Tips and tricks for a weatherproof adventure

No matter when and where you are going, it is likely that you have been crossing your fingers while hoping for good weather. Whether your plan is to chill on a beach sipping cocktails for a week, or trekking through the winding paths of the Himalayas, the meteorological conditions are going to play a huge role in how enjoyable your trip is going to be. Unfortunately, controlling the weather is not yet something that we humans can easily do… And while hoping for the best, you should also be prepared for all kinds of situations. So how can you make sure that your adventure is weatherproof? Read on and find out.

The first thing to do, and probably the most obvious, is to check the average temperature and rainfall in the country and region where you are traveling over the year. You would be better off booking a trip to Thailand during the earlier months of the year than in May – October, for example – at least if you want to avoid the monsoon season. Seasons are wildly different across continents, so do not expect to find the same weather at your destination than the one you have at home. 

 Low season: to avoid?

In any country, the low season is synonymous with higher chances of bad weather. But what, exactly, is bad weather? It all depends where you are going, and in some places it might actually bring you a few advantages. 

First, travelling during the low season will probably lead to rainy days, but they are also synonymous with cheaper prices. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators are willing to drop their prices when tourists are scarce, so if you are looking to travel comfortably but for cheaper, this might be the solution for you. 

Second, the definition of ‘bad weather’ varies greatly across the world. In Europe or North America winter might bring about biting cold, while in Asia the monsoon season will bring rain showers to remember. Now, imagine yourself walking through Paris under the snow – it does not get much more romantic. Or picture yourself in the Alps in the heart of winter, riding down some of the best slopes in the world – also does not sound too bad. What about the rain in Asia? Monsoon season is synonymous with green paddy fields and tons of festivals celebrating the arrival of the rain. So, while bad weather can seem off-putting at first, many activities will be as if not more enjoyable and it is possible to still enjoy your trip to the maximum.

Remember, however, that despite being mostly manageable, some weather conditions can be dangerous. The monsoon season for example can be quite extreme at times, and in such cases it is better to avoid all unnecessary travel. Again, make sure that you check the conditions before booking. 

Bad weather: what now?

Ideally, you will have planned for bad weather before leaving for your trip. What does that mean, exactly? Always make sure to bring rain gear and to carry it at all times, in order to avoid being trapped by rapidly and unexpectedly changing weather. If you are going towards a tropical climate, bring along bug spray to protect yourself against unwanted bites and tropical diseases. If you cannot find a strong enough bug spray at home, do not panic as it is often possible to buy it in your destination country. While planning a trip during the monsoon season, it is also sensible to build a couple of buffer days in your itinerary in order to plan for any eventuality and make sure that your trip goes as planned as possible. If you are going for an adventure where bad weather is a real concern, such as off-piste riding or high-altitude climbing, make sure to bring adequate equipment. Barometer and altimeter are essential and can now be found on smart watches, and more technical equipment dependent on your activity should be packed as well. 

Now, you have planned accordingly but find yourself caught in monsoon rain while on the road. What happens next? First of all, do not panic. Stay inside and start thinking about alternatives. The best bet is to stay in a bigger city, in which you will have plenty of options to spend these rainy days. If you are a history buff, explore the local museums. If shopping is your thing, take a stroll through the local covered markets and malls. An amateur foodie? Organize a tour of the best restaurants around and try all the local delicacies. The options are endless, and this will be a great occasion to discover the place deeper and feel like a local. If the bad weather creeps up on you while you are out on an expedition, follow very strictly the instruction of your guide. He/she will know exactly what to do and where to go. If you have decided to set off on your own, the most important is to stay calm and know that you will be able to get yourself out of this situation. This is why planning the necessary gear ahead is absolutely essential to your safety.

Traveling is always more enjoyable when the weather cooperates. Try your best to schedule your trip around the season most suited to your activities and always schedule in a couple of buffer days for safety. And if nature does not want to cooperate, no worries! There is no need to stay locked in your hotel as long as you have the proper rain gear to protect yourself. So step out, and enjoy the rain!