Wow, Weather: Replanning Tips

Let's talk about the weather ... but this ain't no small talk! Weather is one of the unpredictable legs of a trip, and according to weather.com, the globe has been experiencing five weather events atypical for this time of year. From Mississippi Valley flooding to record-low snowfall and low-pressure centers off the southeast U.S. coast, the normally unpredictable weather has also been uncharacteristic.

 So, what happens when you're mid-trip and the conditions aren't ripe to meet expectations?

Sometimes, when you can't change circumstances, you just have to make the most of them. When Mother Nature gives you snow, make snow cones. Here are some tips to make the most of any trip, no matter the weather.

Take advantage of your hotel amenities.

Your flight is canceled, it's unsafe to drive, and now you need to spend an unplanned night in the hotel. If you're staying a full-service resort, make the most of the facilities. Indulge in a spa treatment or make reservations for a leisurely, multicourse dinner. Even if your hotel isn't of resort status, many hotels have indoor pools and hot tubs.

Bring some of your own entertainment.

OK. Maybe you're crashing at a run-of-the-mill hotel. Take advantage of the room's TV, and bring along a few movies (or access to Netflix) for a double feature. Pack a few deck of cards, or—if you have the space, a few board games—for a game night. Games are a great way to pass the time, no matter where you're stuck.

Take it indoors.

Maybe you planned for a day skiing some slopes, and there's just not enough snow. Or an icy, blustery wintry mix is about to plague your group with frostbite. Consider indoor entertainment options: museums, shopping, movie theaters, indoor skating rinks, popular restaurants ... The opportunities are, if not technically endless, pretty dang close.

Chase the sun.

Well, it's official: The destination is official a weather disaster-ation. Pull out that handy little smartphone of yours and locate a nearby location where the sun is poking through those clouds. You may not be able to do all the things you set out to do on your trip, but try to take advantage of what we might deem life's simple pleasures. Is there a beach nearby? A park to explore? You could even pick up food from a restaurant (or fixin's from a grocery store) and feast at a picnic area.

Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.