Rainy days suck. Â They just do.
They’re infinitely worse when you’re traveling. Â Especially when you’re making a run for your rental car, across an open parking lot, as the sky opens above you.
This has never happened to me. Â Not. Â It happened last May when I traveled to Iowa City for work. Â By the time I reached my hotel, my look was more “drowned rat” than “pharmaceutical executive.”
While I forget the most obvious tip – pack a damn umbrella – I have added two must-pack items to my arsenal of must-pack items, and made some smarter decisions with my luggage choices.
My poor leather duffel will never look the same after that deluge Iowa trip – but my current luggage will never follow the same fate.
Let’s talk gear. Â This anorak, besides being an all-around excellent rain coat, also folds up into a small bag that doubles as a comfortable travel pillow. Â I wore this baby to run errands earlier this week. Â Not only did it keep me dry, the orange color cheered up my mood on the dreary day. Â If orange isn’t your jam, a black version is also available. Â Already own an anorak? Â Fold and roll it, and pack it inside a Baggu zippered pouch. Â DIY travel pillow FTW.
I wish I was the person to invent these packable goloshes.  Not only do they pack up easily and fit in my shoe bag (AFTER all my shoes are packed), they can be slipped on all those “damn I shouldn’t have worn these” shoes.  Velvet smoking slippers?  No problem.  Satin heels?  Done and done.
It’s always a good call to pack a Baggu tote, whether it’s to protect your purse or to toss your wet anorak or boots in.  I have one of these totes  in nearly all my bags.  Note – they also make for the perfect packing accessory for crazy long flights.
Just in case, I recommend packing one pair of shoes that are relatively weather-proof. Â I recommend these sparkly Supergas.
With regards to your luggage (your suitcase/duffel and your personal item), make sure all your items are lined with water-resistant fabric. Â Hard-case suitcases also hold up better against the elements than their soft-sided companions. Â All the bags by Lo & Sons, Dagne Dover, and Everlane boast durable, weatherproof lining.
Also, pre-pack an umbrella. Â And check the weather of your destination before you pack.
What do you pack for rainy trips? Â Any preparation tips that you follow? Â COMMENT below and let me know!
The fine print – Go Go Golosh gifted me a pair of their goloshes, but all opinions are my own. Â I only recommend items I truly love and use, and these are outstanding.
