Going for a road trip can be the equivalent of a system reboot — experiencing all the nature and adventure that the world has to offer, while out on the road.

Before you set out on your journey, there may be some travel essentials you’d want to keep in mind. Here’s a list:

1. Neck pillow and eye mask

Getting good sleep whenever and wherever possible is one of the most important things. Using a good pillow can position the neck well in a way that minimises the chances of aches. Meanwhile, an eye mask works well in sleep initiation and to avoid light from entering your eye. Both items are made of soft materials for comfortable usage. The pillow can be hooked to the baggage and needs no additional space.

2. First aid kit

Always carry a kit with basic medical aids to manage any immediate accidents. What you put inside this kit is a personal choice. Some must-haves are plaster, band-aids, antiseptic cream, cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings, thermometer and painkillers. Take frequent looks at expiry dates and replace/refill accordingly. The pouch has enough room for all such essentials.

3. Toilet Seat Cover

It’s always scary to use public toilets in India, especially for women. The issue of hygiene can be partially solved by carrying disposable toilet seat covers. This ensures zero contact with germs and is ideal for those who are prone to infections. The pack contains 30 single-use disposable covers. Made of biodegradable material, the covers are eco-friendly too.

4. Mobile holder

For hassle-free driving, mobile holders are important. They can help you avoid frequent stops to check the map for finding a route. This product’s system locks and releases the device with just a push of a finger. A two-step locking lever provides additional mounting support for multiple surfaces. Any device can be placed on it. It also rotates 360 degrees which is an advantage in capturing photos/videos.

5. Coolbox

This icebox, which can be placed inside a car or any other vehicle is another essential. It can keep things like drinks and medicines cool for up to 48 hours. Additionally, it can be used to carry tiffin boxes, lunch boxes, or bento boxes. The product is made of high-quality material, and food and drinks can be safely kept inside.

6. Tyre puncture repair kit

Repairing a punctured tyre is a basic life skill, especially for frequent travellers. Make the process easier by always keeping a repair kit inside the vehicle. The kit is ideal to repair any vehicles like bikes, cars and vans. It contains a reamer, probe, puncture repair strips, cutter, nose plier, chalk, tyre valve, valve cap and gloves. These come in a nylon bag which can be easily carried.

7. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not a luxury, but an essential to protect eyes from UV rays, dust and other harmful matters. Go for an eco-friendly option by picking wooden framed sunglasses available online. It gives a rustic and classy look too. The product comes with UV400 protection and polarised glasses.

8. Water bottle

Rather than buying mineral water bottles everywhere, carry your own bottle that you can refill. It can help in reducing the usage of single-use plastic and maintain good health. Choose a stainless steel, bamboo or copper water bottle which can be used for a long period of time. The given product is a black stainless steel 1-litre bottle. It is safe to use even if the water heats up during the journey.

9. Steel straws

The perfect partner for your juices and aerated drinks, this steel straw can be washed and reused for a long time to avoid contributing more waste. It requires tiny space in your pouch but benefits the planet a lot.

10. Journal

A really fun part of a road trip is also what comes after — going through photos and videos you took during the vacation In the same breath, why not jot down memories, details, and things you learnt along the way? This classy handcrafted leather journal is a perfect item to keep those memories alive. It is hand-stitched with 240 pages and can be easily carried. The pages are made of recycled paper.

Does Studio Flash Photography Affect Newborn Babies?

The quick answer is: most probably studio flash does not affect a newborn’s eyes . There are studios across the world that photograph young children and newborns, and we have not seen any widespread adverse effects, so rest assured.

Having said that, you may be a cautious parent, and want to avoid using flash immediately after birth. Here are some guidelines that you can follow if you want to be cautious.

Guidelines For Newborn Photography Without Flash

If you’ve just had a baby, this question may cross your mind before taking your baby’s portrait at the studio.

If you must have your child photographed, but are hesitant to use flash despite the data at the links below, we have formulated some guidelines for you to minimize the risk. Using these guidelines, you can go ahead with taking beautiful portraits. Here are some Dos and Donts.

Do This While Photographing Newborn Children

• Avoid using Flash. Make sure you have reflected sunlight light coming in through large windows while taking pictures. It goes without saying that a good time to take the picture is during the day when the sun is bright.
• Use large apertures (i.e. smaller numbers) to let enough light in.
• Use faster ISO such as ISO 400-1600, but it would bring in more noise. Don’t worry too much about noise, though. You can get less noisy pictures by using slow ISO such as 100, but best taken when you have a tripod, and when the child is asleep.
• Use longer exposure (this is the shutter speed) while indoors. This is doable only when the child is asleep and not moving. The longer, the better for brightness, but very long shutter speeds are again … not good. Using a tripod is advised.
• Photograph them when they’re asleep. This is a good idea for multiple reasons. There will be less movement, and you can use slow exposures with low ISO. However, you may want to capture the beauty and expressions while they’re awake too.

A mix of various types of images, in different locations, moods, and lighting photographed as they grow, up will allow you to have a wide range of images for your memory.

Do Not Do This While Photographing Newborns

• Do not use flash in a dark room and while she is awake. I do not know whether it is harmful to the eye, but strong flash can be irriting to the eyes and I am sure the babies feel it too. If you absolutely must use flash, remember that a dark room increases the contrast, and the apparent intensity of the flash. If the newborn is asleep, their eyelids offer some additional protection.

Conclusion: Flash is Safe, But Play it Safe

There seems to be conclusive evidence that Flash is safe for babies. However, I would avoid it. After all the child’s well-being is more important than a photograph.

The easy way to do it is; you can tell the camera to turn off the flash, take photographs in a bright location, and buy yourself a tripod & a zoom lens. This will be less intimidating to the child and you will be guaranteed to get stunning pictures that will tell the story for life.

But one thing that I always have a problem with, is that I do not know how to command the baby to stay still, do you know how?

Happy Taking-Pictures.

Sipping on this hydrating drink could help improve your skin, digestion and more.

Coconut water has grown in popularity over the past few years, but this beverage dubbed “nature’s sports drink” has been around for centuries. Known for its slightly sweet and nutty flavor, this refreshing beverage is great on its own or used in smoothies and more.

Packed with electrolytes and flavor, coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young coconuts and has a slew of health benefits. It differs from coconut milk, which has a creamy white hue and incorporates the actual coconut flesh.

Here’s everything you need to know about the tropical drink, including nutrition facts and health benefits.

Coconut Water Health Benefits

1. Provides a slew of nutrients and electrolytes

Coconut water fits into both low calorie and low sugar diets since it only has about 45 calories per cup and around 11 grams of sugar. Plus, it’s naturally loaded with electrolytes including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and more. Although nutrition facts can vary slightly based on where the coconut is sourced, as well as the maturity of the coconut, an average 8 ounce glass of coconut water has:

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Potassium: 470mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g
• Total Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 0g
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Magnesium: 4% DV
• Phosphorus: 2% DV

2. May aid post-workout recovery

Coconut water is abundant in several electrolytes including potassium, sodium and magnesium. If you’re working up a sweat, especially in the summer months when you may be sweating more, coconut water may prove to be very useful.

Chicago-based registered dietitian Maggie Michalczyk says that the electrolytes in coconut water can help to regulate fluid balance, prevent dehydration and even ensure proper muscle function. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you refuel with enough carbohydrates and protein post-workout as well.

3. May reduce blood pressure and stroke risk

Bananas are notorious for their high potassium counts, but just one cup of coconut water contains more potassium than a medium sized banana. Research suggests that potassium-rich diets can help support heart health by reducing blood pressure and even protecting against stroke. Complimenting coconut water with other potassium-rich foods in your diet is ideal when it comes to supporting a healthy heart.

4. May support good digestion

Coconut water contains magnesium, a mineral that helps to keep things moving and prevent constipation says Michalcyzk. Adequate hydration in general is important for helping regulate bowel movements as well.

5. May promote healthy skin

Lack of proper hydration can lead to dry, tight, and even flaky skin. Drinking coconut water can contribute to your daily hydration needs which promotes circulation and radiant skin. Certain varieties of coconut water are fortified with vitamin C which has a slew of antioxidant properties and naturally stimulates collagen synthesis, which can help keep your skin firm and youthful-looking.

6. May reduce added sugar intake

Skip the sugary juices and sodas and instead reach for coconut water when you’re in the mood for something other than water, says Michalczyk. Unlike sugar sweetened beverages, coconut water usually has little to no added sugar (in unflavored varieties). This makes it a great choice for diabetics or individuals looking to reduce their consumption of added sugar. Look for 100% coconut water not made from concentrate and opt for plain unflavored varieties for a no added sugar solution.

7. May help rehydrate when you’re sick

If you’re under the weather, the body can lose a tremendous amount of fluid from vomiting and diarrhea. Michalcyzk notes that coconut water can help with hydration status and balance electrolytes better than regular water in this scenario. Some brands even fortify their coconut water with vitamins C and D which can provide even better immune support.

8. May assist with weight management

Proper hydration is essential for nourishing every cell in the body and optimizing your metabolic rate. Many people mistake thirst for hunger, prompting them to overeat which can lead to weight gain. And even though coconut water has more calories than plain water, it is substantially lower in calories than other beverages like soda and juice. This simple swap can help you cut back on calories over the course of the week.

9. May help cure a hangover

If a little too much wine at happy hour left you feeling dehydrated and foggy the next day, Michalczyk offers a pro-tip to keep coconut water stocked in your fridge. She says it will help to replenish those electrolytes that drinking may have depleted and can be a great thirst quencher.

Are there any risks from drinking coconut water every day?

You may be wondering whether or not it is good to drink coconut water every day. For the general population, coconut water is generally considered safe to consume and provides a delicious source of natural electrolytes. But, there are a few exceptions to be aware of.

If you have renal failure, you’ll want to be careful with drinking coconut water as it is high in potassium. Although this nutrient is normally healthy for the body, when kidneys fail they can no longer remove excess potassium and monitoring your intake is important. Coconut water may provide an unexpected but major source of potassium if consumed regularly, resulting in hyperkalemia which indicates too much potassium in the blood.

Most tours to Antarctica depart from Tierra del Fuego, a province on the southernmost tip of Argentina (and South America). And Tierra del Fuego is often referred to as “the end of the world,” allowing travelers the pleasure of discovering a world unknown.

Before reaching the continent, ships will cross the infamous body of water — Drake Passage — where the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans converge. Drake Passage is one of the great mysteries of the seas, and depending on who you ask, it is nicknamed the “Drake Lake” and “Drake Shake” for its temperamental waters.

But the gamble is worth it. Passengers are sure to spot a plethora of seabirds including albatross and petrel when crossing Drake Passage. There’s also a chance to see breaching whales and dolphins leaping through the air.

And that’s just the beginning of the journey. Following are some of the most popular destinations visited on a journey to Antarctica.

South Shetland Islands
Just above the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are among the first stops on any Antarctic cruise.

Deception Island is one of the few volcanic calderas in the world that large ships can sail into and anchor. Once docked at Port Foster, passengers can set foot on black-sand beaches and hike to Neptune’s Window for a spectacular aerial view. While there, travelers may also visit Whalers Bay, an old whaling research station that fur seals use as protection from the harsh, natural elements.

Another popular pit stop is Elephant Island, which gets its name from the elephant seals that roam its shores. Visitors can travel to Point Wild on the island’s northern coast, where they can learn about polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 22 men who survived there for four dark winter months, living under upturned lifeboats.

Antarctic Peninsula
Cruises to the white continent can take two directions: east and west. Along the western coast of the white continent, ships will navigate through open waters and narrow channels, offering myriad scenic views.

Paradise Bay is one of the most praised destinations in western Antarctica, aptly named for its unparalleled beauty. Steel-blue waters glisten in the daytime, perfectly reflecting ice-capped mountains. The bay also contains arches made of ice and glaciers, in addition to a lively population of penguins and seals.

Farther south, there are many unmissable moments along the western coast of Antarctica. Lemaire Channel, best known as “Kodak Alley,” is a narrow channel that showcases ice-capped mountains on both sides, making it one of the best places to take photographs and observe the view.

Meanwhile, several landing sites at Petermann Island and Pleneau Bay allow for up close and personal animal encounters with penguins and seabirds. Southern elephant seals also frequent Pleneau Island, though it’s best to appreciate them from a safe distance.

Weddell Sea
On the other hand, ships can opt to travel through the Antarctic Sound (the body of water that surrounds the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula), and, weather permitting, dive into the Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the peninsula. Immediately, clients will notice an increase in massive tabular icebergs there — which makes for thrilling navigation.

Noteworthy shore stops along this scenic stretch include Brown Buff, Hope Bay (and the Argentine research station “Esperanza”) and Paulet Island. Though travelers can see large colonies of penguins from all three locations, Brown Bluff is particularly mesmerizing.

Brown Bluff is an ice-capped tuya (flat-topped, steep-sided volcano) with reddish-brown cliffs. Adelie and gentoo penguins congregate at the base of Brown Bluff, and it is one of the best locations for setting foot on the white continent.

Snow Hill Island is another favorite among visitors, though it can be tricky to access due to harsh weather. If travelers make it to the shore, they can visit Nordenskiold House, a wooden hut (and Historic Monument) built by the Swedish Expedition team that explored the island in the early 1900s. Travelers will also witness emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island, in addition to killer whales, humpbacks, leopard seals and Weddell seals in the surrounding waters.