How to travel in peak summers: Tips and tricks

Summer vacations are the one thing everybody waits for eagerly! Whether you are a working professional, a college student, or someone who just loves to travel, summer is the perfect time to embark on new adventures. There are several options in India to choose from, ranging from high mountains to serene beaches; one can explore all!

However, due to the scorching heat, crowded destinations, and changing travel restrictions, traveling in summer can be a tad bit difficult. Here are some essential summer travel tips and tricks for both backpackers and families.

Choose your destination wisely

Opt for cooler regions or hill stations when planning your summer vacations. The mountains, beaches, and lakes offer a refreshing change from the torrid heat. Popular tourist hill stations such as Manali, Rishikesh, and the evergreen hills of Uttarakhand are perfect for spending weekends and holidays. These places are filled with adventure sports such as trekking and paragliding while also staying cool.
If you are traveling with kids, do make sure you explore theme parks, natural reserves, and heritage sites. Activities such as horseback riding and water adventures are mostly enjoyed by children and families alike.

Pack light and right

Pack light, breathable clothes when you are traveling in summer. Light-colored clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a pair of sunglasses will keep you cool while simultaneously protecting you against the sun. Comfortable footwear is a must. Make sure to carry durable footwear for long treks. Always pack sunscreen and reapply every 3-4 hours to protect your skin. For children, lightweight strollers with sunshades are a must.

Stay hydrated and stock up on snacks

Make sure you are fully stocked with healthy snacks like chocolates and crackers. Carry a water bottle that is easier to refill, especially if you are planning on a long journey; hydration is the key. Keep some dry fruits, energy drinks, and nuts handy for those long hours of travel.

Book early

If you are thinking of traveling to a popular tourist destination, make sure you have booked a stay, flight, or train ticket in advance. For a peaceful and swift experience. Opt for off-beaten paths if you want to avoid the rush. Look for family-friendly accommodations that offer in-house amenities such as clubs, pools, and proximity to other popular attractions.

Prepare for local weather

Keep track of weather conditions. The mountain weather is quite unpredictable, so pack layers. Bring a good warm jacket if you are traveling to high-altitude areas, and check out local hiking routes and activities available during the summer months.

Embrace local cuisine and culture

One of the perks of traveling is that you get to enjoy different local cuisines. Try their regional food, engage with the locals, and get to know about their culture. Street food can be a fun and affordable option, but you have to be careful in what and how you consume.

Keep flexible plans and have fun

One of the best things about backpacking is the spontaneity, even though you must have a basic plan in mind. Be flexible; take side trips, explore unknown cities, and embrace the surprise. The real experience is waiting for you there! Family vacations can sometimes be unpredictable. Involve children in decisions regarding activities and allow the schedule to be flexible. All will enjoy the vacation without being overworked if scheduled time and unplanned time are balance

Embarking on a long-term adventure to New Zealand, a land filled with majestic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and endless exploration opportunities, is a dream for many. With jaw-dropping sceneries ranging from the Bay of Islands’ serene beaches to Fiordland’s rugged mountains, New Zealand offers experiences for every type of traveler. However, transforming this dream into reality requires meticulous planning. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step to ensure that your extended stay in the “Land of the Long White Cloud” is magical.

New Zealand, known in Māori as Aotearoa, invites travelers to immerse themselves in its stunning natural beauty, rich Maori culture, and thrilling adventure sports. Comprising two main islands, the North and South Islands, each corner of New Zealand tells a different story, from the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the bustling, cosmopolitan streets of Wellington and Auckland.

A long-term journey to this paradise requires more than a fleeting glance at logistics. Careful planning is the foundation of a fulfilling travel experience, ensuring you make the most of your visit and pay attention to what truly interests you. One crucial aspect of this planning involves securing travel insurance online, which provides peace of mind by covering potential travel disruptions and medical emergencies.

1. Research and Preparation

• Visa Requirements and Duration of Stay

Begin by scrutinizing visa requirements on the New Zealand Immigration website. Options range from visitor visas for those staying up to a year to specific working holiday visas for younger travelers. Applications have been streamlined online for ease.

• Budgeting for Accommodation, Transportation, and Activities

A fundamental aspect of your preparation will be budget crafting. Consider setting aside NZD 100-150 per day as a baseline. Costs can, however, spiral in cities or through indulgence in adventure activities, so adjust accordingly.

• Seasonal Variations

New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer (Dec-Feb) invites warm weather, ideal for beach trips, whereas winter (Jun-Aug) is perfect for skiing in regions like Queenstown. Your interests should guide the timing of your trip.

Destinations and Itinerary

• Selecting Key Destinations

Must-visit locations span the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the adventure capital Queenstown, and Fiordland National Park. Equally, the cultural hub of Rotorua presents an insight into Maori tradition.

• A Flexible Itinerary

Incorporate flexibility into your travel plan to accommodate weather changes or spontaneous adventures. New Zealand is full of unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered.

• Adventure Sports and Cultural Experiences

Consider integrating activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, hiking, and famous treks like the Tongariro Crossing. Dedicate time to understanding the profound Maori culture through marae (meeting grounds) visits or a hāngī feast experience.

Accommodation and Transportation

• Diverse Accommodation Choices

Accommodation choices are plentiful, from hostels suitable for solo travelers or groups to holiday homes for a touch of privacy. Camping or renting a camper van can also offer a unique way to explore scenic landscapes intimately.

• Transportation Options Evaluated

Transportation within New Zealand is varied, including car rentals for flexibility, campervans for a home-on-wheels experience, or public transport for those looking to reduce costs. Each has its merits depending on your travel style.

Safety and Health Considerations

• Safety and Emergency Services

New Zealand is generally safe; however, familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and natural disaster preparedness, particularly in geothermal and alpine areas.

• Health Precautions and Insurance

Before departure, consult travel health advisories for necessary vaccinations. Invest in comprehensive insurance for long-term travel, ensuring it covers your intended activities, from hiking to extreme sports. This preparation helps ensure a smooth and safe journey, allowing you to fully enjoy your adventures without worrying about unforeseen medical or logistical issues.

Immersion and Cultural Experience

• Engaging with Local Communities

True travel magic often lies beyond tourist spots. Engaging with locals, be it through a community event or a simple conversation at a café, profoundly enriches the travel experience.

• Discovering Māori Culture and Customs

Learning about Māori traditions, language, and values is not only culturally enriching but essential for understanding New Zealand’s identity. Participate in a cultural tour or visit a local marae.

Food and Dining

• Savoring New Zealand Cuisine

New Zealand’s culinary scene blends Maori traditions, British influences, and modern innovation. Indulge in a traditional hāngī, sample fresh seafood, or explore the country’s vibrant café culture.

• Budget-friendly Dining

Food costs can be mitigated through self-catering, frequent food markets, or discovering hidden gem eateries recommended by locals.

Financial Management

• Banking and International Travel Tools

Consider setting up a local bank account or using international travel cards for long-term stays to avoid hefty transaction fees. Apps to track spending can also help manage your budget efficiently on the move.

• Currency and Payments

New Zealand’s currency is the NZD. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash is handy for smaller establishments or rural areas.

Sustainability and Environment

• Responsible Travel Practices

Respect New Zealand’s environmental efforts by adhering to Leave No Trace principles, especially in national parks. Opt for sustainable accommodation and eco-friendly activities where possible.

Conclusion

Thorough planning lays the groundwork for an enriching long-term trip to New Zealand, yet the true essence of travel often lies in the unplanned and unexpected. Approach your journey with an open mindset, ready to embrace every discovery and experience. New Zealand, with its captivating landscapes and warm-hearted people, is not just a destination to visit but a place to connect deeply with and remember fondly for years to come.

It feels like the summer season is right around the corner, and with it comes lots of exciting opportunities for travel. And yep, that means we can enjoy some travel photography too! Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera or just your smartphone, we all want to capture those special moments from our trips. But let’s be honest, most travel photos end up being forgettable snapshots rather than meaningful images.

Travel photographer Leander Hoefler understands this struggle. He’s learned that great travel photography isn’t just about pointing a camera at pretty sights; it’s about storytelling, light, and simplicity. Here are his three key tips to instantly elevate your travel photos.

1. Think in Sets (Not Just Single Shots)

Most travellers take random photos of whatever catches their eye. While this approach isn’t wrong, it often leads to a disjointed collection of images that don’t truly represent a place. Instead, Leander recommends thinking in sets and taking groups of photos that together tell a complete story.

The Three Types of Shots Every Set Needs:

• Establishing Shots – These are the wide, iconic views that set the scene. A city skyline, a famous landmark, or a sweeping landscape instantly tells viewers where you are.
• Everyday Life Shots – These make up the bulk of your set. Capture street scenes, local culture, architecture, and people going about their daily routines.
• Detail Shots – These are the small, often overlooked elements that add depth. A close-up of street food, a weathered door, or a fisherman’s net can say as much about a place as a grand vista.

“Not every photo needs to stand alone,” Leander explains. “Sometimes an ordinary shot becomes powerful when paired with others in a set.”

2. Know Your Light (Don’t Just Chase Golden Hour)

Conventional wisdom says to shoot only during golden hour, the hour after sunrise or before sunset. But Leander disagrees. While soft, warm light is beautiful, limiting yourself to one type of lighting means missing out on other creative opportunities.

How to Use Different Types of Light:

• Front Lighting (Sun Behind You) – Flattens the scene but enhances colours. Great for vibrant street scenes or portraits with even illumination.
• Side Lighting (Sun at a 90° Angle) – Creates depth and texture. Ideal for landscapes and adding dimension to buildings or faces.
• Backlighting (Sun in Front of You) – Produces dramatic silhouettes and emphasises shapes. Works well for moody, high-contrast shots.

“Harsh midday light isn’t the enemy,” Leander says. “It can make colours pop and create bold, graphic compositions.”

3. Pack Light (Less Gear = More Creativity)

Ah yes, this is the one I really need to take to heart! It’s tempting to bring every lens and accessory “just in case,” but Leander swears by travelling light. A heavy bag isn’t just tiring, it stifles creativity.

“When your shoulders ache, your mind is too distracted to notice great shots,” he explains. “Some of my best photos came from trips where I only brought one or two prime lenses.”

Why Less Gear Works Better:

• You enjoy the trip more – Less weight = less stress = better photos.
• You move faster – No fumbling with lenses means you’re ready when a moment happens.
• You think more creatively – Limitations force you to find new angles and compositions.

Final Thoughts

Great travel photography isn’t about fancy gear or perfect conditions, it’s about storytelling, adaptability, and simplicity. By thinking in sets, embracing all types of light, and packing light, you’ll come home with photos that truly capture the essence of your journey.

The pros shared six top tips for looking polished right out of the bag.

You made a thoughtful list, meticulously checked it off, and think you packed for your trip to perfection. That is—until you open your bag to find your go-to dress looking like a wrinkled mess, hardly fit for vacation photos, a milestone occasion, or an important work meeting. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of preparation—and a few insider tips from the experts—you can unzip that bag to find your wardrobe ready for primetime right off the bat.

For tips on how to pack clothes without wrinkles, we tapped the pros for their top strategies. Bookmark these hacks ahead of your next trip to keep your outfits looking fresh, polished, and ready to go when you get there.

Less Is More

As much as you might be tempted, don’t overpack your suitcase. Giving your clothes room to breathe means less compression and, in turn, fewer wrinkles. “Not having to trawl through a bunch of clothes makes it so much easier to avoid wrinkles,” says SteamLine Luggage founder, Sara Banks, who has traveled the world with four kids in tow. “There is more space, fewer wrinkles, and it makes repacking a pleasure. Plus, it leaves room to bring home souvenirs.”

Invest In Packing Cubes

Packing cubes or organizational pouches are game changers for keeping your suitcase tidy and your clothes wrinkle-free. “This will help keep things orderly so everything has a place,” says Banks. “Rolling clothes or gently placing them in packing cubes helps to keep wrinkles away.” Packing cubes also keep items separated and organized, she says. (Plus, “they’re a great way to store dirty laundry separate from items that remain clean.”)

Roll Clothes, Don’t Fold Them

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them is a method well known to savvy packers; it saves space and helps prevent creases. “When it comes to packing clothes without wrinkles, I recommend rolling your garments instead of folding them,” says Monica Mahoney, designer of her eponymous clothing line. “This method not only saves space but also helps keep wrinkles at bay,”

To improve your organization, organize your rolled pieces vertically and tightly in your suitcase. This method—like Marie Kondo’s famous organizational strategy—also makes it easier to see all your wardrobe pieces at a glance.

Hang Clothes On Arrival

Once you arrive at your destination, take a few minutes to hang your clothes. This helps keep them wrinkle-free and ready to wear. If you notice a few creases, here’s a simple hack: hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower. Banks suggests that the warm moisture from the steam will help release minor wrinkles.

Use Tissue Paper For Delicate Fabrics

Packing with tissue paper can be a game changer for more delicate fabrics. “You can place tissue paper between layers of delicate fabrics to reduce friction and keep your pieces looking fresh,” says Mahoney.

(If you’re traveling with a blazer or dress for a high-stakes occasion, consider a garment bag to keep it pristine.)

Pack Strategically Using Layers

“I suggest packing each item with intention, placing heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and reserving the top layer for lighter, more delicate fabrics,” Mahoney says. Layering is key to minimizing wrinkles. Start by placing shoes and heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase. Lay rolled or folded clothes on top, and save the most delicate pieces for the top layer.

By packing smarter, not harder, you’ll spend less time worrying about wrinkles and more time enjoying your trip (and snapping fabulous photos along the way).