Dealing with extreme weather conditions can be challenging. Pack these items for a hassle-free trip to the mountains.

Travelling to the mountains can be an experience of a lifetime. Snow-capped peaks and mesmerising landscapes make hill stations perfect choices as getaways. However, when you plan to trek or explore offbeat places in the mountains, you must carry some essentials. Since shops may not be available at every corner of a trek, women need to pack tight. Here is a list of items that you must carry when planning a journey to the mountains.

Shoes With Grip

Travelling or trekking in the mountains involves a lot of walking. Therefore, women need shoes that offer a good grip. It will prevent your feet from getting cold and allow you to climb swiftly on an elevated path. Puma, Adidas and Wildcraft are some of the brands that make the best trekking shoes for women.

These Shoes also prevent you from slipping. Along with shoes, it is advisable to carry an extra pair of slip-proof footwear in case the other one gets wet.

Woollens

Beyond sweaters, women must have an extra jacket, warmers and a windcheater, depending on temperatures. Trekking and travelling in the hilly terrain can involve braving chilly weather. It could lead to frostbites, shivering, hypothermia etc. You can also carry fancy pullovers to make a style statement, but you must not forget to pack scarves, gloves and extra socks.

Power Bank

You might not find convenient stores or charging points nearby to charge your mobile phone. Hence, it is essential to pack a power bank so that you can instantly plug in your mobile and get going. It comes as a saviour, especially when you decide to trek.

Thermal Water Bottle

Since hill stations lack habitation like plains, it is not easy to find sources for clean water. Hence, women travellers must carry a water bottle because no matter how cold it gets there, your body needs to stay hydrated. On the other hand, a thermal bottle will maintain the temperature of the beverage and keep it from spilling on your clothes or bags.

Menstrual Products

With other hassles of travelling comes the inconvenience of periods. You might get periods while on a trek, or you might need to change a used sanitary pad or tampon. Hence, you must carry your preferred menstrual products. Plan ahead to make sure you have a convenient period. You can also pack a menstrual cup, which can hold menstrual flow up to about 6-8 hours. . However, you might struggle with hygienic surroundings and tap water supply when you need to clean it.

Cash In Hand

The primary issue with travelling in the mountains is accessibility. Unlike metro cities, one might not find small stalls or shacks accepting payment through digital mediums. Also, you might witness connectivity issues or problems with finding ATMs.

Hence, women travellers must carry cash in their wallets. It might not be too much, but a change of $50, $20 and $10 denominations might come in handy.

Sunscreen

Similar to beaches, women need to carry sunscreen while planning a trip to the mountains. At high altitudes, the atmosphere is thin because the amount of air molecules decreases. Hence, UV rays can affect you adversely in the hilly areas compared to what you experience in the plains. Therefore, you must carry sunscreen with a high SPF, between 50 and 70, to protect your skin.

Essential Medicines

If you are someone who gets affected by cold too quickly, you must carry a few medicines. Having a first aid box will help you overcome adverse situations that might arise unexpectedly due to the rocky terrain and extreme weather conditions.

Here are some tips which you can consider when travelling with your toddler for an enjoyable and care-free travel experience.

Travelling with a toddler can be a hectic experience. Cramped airports and stations, busy waiting areas, long delays and taking care of your toddler amidst all this can be very frustrating and spoil your travel experience. From eating, and sleeping to pooping they need precise care and attention.

But through proper planning and prior preparation, you can transform your worst travel experience into a worry-free and enjoyable journey for you and your toddler. Here are a few tips which you can keep in mind when you are travelling with your toddler.

1. When you are taking a flight remember that due to the number of oxygen masks per row, only one lap child is permitted per row. So if you’re travelling with two lap children, the adults will have to split up rows (assuming the rows are 3 people long). This may vary with the specific aeroplane you are flying on, so contact the airline ahead of time.

2. Check with your specific airline regarding birth certificates or vaccine records or any other document as some airlines require a copy or photo of a birth certificate or vaccine records for a lap child in order to fly.

3. If you’re wearing your baby in a carrier, you cannot have the carrier on during take-off or landing. The baby can remain in the carrier for the remainder of the flight.

4. Whenever you are travelling with a toddler always make sure to carry at least two pairs of clothes handy. Never forget that extra outfit since toddlers are constantly coming up with new, inventive ways to ruin their clothes.

5. Never leave home without a snack container since you never know when your child will grow hungry. Snacks are essential to keep kids occupied and happy since they get cranky when they are hungry.

6. For you and your toddler to have a good night’s sleep on an overnight flight, a lightweight scarf is the ideal travel companion. Book overnight trips whenever you can so kids can be weary enough and it will be dark enough to sleep. Use the scarf to hide sunlight or aeroplane light.

7. When you’re planning a trip it’s important to consider their ages and interests when choosing a destination. If your kids are very young, opt for a place that has plenty of kid-friendly activities.

8. Keep some small activities or fun games to keep them entertained as long journeys can become dull and boring for them and they might become grumpy.

We are living in a time where ‘convergence’ is everywhere. Gone are the days when a camera was a camera, a MP3 player was an MP3 player, a phone was a phone….

These days digital cameras are found in a variety of other gadgets – including cell phones. In fact Camera Phones are one of the fastest growing segments of the digital camera market and with the improvements in the quality of what is being offered in some phones (higher megapixels, better lenses, high capacity storage) some believe that they are beginning to win market share away from the low end offerings of many digital camera manufacturers. Our current poll on ‘take anywhere cameras‘ reveals that many of you are using camera phones regularly.

Unfortunately many of the pictures being taken with Camera Phones are poor in quality. This might partially be a result of lower quality cameras – but it is also often a result of poor photographic technique.

Following are 13 tips for Camera Phone owners to help them get the most from their cameras phones:

1. Light Your Subject Well

The better lit your subject is the clearer your image is likely to be. If possible shoot outside or turn on lights when shooting inside. If you’re turning on lights in a room to add extra light to your shot be aware that artificial light impacts the color cast in your shots and you might want to experiment with white balance to fix it (see below).

Some cameras come with a built in flash or light – this can really lift a shot and add clarity to it, even if you’re shooting outside (in a sense it becomes a fill flash). If your camera doesn’t have a flash or light you should avoid shooting into bright lights as you’ll end up with subjects that are silhouetted.

2. Get Close to Your Subject

One of the most common mistakes with camera phone images is that their subject ends up being a tiny, unrecognizable object in the distance. Camera phone images tend to be small due to low resolution (although this is changing) – so fill up your view finder with your subject to save having to zoom in on the subject in editing it later (which decreases quality even more).

Having said this, getting too close on some model camera phones creates distortion and focusing issues (particularly if the camera phone doesn’t have a macro or close focusing mode).

3. Keep Still

As with all digital photography, the more steady your camera phone is when taking your shot the clearer your image will be.

This is especially important in low light situations where the camera will select longer shutter speeds to compensate for the lack of light. One trick is to lean your camera phone (or the hand holding it) against a solid object (like a tree, wall, ledge) when taking shots.

Keep in mind that many camera phones also suffer from ‘shutter lag’ (ie the time between when you press the shutter and when the camera takes the shot can be a second or so). This means you need to hold the camera still a little longer to ensure it doesn’t take a shot as you’re lowering it away from the subject.

4. Edit Images Later

Whilst it can be fun to use your camera phone’s inbuilt editing and effects, editing pictures later on your computer produces much better quality images. Take your shots in color at high resolution to keep your options open on how to treat it later.

You can always make it black and white on your computer, but you can’t make it color if you take it in Black and White mode.

5. Don’t Throw Away ‘mistakes’

Remember that on many phones the quality of the screen will not be as good as your computer’s. So if possible hang onto your shots until you can get them on your PC. You might just find that they come alive on a quality monitor. You’ll also find that even ‘mistakes’ and blurred shots can actually be quite usable (in an abstract kind of way)

6. Avoid Using the Digital Zoom

As tempting as it might be to zoom in on your subject when taking your picture (if you have a zoom feature on your camera phone), if the zoom is a ‘digital zoom’ it will decrease the quality of your shot to use it (you’ll end up with a more pixelated shot)..

Plus you can always edit your shot later using photo editing software on your computer.

Of course some camera phones are beginning to hit the market with ‘optical zooms’ – these are fine to use as they don’t enlarge your subject by enlarging pixels.

7. Experiment with White Balance

An increasing number of camera phones come with adjustable white balance which allows you to modify color balance in your images based on shooting conditions. Experiment with this feature to get a good feel for the impact that it has on your shots. I find that it impacts different camera phones differently. Read your manual to find out how it works on your phone.

8. Take loads of Shots and Experiment

The beauty of all forms of digital photography (including that of camera phones) is the ability to shoot off many shots quickly and without cost. This means you can experiment with different modes and composition and discard those that you don’t want to keep.

Camera phones are particularly good for experimenting with new angles and perspectives – shoot from down low, up high, close up etc and you’ll end up with interesting and fun shots.

9. Follow Rules of Composition (and then Break them)

Learn some basic composition ‘rules’.  – ie don’t place your subject squarely in the middle of your frame but a third of the way in). Simple tips like this can bring life toyour photos.

But then also remember that the beauty of a camera phone is its ability to break all conventions – some of the best shots around break all the rules. So shoot from the hip, the floor, up high, up close – anything goes.

10. Keep Your Lens Clean

One of the challenges with many camera phones is keeping them maintained and clean. Phones spend a lot of time in pockets, in bags and being used in all manner of weather and conditions. As a result they get dirty and can easily become damaged – fingerprints are a common problem on camera lenses – especially if your phone doesn’t have a lens cover. From time to time clean the lens of your camera using a soft cloth (sunglasses cleaning cloths are great).

11. Observe Camera Phone Etiquette

While there is no formal set of rules for using camera phones – it is worth considering how you use it and what impact it might have upon others. There are many cases of camera phones being abused to take sneaky or voyeuristic photos. Ask permission to photograph strangers, consider restrictions on the use of cameras in places like theaters and concerts etc.

12. Use the highest resolution possible on your camera phone

Some phones allow you to choose what resolution you want to take photos at. It almost goes without saying (but we like to state the bleeding obvious) that the higher your resolution the clearer your shot will be. This is especially true for camera phones which often have sensors of under 1 megapixel in them. Keep in mind however that the higher the resolution the larger the file size of the images you take – this means if you want to send images they can end up taking a long time to send.

Planning to visit Vietnam for the first time? These 10 quick tips will help you prepare for your trip and travel Vietnam like a pro.

Vietnam is one of my favourite places on earth. Having lived in Hanoi and explored most of the country, I know a thing or two about travel in Vietnam – especially the common concerns that trip travellers up.

You probably have your Vietnam wish list in mind already. A Vietnam visa application should be the next step. With your most important document sorted, you can focus on planning your itinerary and sorting out the logistics that will ensure a smooth trip.

10 quick Vietnam travel tips for first timers

1. Sort out your visa

It goes without saying, but your number one priority should be to organise your visa. Every traveller requires one, and it’s a good idea to start the process well in advance.

When I first visited Vietnam, I had to apply for a visa the old-school way by posting my passport to the nearest embassy. With the introduction of the e-Visa, it’s never been easier or faster to get your entry permit in order. I will discuss this process in detail later.

2. Purchase your travel insurance

Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Vietnam regardless of your travel style or plans. If you’re thinking about hiring a motorbike or cycling, trekking in the national parks or doing any water activities, then you definitely need a good policy that will cover you in case of an accident.

3. Pick the right season to visit

Because of its geography, the climate in Vietnam varies drastically between the north and the south. Many travellers don’t realise this and mistakenly think the weather and temperature will be uniform for their entire trip.

Generally speaking, spring (March to April) and autumn (September to early December) are the most pleasant times to visit Vietnam. It’s not too cold yet in the north, and not too hot in the south or on the coast.

Remember the weather is unpredictable and can bring anything from freezing temperatures and frequent downpours to intense heat and evening storms.

In order to pick the right season, you should first have a firm idea of where you want to travel. If you only have a specific window of time when you can travel, then you might need to adjust your itinerary based on the weather.

4. Be selective with your itinerary – don’t try to fit too much in

As an advocate of slow travel I always recommend moving through a country at a steady pace – especially if it’s your first visit. You need at least three full days to do the big cities such as Hanoi and Saigon justice. Take advantage of Vietnam’s best day trips to see more of the country while using the cities as a base.

It takes time to get to know Vietnam, its culture, traditions and food – and every region is different. If you try to fit too much in and rush through, your experience might not be as fulfilling.

Another thing to keep in mind: Vietnam may look small on the map, but don’t let that deceive you. It still takes time to travel around the country, especially if you’re relying on trains and buses. Incorporating a few domestic flights is a great way to save time and see more.

5. Pre-book your airport transfer (my top Vietnam travel tip!)

Using taxis in Vietnam can be overwhelming, which is why I recommend buying a local sim card and downloading a taxi app as soon as you get to your first destination.

My biggest tip if you want to hit the ground running is to pre-book your airport transfer so that you don’t have to worry about getting to your first hotel. I am a frequent traveller to Vietnam but I still pre-organise my airport transfer every time I go – cars are very reasonably priced and it makes life so much easier.

6. Learn a few key Vietnamese phrases

Vietnamese is the official language in Vietnam but English is widely spoken – especially in popular tourist areas and among the younger generations. However, if you want to have a more holistic experience and demonstrate your respect for the local culture, it’s nice to know a few basic phrases.

Even if it’s just a few words, people will appreciate that you’ve taken the time to learn some Vietnamese. It might even open doors to you that are normally closed to outsiders.

7. Plan your budget carefully

Don’t make the mistake of thinking everything in Vietnam is ‘cheap’. While it’s true that Vietnam is incredibly good value for money (especially when it comes to accommodation and food), there are still some things that are worth splashing out on, for example a quality Halong Bay trip from Hanoi.

Cash is still king in Vietnam, so make sure you carry plenty of dong (the official currency) with you. Street food stalls, markets, taxis and small hotels and homestays (especially in rural areas) might only accept cash.

8. Understand the tipping etiquette

Tipping is not compulsory in Vietnam but it is very much appreciated. Tipping tour guides and drivers is best practice – I recommend 10-20% depending on how satisfied you are with the service.

Note that some restaurants and cafes will add a 10% service fee to your bill.

9. Pack the right clothes

The humidity in parts of Vietnam is intense, so you need breathable clothes that you can wash and dry overnight. Natural materials such as cotton or linen are preferable. Most locals cover up in hot weather so if you want to blend in, carry a light scarf or long-sleeved throw over that you use to protect your arms from the sun.

Warm gear is absolutely essential if you’re travelling to the north in the winter months. It’s always a good idea to have a travel raincoat and umbrella with you no matter the season.

Conservative dress is required for temples and religious sites. I recommend a scarf for women and long, lightweight pants for men.

10. Don’t forget your camera!

Vietnam is nothing if not photogenic. From Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the dreamy landscapes around Dalat, it’s one beautiful landscape after the next.

Remember to be respectful when practicing street photography and always ask for permission before taking someone’s portrait. This is especially important in rural areas.

How to apply for the e-Visa to travel to Vietnam

Within three working days, you can get your e-Visa in three simple steps. Remember the visa is valid for 30 days. Here’s how to apply for an e-Visa for Vietnam.

1. Confirm your eligibility

The Vietnam e-Visa is available to passport holders from 81 countries. Double-check to see if your country is included on the list – otherwise you will need to apply for a different visa.

2. Get your documents ready

You will need a JPG photo, a passport with six months’ validity, an international credit or debit card, and a temporary Vietnam address (the address of your first hotel will do, so make sure you’ve booked at least one night’s accommodation). You need to provide your entry and exit dates.

3. Start your application

Go to Vietnam’s e-Visa official website and upload the required documents. Then supply the required information about your journey. After payment, you will receive a registration code. Keep this number safe as you might need it later. If approved, you will be able to visit the website and download your e-Visa after three working days.