Cruising is a big deal. Last year more than 30 million people boarded a cruise ship, making it one of the most popular ways to vacation in America.

That’s because cruising is the most convenient way to travel. You only unpack once (since your hotel travels with you). You get to eat as often and as much as you like for the same amount of money. There are a ton of free activities and shows all over the ship, which makes it easy for everyone to do whatever they want, while still vacationing together. And you’re not forced to make everyday transactional decisions like in real life, since everything is taken care of.

That’s why I enjoy cruising just as much as I do adventure or land travel. Contrary to what detractors often say, there is nothing inauthentic about sailing the ocean on a real ship, to real ports, with real people along the way. And there’s nothing wrong with only seeing the highlights in a half or full day at port. It’s way better than nothing.

That said, there are several things you need to understand to get the most of your first (or next) cruise. Here are five cruising tips to help you on your way.

1. Not all cruise lines are alike.

While the gist of cruising is the same, different cruise lines prioritize different things. “A lot of passengers still assume every ship is a booze cruise, highly structured, or overly formal,” says Michael Scheiner, chief marketing officer of Celebrity Cruises. “But every cruise line is different.” So selecting the cruise line that best suits your needs is the first thing you should do.

For example, if you want huge ships with lots to do, Royal Caribbean is the best and most popular cruise line in the world. If you want the best entertainment, Disney Cruises scores especially high. If you want the best food, Celebrity is hard to beat. If you want to save money, Carnival is known for lower fares. If you hate vacationing with kids, Virgin Voyages are adults-only. If you want to really immerse yourself in the culture and history of the ports you visit, Azamara has you covered. And so forth.

2. Book the best ship, not the best ports.

Many passengers book a cruise based on ports instead of the ship. This is a mistake. Since up to 75% of your time will be spent on the actual ship, you really want to make it a good one. More specifically, you want to book a new, recently renovated, or well-rated ship that cruisers already enjoy. You can do this with the help of Cruise Critic, which lets you read thousands of passenger reviews to help you make the most informed decision.

That said, you’ll need to decide which area you’ll be sailing in first. The Caribbean is the most popular by far, followed by Europe and Alaska. Cruises sail all over the world, but those are the big three and the typical starting point.

3. Don’t assume everything is included.

In most cases, cruises are all-you-can eat with free water, juices, and coffee. The vast majority of onboard activities are free too, including kids clubs. The spa, casino, and shopping cost extra, however. Some cruises have onboard “specialty” restaurants too that charge between $20-80 more per person per visit.

Overall, you’ll be expected to pay extra for both soft and hard drinks, premium spirits, wifi, shore excursions, and tips. But many cruise lines let you bundle or pre-pay for those in advance, so you know exactly what you’re paying going in.

Pro Tip: Book your shore excursions in advance to avoid sell outs and consider third-party excursions that are sometimes (but not always) cheaper than booking through the cruise. You can also save money on airfare by booking through the cruise.

4. Board early and disembark late.

Most cruises let you board as early as 11 a.m., regardless of what your scheduled boarding time might be. This lets you start your vacation early, since buffets, restaurants, and activities are already open. It also lets you beat many of the crowds that surprisingly board late.

On the back end, I also recommend deboarding as late as 9:30 a.m. to let the scrum clear out. As a bonus, use the free cruise app to check in online and save additional time while boarding, deboarding, and finding the latest information and activities and even customer service help.

5. Indulge yourself.

After cruising a dozen times, eating four soft-serve ice creams on an especially hot day in the Caribbean is one of my all-time favorite memories. It was awesome. So order as much food as you like. Order two entrees and two desserts if you like. Pig out. Drink up. A seven day cruise isn’t going to make or break your health. Giving in to temporary gluttony is a big part of the draw—a celebration of life itself. Enjoy it.

Pro Tip: Use the stairs to avoid lines and the wait for the elevator and burn off the excess calories you’re consuming.

Taking care of your skin and hair before travelling boosts your physical appearance and improves overall mood and confidence levels.

Travelling is an exciting experience. The idea of going to and exploring a new place is thrilling, but a change of weather and climate conditions can harm your skin and hair. It may cause dullness of hair, skin breakouts, acne flare-ups, dry lips, tan lines, and other such common issues. It, therefore, becomes important to take care of yourself and manage some common issues while travelling. Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, says there are some skin and hair treatments you can opt for before travelling. Preparing your skin and hair prior to embarking on a journey is essential to ensure you look and feel your best, she says, recommending scheduling a cosmetic skin treatment.

Hydrating Facial Or Exfoliating Peel

These can be done to rejuvenate your complexion and address any skin concerns. According to the expert, these treatments can help improve the texture and appearance of the skin, leaving you with a ‘radiant glow’ that will boost your confidence throughout the trip.

Hair Treatment

In addition to skincare, it is also imperative to pamper yourself with a hair care treatment before travelling. The dermatologist says it can help revive your tired locks and enhance the overall health and shine of your manes. “Whether it is a deep conditioning treatment or a fresh haircut, investing in your hair care routine can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining manageable hair while on the road,” she suggests.

Other Skin And Hair Tips To Follow While Travelling

This is what the expert advises:

1. Opt for a lightweight moisturiser with SPF protection to keep your skin hydrated and shielded from harmful UV rays.
2. Use a hydrating face mist throughout the journey to refresh and revitalise your skin, especially during long flights.
3. Pack all your essential skincare products like cleanser, toner, moisturiser, night cream, and sunscreen.
4. Remember to carry disposable makeup wipes to easily remove your makeup.
5. Always have a water bottle handy and drink water regularly. Not prioritising hydration can damage the skin and hair. Dehydration can cause dullness in the skin; it can take away the shine from the hair.
6. For hair care, consider carrying a travel-sized dry shampoo to combat greasy hair on-the-go.
7. To protect your hair from damage caused by styling tools or harsh water, apply a leave-on conditioner before styling.
8. Embrace natural hairstyles like braids or buns to minimise heat styling.
9. Shield your hair from dirt, pollution, and sun damage by keeping it covered. It can safeguard the scalp and maintain the youthfulness of hair for a longer period.

Monsoon is in full swing in many parts of the country, and its time to update your wardrobe for the rainy season. While the torrential downpour, puddles and muddy streets can make dressing up a challenge during these months, following a few guidelines will help keep your fashion game high.

Add a pop of colour to your wardrobe

You might have a preference for subtle colours, but this is the season to bring out your bright coloured outfits. You can pick colours such as orange, canary yellow, fuchsia pink to stand out from the crowd. If you are not comfortable with wearing such vibrant colours, you can go for a pair of neon coloured socks to get a funky look. Nowadays, even many working professionals tend to match up their formal outfit with colourful socks with quirky patterns.

Pick the monsoon-perfect socks

Closed footwear should ideally be avoided in monsoon. However, most of us don’t have the liberty to wear casual shoes at our workplaces. If you are wearing closed footwear in monsoon, make sure to wear waterproof socks which will keep your feet dry and safe from bacterial infection. Usually thicker than normal socks, waterproof socks come with moisture wicking properties as well as anti-microbial properties.

Choose the right footwear

Travelling in monsoon is a task in itself, and the wrong choice of footwear can even make things worse. Unless you want to spoil your favourite pair of shoes, avoid wearing stilettos or kitten heels. Also, wearing shoes that are made of leather, suede and velvet is not a wise decision during the rainy season. Instead, go for rubber footwear, jelly shoes, crocs, and colourful flip-flops that will give you a refreshing look. If you want to make a bolder statement, wear a pair of thigh-high PVC boots, which are all rage this season.

Make a statement with your umbrella

Gone are the days, when umbrellas were used as a mean to protect against rains. If you look at the current trends, umbrellas are here to take the fashion world by a storm and rightfully so. A fun, bright colored umbrella can make your outfit look vibrant and playful. Carrying a cherry red umbrella in the sea of black umbrellas will surely turn some heads. You can experiment further by picking an umbrella with quirky prints that brings out the kid in you. However, if you want to settle on something more sophisticated, you can go for umbrellas in pastel colours.

Choosing the right attire

It doesn’t take more than common sense to understand that monsoons are not here to stay long. Especially, when you are travelling, try to avoid wearing jeans, trousers or dresses that go past below your knees. Instead, choose shorts, skirts and dresses with short hem that will not get dirty. If you want to add some fun quotient to your style, wear a bright colour romper or a jumps

The fabric matters

During monsoon, it’s almost impossible to not get drenched in a sudden downpour when we step outside. This is why choosing the right fabric is important. Save the clothes made of denim or silk, as they tend to take a lot to dry up and even gets ruined, especially silk. Upon the arrival of rainy season, pick clothes that are made of cotton or polyester which are not only comfortable but also dry quicker.

Don’t forget to carry your handbag

While you may want to skip carrying a handbag during monsoon, it’s probably not a wise decision. If you are travelling, you should always choose a spacious bag that is big enough to hold the essentials as well as the umbrella. Tote bags come really handy in the monsoon.

Remote monasteries, high altitudes, rich culture, and spicy dishes make a visit to Bhutan the adventure you’re craving. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Bhutan is a harmonious society, where culture and traditions remain intact – a country where high-altitude peaks are forbidden to climbers, and Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product. Here’s what to know before traveling to the Kingdom of Bhutan, and some tips to help you get the most out of your trip.

1. Flying into Bhutan

Flights into Bhutan are heavily weather-dependent, and conditions can be quite unpredictable. All take-offs and landings at Paro Airport are by visual flight rules, which means pilots can only take off or land if they are able to see the runway and surrounding hills. Flights do not operate at night or in poor conditions, so flights can be delayed – sometimes for a few days. Keep basic necessities in your carry-on baggage to get you through any potential delays or unexpected stop-overs.

This airport is particularly dangerous due to its location in a deep valley, which is surrounded by mountain peaks as high as 18,000ft (5,000m).

If you’re flying internationally and require a connecting flight to Paro, your luggage will not be checked in all the way to Paro via your first flight. You will need to recheck your luggage at the counter before you catch a connecting flight. This is important to note if you’ve got a connecting flight and require the time to go through immigration, collect your luggage and check-in again.

2. Safety on the roads

Car accidents are very common in Bhutan. To avoid any major injuries, always wear a seatbelt and avoid driving at night; mountainous roads are poorly lit and there are many blind corners. (Keep in mind that you will most likely not be the one driving – independent travel in Bhutan is not allowed, except for travelers from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.)

If you’re traveling by car or 4WD, never leave valuables inside the vehicle when parking near tourist sites or villages.

3. Spotty Internet connections

There are two mobile network providers in Bhutan: B-Mobile SIM and TashiCell. Ask your local guide to help you purchase a SIM on arrival, but make sure you unlock your phone before you insert the SIM card. 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity are available (and 5G is in the works), and WiFi is available in most hotels in major cities.

Connectivity might be touch-and-go, but in a country that is still largely disconnected from the outside world, this is one of the best things about traveling in Bhutan.

4. Dress code for entering a dzong

A dzong is an ancient fortress with towers, courtyards, temples, and administrative offices. Before entering a dzong you need to dress appropriately. You can’t wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or have your jacket unbuttoned or unzipped. No hats, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops, or t-shirts can be worn inside. Travelers aren’t expected to wear the traditional kira, but you should make sure your clothing covers your arms and legs.

5. ATMs and cash in Bhutan

ATMs are available in major towns around Bhutan. The three banks that accept foreign credit cards are Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank and Druk Punjab National Bank. Travelers can withdraw money using a Visa or MasterCard, but beware of the fees.

Your best option is to get cash out in Thimpu or Paro before you venture further afield. Although Bhutanese Ngultrum is only circulated in Bhutan, foreign currencies can be exchanged for Nu when you arrive. If you’re carrying USD, $100 USD notes have a higher exchange rate compared to notes in lower denominations.

6. Tackling the Tiger’s Nest trek

Constructed in 1692, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a sacred Buddhist site sitting 10,000ft (3,000m) above sea level, perched on the side of a cliff. To reach the Tiger’s Nest, travelers must drive (via taxi) 20 minutes north of Paro, and start the four to five-hour hike up to tour the monastery from the car park. The 4mi (6.5km) return trip has an elevation gain of 1,700ft (520m), which is not too difficult for a single day trip if you have spent time acclimatizing in the town of Paro (7,220ft/2,200m above sea level).

Wear sturdy hiking boots and use hiking poles to give your knees extra support on the ascent and descent. Drink lots of water before and during the hike to stay hydrated, and remember to bring cash if you plan to have lunch at the cafeteria when you reach the Tiger’s Nest.

7. Guided tours only

As we mentioned above, traveling around Bhutan can only be done with a registered guide, which means you’ll be accompanied by a local on your journey.

For all the nomads out there that hate the idea of a “guided tour”, hear us out.

In such a remote location, having a local guide to tell you stories and translate to connect with locals along the way is essential to understanding this alluring destination.

8. Bhutanese food is spicy and delicious

The most famous dish is ema – rice and spicy chilies topped off with a delicious cheese sauce. Kewa datshi is made up of sliced potatoes and cheese – usually with chilies, too. Try shakam paa, dried beef cooked with (you guessed it) chilies and radish.

If you love dumplings, momos are everywhere in Bhutan. Fried or steamed inside a flour dough, these meat, cheese or vegetable filled snacks are best enjoyed with a chili sauce. You’ll find momos at almost all restaurants and street food stalls.

If none of this sounds appetizing, try fried fern stalks or a tasty yak curry.

As a side note, it’s not uncommon for travelers to get Bhutan belly – whether you’re not used to eating chili in every dish, or you’ve accidentally drunk unfiltered water. To keep the risk to a minimum, avoid drinks with ice cubes and stick to fruits and vegetables that can be peeled.

9. Beverages in Bhutan

Ask the locals you meet along the way if you can try ara – a hot, highly alcoholic treat.

While World Nomad Chris Potter was traveling through Bhutan, an elderly gentleman cooked him up a cup of this local drink. First, he popped some yak butter into a hot pan, broke in some eggs, and scrambled them with the butter. He then proceeded to pour a full bottle of rice whiskey over the top, heated it all through and then ladled it into large mugs.

“I looked down at the steaming potent brew with its eggy oily topping and closed my eyes while taking a large gulp – not to look like a complete wimp or disrespect this kind gentleman’s cooking. And, to my surprise, it was delicious.”

10. Get off the beaten track and see Eastern Bhutan

Most travelers fly directly into Paro and take trips from here to Thimpu, Punaka, and then back to Paro.

Instead, get off the tourist trail by making your way southeast from Paro to the town of Samdrup Jongkhar. From there, you can cross the border into India via the Assam plains.

Eastern Bhutan is rarely visited by travelers, and there is much to see on this side of the country. Discover secluded valleys and nature reserves, home to the very rare black-necked cranes. Local festivals in districts such as Trashigang and Mongar will provide an authentic experience of the local culture, far different to the touristy festivals that occur in and around Paro.