As the summer season is almost here, it is time to head to a hill station to escape the heat and rejuvenate.

While holidays are all about travel-friendly and comfortable outfits, they also make us want to flaunt some spring-summer fashion trends and walk the streets in style.

If you are planning a vacation to any hill station this summer, try these fashion ideas.

Joggers with a stylish t-shirt

If you like comfortable yet fashionable clothes, then a stylish pair of joggers is a must-have piece of clothing in your wardrobe. Go for a jogger in a solid color like dark green or brown and pair it up with a loose printed graphic t-shirt in a light color. Wear a denim jacket over it and complete the look with casual white sneakers.

Maxi dress with a light cardigan

You can opt for an easy breezy colorful maxi dress while heading out in the morning for some sightseeing. This will offer you a classy yet laid-back look. You can pair your dress with a light cardigan or a cotton pullover in solid grey or black to protect yourself from the chilly winds. Complete your look with black suede-heeled sandals.

Full-sleeved top with skirt and stockings

If you want to stand out among the crowd during your vacation, go for a full-sleeved top in a bright color like blue or fuchsia pink and pair it up with a suede mini skirt. Wear black stockings to protect your legs from the cold. This look is super-chic yet cozy and comfortable. Complete the ensemble with neutral-colored boots and big silver hoops.

Wear an oversized sweatshirt with classic black leggings

This laid-back street style is on trend these days and will make you look sporty and casual. A sweatshirt will keep you warm in the cold while making you look stylish. Go for a pastel-colored sweatshirt and pair it with classic black fitted leggings or yoga pants. Add a pop of color to your look with sunglasses and vibrant sneakers.

A dress layered with a turtleneck

If you want to transform your summer dresses into a winter outfit, wear a nice stylish dark-colored turtleneck sweater underneath to look fashionable and yet stay warm in the hills. You can choose your favorite summer wrap dress and pair it with a black turtleneck sweater and thermal tights. Complete your look with classic black boots and a monochrome bag.

Prepare for the Instagram likes to roll in faster than the snow flurries.

Sometimes, winter can come in with a snowy roar. After a big storm, California’s Sierra Nevada is transformed into a powdery playground — much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders at Mammoth Mountain and across Tahoe. And in New York, busy city streets look like a winter wonderland after a fresh dusting of the white stuff. Once the flakes settle, there’s only one thing left to do: head outside and take pictures to remember the weather event forever.

Boston-based photographer Neal Kumar knows a thing or two about capturing the perfect winter snaps and is happy to share his tips for taking beautiful photos in the snow. The best part? He shoots his images on iPhone, so his recommendations apply to amateur and professional photographers alike. Here are a few of Kumar’s suggestions to help you take the best winter photos.

Remember, the early bird gets the worm.

“If possible, I recommend going out to shoot snow as early in the morning as you can. This increases the chances of catching streets and sidewalks covered in fresh snow before it is plowed or shoveled.”

Waking up early will also increase your chances of capturing the snow during the golden hour after sunrise. To get out the door faster, prepare your gear the night before and make sure your iPhone is fully charged. Using your device in the cold can cause the battery to temporarily drain, so bring a power bank if you plan to be out for several hours.

Use the Exposure Compensation Control.

“Sometimes it helps to decrease or darken the exposure on your shot if the image appears very bright in your camera from all the snow. You can always increase exposure or shadows later while editing, but it’s harder to save details that are overexposed.”

If you’re shooting on an iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro or later, use the Exposure Compensation Control on your iPhone to set and lock the exposure. Tap the up arrow and then increase or decrease your exposure level – the settings will be saved until you close the Camera app. This feature is available with iOS 14 or later, so make sure your software is up-to-date.

Adjust the white balance.

“When editing your snow photos, play around with the white balance settings (temperature and tint). The snow should be white in color, and if it’s too yellow, then try turning down the temperature. You can also see if adjusting the tint helps make the color (or white balance) of the snow look more natural.”

Find a background with contrast.

“To make falling snow more noticeable in your photo, it helps to contrast the white snowfall against a dark background like a building or trees. This will highlight the white of the snowflakes and make them more prominent. Sometimes if the background is too bright, then the falling snow is harder to see against it.”

Composition is the key to capturing a great photo, so play with leading lines (e.g., a road that leads the viewer’s eye to the focal point of your image), symmetry, negative space, and the rule of thirds to make your scene stand out.

Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more.

“If it is actively snowing, then I recommend taking a couple of back-to-back versions of your shot. This is because the snowflakes can be in different patterns depending on when your shot is taken. Taking more shots also increases the chances you get bigger snowflakes in the shots that are closer to you for a different effect. I find that falling snow is sometimes more noticeable when shot on the zoom lens. You can also try shooting the same scene both at 1x and 2x, and then see which version you like better.”

Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or just a quick weekend getaway, here are some road trips to keep in mind while making plans. Like any other type of travel, road trips can come with stressors and hurdles to navigate. These road trip tips will help you enjoy a safe and successful journey:

1. Prepare for your trip.
2. Bring healthy snacks.
3. Stay hydrated.
4. Plan your route.
5. Plan your rest stops.
6. Keep yourself alert.
7. Keep passengers entertained.
8. Stick to your budget.
9. Drive safely.

1. Road trip preparation.

Conduct car maintenance

To make your road trip as smooth and stress-free as possible, it’s important to take care of your vehicle. Before you hit the road, be sure to tackle these maintenance tips to ensure that your car is running smoothly:

• Change the oil, if needed, and perform a general maintenance inspection
• Top off your vehicle’s fluids
• Check the air conditioner/heater
• Inspect your tires
• Build a road trip toolkit, including jumper cables, emergency blankets, spare tire, and more

Get plenty of sleep before you drive

It’s recommended to get at least 7 hours of sleep for two consecutive nights before the road trip to build up your energy reserves. Start driving in the morning after a good night’s sleep, not after a long day of work (unless you plan to stop). Take regular breaks along the way to stay fresh and alert, stopping roughly every 100 miles or 2 hours.

2. Bring healthy snacks.

Carrying along a variety of vitamin-packed, healthy foods will allow you to get by on smaller snacks throughout the long drive while skipping the fast-food stops. Here are some healthy snack ideas that will help you feel full and nourished to take on the road ahead.

Road trip snack ideas

• Beef jerky
• Popcorn
• Protein bars
• Carrots
• Grapes
• Trail mix

3. Stay hydrated.

Keep the water supply well-stocked for maximum energy. The only possible downside is the potential to make more bathroom stops.

4. Plan your route.

It’s important to plan your route, either scenic or direct, by answering a few key questions first. How much time do you have to get there? How many miles can you comfortably drive? Will you stick to freeways or take the back roads? It’s helpful to start with Google Maps and browse the multiple routes that it will suggest. From there, you can filter to avoid highways or toll roads. Once you see the options and choose one, you can start to decide when, where, and how often to stop.

5. Plan your rest stops.

One of the most crucial tips for road trips is to get out of your car and stretch your legs every two hours or so. Plan these stops into your long drive, whether they fall during mealtimes or can be timed to let you check out interesting sites.

Where and when to stop for gas

The top 5 most expensive states to buy gas in are California, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, and Nevada. The states with the cheapest gas prices are Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. The cheapest day to get gas tends to be Mondays, while Wednesdays and Thursdays are the most expensive. Filling up your tank in the morning or at night might save you a few bucks due to the temperature affecting the gas stored at the pump.

Where to stop for food

It’s best to save money and time by buying food before the road trip at a grocery store to avoid the unhealthy choices at a gas station. If you prefer to buy food as you go, sample the local food at each stop.

6. Keep yourself alert.

Chew gum

The repetitive process increases circulation and alertness. Try various brands and flavors to keep your taste buds guessing.

Use energizing scents

During long-distance driving, keep a source of peppermint scent nearby. When you feel you need a boost, take a sniff.

Sit up straight

Ensure your seat is adjusted properly for your body and tilted for maximum blood flow. If you feel a driving “trance” coming on, sit up.

7. Keep passengers entertained.

Long drives, especially with kids, can often lead to bickering. That kind of aggravation leads to driver fatigue. Ensure children are entertained with books, puzzles, and other time-killing diversions. On the flip side, road trip games such as “Find the license plate” are great for keeping everyone engaged with one another.

Download apps for the long car trip

Downloading family-friendly and educational apps can help entertain the whole family without any cost to you. These apps include road trip bingo, fruit ninja, angry birds, heads up, and more.

Listen to audiobooks

Audiobooks help keep the brain active without creating a dangerous distraction. For more defensive driving tips, check out these nine. In addition to safe driving habits, your insurance policy is critical to protecting you while driving. Learn more about Nationwide’s auto insurance coverage, including our 24/7 Roadside Assistance option.

8. Stick to your budget.

Road trips don’t have to be as expensive as you think. Planning a budget for your trip can help keep costs under control. Important things to keep in mind for your budget include gas prices, entertainment, food, and housing accommodations.

9. Drive safely.

Most importantly, drive safely during your road trip. Stay within the speed limits, stay aware of your surroundings, and other drivers on the road. Check the weather before you start driving, and if there’s extremely bad weather passing through, plan accordingly.

Norway boasts incredible natural beauty, from dense forests to majestic fjords and, of course, the infamous Northern Lights. Spend a weekend exploring the dynamic capital of Oslo, or undertake a longer expedition to the Lofoten Islands, with their rugged landscapes and charming fishing villages. Or we can arrange a trip back in time to learn some traditional skills in the Fjords, including cheese-making and Sami crafts. This Scandinavian nation undoubtedly has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world and a holiday here is perfect for the whole family. To ensure you make the most of this intriguing country, here is our ultimate list of things to know before travelling to Norway.

Climate & Geography

The weather in Norway varies a lot between seasons and in different areas of the country. Winters on the coast are milder, while inland there are lower temperatures and a lot of snow. In Northern Norway, the winters are also cold, yet this is undoubtedly the best time to see the enigmatic Northern Lights (especially between October and April). Packing extra layers of clothing is advised, as temperatures can drop to around -7°C during the winter and even lower at higher altitudes. During the northern summers, the sun barely sets and this phenomenon is known as the ‘midnight sun’. The weather all year-round is famously unpredictable and so it’s worth bringing a rain jacket (even in the summer), as Norway can be prone to year-round showers.

There’s a big difference between the north and south of Norway: in the south, the weather is warmer, with beautiful coastlines; while the north is dominated by artic landscapes and colder temperatures. Similarly, the east is home to Oslo and dense wooded areas, while the west is where you’ll find the fjords and mountains.

Food & Drink

Norway is known for its exceptional salmon and as an extension of this, the sushi in Norway is one cuisine not to miss. In fact, the country was actually responsible for introducing the concept of salmon sushi to Japan in the 1980s, so it’s no wonder that it’s a highlight, particularly given the quality of the fish. A more unusual offering is brown cheese, called ‘brunost’. The colour occurs because the whey is boiled down to caramelise the natural sugars and this gives the cheese a sweeter flavour, with a texture similar to cream cheese. Norwegian fish soup (‘fiskesuppe’) is another comforting local delicacy which makes use of the country’s high quality seafood. Herring is also a ubiquitous dish in Norway and you’ll find it in sandwiches, stews, salads and sauces, so you’ll probably want to try it at least once.

Dinner in Norway is usually eaten early, around 5pm, and while most restaurants will serve food later, they often close at about 10pm. The locals tend to fit in a fourth meal in the evening, called ‘kveldsmat’ (evening food), and this late night snack will ensure that you stay satisfied until breakfast the next morning.

Transport

Driving definitely offers the most flexible mode of transport, allowing you to reach more remote areas and see the country’s incredible rural landscapes. However, it’s worth being aware that journeys sometimes involve taking ferries and navigating fjords which can take longer than expected, so be sure to leave enough time for travel. Norway is a very long country, extending 1,089 miles (the greatest length of any European country), meaning it can take a while to cover the distances between regions. This is one of the most important things to know before travelling to Norway and our experts can help to plan your trip accordingly to ensure you fit everything in.
Public transport in Norway is organised by each individual municipality, with their own apps for timetables and tickets, so it’s worth downloading these for the duration of your stay. The public transport is efficient and most trains, buses and ferries are timed so that they join up with one another. In the capital of Oslo, it’s also possible to buy a pass which gives you free access to most museums and free transport.

Safety

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, with incredibly low crime rates, even in the larger cities. As in any urban area, you should keep an eye on your personal possessions, however it’s unlikely that anything will happen.

Culture

Norway’s law of ‘allemannsretten’ is an ancient custom that was written into the law in 1957. The word translates to ‘freedom of movement’ and allows every person the right to public access. According to the law, it’s permissible to travel across undeveloped private land without the owner’s consent, as well as pitch a tent there provided that it’s 492 feet away from buildings, you stay for one night only, and you’re respectful. This law also means that entry to national parks is free. Norwegians have great respect for the land, so ensure you’re not leaving any traces and treat the landscape with care.

Money & Tips

The currency of Norway is Norwegian Krone (NOK). Cash is not widely used in Norway and not accepted in some places, so you can purchase most things with a card. Tipping is viewed as entirely voluntary, however it is usually expected in restaurants and bars if you’re satisfied with the service; as in the UK, the standard tip is 10-20%.

Must-sees

The Northern Lights cannot be missed off a list of must-sees in Norway, as the country is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the elusive ‘Aurora Borealis’. The dazzling natural phenomenon is most visible in the northern parts of Norway and the best time of the year to see them is between October and April. Our experts can advise on the optimum times and places to view this cosmic performance to give you the best possible chance of seeing them.

Svalbard in the Arctic Circle is another magical location, with some breath-taking views of ice caves and mountains. Here you can take part in winter activities, such as snowmobiling and ice fishing, and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a polar bear, walrus or arctic fox. Finally, the fjords are equally majestic; Sognefjord is both the largest and deepest in the country, while the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is also a must-see.

Additional Information

Tacos are popular in Norway and many Norwegians participate in a Friday night taco-eating tradition, called ‘Fredagstaco’. This has become a cultural phenomenon, whereby the whole family eats together and shares the Mexican dish.