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How to Handle Bad Weather on Vacation

May 9th, 2010 Articles

Have you ever spent months planning for a vacation only for bad weather to get in the way when it’s time to leave? Unfortunately there’s not much you can do to prevent nature from happening, but there are a few things you can do to make the best of it while traveling:

Research. Before you book flights and make hotel reservations, do a little bit of homework to learn about weather patterns in the area you’re visiting. Is your trip in the middle of hurricane season? Maybe you should visit that particular region a different time of year.

Pack for Bad Weather. Try to anticipate cold or wet weather by bringing clothes that will keep you warm and dry. Sure, that extra pair of shoes will take more room in your suitcase but you’ll be glad you planned ahead if the weather gets out of control.

Stay Flexible. Be ready to switch your itinerary around if certain attractions are closed. It’s a good idea to have a few back-up excursions in mind so you can still make the best of it and enjoy the area.

Here are a few additional suggestions from IndependentTraveler.com:

Get Forecasts as Soon as Possible
Before you leave for travel of any kind, it’s always a good idea to check the forecasts for your departure and destination city.

Bad Weather There Affects Flight Status Here
Bad weather almost anywhere can wreak havoc with an airline‘s route schedule, as crews and planes that are stranded at one airport never arrive at subsequent airports, and a ripple effect occurs. When you learn of weather delays in important hub cities, it’s time to call your airline to inquire of potential delays on your flight.

Reroute Your Connections
Sometimes the weather at your departure city and your destination can be fantastic, but your connecting city is a mess. Call ahead to see if you can reroute your connection flight through airports with no delays.

Book Morning Flights
Morning flights are less likely to be delayed or canceled than evening flights. The logistical effects of heavy weather accumulate as the day goes on and more and more flights are delayed or canceled. Planes are more likely never to arrive, or to be put into the back of long lines for takeoff or landing as the day progresses.

Use Your Airline’s 800 Number
It is often much faster, more convenient and more successful to use an airline’s 800 number to make alternate arrangements than it is to stand in line. Not so long ago, this almost guaranteed you some satisfaction — for better or worse, most travelers have figured this one out and the stampede to the phones (or the sound of cell phones being whipped out) often accompanies every flight status announcement.

Don’t Stray too Far from the Gate
If you’re already at the airport, gate agents may make important announcements not only concerning flight status, but of alternate flight options, lodging offers and more. Make sure you or someone in your traveling party stays near your gate to hear any important announcements.

Do you have any suggestions for handling bad weather while on vacation?

Photo Credit: LiebeDich.
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