December is here, and with it the much-awaited holiday season. While you’re busy making plans to enjoy that family vacation, here’s what you need to keep in mind if you are planning to take your furry friends along.

Ashish Anthony, co-founder of JUSTDOGS, pet care services provider in India, shares expert tips to have an amazing vacation with your pets this season.

Make sure your pet is fit to travel

Before planning any holiday that includes your pets, consult with their vet to ensure it is fine to undertake the journey. In some cases, it would be advisable to leave your pet at home with a pet sitter, in a boarding facility, or at a pet boarding facility.

Ensure breed specific care

Winter-care needs to be breed specific. A Husky or a Saint Bernard for instance might not need intensive winter care compared to smaller breeds like Shih Tzus or a Maltese. Give your pet more food in the winter than you do in the summer. For instance, dogs, especially those who exercise outside, may require up to 25% more energy in the winter than they do in the summer. Pets require more food since outdoor exercise in cold weather requires more energy. Make sure to give them foods that enable energy development and provide holistic nutrition.

Ensure a comfortable ride

For any road trips, always ensure to include a blanket and/or a pet bed that they are accustomed to using at home. It makes traveling much simpler and keeps them comfy in an unfamiliar setting. Favourite toys or snacks are often a great addition for longer journeys where they could get restless or nervous.

Pack items that will keep your dog warm

It’s crucial to pack warm-weather gear for your dog so that they can travel in comfort. Have additional blankets, dog sweaters, and boots on hand for your pet. Consider carrying a water restaurant jacket for your pet if you’re staying at a place where rain or snow is likely. Certain resorts or hotels may not have sufficient equipment for dogs, so don’t forget to pack things your pet can’t do without.

Take care of the paws

Chapped paws and itchy skin can arise due to exposure to winter’s dry, cold air, chilly rain, and snow. Maintain short nails and neatly groomed toenails. For adequate paw protection, a range of dog booties are also available. If you don’t have booties, be sure to constantly inspect your dog’s paws while you’re out and about. Allow your dog’s paws to thaw in the warmth of the house or hotel once you return. To treat cracks or dryness, you may even get some dog paw salve.

Your dog must be trained well

Make sure your dog is trained in basic commands like sit, stay and respond well to their name. Your dog should be well trained before you take them along on a winter trip. But even with a well-behaved dog on your side, you should always use a leash. New environments and the curious urge to discover might lead them to ignore commands. Train your pets to stay in the crate during the journey as having their own area gives them security and also helps to curb their anxiety during the trip. Animals also have motion sickness, so carry paper towels or wetting pads to minimize the mess.

Keep your pets hydrated while traveling

Traveling with a pet water bowl or water bottle is advised since animals get dehydrated too. Put it in your pet’s crate so that they will always have water available. Prior to travel, you can freeze the water in the bowl to reduce spillage. You might stop frequently to make sure they are receiving adequate water breaks if spills bother you as well. Feeding them moist food, which will aid in hydration, is another sensible move.

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.