“Travelling is stressful, and all of this stress can disrupt your body, and particularly your skin. But, it is not necessary to have a long and sophisticated travel skincare routine, all it takes is a little planning,” said Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra

Many of us are itching to pack our bags and travel, something most people haven’t been able to do in the last two years due to lockdowns and strict travel restrictions. But now that countries are gradually easing Covid protocols, many are looking at long vacations, staycations, working holidays, and more. And while you may be having a party travelling from one region to another, your skin surely won’t. Long flights, frequent weather, water and diet changes and many more factors can impact your skin while travelling if not taken care of.

But if you think travel skincare needs a lot of time and you may end up missing out on having fun, Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, chief dermatologist and director, Alive Wellness Clinics, busts that myth stating that “travelling is stressful, and all of this stress can disrupt your body, and particularly your skin. However, it is not necessary to have a long and sophisticated travel skincare routine, all it takes is a little planning.”

When it comes to flights, “a little pre, during and post flight care will keep your skin fresh and glowing,” advices Dr Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. She also shares the following pre, during, and post-slight skincare routine to ensure no significant impact on the skin:

• Before the flight – Make sure you remove most of the makeup and cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. Layer your skin with a hydrating toner and serum before massing a layer of moisturiser. Cover your face, lips, neck, and décolletage too.
• During the flight– The air in the flight is full of germs and low in humidity, therefore, your skin needs hydration regularly. Keep drinking water regularly. If the flight is long, make sure to cleanse and moisturize your skin at regular intervals. Get up and stretch every half hour. Another simple trick is to use heavy eye creams or products containing humectants (like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, etc.) and emollients (like shea butter and olive oil) that seal in the moisture. As a last step to the routine, use few drops of facial oil.
• After the flight– It should be about taking care of the skin and protecting it from the damage done by stale air in the flight. Therefore, wash your face as soon as possible. Use a scrub if you can and a salicylic acid cleanser to prevent breakouts. Use a good toner, serum, and face cream (hydrating ones) before applying makeup. Avoid hot water showers at all costs. If you have time, use a hydrating face mask to get rid of the dullness and puffiness post flight.

Holidays are also the time to relish everything you like. However, like always, moderation is key as too much fried, junk, and sugary foods will not only upset your stomach but also show up on your skin. Remember, you can also control how your skin will react to the travel by monitoring what you eat while travelling. Dr Kapoor says “it is best to have light, filling, and hydrating foods during and before you start your travels — like banana which is rich in potassium, oranges that are loaded with vitamin C, apple, kiwi, smoothies, water, coconut water. Avoid sugar, and limit the intake of protein. It is tempting to binge on caffeine, salty nuts and even alcohol, but try to avoid it.” She further adds: “Your travel meals should be light and a mix of complex carbohydrate and proteins such as whole wheat crackers, low fat cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, avocados, dark chocolate, nuts etc.”

Dr Kapoor also recommends checking the weather of the place you’re travelling to. “The best way is to make sure that you include skincare products according to your destination. If you are travelling to a cooler temperature, carry a heavy cream-based moisturizer and cleanser; for warmer temperatures, lighter skin products will be most helpful. To adapt your skin to the new weather, start on the way and slowly incorporate the skin care products in your routine.”

Both the doctors stress on the importance of using sunscreen while travelling, “You are at an increased risk of sun’s exposure, especially if you’re travelling at high altitudes during summer months. Be very sure to apply and reapply your sunscreen after every 2 hours. Always apply it 20 mins before stepping out for trekking, beach, swimming, sailing and skiing. Use SPF 15 or higher or look for ‘blocks UVA and UVB or ‘Broad Spectrum’ on the label,” states Dr Chhabra.

You’re ready to go off on a big adventure; none of your friends could come, and you’re starting to feel nervous about going off on your own. It’s a normal feeling! Travelling on your own is something you’ll never forget and it is certainly a learning experience. Listed below are some of the steps that would help you stay safe while you travel alone and ease your fears on the road:

Make bookings ahead of time

One of the biggest worries while travelling is not knowing where you’re going to land up next. Why not ease all that fear and uncertainty by making bookings at hostels/hotels ahead of time. Another great advantage of this is arranging pick up through the hotel or hostel so that when you arrive, there is a friendly person to great you. It seems like a small thing, but in Asia and Eastern Europe where trains and buses arrive in the middle of the night and touts argue over who can take you at 3x the price, having someone with a sign reading your name is a great feeling. In fact, most of the 2 and 3 star hotels offer this facility. You can just write an email to them asking about the services in advance.

Take photos of taxi license plates

When it comes to safety, don’t feel embarrassed to do something. Let the cab driver see that you are taking the photo of the taxi’s license plate. He’ll be aware that you are smart and that his information could have just been sent to a local person who would know exactly how to find the driver if something were to happen. Don’t feel bad about making him/her think you don’t trust them. It’s a common mistake while travelling. Many of the victims have confirmed after the attack that they knew something was off but didn’t want to make the person feel bad. Put your safety first not other people’s feelings.

Wear a wedding ring

In some places this can help immensely in preventing unwanted attention. By making people think you are married, you’d avoid anyone from flirting with you (hopefully). It will make them think you are on your way to meet someone which is always good.

Be aware

Don’t plug in your headphones, don’t walk looking down. Look over your shoulder, look behind you. If you notice someone following you, tell them you noticed! Be vocal.

Don’t walk alone at night

Sometimes this is unavoidable but try to make plans that involve you being at home in time or to have a friend who would walk you to your hotel. It’s just never a good idea to roam alone at night.

Don’t get drunk

If you’re travelling alone, never let yourself get drunk. Be aware of your surroundings. You shouldn’t take drinks from people in general; they might be drug-induced. Yes you can party and have fun but do so with a group you know well. Don’t go to a bar alone and drink. People may notice you are alone and if you need help, who would you go to?

Hide some money

Don’t keep all your money together. Keep a small amount in your purse, some in your bag, and most of it in your back account. Take out smaller amounts at a time. Banks like Charles Schwab allow you to withdraw with no ATM fee anywhere in the world. You can even withdraw 40 bucks at a time if you want. No need to draw out 200 each time to save on withdrawal fees. You can use travel fanny packs under your clothes if you want to keep extra protection. Always have a backup emergency credit card hidden.

Make copies of everything

It’s a great practice to keep your passport, visa, health documents, vaccinations, travel itineraries, bookings, e-tickets, and credit card information somewhere safe. In case your credit card is lost (and you know it’s not stolen, as in you dropped it in the middle of the ocean or left it behind and someone is keeping it safe), you can do online bookings for travel until you can get another card.

Be street smart

Sounds broad right? Well, the biggest step in being street smart is to not get involved with anything that doesn’t pertain to you. Don’t help the guy who says he’s in a pickle and needs money, don’t help the guy who needs you to carry his bag, and don’t hold some woman’s baby that gets thrusted at you. If it seems weird, it’s a scam.

Keep your friends and family up to date

Share your itinerary with your folks back home. If something happens to you, people need to know where you were last. Call home often via Skype. If you are taking a train ride, someone should know the train details!

Follow these 7 student-friendly tips for those who are enthusiastic about discovering new places at a budget cut.

Travel Hacks For Students: For those who enjoy travelling, this year began with fewer constraints and more travel time. It’s thrilling and fantastic to see how many people are travelling now. But you know what feels even better? When you can travel more effectively while spending less. Here is a list of several travel hacks you can employ on your upcoming trip to genuinely relieve your tension and allow you to fully enjoy your time away.

7 travel hacks for students to help them save a fortune:

1. Research well ahead of your destination

Continually conduct research. Having a general sense of how much items will cost you before you travel is the only reliable way to ensure that a seller or taxi driver isn’t taking advantage of you. A guidebook or a short web search before you travel will typically tell you. To independently explore the city for less money, consider hiring a scooter or taking up healthy cycling.

2. Book a flight on Tuesday

Although it may sound conventional, there is no better approach to acquiring a cheaper flight ticket than to plan your trip ahead and purchase the tickets then. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that airfares typically increase on Fridays and start to decline on Mondays or Tuesdays. Due to the low demand for flights on Tuesday, it is almost always the most affordable day of the week to travel.

3. Volunteer to get free accommodation

By working there as well, you can further reduce your lodging costs. Many hostels offer labour exchange programs where you can work a few hours each day in exchange for free lodging. Many volunteer programs have steep fees, but some will provide you with free housing and meals if you work for them. You won’t have to spend much money at all while giving back to the community and discovering more about the inhabitants.

4. Stay in hostels instead of a hotel

Saving money is, of course, the main benefit of staying in a hostel. Even if you’re not willing to stay with strangers, many hostels provide private rooms and bathrooms that are worth looking into. You can prepare a special dinner instead of going out to eat every night.

5. Negotiate or bargain with the locales

Eating locally and purchasing fresh produce from nearby markets is far more affordable. Additionally, it’s a great way to live like a native. Not only that, but always bargain and obtain the greatest deal possible when buying, whether it’s in a store, a market, or anywhere else.

6. Carry a student ID card

Have you ever considered taking advantage of savings for a family member who is a student? In addition to the regular reductions, there are other advantages like travel gift cards and airline miles that can be very beneficial. You should be aware that many tourist attractions across the world provide discounts to both students and the elderly. In addition, airlines provide reductions on the base fare.

7. Take the night train/bus

People who routinely travel should develop the habit of travelling at night; doing so will not only help you save time but also money. Additionally, every time you take an overnight trip, you’ll save money on the cost of a hotel.

Exploring the remnants of what was once a beautiful theater, mall, school, home, amusement park and so on is an experience that takes you back in time and lets you visualize the location stuck in time from the moment it was left. However, exploring these locations can be potentially dangerous (not that that will stop any urban explorer!). Here are some tips for safety when exploring these locations:

1 – Research the location before going. Know where you are going and any specific dangers you should be looking out for. Learn the history of the location if you can-it will make you appreciate and respect the location a little bit more and make it far more interesting!

2 – Bring proper equipment. Entering an abandoned building comes with many dangers. You never know what you may be exposed to or what injuries you may sustain. Being prepared will minimize these dangers. For essential equipment while urbexing click here or for a complete list of items to bring click here.

3 – Be aware that you may not be the only one there! If you are interested in exploring a location chances are someone else is to. There is a possibility that you will run into someone else exploring or in some cases you may run into a local who inhabits the building. Don’t be surprised if you run into an animal or two as well!

4 – Bring a buddy! Never explore an abandoned building alone, follow the buddy system. You never know what could happen in the building with rotting floors and ceilings. In the case that you need help having a buddy to fetch it if you are unable to may be a life saver. It will also be helpful in the situation that someone is there that has ill intentions. There is strength in numbers!

5 – If you encounter someone never run! The reason for this is twofold. For one the building is abandoned-it is old and deteriorating. You never know how strong the floor is or what may jump up and grab you. Second if you run you will look like you know you are in the wrong!

6 – Never give away the location! While urban explorers seek only to photograph and not to harm there are people out there who vandalize and steal from abandoned buildings. Giving away a location may leave it vulnerable to being disturbed and destroyed by someone who does not respect the location and its history.

7 – Be aware of wild animals that may call the location home! Chances are you are going to run into some kind of animal at some point. This does not necessarily mean they are dangerous, but be cautious and know how to respond. Never run or show fear!

8 – As soon as you get home-shower! You will be walking through asbestos, mold, and dirt and will undoubtably track some out with you. When you get home-remove any clothing worn, throw it in the wash, and take a shower!

9 – Don’t take souvenirs! Never ever take anything out of an abandoned building. Although it may seem like no one wants it and that it has been left behind it still belongs to someone and may have some value to them. Respect the property and history of the location.

10 – Dress appropriately. Obviously you don’t want to show up to an abandoned building with shorts and flip flops on. Wear long pants, bring a jacket, and wear boots or strong, supportive sneakers.

11 – Accept that some places are just off limit! Urban exploration is thrilling, but some dangers are just not worth the risk! If there is no easy access to the location do not enter! Never, ever break and enter! If you can’t find a spot to just walk through accept that you may not be able to explore this location.

One last thing I would like to mention is to be sure you are always respectful of the location! Where ever you are it was (any may still be) owned by somebody. Appreciate the history associated with it and don’t take things out, leave trash behind, or vandalize anything!

Now that you know how to be safe while exploring you may be planning your adventure!