Travel expert Bryson Robert, who has guided tourists through some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, warns holiday-makers are frequently forgetting this one important thing
If you’ve found ideal flight deal to the Greek island you’ve been daydreaming about, with a hotel boasts five-star reviews, you may be overlooking one crucial factor that could “ruin” your summer holiday. Increasingly, Brits are finding themselves cooped up in their hotel rooms while 40mph winds lash the coastline outside.
This situation unfolds thousands of times each summer, according to travel expert Bryson Robert from Safari Soles Tours. While most holidaymakers spend hours comparing flight prices and scrutinising hotel reviews, they completely disregard one simple yet crucial factor that could determine whether their holiday is a failure or success.
“I’ve seen it happen countless times,” Robert remarks. “People get swept up in the thrill of booking a trip, but they neglect to check the most basic thing that will impact every single day of their holiday.”
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So what is this neglected element that travel experts claim is more important than securing a cheap flight or discovering a luxury resort? The answer might astonish you – it’s the weather. Robert expands on why it’s so vital to consider the weather when booking your holiday.
While bargain seekers fixate on saving a few quid on airfare, they’re missing the bigger picture. A cheap flight to a destination enduring its worst weather in decades isn’t.
It’s not much of a fuss when you’re cooped up indoors for a week. “I’ve led travellers through some of the most stunning spots on the globe, and I can vouch that weather can make or break a holiday more than any other single factor,” Robert points out. “You might have the poshest hotel and the most well-thought-out itinerary, but if Mother Nature isn’t playing ball, all of that counts for naught.”
Consider the Greek islands, for instance. August seems like the ideal time to go – this is not correct. This is when the Meltemi winds can transform paradise into a nightmare, with gusts hitting 40-50mph that render beach days a no-go and ferry services unpredictable.
“I had clients who arranged what they believed was the perfect Mykonos escape in late August,” Robert remembers. “They ended up whiling away most of their holiday watching the waves batter from their hotel balcony because the winds were too fierce for any water-based activities.”
The Caribbean poses another typical pitfall. Hurricane season spans from June through November, yet many holidaymakers book trips during these months simply because the rates are cheaper.
What they fail to grasp is that even without a direct hit, the heightened humidity, regular storms, and choppy seas can seriously disrupt outdoor pursuits.
Robert revealed his tried-and-tested tactics for scrutinising weather trends before booking any holiday: “Look beyond the forecasts. Most people check the 10-day forecast and think they’re prepared, but that’s not nearly enough but that’s far from sufficient,” says Robert.
“You need to comprehend the historical weather patterns for your specific travel dates. Websites like Weather Underground and TimeandDate.com can show you what the weather was like on those exact dates over the past few years.
Investigate Seasonal Weather Phenomena Every destination has its peculiarities. The Meltemi winds in Greece, monsoon seasons in Southeast Asia, or the harmattan winds in West Africa can all affect your trip in ways you never anticipated.
Consult Multiple Reliable Sources Don’t depend on just one weather website. Cross-check information from local meteorological services, travel forums, and destination-specific resources. “Local weather services often provide the most accurate long-range forecasts because they understand the unique climate patterns of their region,” Robert points out.