When you go abroad to a foreign climate, it can sometimes be easy to mistake the weather. A fine example of this in Europe are the Brits that wonder around Spain in March, scantily clad, whilst it is neither warm nor sun-tanning weather. Another example can be the French that visit Scotland in the summer, sporting a fine pair of flip flops that they literally have to chisel the icicles off afterwards.

Photos in travel guides can often be misleading. Plus, despite the beauty of ease that we have with online international weather reports, if you’re going away for several weeks, you won’t be able to see reliable predictions for the whole duration.

So aside from the “just in case” items, such as the golf-course umbrella that you might pack on the way to the south of France, or *that* dress that you might be able to wear out in Finland, there may be some other items you need. Make sure that you ask your home exchange partners for any freaky bouts of weather that are likely to occur in the area. Similarly, there are other considerations to be made such as car use. It might be an investment to bring a wind-shield protector so that you don’t burn your hands on the steering wheel after having had the car in the sun. Or, if you’re going to Canada for example, you may want to think about investing in a de-icing sprayor some anti-freeze .

Also, ask what kind of clothes they would wear at that time, so that when you arrive you don’t have to deal with the unwelcome realisation that bright sun doesn’t always equal hot weather.

Europe. Go on, pick a country.

Now pick another.

Is the weather the same in both of them? Aha I think not. (Well, if you chose Spain and Italy, then you sort of ruined the game.) But if you chose Greece and Poland, or Scotland and France, Iceland and Portugal then you can really see the contrast.

The truth is, that weather-wise, Europe has a bit of everything. So on top of seeing the 100 fold varied cultures, you can also enjoy the differences in the natural environments.

Let´s take a minute to reflect on some of the best things about the rain and the sun.

Rain (e.g.: England)

• The smell of wet plants
• Wellies
• Collecting the city grime in a storm then washing it OUT of your hair
• Thunder
• Watching the trees flail in the wind
• Hearing the storm outside when you´re all snuggle in bed
• Puddles
• The brilliant emptiness of the atmosphere the day after a storm
• The diffuse yellow light that filters in before and after a heavy shower
• The anger of the sky

Sun (e.g.: Spain)

• Seeing the city physically welt in the heat
• A trickle of sweat running down your forehead on the beach
• Wearing cool sunglasses
• Lollies
• Driving with the windows down and the music on LOUD
• How easy it is to get up in the morning
• Lying on your bed with the fan on
• Reading in the shade
• Icecubes
• Soaring seratonin levels

As I said, a little of everything. Get yourself home exchanging and get involved in some of these little treasures that just make life good.