It’s no doubt that rain can simply ruin the whole travel experience, especially when you’re vacationing in island destinations like Bali or Phuket. Imagine to have planned a day out hiking or simply just hanging at the beach- and your plans get canceled due to a downpour or even a drizzle.

“Cloudy skies… Looks like I won’t be surfing today”

Well, don’t despair! Here are some Koolred ideas on how you can spend your rainy vacation days and keep yourself preoccupied. You’re on holiday after all, so the important thing is that you have fun and enjoy yourself anyway.

1. Museums
When rain starts pouring down, it means you gotta stay indoors. So you should have a backup plan for some indoor activities- visiting museums are a great way to past the time. If you’re ready to brush up on some cultural studies, why not visit a historical museum like the Emperor Qin's Terra-cotta Museum in China? This museum promises archaeological wonders, and you can learn a thing or two about the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Not much of a history fan? Try the infamous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum that has branched out from London to Hong Kong, Berlin, New York and even Bangkok! These wax attractions would help you forget about the rain as you take guesses on the celebrity wax figures and meet your favourite idols in “person”.

Is this the real Jay Chou?

2. Rejuvenate yourself!
Treat yourself to a good foot massage, and if you’re up for it- a spa treatment. Other than having a good excuse to pamper yourself, it’s a great and refreshing way to keep your mind of the rain. If your hotel provides exercise facilities, then hit the gym! The good workout will make you feel not too guilty indulging in that rich chocolate cake for dessert after dinner!

3. Shop Till You Drop
Oh yes, it is probably the easiest way to keep your mind off the rain and the fastest way to past the time. Shopping malls are great as they cater for the entire family- what with a cinema, wide range of restaurants, plenty of shops and departmental stores- it’s easy to spend several hours in a mall which gives just enough time for the rain to pass. In Bangkok, the famous Platinum Mall will keep you shopping for hours! On top of that, they have plenty of options for food- the Platinum Food Court holds over 20 stalls that sell yummy yet affordable food cuisines. Another shopaholics’ haunt would be the Daiso stores which is the largest franchise of 100-yen shops from Japan. These stores are quickly making their way into major shopping malls in Malaysia where you’ll surely be hooked once you walk in!

Photo Credit to Redster Mimi

4. Coffee and Cosy Cafés
When the sky is gloomy and it’s cold, find a window seat in a cosy café and warm yourself up with a hot cup of coffee and some good bakes. You can spend the hours writing postcards or immersing yourself in a good read while having a warm cuppa. There are loads of cafés that are derived from famous series such as the Coffee Prince Café (for those who enjoy the Korean drama) where you not only get to dine in but you are treated to the soothing playlist of the series’ soundtracks. Fans can also grab photos of the drama’s memorabilia that are displayed around the café. The much-loved Charlie Brown character from the Peanuts comic is also transformed into a café where a Charlie Brown Café has also adopted the same concept where the interior and exterior of the café’s design reflects the American comic strip. Fans and diners can spend hours just admiring the authentic collectables and souvenirs in the café… and before you know it, the rain would’ve been gone by then.

Photo Credit to Redster Dinastik

5. Update your Koolred profile
Why not? As you’re on holiday and while the memories are still fresh, you can post a blog about your journey so far. As many of us tend to travel with our laptop and a camera, get yourself online and unleash the travel bug inside you! Load up those amazing travel photos and share them on the site with fellow travelers. If you’re not up for a long post, post a travel review instead. As we've had many success stories on Redsters meeting up via Koolred, you might be lucky and find a Koolred Travel Host from the area you’re in who might be able to take you out for some drinks during your stay there.    

Grab coffee with a Travel Host if you’re lucky

No one can predict the weather when traveling, but there are plenty of ways to not let the rain interfere with your vacation plans.

So tell us: What are your backup plans when it starts raining during your travels?