Travelling in the rainy season

CEBU, Philippines - Many people like to travel during the sunny days. The warm temperatures prompt them to get out of the house and go somewhere breezier or cooler. And then when the days begin to turn cloudy, they decide to stay put.

But the truth is – rain or shine the itch to travel is there. While some people like to travel during the dry time, others prefer to go under the showers. The rainy days, they say, seem to make the world a little bit grounded and so they’re not likely to do crazy things in some place where nobody knows them.

And, hey, the environment also becomes more dramatic in the rain – more romantic, if it’s a couple traveling.  The rainy season also has its appeal to travelers.  Okay, they would need to take extra care as the rains can bring landslides and floods to some places, but even the nice and sunny summers have their downsides too.

The rainy season need not get in the way of those seeking a change in their environment. The rains also have its share of the fun to offer. Yet if one has to travel at this time of the year, there are rainy-day considerations to keep in mind.

The following rainy-season travel tips from the website www.traveling-up.com will help travelers in the Philippines to make the most of their time:

Choose weather-appropriate destinations and outdoor activities. Visiting beaches and waterfalls are generally good in light to moderate rains. The mountains, forests and the rice terraces in the Cordillera region are more lush in the rainy season, while waterfalls – like those in Lake Sebu and Iligan – become more abundant and look more majestic. Spelunking in caves with subterranean pools like those in Samar, Sagada or Quirino are activities that don’t have to be affected by the weather outside.

The rapids are also a lot stronger during the rainy season, making activities like whitewater rafting in Kalinga or Cagayan, kayaking and river tubing in Saranggani and Real, Quezon more fun. Other water-based activities like surfing, kite-surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, cable wakeboarding, snorkeling or diving can be more exciting even if the weather is gloomy. Rainy days are also a good time to visit water parks or relax in hot springs, rivers, heated pools or go to a spa.

Likewise, mountain biking is another activity to do during the rainy season, as trails like those in Timberland or La Mesa Eco Park become more challenging with mud and puddles that will really put one’s biking skills to the test.

Enjoy the great indoors. Those that don’t like to get wet and muddy during their adventures may still find lots of fun stuff to do in indoor destinations. A visit to art or science museums, historic sites, ancestral houses, churches and temples can be just as much fun.

Those with kids can visit kid-friendly indoor theme parks or waterparks. Or they may try a new sport or exercise, like indoor wall-climbing, archery, yoga or lazer tag. Or they may take culinary lessons or an art class. They may also try escape-room games like Breakout, Mystery Manila and Escape Hunt.

Take a staycation. The rainy season is the best time to relax indoors and enjoy a staycation in a nearby hotel or resort. Some resorts have indoor swimming pools, spas, gyms or gaming rooms for guests to use. Guests may order room service and catch up on the latest movies or TV series, get a massage, or make use of the sauna or jacuzzi. There’s no shame in staying in especially if it rains. If traveling in a group, travelers shall make sure to bring board games or card games and some beer and chips from a convenience store along the way.

Go on a food trip. If traveling to another province, one may hunt down the best comfort food for rainy days, delicacies like a popular local dish or “kakanin.” One may ask around for local favorites and have a taste of these. If it’s a quick weekend trip in Cebu, Liloan in the provincial north and Argao in the south would be good destinations.

If the destination is Manila, one must visit Maginhawa, Binondo, Marikina, Kapitolyo, Antipolo, Mandaluyong, or BF Homes for some delectable finds. The area has themed cafes, like cat cafes and board-game cafes, which are good places to hang out with friends on rainy days.

Be prepared before heading out. It is advisable for rainy-day travelers to be weather-smart and always check the weather before heading out. It may be good to download a reliable and localized weather app on their smartphones. The app Weather Philippines is a handy help in monitoring the weather and so one can adjust travel plans accordingly.

The traveler’s gear should be appropriate either for getting wet or for keeping dry, according to plans. For urban explorations, a folding umbrella, weather-resistant jacket and appropriate footwear come handy. For weekend hikes and outdoor activities, there shall be a water-resistant dry bag to protect one’s valuables, and swimwear and rashguards or dri-fit clothes, which dry more easily. Outdoor sandals or quick-dry shoes with good traction are essentials too.

Keep a sunny mindset despite the gloomy weather. The rainy weather has its own benefits. Travelers often enjoy off-peak rates; hotels and flights are generally cheaper during the rainy season. There’s less crowds too, as people normally want to stay put during the rainy days.

Travel photography may be a challenge on gloomy days, but there is a bright side to it as well. Sunsets are usually spectacular after an afternoon rainshower, and there’s always the chance of catching a nice rainbow after the rain!

Prioritize safety. When traveling, safety should be top priority. One should not force it if there’s a typhoon. If the trip is mainly for sightseeing, there may not be much to see in bad weather anyway.  Postponing the trip can even allow more time for planning it.

If already in the destination, travelers must be careful about local food and in giving personal information to strangers.

There’s a saying: “Proper planning can solve problems before they start.” Travelers better take heed.