Ponchos is New Orleans!Rainy day in Chicago! How beautiful is the architecture though?
No one plans for rainy weather on your vacation and I don’t think anyone purposely goes on holiday to be rained on. However, sometimes it happens. I’ve experienced it in Mexico, Chicago, New York, Panama, Destin and New Orleans! None of these were trips where I wanted it to happen. I thought I would share a few ideas of ways to make it better.
In Panama the rain, in dry season, is usually short lived. We had our kids with us so we used the time to head into a museum. My father-in-law was our tour guide. He is the best guide in Panama! We are so lucky! He taught us about the history, customs and food of Panama. We also took them to the mall. *SHRUG* we had teenagers, they love any mall! The food court is a great way to eat cheap and the international malls often have very different clothing. Even designers that we have in the states generally offer different products overseas. Example: Kenneth Cole had fun bright colors in Panama and prints that were not available in the states.
In Destin we used the storm to go to dinner and then to unwind and play some board games. I try to travel with a deck of cards for downtimes like….layovers, flight delays and rain. It’s an easy way to pass the time and it doesn’t take up much room in your luggage. The power went out and we ended up on the balcony of our condo watching the storm and relaxing. It is one of my favorite memories.
In Chicago we grabbed a cab (pre Uber or Lyft) and went to the Willis Tower. We knew we wanted to do the glass balcony so we changed our plans around and went during the storm. Be Flexible. The schedule can be changed.
New Orleans weather forecast called for rain the entire time we were there. Thankfully, it wasn’t bad at all and rained HARD for a bit and then lightened up. But because it was in the forecast I brought a six pack of ponchos that I ordered from Amazon.
New York is a city that doesn’t let a little rain stop it! We just put our umbrella up and kept going. There are, honestly, so many things to do to get out of the rain. You can pop into a museum, restaurant, a bar or a cute boutique. We used the rain time to get some New York style pizza and relax!
The one trip that the rain really affected was in Mexico. We were at an all inclusive resort (which I’m really not a fan of) so we were pretty limited on our options. We ended up going to the gym, eating a LOT and staying in our room. As soon as there was a break in the rain we got a cab and headed for the town. We explored the ruins and although it rained on us some we just decided to chance it. Sometimes, it works out.
My takeaway from all of these situations is to BE FLEXIBLE! Enjoy yourself and relax. It can be easy to get caught up in seeing EVERYTHING but it won’t be fun if you are stressed or irritated. Sometimes, a quiet night on your patio with no electricity is exactly what you need!
I agree that rain shouldn’t affect a trip and bring us down but I do get why a vacation to Mexico or any other beach kind of trip would dampen the mood with rain! But other than beach-kind of trips, rain is a lot of fun!
I have been on some trips when it totally rained all the time. It’s good that you were in a place where there are many things to do indoor. I love the malls in Panama! Everything was so cheap!
Bummer! Did you find the mannequins to be extremely endowed? I found that so strange 🙉
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HALLELU! Finally, something I can get behind. Most people seem to take rain as a bad thing for holidays but it actually gives you a completely different perspective in a city. Especially when the rain is finished and you get that fresh smell! My favourite time to hit a city is while it’s raining and I wait for the rain to stop so I can take pictures of the city in the puddles with the neon lights reflecting. Thank you sharing your post.
I totally agree this rain should not be hampering our plans. if we manage to be flexible then we can make the most out of the day even when it is raining. I love the examples that you have given during your holidays in several places when it was raining. That seems to be quiet a motivation
Oh, I recently bought a underwater bag for my camera. I had it under rain once, and it almost got damaged. 🙂 Somehow I care about the camera more than about myself 🙂
This has to be the perfect advice for me because of two reasons – I am jinxed (I haven’t been on a single vacation when it hasn’t rained) and I cry like a baby when it rains! I mean, being in The Maldives and it pouring! What does one do?! Since it is something I have struggled with more than 8 years now, I am trying to find ways to stay happy now and also research before I travel what are the best things to do in that city if it rains LOL.
I live in London, and so never go anywhere without my umbrella! The good thing is I never let a bit of rain spoil my travels. In fact, I take my umbrella with me on holiday just in case!
It all depends on where we are going. If I am in a city where there are many attractions, the rain does not bother me. Worse if it is a typical beach destination and when the weather is bad there are not many things to do.
I agree that rain shouldn’t affect a trip and bring us down but I do get why a vacation to Mexico or any other beach kind of trip would dampen the mood with rain! But other than beach-kind of trips, rain is a lot of fun!
I agree with you!!
I have been on some trips when it totally rained all the time. It’s good that you were in a place where there are many things to do indoor. I love the malls in Panama! Everything was so cheap!
Yes!!! I am still kicking myself for not buying a watch I saw there.
Bummer! Did you find the mannequins to be extremely endowed? I found that so strange 🙉
HALLELU! Finally, something I can get behind. Most people seem to take rain as a bad thing for holidays but it actually gives you a completely different perspective in a city. Especially when the rain is finished and you get that fresh smell! My favourite time to hit a city is while it’s raining and I wait for the rain to stop so I can take pictures of the city in the puddles with the neon lights reflecting. Thank you sharing your post.
That is a great perspective!!
I totally agree this rain should not be hampering our plans. if we manage to be flexible then we can make the most out of the day even when it is raining. I love the examples that you have given during your holidays in several places when it was raining. That seems to be quiet a motivation
Oh, I recently bought a underwater bag for my camera. I had it under rain once, and it almost got damaged. 🙂 Somehow I care about the camera more than about myself 🙂
This has to be the perfect advice for me because of two reasons – I am jinxed (I haven’t been on a single vacation when it hasn’t rained) and I cry like a baby when it rains! I mean, being in The Maldives and it pouring! What does one do?! Since it is something I have struggled with more than 8 years now, I am trying to find ways to stay happy now and also research before I travel what are the best things to do in that city if it rains LOL.
I live in London, and so never go anywhere without my umbrella! The good thing is I never let a bit of rain spoil my travels. In fact, I take my umbrella with me on holiday just in case!
It all depends on where we are going. If I am in a city where there are many attractions, the rain does not bother me. Worse if it is a typical beach destination and when the weather is bad there are not many things to do.