Embracing the rain: don’t let gloomy weather spoil your getaway

What remains when you strip the sun and warmth from a tropical paradise? Chris Dong from Dinogo Planet investigates how to navigate travel when the forecast isn’t as bright as you hoped.

While most land animals find refuge from rain in trees, logs, or under leaves, humans have created clever inventions to stay dry. Umbrellas and ponchos can help minimize contact with the wetness, but they don’t fully shield us from the elements.

Children might be encouraged to play in the rain, but adults risk being judged or at least receiving some strange looks. Culturally, we tend to view rain with disdain.

Expecting perfect weather?

Sensible Weather, a company specializing in climate risk technology, boldly promises fair weather during your travels. This spring, they launched partnerships with hotels like the Renwick in NYC and Le Parc on Melrose in LA. Think of it as insurance against 'bad' weather: if conditions shift (and you opted for coverage when booking), Sensible will refund your hotel costs.

Until such services become commonplace, a refund for an unexpected downpour remains unlikely. Perhaps we should shift our perspective: the problem may not be the rain (or heat, or cold), but our belief that it shouldn’t occur. Weather is simply weather, and we’re all part of the experience.

During many of my travels—whether it was trekking Bali’s Mt. Batur in heavy rain or enduring the intense heat and humidity in Delhi—I often found the conditions far from perfect. It’s easy to blame the weather (believe me, I have). But eventually, I started to change my mindset. While it’s natural to feel let down by the weather, can we find ways to embrace whatever climate challenges come our way? With our planet’s climate rapidly changing, this may be the only viable path forward.

Seeking shelter from the storm

“This isn’t what I signed up for,” I quietly grumbled while gazing out at the courtyard of my Southern California apartment complex, complete with carports. It was raining. Again. Nine months prior, I had moved here partly for the promise of endless sunshine (Los Angeles boasts an average of 284 sunny days each year). Yet here I was, facing yet another gloomy, rainy day in a place known for its blue skies. Then it hit me: I had always wanted to check out Bergamot Station Arts Center, an indoor collection of art galleries—my afternoon was saved after all.

On your next cloudy or rainy day, focus on what you can enjoy. Savor the local dishes. Relish a leisurely morning. Don a poncho and be the sole adventurer at the attractions. Reflect and jot down your thoughts in a journal. Or go ahead and be that person dancing in the rain.

Whatever your choice, it’s time to embrace what Mother Nature brings our way.