If you’re only taking family trips during the summer, then you are missing out. Some amazing places have more to offer during the other three seasons, such as a fun mountain trip in the winter or even camping in the fall amongst the beautiful changing foliage.
That said, if you are traveling outside of the milder months, you could run into some inclement weather — even a summer vacation could land you in the middle of a heatwave. You shouldn’t let that threat of bad weather ruin your vacation, however.
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No matter what time of year you are traveling, it’s always important to plan for the unexpected, and there’s no reason why a little extra rain, snow, or heat should keep you from having fun. In this article, we’ve got all the tips you’ll need to “weather-proof” or prevent inclement weather from ruining your family vacation, so you can keep smiling and creating lasting memories to carry with you for a lifetime.
Family Bonding, Come Rain or Shine
There is no reason why a little bad weather should ruin your entire trip. Sure, it can be frustrating to have your initial plans interrupted, especially if your family is big on routine. However, instead of viewing your plans going awry as a bad thing, try to see it as an opportunity for you and your family to learn and grow together.
It is in the face of adversity and challenges that we often learn more about ourselves. If you are traveling as a family, this just means there are more opportunities for you to bond and work together to further cultivate healthy relationships.
Showing your kids how to support one another through life’s challenges is an essential part of human development. It can teach them how to better communicate when they are angry or frustrated, how to seek support when they are having a hard time, how to show affection to someone else who is struggling, and how to develop empathy.
That’s not to say that it’s not okay to feel a little upset or sad about your vacation plans getting interrupted, but it’s how you deal with those pesky feelings and turn them into something more positive that can teach you and your kids how to better support and love one another.
Weather-Proofing Tips to Salvage Your Vacation Plans
Even if you don’t expect any inclement weather to occur during your trip, it’s still wise to prepare yourselves just in case. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, you never know how the weather might turn, so it’s always important to create a backup plan, pack some clothing suited for inclement weather you may encounter, and leave a little room in your itinerary for last-minute changes.
1. Winter-Weather Storms
If you are planning to travel in the winter, the first and most important thing you should do before hitting the road is to have your car checked. Even if you just took it in not that long ago for routine maintenance, it’s a good idea to have it checked one last time as traveling in extreme weather can be really damaging to your vehicle. Those winter storm winds, for example, not only make it hard to steer but they can also blow debris around that could hit your car.
Of course, having your car checked should be a priority if you are road-tripping during any season, but winter can be the most brutal. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency kit for your car, including tire chains, flares, an ice scraper, a collapsable shovel, and some water and blankets. Having some snacks wouldn’t hurt either in case you get stuck for a while.
You should also check your route before you leave and plan to break the trip up with stops in case the weather gets too bad. Make sure everyone’s snow gear is easily accessible in case you all want to get out and have a bit of fun before continuing on your journey.
Aside from the car, here are some additional winter-weather travel tips to keep in mind:
- If flying, make sure to buy insurance to cover you in case your flight gets canceled. This same goes for your hotel as well, and research alternate options just in case.
- Check the weather before leaving early and often to stay up-to-date on any potential winter storms that could affect your plans.
- If flying, wear your heaviest clothes on the plane to save room in your luggage.
- Pack plenty of layering options in your bags so you’ll have options no matter how cold or mild the weather ends up being.
- As winter weather gear tends to take up a lot of space, consider investing in some compression packing cubes. This will help you fit more items in fewer suitcases.
- Always pack extras of your winter accessories, including gloves, hats, thick socks, scarves, and even an extra pair of weather-proof shoes if you have them.
- Allow extra time for traveling, both on the road and at the airport. Things can easily get backed up when the weather is bad.
Again, you should also have a backup plan or a backup itinerary for your trip as well. This includes alternative things to do and places to visit in case your initial options are not available.
2. Blistering Summer Heat
Just as with winter, you should also prep your car for traveling in extreme heat as well. We won’t rehash everything, but most of the same points apply, including taking your car in for maintenance ahead of time, packing an emergency kit for the car, and planning for stops to keep your car from getting overheated.
Since it’s summer, your plans will likely include a lot of outdoor options, such as summer hikes, beach time, and exploring amusement parks. Whatever the case, it’s important to plan for unbearable hot weather, even if it’s not in the initial forecast.
- Again, check the forecast early and often to keep an eye on any extreme summer weather that could interrupt your plans.
- Create a backup itinerary in which you plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen and apply it often.
- Pack lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Consider UPF-protective fabric to protect from the worst of the sun’s rays.
- Don’t forget protective accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Check that your accommodations have good air conditioning and if not, consider booking an alternative option.
- Pack cooling accessories, such as mini portable fans, cooling towels, and cooling wristbands.
- Stay hydrated and pack portable water bottles, such as the ones with straps so you can easily sling them across your body if you don’t want to be carrying them in a bag.
- Plan plenty of breaks in your itinerary and know where you can easily find shade throughout the day in case anyone is feeling overheated.
- Pack or buy cold foods to help keep body temp down and avoid hot foods if you can. Lighter meals are also best as heavy meals can weigh you down and also raise body temp.
- Consider bringing a sunbrella if you will be anywhere with limited shade.
- Plan most of your indoor activities for mid-day when the sun is hottest.
Finally, make sure you know how to detect signs of heat-related illness. This can include headaches, nausea, confusion, muscle pain, and excessive sweating. If you do suspect someone in your family is suffering from heatstroke, get them to a cooler place as soon as possible, have them sip water slowly, and call for medical attention if the symptoms are severe.
3. Unexpected Thunderstorms and Rain
While you can often continue on with your plans in the rain, heavy downpours, and bad thunderstorms can put a damper on things. Unfortunately, depending on where you are traveling, rain can hit just about any time of year, so keep an eye on those weather forecasts and be prepared.
- If you are planning on lots of outdoor time, make sure you pack plenty of rain-proof clothing, including jackets, hats, socks, shoes, and water-resistant tops and bottoms. Don’t wear anything that will get too heavy or weigh you down if you get wet.
- It’s also a good idea to pack lots of layer options if rain is possible. This gives you the option to remove items from your body if they get wet or to put items on to keep your body from getting chilled when wet.
- Pack extra socks and shoes in case they don’t dry out in time for the next day.
- When planning your itinerary, know where you can easily seek shelter if you are out and about when a bad rain or thunderstorm hits, such as ducking into a shopping center, a restaurant, or even a parking garage.
- If you are outdoors and there is no indoor shelter nearby, avoid bodies of water when there is lightning and seek shelter under groups of trees or deeper caves. Avoid lone objects, such as single trees, boulders, or power poles.
- If your initial plans get rained out, make sure you have plenty of backup options to keep everyone happy and entertained. You can check out indoor options, like a museum or art gallery. Have a movie night in your hotel and build a blanket fort to make it more fun for younger kids. Find an indoor play center. Have a crafting day. Play board games and puzzles.
Of course, you can always still plan to do everything as planned and just get wet in the rain. As long as it’s not lightning, you can likely still take part in many of your planned activities.
Hiking, playing on the beach, exploring a new city, or even checking out an amusement park can all still be fun in the rain with the right attitude. Just make sure you’re prepared to get wet and bring protective gear, such as umbrellas and ponchos to help you stay as dry as possible.
Don’t Let the Weather Ruin Your Plans
The most important part of weather-proofing your vacation is planning as much as you can ahead of time. Even if you are relatively good at winging it and switching things up on the go, you’ll likely have a more enjoyable time if you plan for the unexpected before heading out. A little extra effort beforehand can pay off in the long wrong.
The second most important tip is to remember to have fun. Bad weather doesn’t have to ruin your entire trip. With a positive attitude and a little support for one another, you and your family can still have an enjoyable, memorable time. You might even end up having more fun than you initially expected if you keep an open mind.
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