What to do when bad weather ruins your road trip plansNothing beats a good road trip across the country. The buildup to departure day, the drive itself, and the final destination are all part of the road trip experience. But when the UK rain comes pouring down, your plans can suddenly be stalled, and the excitement leaves your body as fast as the rain is hitting the windscreen.
Don’t despair, though, as there are some ways you can salvage the trip and still have an incredibly fun time, even when the weather is trying to dampen your spirits (literally).
Make it about the drive
Road trips are about exactly that: the time spent on the road. Many drivers and passengers think the most exciting part of a road trip is the destination, but the time spent in the car (even when it rains) can be as fun, if not more.
You can play car bingo, sing along to karaoke songs, or play “I Spy” as you drive along. Make sure you pack enough snacks for the duration of the trip, throw in some cosy blankets for the passengers, and create a fun playlist of songs, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep yourself entertained for the hours on the road.
Find local indoor activities
When the rain gets so torrential that you feel a bit uncomfortable to remain driving, it may be time to plug an indoor activity into your GPS and head to a nearby attraction. Towns and cities across the UK have multiple indoor activities, like local museums, shopping centres, and art galleries.
If you’re into playing mobile games, then stopping at a coffee shop and taking out your phone or laptop is a fun way to wait out the storm, too. You can explore your options
for online casino platforms to try your luck at slots or table games or download new apps and games using the cafe’s public WiFi.
Stop in at a roadside pasty shop
No other food can quite give you that warm, cosy feeling like a freshly baked pasty. Cornish pasties are, of course, the way to go, but if you have dietary restrictions, then a veggie or gluten-free option can have the same effect.
There are many pasty shops dotted along the main roadways in the UK. You can also pick up a steaming pie at many farm shops or petrol stations on your drive. These flavourful, stuffed-with-deliciousness hot treats can transform any dreary road trip into a worthwhile drive.
Explore the local town
When the weather turns really foul, it might be best to call it a day and head to the nearest town, even if it wasn’t on your route or part of your road trip schedule. The UK countryside is dotted with quaint towns that are filled with hidden gems.
You can discover boutique clothing shops, local pubs and their patrons with stories to tell, and undiscovered restaurants that you would’ve simply driven past if the rain hadn’t forced you to stop.
Almost all of the smaller towns in the UK have a fascinating history that the residents are eager to share with visitors, so why not find a local coffee shop and start chatting with the locals?
Stay up to date on the weather forecast
Unexpected rain can quickly ruin a road trip, which is why it is important to stay on top of the weather forecast. Even if you get caught in a downpour, it’s never too late to check what the weather forecast is saying and change your plans accordingly. A short spell of rain can still be endured on the road, but if the weather is bad for several hours, then it may be time to reroute your trip and find a place to keep warm and dry until the storm passes.
Check the weather for the next few days as well (if you’re on a multi-day trip) so that you don’t get any nasty surprises when you have outdoor activities planned for your holiday.
Remain positive
Rainy road trips can be fun, but it all depends on your mindset and how you approach the situation. It is easy to feel despair when the rain comes down, as overcast days not only ruin the views but also any activities you may have planned along the route. But rain doesn’t have to completely unravel your plans; you can change your mindset and quickly adapt to ensure you still have a fun drive.
There is beauty to be found in grey skies, and the sun peeking out for the first time after the rain is also something to look forward to. If your car is cosy, the heater is on, and you’re in good company (either with friends, family, or a good song), then there’s no reason to feel glum.
Rainy road trips are almost unavoidable in the UK, as you will eventually find yourself holidaying during a wet spell, but who cares? You can still jump in the puddles, listen to the rain patter on the car’s roof, and make unforgettable memories.