It’s holiday season, and preparing for a trip involves meticulous planning.

Indeed, being prepared for the unexpected is the mark of a savvy adventurer.

However, while the focus is often on essentials, there are also minor items which are unsung heroes and can easily turn a challenging situation into a manageable one.

‘How often have you found yourself on holiday muttering the words, ‘If only I had known’, comments Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for Milton.

‘There are many items that we never think of packing but unfortunately soon discover that they would have come in handy’.

While it is advisable not to overpack, Ragavan suggests eight items that should be added to the checklist when packing:

A travel-sized sewing kit

An unexpected wardrobe malfunction can easily throw a wrench into your holiday plans. Packing a small sewing kit with needles, thread, and safety pins can save the day when you are faced with a torn seam or a loose button, ensuring your outfit remains intact for your adventures.

Mini first aid kit

Although nobody wants to use a first aid kit while on holiday, accidents happen and a compact one can come in handy.

Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers can address minor injuries and headaches, providing quick relief when you least expect it.

A decongestant

A different location can cause allergies to flare up. Packing a decongestant can help ease these symptoms.

Karvol capsules are perfect for alleviating congestion and leaving you feeling your best on holiday. They include aromatic oils such as eucalyptus, camphor, thymol, lavender and menthol which when released work together to help with the symptoms of congestion, providing easy breathing and a clear head.

Sterilising tablets

When travelling to a new location, you may want to sterilise your drinking water.

Milton tablets are small and compact, making it easy to take with you on holiday or even on a hike. They kill 99,9% of germs, including bacteria associated with water-borne diseases.

Reusable water bottle

Whether you’re hiking through nature or exploring a bustling city, staying hydrated remains essential.

Refill your water bottle and stay refreshed at all times without spending unnecessary money on bottled water.

Portable phone charger

In today’s digital age, the last thing you want is an uncharged phone battery.

A portable charger can be your saviour when you least expect it.

If you are able to charge your device, you remain connected, navigate unfamiliar places, and even capture unforgettable moments.

Washing powder

A simple spill can result in a stain on your favourite clothing item. However, packing a large bag of washing powder is not always convenient.

Personal Touch Washing Powder Sheets are the perfect travel companion, as the A5 90g box is easy to transport and offers 18 washes. It is perfect for both auto and hand washing – so no matter where you are, there is always an option for clean clothes.

Ziplock bags

From protecting your electronics during sudden rain showers to keeping your snacks fresh, ziplock bags have many uses. They are simple yet surprisingly handy, and thus deserve a place in your luggage.

Traveling with your toddler is like traveling with an entourage. Your luggage takes a backseat while you fuss about packing every essential your baby needs and some extra. There’s one thing that you need to make sure when you head out for a trip with your baby: You got to be prepared and double-check every detail.

Most importantly, you need to put plenty of thought into your child’s mood and schedule – what calms him or her? Your first instinct is to keep your little one as comfortable as possible. One thing that parents dread while planning a trip with the baby is the flight. Babies have a mood of their own and you can never predict their in-flight behavior, especially if it’s their first one. If these thoughts make you chuck that vacation plan, hold on. It’s not rocket science, and these eight tips will have you sorted.

Make A Checklist

Don’t ever start packing your luggage without a checklist especially when you are flying with an infant. If you miss out on it, it will cause unwanted stress. Airport stores rarely carry necessary baby supplies except for wet wipes and diapers. Be sure that you start packing a couple of days in advance of your flight so you have plenty of time to pack all of your baby gear. Some of the general necessities will be:

Diapers and wipes (loads of them), Two-three soft blankets that can also act as cover-ups during nursing, naps, keeping the baby warm and protecting their clothes during burps. By now you might have known the number of times your baby tends to need a change of clothes. So, at the very least, pack an extra onesie or two. If you are still breastfeeding, nursing pads and shields are a must, however, it is advised you pump the milk and store in bottles if your baby is a little fussy when feeding. Do not forget a couple of disposable bags.

The Bassinet is a Boon on the Flight

If you’re traveling by plane, book a seat that has a bassinet connection. Before boarding, let one parent pre-board the bassinet or the baby’s car seat, then de-board the plane until it’s closer to take-off time. This way, the bassinet or car seat is ready to go, but you and your child can use the extra 30 minutes walking around being active instead of waiting out that time seated on the crowded plane.

Snacks, Milk, and Fluids

If your baby is bottle-fed, you need to pre-prep for the same. Be sure to pack non-perishable foods. Keep baby hydrated because airplanes are drying. Take your baby’s favorite sippy bottle to keep him/her relieved during take-off and landing. It also keeps them occupied during non-entertaining hours. Grab a few baby-friendly snacks like puffs.

Bring your Baby’s Favorite Items

Tuck in a couple of comfort toys – don’t forget your baby’s favorite one. Bring his favorite toy, favorite blanket, and favorite pillow. Pack his favorite sleep toys so you can show it to him to give cues about bedtime. Pull down the shades in the airplane, darkness or dim lights will make them associate to sleep. In a car, you can use sun shades to block light out from the windows. All of this can help the baby calm down and go to sleep. Having his favorite toys with him will help him feel secure and comfortable, and keep him happily occupied.

Keep the Baby Engaged and Occupied

If your baby is old enough to play basic activity games, take some exciting ones with you. This can be animal identifying books, color and shapes books, little toys etc. Take a surprise treat with you, and give it to them when they get cranky. Babies are always curious to see what’s there in a never-before-seen package and this can keep them busy for a couple of hours.

Pack Fun Items that Have to do with the Place you are Visiting

Bring snacks that are special to your final destination. Tell him stories about the places you are going. Load your iPad with apps or games. Also, include games and audio-books about the places you will be visiting. Thus, a family trip can become both a fun and memorable journey, for the baby and the parents.

Do Not Take Long Hour Trips

Try not to take trips that are longer than six to seven hours. Children have very little patience and get bored easily. Sitting in a particular spot for long periods of time is unhealthy, just as it is for adults. When you are on a road trip, take regular pitstops and allow them a change in the environment from the air-conditioned car to some fresh air. Plot out well-lit rest stops, restaurants, or restrooms along your route, so that you can all get out of the car, and so your toddler is not confined to a seated position for hours. Consider scheduling trips around your child’s sleep time, if that’s possible.

It’s all about being well-prepared when traveling with a baby – whether it is by train, car or flight. Plan well, pack well, and schedule well. A happy baby means happy parents which in turn will make for a happy and memorable trip. So plan well, schedule well and pack well.

Here are some useful tips to stay safe while travelling during winter. These essential tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable winter vacation. From road safety and weather forecast to right winter wear and reliable transportation, everything needs to be kept in mind while prepping yourself for winter travel.

This is the time of the year when most of us would be planning our winter vacations. Some of us have comfortable and cosy holidays in mind, and some are looking up adventurous ones. No matter which tribe of travellers you belong to, it’s true for all that we need to be mindful of certain things for a safe travel experience. Here are some useful tips to stay safe while travelling during winter. These essential tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable winter vacation.

Check the weather forecast: First and foremost – Always check the weather forecast. With winters, we never know when the weather will turn for the worst. Before you embark on your journey, stay updated on the weather conditions for your destination. If you are going to higher altitude destinations where snowfall is a possibility, it’s always wise to check for possible snowstorms. Those are not fun. Yes, we know snow is great. So is safety.

Check local road conditions: Most of the time, in case of heavy snowfall, some roads get cut off temporarily. You do not want to get stuck in those situations. Also, be mindful of icy roads. You may want to call the hotel ahead to enquire about the current road condition.

Prepare your vehicle: If you’re driving to your destination, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. In case of snowy destinations, equip your vehicle with snow tires, and carry essentials like an ice scraper, snow shovel, and jumper cables.

Pack emergency supplies: An emergency kit in your car is a must, be it during winter or any other time of the year. It’s always smart to include items such as blankets, extra (warm) clothing, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and necessary medications.

Keep someone informed: It could be family or friends. It’s always good to keep someone informed about your travel plans. Share your itinerary, accommodation details, travel details in case you are taking flight/bus/train/cab.

Dress appropriately and comfortably: Dress to stay warm. Always remember, while travelling, comfort comes before style. Hypothermia and frostbite are no joke, and you don’t want to experience these when out and about.

Use reliable transportation: If you are taking public transportation like bus/train/flight, make sure they are reliable and follow safety regulations. Delays are expected, so make sure your choice for transportation has proper weather-related policies in place for passengers.

Stay hydrated and eat well: Did you know that cold weather can also dehydrate you? Since it is cold, we may not want or remember to drink enough water. That can’t happen. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Carry healthy snacks around to keep your energy levels up.

Hey there! Pumped up for your trip to Dubai? It’s going to be an unforgettable adventure! Dubai is a unique blend of stunning modern buildings and deep-rooted traditions. Just picture yourself strolling through the vibrant streets and then chilling in the calm of the desert – that’s the essence of Dubai.

But before you dive into exploring, here’s a quick heads-up: For a safe trip, medical experts at Vesta Care recommend getting a PCR test before you travel. It’s all about ensuring your health and safety and those around you.

Turn your journey into a cherished adventure in this vibrant Gulf city! Let’s delve into some tips to help you do just that.

Respect the Local Ways

Dubai, rooted in Muslim heritage, holds conservative values close. It’s essential to show respect for these traditions. Opt for modest clothing and consider how you act in public spaces. Keep affectionate gestures private, and be incredibly considerate during Ramadan, a sacred time for the local community.

When to Go

When deciding when to visit Dubai, consider the cooler months from November to March. You’ll enjoy outdoor activities comfortably, explore markets, and experience the thrill of a desert trip. This period also brings the Dubai Shopping Festival to life, packed with activities and excitement. These months offer the perfect climate for you to take full advantage of Dubai’s outdoor adventures.

Finding a Place to Stay

When picking a hotel in Dubai, you have options for every budget. Save some cash by staying in Al Barsha, where the hotels are affordable and comfy. If you’re feeling fancy, the high-end hotels in Downtown Dubai might be more your style. No matter where you book, you’ll find public transport nearby to help you get around. Choose a place that fits your budget, and you’ll be all set for your Dubai adventure.

Getting Around

Moving around in Dubai is straightforward. Take the metro or a bus to reach most places, or grab a taxi if you’re in a hurry, though it’ll cost a bit more. Car rentals are available if you prefer to drive; just remember that traffic can get busy. Since Dubai is quite spread out, planning your daily travels can save you time. Choose the travel method that suits you and your budget, and you’ll be ready to explore Dubai’s many attractions.

Old Meets New

Dubai is where the old meets the new, creating something really special. You can visit the Al Fahidi neighborhood with its cool wind-tower buildings, like stepping back in time. Then, explore the busy markets selling spices and fabrics and look up at the super modern skyscrapers. Dubai blends old traditions with modern ideas, making it a unique place where the past and the future come together. It’s like a bridge connecting two different worlds, and it’s pretty awesome to experience.

Food Time!

Dubai’s food is as mixed as the people living there. You’ve got to try the local stuff like Shawarma. And the spice markets? They’re not just for shopping; they’re a whole experience. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Shopping Adventures

Shopping in Dubai is more than just buying stuff. The Dubai Mall is like shopping heaven, but the Gold Souk gives you a taste of old Dubai. It’s all about what kind of shopping fun you’re looking for.

Pick Your Adventure

Whether you’re all about adrenaline or just want to chill, Dubai has something for you. Fancy a desert safari? Go for it! Or maybe relax on a beach or at a waterpark. It’s all about what makes you happy.

Chatting and Staying Connected

Most people in Dubai speak English, so asking for help or directions is no big deal. Plus, there’s free Wi-Fi in many places, so you can stay connected with friends or find your way around easily.

Stay Safe and Sound

Dubai’s super safe, and they’ve got great hospitals, too. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance, just in case.

Wrapping Up

So, that’s pretty much it. Dubai’s this fantastic place with loads to see and do. It’s not just about the tall buildings or fancy malls; it’s about feeling the vibe of the city, its people, and their way of life and staying healthy while you exert yourself. Whether exploring the old markets or chilling in a cool café, you’re in for a treat. Have a fantastic trip, and soak in all that Dubai has to offer!