Did you know that more than half of people check the weather more frequently while traveling?* That’s because weather influences what we pack, what we wear, how we get around, and what we can do at our destination—not to mention, where and when we travel. We check the weather forecast to know if we’ll need rain boots and an umbrella, warmer layers, an extra tube of sunscreen, or an N95 mask.
In some cases, acute or extreme weather events dictate if our plans run smoothly. Just recently, cities along the East Coast of the U.S. were inundated with wildfire smoke from fires raging in Canada. Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled as the haze lingered over the Northeast.
While sometimes seasonal (and thus, predictable), extreme weather events—such as wildfires, severe heat waves, hurricanes, and floods—are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more unprecedented.
“Unpredictable weather could mean trouble for travelers this year,” said Jen Moyse, Vice President of Product for TripIt. “Before booking a trip, make sure you understand the seasonal weather patterns for the region you’re visiting. For example, scientists predict that an El Niño—a recurring period of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean—may worsen seasonal weather patterns like the 2023 hurricane season.”
TripIt’s survey data reflects this growing trend. In a September 2022 survey, 12% of respondents reported that they’d had a trip impacted by extreme weather events. This past March, that number jumped to 18%—a 50% increase in just six months.
According to The Weather Company Travel 2022 Behavior Survey*, nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents said weather conditions during their vacation impacted how much they enjoyed their trip. And almost all (87%) said weather conditions influenced them to change their travel plans.
Being informed about—and prepared for—weather conditions and possible weather events can help you navigate and mitigate the myriad of related risks. Below is a list of curated tips and resources to help you stay tuned into the weather before and during your trip, so that you stay safe and enjoy your trip as you intended.
1. Monitor the weather forecast
Wish you could map the weather forecast to your travel plans all in one place? Now you can, with weather forecasts in TripIt.
Weather forecasts are now displayed for travel plans in the TripIt app through the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite, which includes weather data APIs from The Weather Company (an IBM Business), the world’s most accurate** weather forecaster. The app provides AI-derived insights to help travelers make more informed weather-related decisions before and during their trips.
With this new enhancement to the TripIt app, you can find weather forecasts on the plan details screen for plans with a single address/location. This includes lodging, restaurants, car rentals, and activities, such as concerts, meetings, theaters, tours, and more.
Historical weather data will be shown for your destination 10+ days out; the daily forecast will be shown within 10 days of plans along your itinerary.
“No matter the time of year, travelers should be aware of the weather-related risks for their destinations,” said Jen. “TripIt now provides the weather forecast based on your trip itinerary. As your trip approaches, monitor the forecast to pack—and plan ahead—accordingly.”
“TripIt now provides the weather forecast based on your trip itinerary. As your trip approaches, monitor the forecast to pack—and plan ahead—accordingly.”
2. Check your destination’s air quality
You might be heading to a destination prone to air pollution, or one that’s currently at risk for poor air quality due to environmental factors. Either way, checking your destination’s air quality level and heeding any related guidance can help you plan ahead and make informed decisions while you’re there.
In particular, people who are sensitive to air quality issues, especially those who have asthma, heart disease, or COPD, are typically urged to be vigilant about air quality when traveling to new destinations.
Consult an authorized air quality index aggregator for your destination, such as Air Quality Index or IQAir, to understand the predicted level of air quality for the day. Keep in mind that air quality index scales can vary by country based on their own standards; health advisories will reflect their respective scales.
3. Consider alternatives, when necessary
For nearly nine in 10 people, weather conditions have caused them to change their travel plans. And whether your plans are changed for you, or you make the intentional choice to change your plans (based on weather conditions, air quality, or something else), having access to the right resources can help get your trip back on track.
“TripIt Pro sends real-time alerts about flight and gate changes, as well as alternative flight options should you experience disruptions,” said Jen. “Even in clear weather conditions, airlines can still face delays and cancellations as a result of disruptions to incoming flights, staffing issues, technical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances, so don’t let clear skies stop you from being vigilant.”
With TripIt Pro’s Alternate Flights feature, you can figure out what your options are for getting on a different flight if yours is delayed or canceled.
Be sure to consider how disruptions impact your other travel plans, too. If your flight’s been canceled or delayed, be sure to notify your tour company, adjust your hotel or vacation rental reservations, and any other bookings.
Tip: Forward your travel plans to TripIt, so should the unexpected happen, you have all of your reservations details, including contact information, in one place.
“And if you’re traveling internationally, TripIt Pro’s partnership with AirHelp can assist in claiming compensation for lengthy delays or cancellations that happen on eligible flights to/from/within the EU and Brazil,” added Jen.
4. Sign up for local alerts
If you’re traveling to a destination that offers hyperlocal alerts, download their respective app or follow their social media feed for real-time updates on weather events, safety advisories, and more.
For example, if you’re visiting New York City, you can download the Notify NYC app or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter ahead of your trip to receive health- and safety-related alerts, as well as other city-wide advisories. Or if you’re visiting the UK, you can download the British Red Cross Emergency app to receive alerts for severe weather warnings and other UK emergencies.
And while you don’t have to sign up to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts from authorized government authorities such as the National Weather Service, your phone must be enabled (in your settings) to receive them.
5. Limit your impact on the environment
Finally, be mindful of your impact on the environment when you travel. Make conscious choices that benefit the environment, such as walking and taking public transit to reduce your carbon footprint.
TripIt can help: use the Navigator feature to check out the public transportation options available at your destination. Or, consult Nearby Places to discover what’s within walking distance from a location within your TripIt itinerary. The feature allows you to easily find places to eat, drink, pick up supplies, or even seek medical care close to where you’re staying.
Just be sure to consult the weather forecast before you head out, and bring along any weather-related items you might need while you’re exploring.
* Source: The Weather Company Travel 2022 Behavior Survey
** Source: ForecastWatch, Global and Regional Weather Forecast Accuracy Overview, 2017-2022, commissioned by IBM. https://forecastwatch.com/AccuracyOverview2017-2022
