SS: First World Problem - WWYD?

AandJ28 · March 2014

H and I planned a trip to Clearwater, Florida (leaving this Sunday, returning on Friday). We chose this location because flights were relatively cheap and we have a free place to stay. (it's a small house with no tv, no internet... but we didn't care because we weren't there for those things.) We looked this morning at the extended weather forecast and it looks like there will be rain every day. The air tickets are 100% refundable so we are considering canceling the trip. While we know the weather can change, and it could potentially only rain for a couple of hours, we are reluctant to travel and risk having to spend our vacation indoors.

So WWYD? Would you cancel the trip and say "oh well", still go and pray for nice weather, or exchange your tickets and splurge on a hotel somewhere with guaranteed warm, sunny weather?

I know, first world problems right here, but we're both completely unsure what to do.

wtfisup · March 2014

Right now? I'd go anywhere. That "safe to travel" window is closing soon and we'll be going on local lockdown.

MSUMands · March 2014

I'd probably still go. Florida rain seems to come and go sporadically. Maybe some of our Floridians can chime in with their thoughts?

AandJ28 · March 2014

@lalala8 - We are considering going to Scottsdale, AZ. We've heard great things about it and are just looking for somewhere relaxing. Our refund from the flights would cover the new flights so we'd be paying for the hotel. It will cost more than going to FL but looking at their forecast, it's looking to be sunny and mid-high 80's all next week.

JNerd · March 2014

Rain doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. It means pack a jacket and an umbrella and continue on with your plans. Most places understand that rain is a pretty normal thing, and unless the rain is supposed to turn into a hurricane, they will likely still be open.
Granted, it may not be beach weather, but that doesn't mean you will be restricted to the house.

Pepper6 · March 2014

AandJ28 said:

@lalala8 - We are considering going to Scottsdale, AZ. We've heard great things about it and are just looking for somewhere relaxing. Our refund from the flights would cover the new flights so we'd be paying for the hotel. It will cost more than going to FL but looking at their forecast, it's looking to be sunny and mid-high 80's all next week.

I'm in Scottsdale...it is definitely gorgeous weather right now. Plus if you are into baseball you can take in a spring training game.

AandJ28 · March 2014

Thanks for the input... I know that rain doesn't mean we'll be confined to the house and that it could rain for 45 minutes and then be nice. In hindsight, I think that we should have thought this through a little more before booking since we were banking on a beach vacation. But like many have said, getting away anywhere would be nice right about now.

AandJ28 · March 2014

@pepper6 - that's what we were thinking. We could walk Old Town and go to a game while we were there. Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Pepper6 · March 2014

@AandJ28: I'm not sure on hotels, since I've never stayed in any here, but like with anywhere else, it depends on your budget and what you are looking for. Location wise, anywhere near Old Town, or farther up north near Kierland Commons is nice with lots of stuff to do. You didn't mention it, but a rental car is a must.

wtfisup · March 2014

Also: vacation sex. Worth it.

nunzchucks · March 2014

I'd still go to FL. It rained everyday I was there, but only for a short time. Rainstorms also churn up the water which means more cool shells on the beach!

chickpea912 · March 2014

I just did a quick search on weather.com - I'm definitely not seeing rain every day, the percentage chances of it raining are decently low. If you want to cancel your trip, cancel your trip, but based on this, I wouldn't be worried about rain. I'd be worried about a lack of sun, if that's what you're looking for, but depending upon a number of factors (timing, the window of safe travel closing), I don't know what I'd do. With my first pregnancy, we were supposed to go to San Diego in June, and I literally was grounded from travel two hours before I was supposed to leave for the airport. So I'd take ANY destination right now. But that's me.

Pepper6 · March 2014

And also, it rained every day on one of our trips to Hawaii, and we still had a blast. I guess because I live in AZ, I'd rather risk a little rain and get some beach time, but at least you have options with refundable airfare.

steprozz · March 2014

I would definitely still go! rain in FL is so unpredictable I wouldn't go through the hassle of changing plans and spending more money based on that. there's still lots of fun things to do

elsa1688 · March 2014

I'd pay for guaranteed sunshine

Mia081081 · March 2014

Floridian here. Just checked the weather and it looks like typical Florida. It might rain for an hour or two, but I think it will mostly be sunny this time of year. The weather here was supposed to be "severe" yesterday and it just poured from 8:30 - 9:30am (conveniently the times I had to walk DD in to preschool and me into work!). The rest of the day was sunny. This is very typical. I would definitely go!

If it does rain in the afternoon, look up restaurants, shops and movie theaters nearby. Or nap! The one thing I really miss from before DD came along was going to the movies. We used to go at least twice a month, but it's not somewhere you can take a baby. So, I would savor that while you can

TheMrs820 · March 2014

lalala8 said:

AandJ28 said:

@lalala8 - We are considering going to Scottsdale, AZ. We've heard great things about it and are just looking for somewhere relaxing. Our refund from the flights would cover the new flights so we'd be paying for the hotel. It will cost more than going to FL but looking at their forecast, it's looking to be sunny and mid-high 80's all next week.

@aandj28 I think I'd pay a little more for beautiful weather on vacation.

If it's in the budget to spend a little extra, I think I'd do it.

This.

shellbell813 · March 2014

Typical southern beach weather usually includes a few showers and storms but they are short lived. I would think it would be fine to go. It's very unlikely to see a day that wouldn't have a possible forecast of rain but it's not hurricane season so the rain shouldn't be too terrible. Definitely go beach it up!

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

I'd still go. FL forecasts always call for rain everyday, it's usually a random shower for 10 minutes then sunny the rest of the day. My parents have a house there and that's typical.

AandJ28 · March 2014

I guess I'm just torn because while the percentages for rain are low, the temps shown aren't necessarily beach temps. Yes it's warmer than the 30 degrees it's been here but is 69 warm enough to sit at the beach?

@Mia081081‌ - the thing is that we're not movie people. We've been together for almost 6 years and have not gone to a movie ever. I'm just worried that it'll rain and we'll be bored.

crhein26 · March 2014

AandJ28 said:

I guess I'm just torn because while the percentages for rain are low, the temps shown aren't necessarily beach temps. Yes it's warmer than the 30 degrees it's been here but is 69 warm enough to sit at the beach? @Mia081081‌ - the thing is that we're not movie people. We've been together for almost 6 years and have not gone to a movie ever. I'm just worried that it'll rain and we'll be bored.

@AandJ28 - I've been to both places and I would choose AZ anytime. Scottsdale has amazing restaurants and the mountains are beautiful. There is great hiking, which I'm sure you want to do near the end of your second trimester.

I will tell you that because this is high tourist time, you are going to pay out the a$$ for any hotel you choose to stay at. You are also going to pay a premium on your rental car right now. Before you decide to switch those flights, do some research. There are a ton of super nice resorts around Scottsdale. I stayed at the Marriott Airport location which is actually just south of Scottsdale and paid $289/night during the week and that hotel is less than to be desired. Actually I just checked my company travel planner and for Sunday through Friday the hotels range from $143-$777/night.

jshrop · March 2014

I saw the same forecast as chickpea. Looks like possible rain on Monday and Tuesday but overcast most of the week. Good luck!

AandJ28 · March 2014

@crhein26‌ and @Pepper6‌ - thanks for the info. We didn't realize that a rental car would be necessary so that's another thing to think about. Hmm... Definitely need to research tonight before making a final decision.

Pepper6 · March 2014

@AandJ28 Yeah, unfortunately our public transportation sucks ass, there's absolutely no way I'd recommend not having a car. The only plus to that is that because we are a very car-oriented city, there's always lots of free parking, so that's never a concern when going anywhere, and it's very easy to navigate here since the whole valley is mostly laid out on a 1 mile square grid.

The other thing to consider, though it wouldn't save any money, but you'd get to see a little more, is to maybe stay a night or two up in Sedona. It's only about a 1.5 hour drive and it's gorgeous.

crhein26 · March 2014

I would tend to agree with @CDK211, it's always supposed to rain in FL. Even with a 40% chance it hardly rains. Sprinkles and then it's over. Based on the pain to change the flight, the cost of hotels in AZ, rental car, etc. I would take my chances in FL for this trip. But definitely check AZ out in the future. It's so beautiful there.

Editing: Because I previously told you to choose AZ but after reconsideration, I'm changing my mind. Either way, it's a vacation. Place away from home where you can get away from reality for a little while. Enjoy it.....and TAKE. ME. WITH. YOU.

Mommy2Elijah · March 2014

I have lived in FL and with my experience the forecast calls for rain everyday because of humidity. It is rare when there isn't a quick afternoon rain. I would say go and enjoy the weather!

Ashes92813 · March 2014

@AandJ28, I'm currently in the Florida keys and it only rained one days here the past week and the weather channel had predicted more rain. Down here the rain passes quicker, however, didn't seem to ruin our time!

lest12 · March 2014

I'd probably stick with Florida at this point, but that's just me. I feel like Florida rain does pass quickly and I'd stress myself out too much changing the plans around. Either way, though, have a great time!

AandJ28 · March 2014

Thanks everyone for the feedback. We have decided to keep our plans and head to Florida.

BrunoBabies · March 2014

I live 45 mins from there, Friday we had 70% chance of rain and it didn't rain until the middle of the night. It's hot and beautiful right now, and chances are if you have an hour of rain the rest of your trip would probably be fine.

CherSomething · March 2014

Well I think you should go there in July, like me.

It's always raining in Florida!

MrsCase1 · March 2014

Eh, the worst day of vacation is better than the best day at work, ya know? even if you were indoors it is still a nice opportunity to rest and relax.

momof5sept18 · March 2014

@AandJ28 I live in Florida, and we dont have much rain this weekend or into next week really. I'm about an hour-ish from Clearwater. Its beautiful. You'll love it! Also, Florida's motto is "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes it'll change." And sadly, it's true. It said 90% chance of rain two days ago, it barely drizzled, it didn't actually storm until aftet midnight. So Florida weather forecasts are iffy because the weather is constantly changing. If you decide to go, ENJOY! If not, I hope you find something just as relaxing and fun to enjoy your week!

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