often encounter not so great weather on the road that can threaten to ~rain on my parade~. Be it emerging soaking wet and cold from a hike in Patagonia, getting hailed on two minutes after descending the Eiffel Tower, or attempting to enjoy the beaches of the Amalfi Coast in a downpour, its safe to say I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the best of a rainy day! Here are my best tips:

1. Check the Forecast & Plan Accordingly

I know, this one may seem obvious, but planning your itinerary around weather will help you avoid being stuck inside, getting poured on, or avoiding certain activities. If you are worried about rain, leave your schedule flexible and open to change. Use the sunny hours of the day to explore, while leaving the rainy times open for indoor activities-museums, restaurants, resting. In this case, a little planning goes a long way.

2. Dress For The Weather

Look like there might be rain? It might be a pain to carry an umbrella or raincoat around all day, but tucking one of these in your backpack for the day will make it worth the effort the second the sky turns grey. I almost always pack a light raincoat in case of rain, and it has come in handy more than once. While travelers around you get soaked and search for shelter, you’ll be able to keep on moving and get on with your day.

3. Get Inside

Many times exploring a new city means walking around outside and viewing outdoor landmarks, but a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to explore a new place’s indoor attractions. Museums, art galleries, churches, indoor markets and shopping centers are all great ways to keep exploring while staying dry inside. Save these activities for rainy days, and save the outdoor activities for later.

4. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (or at least dry)

Suddenly encounter an unexpected downpour? Seek shelter in the nearest restaurant, bar, coffee shop, or that eatery you’ve been dying to check out! You’ll get a few minutes (or hours) to stay dry and refuel for the rest of your day. You might even meet some other travelers trying to do the same!

5. Tough It Out

Rain or shine, when you are on a time crunch there are still places to see and things to do, and sometimes this can mean getting a little wet. If you don’t have the time to avoid rainy hours, simply head outside and ignore the weather-after all, all the locals are too! Have fun and enjoy!

6. Stay Home

While this isn’t always an option for people on a short weekend trip or vacation, if you are staying somewhere for an extended period of time, there is no shame in staying in for a day! Take the opportunity to rest, recover, and relax. So often travelers (myself included) feel pressure to “see it all,” but if weather is negatively impacting your trip, a little R&R may be the perfect thing to restore you, and have you back and traveling better than ever the next day.

7. Be Positive!

Yes, sometimes rain can ruin your plans for the day, or make it impossible to see or do something you’ve had your heart set on. However, there is no use complaining to mother nature (she won’t listen) or your friends (they know it sucks too). The best way to get through a rainy day is to fake it ’till you make it. Rainy days mean shorter lines, as fewer people are out and about, more time to explore options you hadn’t previously thought about, and give you the opportunity to slow down and enjoy an experience in a different way.

What are your favorite ways to while away a rainy day traveling? Have you had any adventures that rain made even better?