Unless you spend most of your vacations on the beach in a place like San Diego where it is 75 and sunny the vast majority of the year, chances are you might encounter a bit of rain on your next vacation.
Now, while for some people a little rain is nothing to get in the way of having a good time, and will happily brave the elements, others are perhaps a bit more wary before heading outside.
The good news is in virtually any place you head out on your vacation, there are going to be a number of rainy day activities you can enjoy while waiting for the skies to clear. So, let’s look at a few ideas that will help you ensure the weather doesn’t rain on your parade.
Museums and Art Galleries
Throughout most of the United States you’d be hard pressed to get very far without running into a museum of some sort, from the world famous Smithsonian’s, to the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City, California or the Toy and Action Figure Museum in Paul’s Valley, Oklahoma.
These are prime spots to spend a few hours to escape the rain. Not only are you going to be able to learn a little something, but generally museums are some of the top tourist attractions in an area anyway.
Take a Class
Lots of cities and towns around the country have classes available for willing students to learn. These are the perfect activities to jump into on a rainy day while you’re on vacation. Plus, you certainly don’t need to be in an University town to partake.
Check out the local bars, shops, and even liquor stores, many of them have tasting classes. For a bit of mixing wine and painting, check out The Paint Bar in Boston. The famous Murray’s Cheese Shop in New York City offers classes on cheese making (and tasting) multiple times a week.
Pamper Yourself
When the rain is pouring down, why not treat yourself to a few hours at the spa? Many hotels, parks, and cruise ships will have onsite spas. If you’re feeling stressed that your vacation might be ruined by a stretch of bad weather, why not treat yourself to a bit of relaxation.
And, if you’re on a special trip with your partner or spouse, many spas offer couple’s massages and other treatments. Check out some of the top spas in the U.S. like Wisconsin’s Kohler Waters Spa, or the unique King Spa, Sauna, and Waterpark in Dallas.
Take in a Game
Bad weather is also a great time to enjoy a local sporting event. The great thing about local sports is you usually have a number of options available to you. If you’re in a big city, see if you can grab last minute tickets to the game.
if you’re in a smaller area or college town, you’d be surprised how many cool and interesting sporting events you can track down. Or, worst case scenario, head to the local sports bar and catch the game at spots like Nick’s English Hut in Bloomington, or Society Sports in Denver.
What are some of your favorite rainy day travel ideas? Let us know in the comments!
