Visiting snowy destinations in winter can be an unforgettable experience if you’re well-prepared. Follow these travel tips to make sure you have a comfortable trip be it solo or with family.

Are you planning a trip to a snow-covered destination this winter in India or internationally? Whether you’re heading to the mountains for skiing, exploring charming winter villages, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of snowy landscapes, winter travel comes with its own challenges. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are some necessary travel tips every traveller should know before heading to snow destinations:

6 Travel Tips For Winter Snow Destinations

1. Layer Up For Warmth

One of the most important things to consider when travelling to snowy destinations like Kashmir, Manali, Switzerland, or Norway is staying warm. The key to comfort in freezing temperatures is layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that keeps sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating layer, and top it off with a windproof outer layer to shield you from the elements like puffer jackets. Don’t forget essentials like thermal socks, insulated gloves, and a good winter hat to retain body heat.

2. Protect Your Skin

Cold, dry air can damage your skin, leading to dryness and irritation. When visiting snow destinations, it’s crucial to protect your skin from harsh weather. Use a rich moisturiser regularly to prevent dry skin, and don’t forget a good lip balm to keep your lips from cracking.

3. Wear Proper Footwear

Snowy terrain can be slippery and uncomfortable without the right footwear. Waterproof, insulated boots are essential for keeping your feet warm and dry. Look for boots with good traction to avoid slipping on icy surfaces. Also, ensure your shoes/ boots fit properly and provide enough space for thick socks. Remember, cold feet can quickly ruin your trip, so invest in quality footwear for comfort and safety.

4. Be Prepared For Weather Conditions

Winter weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous or remote areas. Before you travel, check weather forecasts and be prepared for snowstorms or sudden temperature drops. Always carry a weather-appropriate jacket, extra layers, and waterproof gear. It’s also wise to pack an emergency kit with essentials like extra food, water, and a first-aid kit in case of delays or getting stuck in challenging conditions.

5. Plan Your Activities And Safety Precautions

If you are planning to go skiing, snowboarding, or just take a winter hike, it’s important to plan your activities around the weather and your experience level. If you’re skiing or snowboarding, make sure to take a lesson if you’re a beginner and always wear proper safety gear. If you’re hiking, ensure you have a clear route, plenty of daylight hours, and a map or GPS device.

6. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold outside, but staying hydrated is just as important in the winter season as it is in the summer season. Cold, dry air can dehydrate your body quickly, especially at higher altitudes. Carry a water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day. Take care of your energy levels by eating balanced meals to fuel your activities. Pack high-energy snacks to keep your energy up while exploring snowy landscapes.

Traveling with a baby during the New Year holidays can feel daunting, but with thoughtful preparation and the right mindset, it can be a rewarding experience.

Dr. Kushal Agrawal, Head of Neonatology and Pediatrics at KVR Hospital in Kashipur, shares practical advice to help mothers navigate holiday travel safely and enjoyably with their little ones.

Packing Essentials

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth journey. Dr. Agrawal recommends creating a checklist to address all potential needs:

Sterilized Feeding Bottles and Formula: Pack enough for the trip, with extras for unexpected delays.
Diapers and Wipes: Bring more than you think you’ll need.
Medications: Include baby-safe paracetamol drops and oral rehydration solutions (ORS).
Homemade Snacks: For older babies, pack healthy options like boiled vegetables or fruits.
Boiled or Sealed Water: Ensure food safety by avoiding untreated water.
Packing these essentials helps reduce stress, allowing you to focus on your baby’s needs and the joy of the journey.

Tips for Air Travel

Flying with a baby can seem overwhelming, but small adjustments can make a big difference. Dr. Agrawal advises:

Ease Ear Pain: Feed your baby during takeoff and landing to help them cope with pressure changes.
Layered Clothing: Dress your baby in layers for easy temperature adjustment.
Comfort Items: Bring a lightweight blanket and soft toys for added comfort.

Road Trip Readiness

For road trips, prioritize safety and comfort.

Car Seat Safety: Use a rear-facing car seat for maximum protection.
Frequent Breaks: Stop every 2–3 hours for fresh air and to let your baby stretch.
Entertainment: Bring soft toys or play soothing music to keep your baby calm.

Emergency Preparedness

Traveling can bring surprises, but being prepared turns challenges into manageable moments.

Medical Details: Carry a record of your baby’s immunizations, known allergies, and emergency contacts.
First-Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer, and baby-safe insect repellent.

Hydration and Nutrition

Keeping your baby hydrated and nourished is essential, particularly in warmer or drier climates.

Offer water frequently to older babies.
Stick to familiar foods to avoid allergies.
Introduce new foods cautiously and in small amounts.

Managing Crowds

Popular New Year destinations can be overwhelming, but Dr. Agrawal suggests strategies for staying safe:

Baby Carriers: Keep your baby secure and close to you with a carrier or sling.
Avoid Crowded Areas: Maintain distance from large crowds, smokers, or anyone who appears unwell.

Dressing for the Destination

Pack clothing suitable for your destination’s climate:

Cold Weather: Dress your baby in layers, including socks, mittens, and a warm hat.
Warm Weather: Opt for breathable fabrics and ensure sun protection.

Managing Jet Lag

Traveling across time zones can disrupt a baby’s routine. To ease the transition:

Gradually adjust your baby’s schedule before departure.
Expose them to natural light during the day.
Keep nights dark and soothing to signal bedtime.

Embrace the Adventure

Above all, stay calm and embrace the unpredictability of traveling with a baby. “Your baby picks up on your energy,” says Dr. Agrawal. Challenges like detours or meltdowns are part of the journey, and each one helps you grow as a parent.

Remember, with preparation and a positive outlook, holiday travel can be an enriching experience for you and your little one. Safe travels!

Prioritize health during travel with tips on hydration, safe food, vaccinations, and hygiene to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free journey.

Dubai – As travelers pack their bags for long-awaited vacations or staycations, medical experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and well-being during the journey. Whether you’re exploring exotic destinations or unwinding close to home, a few precautionary measures can make all the difference in ensuring a safe, stress-free adventure.

Hydration and Immunity: The Foundation of Healthy Travel

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when traveling through changing climates or long-haul flights. Dr. Mitchelle Lolly, a pulmonologist at Prime Hospital and Prime Medical Centre, stresses the importance of drinking adequate water to combat dehydration. “Dehydration can dry out the nasal mucosa, making it more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria,” she explains. Alongside hydration, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet is vital. Dr. Lolly advises travelers to prioritize fresh, healthy meals to bolster immunity and avoid foods high in salt or sugar that can leave you feeling sluggish.

Navigating Local Cuisines Safely

Sampling local delicacies is one of the joys of travel, but caution is key. “Be selective about street food and ensure it is freshly prepared under hygienic conditions,” Dr. Lolly recommends. She also advises against consuming untreated tap water, advocating for bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. By taking these precautions, travelers can enjoy the flavors of their destination without compromising their health.

Vaccination and Pre-Trip Preparation

Proper preparation begins before the journey even starts. Dr. Lolly highlights the importance of keeping vaccinations current, particularly for flu and COVID-19. “Certain countries have specific vaccination requirements, so it’s essential to check and comply before traveling,” she says. Staying up to date on immunizations can significantly reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases while abroad.

Hygiene Habits to Protect Against Illness

Good hygiene practices remain a cornerstone of healthy travel. Regular handwashing, carrying a reliable hand sanitizer, and wiping down commonly touched surfaces, such as airplane tray tables, can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas is a simple yet effective way to safeguard against respiratory illnesses.

Adapting to Environmental Conditions

For those heading to colder climates, dressing warmly is non-negotiable. Dr. Lolly advises layering clothing to maintain body heat and protect against cold-related ailments. Travelers should also pay attention to weather forecasts and be prepared for unexpected changes in climate.

Balance and Self-Care: Key to Enjoyable Travel

Traveling can be physically taxing, but a balanced approach can keep fatigue at bay. Adequate sleep, regular light exercise, and mindfulness can help maintain energy levels and mental clarity. Avoiding overindulgence in caffeine or alcohol ensures that you remain alert and hydrated throughout your trip.

By taking these thoughtful measures, you can transform your travel experience into one that is not only enjoyable but also safe and rejuvenating. Whether embarking on a grand international adventure or exploring a local retreat, your health should always be your first priority. Safe travels!

Summer is on its way, and if you have kids, that likely means complicated summer camp plans. But it also could mean time for a family vacation. Trips that take everyone in the family away from their routines — parents from work and household responsibilities, kids from school and homework — can be a great bonding experience for families and give each family member a chance to see new things.

But taking the whole family on vacation can be expensive. Factor in airfare, hotels or home rentals, even campgrounds, plus food and supplies — and maybe a house sitter or pet sitter while you are away — and it all adds up fast.

Four in five American families planned to take a summer vacation in 2023, according to a survey done by the website Nerdwallet. The parents in those families said they planned to spend on average more than $2,200 on those trips. The vast majority (71 percent of families) said they would likely spend more than $1,000. And, the survey found, a majority of parents were going to charge at least part of their vacation on a credit card.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to take family trips together without racking up credit card debt, or even spending too heavily. Take advantage of some of the following tips to have a fun summer trip without breaking the bank.

1. Be flexible.

If you can make a flexible travel schedule work you will save considerably on airfare and hotels. Plan a vacation for a mid-week stay, rather than one that spans a weekend, recommends Devon Nagle, head of communications for the travel booking website Priceline.

“Or choose your destination and then price out the cost of the hotel for the length of your trip over multiple different time frames to spot the lowest rates,” he said. “Compare costs for a stay that begins a day or two earlier, or ends a day or two later than you’d originally planned. The savings may be considerable.”

2. Stay outside the city center.

You can often save a lot of money by staying a bit outside the center of a city with all the tourist attractions and then taking public transit or traveling in to see the sites. These sleeping arrangements might also give you a quieter spot at night and give you a chance to see part of a city you wouldn’t visit otherwise. And, the travel to the city center on public transit can be part of the fun.

3. Know where to look for deals.

Lots of airlines, hotels and other travel companies offer deals through social media, newsletters and mobile apps that you can use to your advantage. “Companies often highlight special travel deals and promotions on a daily or weekly basis and send it straight to your email if you sign-up,” said Nagle, the Priceline spokeswoman. “Priceline offers exclusive deals to followers on Twitter and newsletter subscribers. Priceline also offers mobile-only deals if you search for hotel accommodations via its app or your mobile browser. “

4. Book early.

If you are planning trips around big summer holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day, it’s best to plan ahead and book early.

Nagle says their data shows that hotels and flights prices hold steady until about 12 days prior to May 25, the start of Memorial Day weekend. At that point, flight prices start to rise. An average Memorial Day weekend flight costs $239 per ticket 12 days before the weekend, but then prices begin to rise, he says. The average price for a flight booked one day before May 25 is $313 per ticket.

For the Fourth of July, prices start to rise even earlier. Priceline data shows that hotels and flights prices hold steady until about 16 days prior to July 4, but then start to rise, Nagle says. An average Fourth of July flight costs $214 per ticket 16 days before the holiday, whereas the average price for a flight booked one day before July 4 is $304 per ticket.

For Labor Day, prices start to rise 10 days before the holiday.

5. Or book at the last minute.

If you can hold off on booking hotels until right before your trip, you may save some serious money. Try apps like HotelTonight that allow you to search for last minute deals, or use features like Priceline’s Express Deals search.

“Hotels, even some luxury, will often offer steep discounts, sometimes more than half off, to travelers who will book the hotel based on its star rating and neighborhood, rather than its specific name,” said Priceline’s spokeswoman Nagle. “You will know the rating, neighborhood, amenities and the experience of fellow travelers before you book. Once you book the vacation, all relevant details will be disclosed. Such deals often exist for last-minute travelers in particular, but can also be found weeks in advance.”

6. Use your kids to get deals.

There are lots of restaurants, hotels and attractions with deals for kids, so try seeking those out when you make your travel plans. Also, some places go the extra mile to offer discounts to families with kids. For example, all eight of the Great Ohio Lodges in state parks in Ohio offer a “Stays for A’s” program, where for every A on a child’s report card, the lodges will knock $10 off the nightly rate. Of course, there’s a limit, $50 per night, or 5 A’s.

7. Rent out your house while you’re away.

Make up for some of the money you’re spending on your trip by renting out your own home while you are away. Websites like AirBnB and VRBO make it pretty easy to set up a home rental, and you can hire a cleaning service to pick up after your guests so you come home to a clean house.

8. Consider a home swap.

Even better than renting your house may be a straight up home swap, where you trade lodging with another family. They stay in your house, you stay in theirs, and no one has to pay for a hotel. Try websites like HomeExchange, HomeLink, and Intervac Home Exchange to set it up.

9. Try a resort with deals.

Family resorts can make trips easy — they have food and activities all in one place. And they don’t have to break the bank if you book the right one. Lesley Cohen, a luxury travel advisor with the travel company SmartFlyer, recommends booking a club level room so the kids can snack all day. She also recommends booking a resort with a complimentary kids club. “Many places are charging $150 per kid for a half day program whereas some luxury resorts have it included,” she said. Oh yeah, and pack sunscreen, because it’s way more expensive at the hotel shop.

10. Try the “Robin Hood Hack.”

There’s an easy way to still save money after you book a hotel, says Doron Nadivi, the chief commercial officer at a new app company called Pruvo. “Hotel prices tend to drop 40 percent of the time after hotels are booked and can drop up to 72 percent off the total reservation amount,” he said. If you use the app Pruvo, it tracks price drops for existing hotel reservations and notifies the customer. (You could also set a reminder to check the price again periodically before your trip.) Then you can call and request the lower rate.

11. Add family trips to your business travel.

If you have summer business travel plans, adding a family vacation on at the end can be a great way to save money. “If I can, I get the family to join me on a business trip by adding some time before or after to explore, relax and share the destination with my family, says Joel Brandon Bravo, the vice president of TransPerfect, a language solutions and technology services company, and formerly managing director at Travelzoo UK.

12. Try local experiences

Getting away from the highly touristy attractions and experiences can make a trip more memorable and end up saving you a lot of money. Tourist attractions will overcharge people because they know they have them hooked. “But knowing a bit about the culture or language

can help you navigate foreign places a little easier,” said Bravo of TransPerfect. “Putting yourself in the shoes of a local, rather than relying on the touristy places, can save you those hiked up prices and crowded attractions and give you a more authentic experience.”

13. Learn about other discounts.

Families with disabilities can save 10 to 60 percent on some hotels, says Daniel Keebler, the marketing director at accessibleGO.com, which helps travelers track these deals using a traveler’s club called clubGO. “Whether a family member has a mobility issue, a child with autism, a spouse with arthritis, disabled veterans, or a family member who is blind or deaf, accessibleGO helps families with disabilities save money on their next hotel stay,” he said.

14. Find a place with a kitchen.

When booking travel, families usually worry about the biggest expenses, like airfare and hotels. But once you’ve gotten to your destination, your three meals a day can add up. James Kaiser, the author of guidebooks to Costa Rica and several U.S. national parks, says those restaurant meals can easily add $200 or more a day.

“One of the best ways to save money is to stay somewhere with a kitchen so you can prepare meals at home,” he said. “If that’s not possible, shop at a supermarket for basic foods to make breakfast, like bagels and cereal, or lunch and then splurge on dinner. You can easily save hundreds of dollars.”

15. Ship your stuff instead of checking bags.

If you are going on a camping trip or some other travel that requires a lot of gear, it might make more sense to ship your luggage ahead of time instead of paying checked bag fees at the airline. There are now services such as LugLess that make it easier.

For bulky items like diapers or last-minute needs like snacks, also consider ordering to your hotel or rental. For example, Amazon offers same-day delivery at some Disney World hotels.

16. Beware extra car rental fees.

If you need to rent a car for your trip, if possible, avoid car rental locations that are inside airports, which are often more expensive, says Miguel A. Suro, a personal finance blogger at The Rich Miser. He uses the website Autoslash to find a cheap rental.

He also recommends bringing your own toll transponder to avoid fees from the rental agency, declining all insurance from the rental company (after calling your insurer or credit card company to make sure you’re covered in rental cars) and declining all prepaid gas options, and filling up the tank before returning the car.