Bad Weather - How do you handle?

Like everything else. You anticipate and prepare for it. The shoes (ECCO) that we wear are water proof. Umbrella and a rain jacket is our first line of defense. Each carries one of the smaller, folding type. Our normal travel pant is a synthetic blend that dries quickly if wet. Showers every day generally means showers from time to time and not continuous. If it is a down pour then we look for ice cream or coffee.

Ponchos! Much easier than umbrellas. Carrying an umbrella you miss lots of sightseeing. Don't stress about the rain. Pack some cheapo ponchos.

"There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothing for the weather." I have never understood the poncho idea. They are ugly, blow around in the wind, and are generally impractical. We have nice rain jackets that are completely waterproof but also breathable. You can find similar ones at a discount at place like REIOutlet and SierraTradingPost.com. For umbrellas, we wait for the umbrella sellers to pop out, as they will when it rains in Italy, and buy one for 5 euros (you may have to bargain). They may may not last the trip, but if they do, they make great souvenirs. If it is seriously raining (as in a dounpour, which usually doesn't last long) and you don't seek shelter, your shoes and pants will get wet, but good travel pants, as well as socks, should dry quickly. One of our favorite photos from our last trip to Italy is our two daughters in Verona, walking down Via Mazzini in the rain with their umbrellas. The colors and the light are perfect.

Handle it the same as I do in the States. Raincoat, umbrella (I pack a small folding one with me that is really sturdy in high winds because the vendors that crop up to sell them to tourists generally sell poorly made junk that blows inside out the first gust that comes along). I try to plan lots of museums or churches for rainy days that are close to each other to limit walking all over town.

We travel very lightly - the good thing about ponchos is that we don't know when a shower will pop up so having a few disposable ponchos packed up in the bottom of my bag comes in handy. But, I agree, fashionable they are not!

I made a happy discovery last Sept-Oct in Italy, when the weather ranged from the high-80s to cold, wet, and windy. I had a summery-pattern foldable umbrella, and it was as useful for sun protection on the hot days (eg, waiting at bus stops) as it was on the stormy days. I found a disposable poncho handy on the stormy days, since I didn't want to carry a rain jacket or heavier poncho. And a large trash bag takes no space and is a good luggage cover should you get caught in the rain. Finally, one time I lost my umbrella in the winter in Rome and went through a few of the 5 E street umbrellas--the ones I got were awful (really sharp metal edges, kept collapsing, etc).

Just returned from 17 day trip - also forecasted rain daily but we only hit 2 actual downpours - just a few hours in duration. Most days a little drizzle and overcast but the sun did come out from time to time. Keep plans flexible - walk around and sightsee when the weather breaks and plan on museums during rainy patterns. Raincoat with hood & umbrella. Bring layers as well.

We spray all outer garments and bags with waterproof spray: shoes, jackets, umbrellas, backpack bags, fanny packs, day packs. On a month-long trip one year there was so much rain and we had waded through so many puddles that we needed to re-spray and had to go searching for such a product in Italian! (We found it.)

My favorite thing to do when it rains, is to dip inside a cafe and drink some wine (or beer if I am in beer country)

Hooded poncho a must. Unfort. weather may dictate more museum and church visits.

Just relish in the fact that it's Italian rain and all your friends are home. There will be a time when you will long for that rainy day in Italy. Makes for some really interesting lighting, so most definitely put a plastic bag over your camera and go out and do some photographs.

I use rain storms as the perfect opportunity to go in museums, where it doesn't matter that it's raining.

I am also a great lover of ponchos. I buy durable ones after having a couple of cheapos fall apart at undesirable times. Easy to fold up and pop into a plastic bag when the rain stops. My problem with jackets is that they are either too short and half of you gets soaked or you can't get into your pants pocket where your money is. The poncho also covers your backpack or shoulder bag and and camera, keeps them dry, and you can easily access them under the poncho. Remember, both hands are free 'cause you aren't holding that umbrella. I can usually even take good photos if it isn't pouring rain. And grab a shower cap from the hotel to protect your camera from the rain.

Great advice from Chani. Everything you need can go under the poncho and you can still access it. I didn't think of the hotel shower cap for the camera, great idea.