The world has finally opened up after unprecedented lockdowns and we all are already planning for our next trip. And when it comes to traveling, we want to make sure that we don’t burden ourselves with heavy luggage, instead have a small backpack that carries all the necessities including clothing.

Especially for guys carrying the bare minimum while traveling is a conscious call. There is no denying the fact that travel is not all about exploring places. It is also about looking and feeling good. Many a time we don’t understand what clothes to carry that would not only be comforting but will make us look stylish.

Even if you are on a business trip, slaying in style for those casual evenings is a must. You can easily create your own style statement without overburdening yourself with heavy luggage. Swear by these styling tips to be ever-fashionable while traveling:
Solid casual tees

In most parts of India, the weather right now is humid and no one would want to overdress just to look good. But you can still travel in style with solid casual tees that have a comfortable fit. To add a style statement, go for the tees that have an element of rough edges to create a raw look for yourself. Considering the weather, make sure to go for fresh bright colours like bright blues and yellows or earthy browns.

Popcorn casual tees

For many of us, t-shirts can be a very basic way of dressing. But wait, your tees can also give a premium and a luxury feel, if you go for the right one. Try Popcorn casual tees for those evening parties or luxury lounges.

Chinos shorts

They are one versatile pair of shorts that can be replaced with jeans for any occasion anytime. And while traveling chinos shorts are a perfect option as they are not only very casual but also lightweight. You can pair your chinos with cool t-shirts or classy linen shirts to complete your look. Pair them with stylish loafers, or comfy sandals and you will be ready to slay in style. Overall even if not traveling, there should always remain plenty of room for chinos in your wardrobe.

Joggers

One pair of clothing that will always make you look cool is the ultimate joggers. They can make you look very trendy when worn properly. Joggers these days come in varied styles and are not only limited to your athleisure. You have to be sure to go for the right ones for your travels. Pair them with cool sneakers, a t-shirt, and your favourite sunglasses to complete the look.

Slip-on footwear

Well! Who would want to go through the hassle of lace-on-lace-off shoes while traveling? Go for a travel-friendly pair of slip-on that is lightweight. The best part about slip-on is that it comes in a variety of styles and patterns for creating different looks. You can even carry two or three pairs of different styles without worrying about the weight of your luggage as they are very light compared to heavy sports shoes or leathers.

There are a hundred reasons to love Monsoon and fashion is one of them. Monsoon is the perfect time of the year to experiment with your look and try inevitably admirable and trendy fashion elements. If you mix and match the perfect wardrobe and accessories, you would create a masterpiece.

The cool breeze and the cloudy light provides a perfect backdrop for your new look. Be open to try out some Monsoon centric fashion tips and set your insta handle on fire!

According to fashion designer Ganesh Nallari “Wear breathable fabrics so you don’t feel the humidity in the air,” he says, adding that cotton and linens are best for monsoon, particularly because they dry up faster!

When it comes to colour, he says, “Choose darker shades for bottoms that are low maintenance and team them with contrast, bright, colourful tops.” He cautions, “Avoid full-length bottoms, wear comfortable clothing and not fitted ones.”

Designer Harsha Nutaki, who has also styled the likes of Suma Kanakala, among others, says monsoon is all about comfortable yet classy clothing. “Bright and bold colours are welcome, while pairing them with bell bottoms and a classic jacket. You can also rock the retro looks this time around. One can try wearing ruffle skirts and tops with floral prints. It’s very important to stay comfy indoors for night-outs and sleepovers so crop-tops with loose pants are the way to go.”

These are some steps you need to follow to style yourself in monsoon according to various stylists.

Choose your attire carefully – Monsoon is the time when you face difficulty in walking because of muddy streets. That’s why it is suggested to avoid wearing jeans, trousers, palazzos, or maxi dresses. Instead, try for shorts, skirts and knee-length dresses that will not get dirty. If you want to add some fun quotient to your style, wear a solid jumpsuit which is nowadays a rage in fashion.

Cloth plays a major role
Upon the arrival of the rainy season, pick clothes that are made of cotton or polyester which are not only comfortable but also dry quicker. During the monsoon, it’s almost impossible to not get drenched in sudden rainfall when we step outside. This is why choosing the right fabric is important. Save the clothes made of denim or silk, as they take a lot of time to dry up and get ruined.

Choose your footwear Wisely
Unless you want to spoil your favourite pair of shoes, avoid wearing stilettos or all the light-coloured shoes. One wrong choice in terms of footwear when it comes to rainy days can make things worse. Also, wearing shoes that are made of leather, suede and velvet is not a wise decision during the rainy season. Instead, go for rubber footwear, jelly shoes, crocs, and colourful flip-flops that will give you a refreshing look.

Match your socks with the season
Bacterial infection is very common during the rainy season so, if you are wearing closed footwear in the monsoon, make sure to wear waterproof socks which will keep your feet dry and safe from bacterial infection. Usually thicker than normal socks, waterproof socks come with moisture-wicking properties as well as anti-microbial properties.

Handbags can be your monsoon saviour
You may want to skip carrying a handbag during monsoon, but it’s probably not a wise decision. If you are travelling, you should always choose a spacious bag that is big enough to hold the essentials as well as the umbrella. Tote bags come really handy in the monsoon.

Make a statement with an umbrella
Umbrellas are not just used for protection from rain but now are used as a style statement. A fun, bright-coloured umbrella can make your outfit look vibrant. Carrying a cherry red umbrella in the sea of black umbrellas will surely turn some heads. You can experiment further by picking an umbrella with quirky prints that brings out the kid in you. However, if you want to settle on something more sophisticated, you can go for umbrellas in pastel colors or try the classic combination of black-and-white.

10 Things To Know Before Visiting Canada

Canada is no exception when it comes to the perils of climatic conditions and other issues concerning almost all foreign countries. Following the enlisted Canada travel tips can assure tourists some unhindered and obstacle-free thrills in this country which has bountiful offerings in its store.

1. WEATHER SCARE

It is vital that one checks and gauges into the details of the climatic condition which are going to prevail in the country during their period of travel. In CanadaNovember to February is generally characterised by heavy snow fall and avalanches. If you are into snow and want to enjoy the thrills offered by the snow laden cliffs, do not forget to pack appropriate clothes and snow boots. While zeroing on to travel mode their snow friendliness should be checked so as to avoid any mishaps.

2. TRAVEL SECURITY

Travel Insurance is a big must while travelling to Canada. The extreme climate and the terrains might create a situation when one needs to avail the medical facilities. While taking the travel insurance be sure that you get the details about the local medical practitioners and associates in the region you are travelling. This makes prompt medical help easy and can save one in case an issue surfaces.

3. VISA PROCEDURES

Some countries have visas on arrival and others need an extensive documentation process to be undertaken before a visa can be granted for entry into their geographical area. The visa process for Canada is quite stringent and requires one to follow all the guidelines and document requirements as mentioned on their official visa website. Follow all the specification and apply for the Visa to avoid rejection. For a number of nationalities electronic travel authorisation is needed to get entry into Canada.

4. EMERGENCY CONTACT

A tragedy can strike anytime, anywhere. Since Canada has a very diverse kind of civilization with towns, cities, small villages and even animals thriving in perfect harmony, reaching quick help might get difficult. Thus amongst an important Canada travel trip stands the need for travellers to identify whom and where to contact in need. For emergencies 911 can generate quick help in Canada and for issues which are not that urgent one can find respite by contacting 311.

5. ROAD SAFETY

Canada is known for its enthralling national parks, hiking trails and tracks. Most of the people travelling here like to drive their way around the country. Incidences of wild encounters have often been recorded on hilly terrains and they may pose a big threat to life. It is thus very crucial to identify the safest trail to follow and to know and read proper literature on how to react if you suddenly attract the attention of the residents from the wild.

6. MUGGER AND SNATCHERS

No country in this world is entirely safe and devoid of crime. While visiting Canada too, one might get mugged and lose important documents or money. This can be a real fun spoiler and can cause lot of inconvenience. It is a good move to keep the important documents like passports at the hotel and carry photocopy documents while travelling around. Carrying plastic money or travellers check is a safer option rather than physical notes.

7. FIND THE EMBASSY

Another important Canada travel tips to keep in mind is to identify the area and contact number of your countries embassy. You might not need to use this contact, but if the need arises you will be more comfortable speaking to your own representatives in the foreign land.

8. PLAN YOUR STAY

In the peak seasons a trip to Canada can actually burn a hole in your pocket if you have not made advance bookings. One of the most travelled places in the world, this country attracts an influx of tourists across continents. Not getting hotels and attractions booked can make you pay extra making your travel budget go hay-way.

9. SNOWBOARDING AND SKIING SAFETY

Canada is a paradise for snow sport lovers. The snow covered peaks provide the perfect playground for some adrenaline rush and creates lifetime memories. But as it is important to have fun it is equally important to check whether the activities are carried on by trained and licensed professionals or not, as otherwise one might be exposing himself to grave risk. These sports are quite dangerous and if one is not proficient at it he/she should take easier terrains and not cross the mentioned speed barometers.

10. LINGUISTIC AWARENESS

Knowing a bit of French can help you a great deal in moving around Canada. One does not have to be proficient with the language, but understanding some words of common usage can be really handy. Downloading a translator on phone can make you accomplish this task easily.

The USA is home to countless treasures that attract travellers from all over the globe. The country houses some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes on earth, a vast collection of iconic attractions, and many concrete jungles to explore. The destination truly encapsulates all the experiences that make an overseas trip an adventure to remember. Although, there are a few things that you should be aware of before visiting the US. From tipping customs and payment expectations to entry requirements and road rules, here are important things to remember before visiting the United States of America.

1. States and regions

The United States of America is split into 50 states and also divided further into different regions. These include the West, Midwest, Northwest, and South.

Each of these regions has different geographical characteristics. For example, the Northeast is known for its mountain ranges and rocky coastlines, whereas the Midwest is often associated with large forests, grassy plains, and stretching lakes.

2. Getting Around The Country

The many cities in the USA are often very far from each other. This can seem daunting if you’re embarking on a multi-destination trip. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get around the country. For example, if you’re hoping to save some money, the bus is a cost-effective option – although you can expect a lot of stops in-between.

3. There’s a tipping culture

In America, tipping your waiter is the normal practice and not leaving one is considered rude. As the minimum wage is low, it’s common to leave a 15% to 20% tip to compensate. If your math is a bit dusty, it proves helpful to have your phone calculator nearby. So remember, whether you’re at a restaurant, bar, or in a taxi, it’s important to leave a tip, especially if you’ve received good service.

4. Be prepared to pay more than what’s displayed

When it comes to purchasing goods and services in the United States of America, the price isn’t always what it seems. This is because most of the prices you will see are excluding sales tax, so when you arrive at the counter to pay, expect the cashier to require a slightly higher price. As the tax will vary from state to state, it’s safe to expect at least a 10% addition to the total cost. This also goes for most accommodation, with ‘resort fees’ commonly added to advertised prices.

5. Take the time to explore the national parks

Although America is renowned for it’s dense, buzzing cities, the country also boasts a very impressive range of national parks. Ranging from lush forestry, sky-scraping mountains, red desserts, and bottomless valleys, there’s a natural playground to suit any adventurers needs. Not to mention, the parks hold a collection of records, including the longest cave system in the world (Mammoth Cave National Park) and the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere (Death Valley, California). Some national parks that are undeniably worth your time are Yellow Stone National Park, The Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park.

6. Don’t forget your ESTA

It’s important for incoming travellers to be aware of and understand the requirements of entering the USA. America’s Visa Waiver Program allows people of certain countries (such as Australia, Denmark, and Belgium), to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa. Although, this doesn’t mean you can simply arrive without any paperwork. If you’re arriving from a country under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and attain approval before arriving. The process is quick and simple, but be sure to leave yourself plenty of time before you leave just in case.

7. Be careful where you wander in cities

Many cities, no matter what country you visit, typically include suburbs/ areas that you should avoid at all cost. In America, the line between these areas can be quite thin. In fact, the difference between a friendly and dangerous neighbourhood can sometimes differ by only one block. Just to be safe, try to be aware of your surroundings at all times, assess your situation regularly, and try to gain some local wisdom on where to and where not to wander.

8. Don’t visit without health/ travel insurance

Although travel insurance is a necessity of any trip overseas, it’s absolutely crucial when it comes to America. The country’s health services are extremely expensive, to the extent that you’ll be wondering whether you truly need medical attention or if you can stick it out. Just to be safe, it may be wise to make an investment in travel insurance and keep a printed version with you while on your journey.

9. There are plenty of islands worth exploring

As well as the US mainland there are islands that are also worth a visit – in particular, the Hawaiian Islands. This cluster of tropical islands is comfortable to travel year-round. Ranging from the bustling metropolis of Oahu to the natural playground of the Big Island. When visiting these you’ll find plenty of relaxing as well as adrenaline-fuelled experiences to be had.

10. You can turn right on a red light

An American road rule to keep in mind is the ‘turn right on red’ rule. Essentially, this means that across the 50 states, drivers are allowed to turn right on a red light if it’s safe to do so and if there’s no sign prohibiting a right turn. Rather than figuring this out the hard way (scratching your head with a lineup of cars honking at you to run a red), try to keep this tip handy.

Also, it’s important to remember that Americans drive on the right-hand side, so take caution when driving and crossing the road.