Embracing the Elements: Activities for a Rainy Day

Sometimes, you will have the most amazing vacation planned. Every detail is perfectly coordinated through hours of research. And then, Mother Nature comes along. Things happen, and you need to be able to pivot on a moment’s notice. Otherwise, you will miss out on the adventures and opportunities that await you. Never let a little bit of bad weather get in the way of enjoying life.

Find Fun and Adventure Indoors

Just because the outside looks dreary does not mean you cannot have fun indoors! A quick web search of indoor activities in your location will likely bring up several options to keep you busy and entertained. Look for things you might not usually gravitate toward and experience something different, or look for places the locals frequent to see a different side of your host city.

Some great ideas for rainy days include:

Go to an indoor theme park, such as Malibu Jacks. Play at the arcade like you did when you were a kid, race your fellow travelers on the go-kart track, or see who has the best putting skills. You can spend the entire day here and have a great time together.

Look for a local mall or shopping center. Even if you have only packed a carry-on bag and have no intention of buying anything, a mall can be an interesting indoor location to spend time. You get to observe the local population and see different lifestyles. Look for the food court and sit down for a while to talk with one another.

Find the local library. Some libraries are destinations with large activity calendars. Others are small satellite branches tucked away in unusual places. Look for a good book and relax in the stacks. You might find a new favorite author or genre.

Pack for Unexpected Elements

No one wants to bring a completely different wardrobe on vacation to accommodate the potential for inclement weather. The solution to avoid overpacking is to look for versatile clothing and outerwear that is compressible and multi-purpose. Always check if bags, shoes, and jackets are waterproof to make packing and planning easier.

If you find that you do not have what you need on vacation when the weather turns, use these quick tips to get by:

Look for options to rent what you need, such as an umbrella.

A plastic bag can serve as an impromptu backpack cover while you are dashing between buildings or public transportation.

Place important papers and identification, such as passports and tickets, in a resealable plastic bag to protect them from getting wet.

Always hang up your bags, jackets, and clothing in your hotel room to let them dry out.

Use the hotel’s hair dryer to completely dry the inside of your shoes as soon as you return to the room to avoid unpleasant odors and ensure they are ready for the next day.

Watch this video for tips on travel rain gear ideas. Of note, the video shows one traveler’s perspective and experience regarding specific products. Use it as guidance and inspiration for what you might need or use.

When your vacation plans do not go as planned because the weather has something else in mind, it is ok to be disappointed, but you can still make the best of it. Follow these tips and head indoors to create a wonderful experience, no matter what.

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