Don’t let unexpected showers ruin your trip.
As they say, when it rains, it pours. I had never seen anything like it. Landing in Buenos Aires, I had a long list of fun things to do in my favorite South American city. Maybe a nice walk along the canal, through the shops and restaurants in Puerto Madero. Perhaps an international day trip, hopping on the fast ferry across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay. And I planned plenty of outdoor strolls in this surprisingly green metropolis.
But the weather had other plans. In a big way. Breaking through the clouds on my final descent into Buenos Aires Airport, I said farewell to the sun. I wouldn’t see it again for several days.
Gray rain streaked the windows of the plane as we rolled toward the gate. It followed me to the hotel. Sitting in the room, I frowned out the window at the nonstop precipitation. Yes, the forecast had foretold overcast skies. But nothing like this.
I kept a close eye on the skies as I sneaked out between showers to grab a few things in the stores along Calle Florida, the main pedestrian shopping street in Microcentro (BA’s downtown). And sure enough, they darkened to a shade of black I hadn’t seen since the last time I watched that classic ’90s movie “Twister” on television. I rushed back to the hotel just before the skies opened up with yet another torrent. And in an almost apocalyptic moment, I even watched lighting strike a tall building across the road from mine.
Nobody ever wants to countenance the fact that inclement weather might visit your vacation. But what happens when it does? Like anything related to travel, a little planning can go a very long way. Although we seem to always anticipate sunny-day trips, here are some general tips and ideas to build into your itinerary just in case storms wash away your best-laid travel plans.
Check the Season
This may seem like a simple thing, but many of us honestly don’t anticipate it. Unlike many parts of North America, which experience four distinct seasons, other corners of the globe go through a wet/dry cycle.I once spent two weeks in Costa Rica during rainy season. The mornings were lovely, with a soft sun slowly heating up the day and things getting more humid and sultry as the afternoon approached. But at 3 p.m.—you could set your watch to it—the rain would start, and continue without stopping well into the evening. So, don’t visit India—or Arizona—during monsoon. And if you’re in a place during the rainy season, find out the usual day’s weather pattern and schedule things accordingly.
Take a Hotel Day
I do this, even when it’s not rainy. Too many times we book beautiful hotels and then rarely explore everything they have to offer. So when I’ve had a packed schedule and I’m ready for a bit of a rest, I just take a “hotel day.”Once, I stayed a whole weekend at the Four Seasons Houston and never left the building. I enjoyed a hearty steak dinner at the restaurant and drinks at their bourbon bar, followed by more at the speakeasy. I checked the schedule of events and saw they were hosting a magic show—and got a ticket. I swam in the pool, browsed at the shops, and got a massage at the spa. And let me tell you: It was glorious. When the time came to finally check out, I wasn’t ready to leave.
Have a Plan B (and a Plan C)
Even if you’re visiting a hot, dry destination, make sure to research at least a couple of places that you can still enjoy during inclement weather. These include museums, art galleries, malls, and even sports matches in covered stadiums. And driving and bus tours.Once, I visited Scottsdale, an upscale destination next to Phoenix. They boast 330 days of annual sunshine. I happened to be there on three of the rainy days. All of the plans—the dune buggies in the desert, the early morning hot air balloon—were wiped out by the precipitation. Fortunately, Scottsdale has plenty of indoor attractions and distractions, too. I went shopping and visited the (surprisingly amazing) Musical Instrument Museum—they have 15,000 instruments from some 200 countries. And one evening, I visited Phoenix to see the Suns on the basketball court.
Take Time for a Long Lunch
On my typical trip, meals are often rushed—gobbled down in between events on a busy schedule. But rainy days are an absolutely excellent excuse for the grand pleasure of taking way too long to eat lunch.Just a few months ago, I spent a few days in Venice. For most of the time, it was dreary and drizzly, and one day, the downpours just wouldn’t stop. So I found the best pasta place near my hotel and settled in for a few courses paired with chianti, barolo, and Barbara, and didn’t worry about gondola rides or visiting St. Mark’s Square.
Embrace the Rain
Sometimes, it’s best to just enjoy the weather—even if the weather is terrible. I’ve visited west coast hotels that equip guests with gum boots and rain slickers. So when the downpour begins, you head out there and just let the energy of the storm wash over you. Then head back to your room for a hot bath, room service, and a warm evening watching through the window as the drops come down.________
What to Pack for a Rainy Day
A few thoughtful items can make a wet trip a whole lot better.Deck of Cards
This takes up hardly any space in your bag and can transform a drab, long afternoon into a fun one.Small Umbrella
Although this one may seem obvious, it’s important—many hotels don’t provide umbrellas, but if you have one on hand, you can still go out and tour around.Lightweight, Waterproof Windbreaker
Damp days are also often chilly. At the very least, slip a plastic poncho into one of the pockets of your bags.Microfiber Travel Towel
It is helpful to wipe down damp items after a big cloudburst.Streaming Device
Having a device that can connect to your Netflix, HBO, or other streaming accounts can turn a rainy night into a movie night.
