No matter where you’re visiting, travel can often lead to a game of “weather lottery,” especially if you’re visiting different places in Europe, where the weather can not only be unpredictable but sometimes extreme. So how can you brace yourself for these extremes so you don’t get caught out unprepared? Here are our top five tips.
It's undeniable that when we travel, and even more so when it comes to active travel, we wish for good weather and safe conditions. No matter the purpose (active vacations, in our case), planning and being prepared are two important aspects.
Book seasonally
Often there are very clear weather trends in places that tend to experience extremes. If you’re planning on visiting somewhere (for example, Asia) which has a monsoon season, it’s probably a good idea to avoid this period! Booking off-peak travel periods may be cheaper but you should always put your safety first.
Know the risk
If you know the place you’re visiting has fairly temperamental weather, then it’s a good idea to think ahead and mentally brace yourself. If it’s likely to be a light breeze and a bit of rain, it’s unlikely to impact your plans. But if you’re heading somewhere that happens to sit over a fault line (such as Japan and central Italy which experience earthquakes regularly yet unpredictably), you might need to do some more research. Jump online, and check if there are any extreme weather warnings for your travel dates.
Pack smart
It’s good to plan ahead as much as possible when you’re packing your suitcase. Consider packing a light, but wind-proof raincoat or umbrella for day trips to avoid getting caught out in the rain. A simple (light) addition like this to your luggage can make a huge difference if you end up in a situation where the weather isn’t ideal.
Charge your phone
It’s never ideal to be caught in an unfamiliar place without a phone, so remember to charge your battery, and pack the right adapters! If you don’t think you’ll have easy access to power points throughout your trip, consider bringing a portable charger. These will usually have enough power in them to bring your phone back to full battery, and will mean that if you get stranded or caught in bad weather you’ll be able to call for help.
Make sure you’re covered
This is such an easily overlooked aspect of travel but it is so important to book insurance before your trip. No matter where you’re heading, if bad or difficult weather does get in the way of your plans, you should be eligible to claim your losses through your travel insurance policy. Canceled or delayed flights, accommodation troubles, or ticket cancellations should be covered in the case that unforeseen interruption occurs. If you’re not sure where to start or which plan would benefit you the most, jump online and compare travel policies for extreme weather.
Take a look at our article: Bike in the Most Beautiful Part of the World with Our Cycling Tours of Italy.
At the end of the day, you have to do what best suits you to get the most value out of your trip. If you do happen to come across extreme or nasty weather, it’s just important to be prepared so that you don’t get caught unexpectedly. With just a few easy changes to your mindset and your preparation, you can set yourself up for the best trip possible. Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain!
