Monsoons are the most awaited season to explore destinations while enjoying the refreshing rains.
The monsoons are a welcome relief from the blazing sun when the rain settles down all the pollution and dust around bringing out clean green surroundings.

Travelling during monsoon is one of the most adventurous and fun experiences you can have when dark clouds shower drops of bliss on earthlings. Monsoon season is one of the best times of year for travellers to explore a rainforest, a beachside town or a hilly city which offers ecstasy, beauty, and divine delight.

As a traveller, you must be careful while wandering around during monsoon due to extreme weather conditions. The wet season can make travel more complicated.

If you’re planning a trip during this rainy season, the constant temperature shifts can take a toll on your skin and leave it irritated and oily. The high humidity can affect skin health negatively.

Like any trip to a faraway destination, preparation is key. The following practical tips explain how to travel during the rainy season:

Use Waterproof Sunscreen
Despite the rain and cloud cover during monsoon season, UV rays can still harm our skin, even on overcast days. Sun is barely visible in this season, so people tend to skip the sunscreen thinking their skin will not get damaged as the weather is cloudy and rainy. However, UV radiation can be higher during cloudy days because the clouds can reflect and scatter the UV rays, increasing their intensity.

The weather is humid and the thick formulation of sunscreens can make your skin oily, sticky, and sweat all day. So it would be a good idea to pick something that’s gel-based lightweight and does not end up clogging your pores. For the monsoon season, one must opt for water-resistant sunscreen. A single application will not protect your skin the entire day. Sunscreen must be reapplied every three hours for the best result and strictly to reapply after prolonged sun exposure, heavy sweating, swimming, or heavy exercising.

Keep it Minimal
Applying makeup can be challenging during humid weather during travelling as they might have a chance of melting in the rain.
In the monsoon season, less is always more. So, you may want to consider pausing the usage of heavy moisturisers and facial oils for skin preps.

Embrace a minimalistic approach to your makeup routine. Opt for a natural, dewy look with gel-based moisturisers and lightweight serums enriched with hyaluronic products that enhance your features rather than masking them. For your base, you can also substitute a foundation with a BB or CC cream to even out your complexion followed up with a hydrating concealer to cover up any blemishes.

Antifungal Treatment
A jump in a puddle in the rain might satisfy your inner child but this could cause a host of fungal infections to you. High levels of humidity in the air allow bacteria and infections to multiply with ease which leads to problems like itching, swelling, and a foul smell. The air is saturated with moisture during the rainy season that makes it an ideal breeding season for bacteria, viruses and fungi.

In humans, fungal infections happen when an attacking fungus takes over a part of your body, and your immune system is not capable enough to ward it off.

Lotion based moisturizers are better than cream based ones in this season. Pure coconut oil provides instant relief. In its unheated form, coconut oil works as a potent antifungal agent. Applying it over the skin makes it a good, safe topical medicine.

Neem oil is considered a natural antifungal. Neem is easily available and works as one of the best treatments for fungal infections.

Washing the infected area with neem water helps in treating fungal infections. To make neem water, boil neem leaves in water for a few minutes and let it cool. It can be used to massage the feet and can be applied to the toes. Lightly dab the neem oil onto the area using a cotton swab or cotton ball, and allow it to soak in for up to 30 minutes. Wash off the oil with warm water.

Dry and crush some neem leaves. Add this powder to sandalwood powder and make it a paste with rose water. Now apply this paste to the area where you have the infection in feet and nails.

Waterproof Shoes
Whether you’ve got caught in a downpour or you’ve been forced to walk through an unavoidable puddle, Waterproof boots are rightfully beloved for their ability to shield your feet from the discomfort of damp conditions.

So Waterproof shoes are essential for maintaining comfort and dryness during the rainy season travelling. Choosing the right pair of waterproof shoes can be a daunting task for travellers. It’s critical to try shoes before you buy them whenever possible to ensure the upper fits the way you like. Preferably buy sneakers, that are comfortable to walk in and are skid-free.

Invest in a pair of popular brand waterproof, windproof and breathable socks that live up to their name. Not only will they keep your feet safe from dirty water and slippery paths, but they also make for a great statement piece for your outfits!

Hydration
Dehydration is a common complaint during travelling in hot and humid weather. The increased humidity during the monsoon can increase your sweat rate, which can cause dehydration. It can make you sweat incessantly, losing more water. Dehydration strips the cells of water and vital minerals and hence a person feels tired, lethargic and dizzy. It’s essential to drink water regularly, regardless of your thirst level, especially during the rainy season when you might not feel as thirsty due to cooler temperatures. Water makes up 70% of our body mass and is one of the most vital nutrients. On average, an adult needs 2-3 litres of water daily to stay well-hydrated.

During monsoon, your drinking water may get contaminated and hence packaged mineral water is best during monsoon because it is loaded with essential minerals and nutrients. You must try tender coconut water, lime water, kokum squash, buttermilk, soups and fruits-vegetables with high water content like watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber etc. to keep the body hydrated

It’s no secret travel can be as stressful as it is rewarding — from planning and packing to navigating and adapting, you learn to expect the unexpected.

However, traveling with kids can involve a lot more moving parts to the process of getting to your destination. When traveling, making sure your kids stay safe and healthy during your trip is a top priority. Gathered from fellow parents, get a head start on your next adventure with this list of the top 10 best tips for traveling with kids.

1. Pack extra clothing in your carry-on

Accidents can happen with kids of all ages. Parent Nubia Duvall Wilson recalls how she wishes she remembered this packing tip, “Our potty-trained toddler son had an accident right before boarding a plane. We had to clean him up in the bathroom, and he ended up without underwear. He was a good sport, but I felt terrible for not having a spare pair.”

Always keep an extra outfit and underwear in your carry-on for an easy change that will keep your child clean and comfortable.

2. Protect against germs on public transport

Airplanes, trains, buses and boats, whatever the mode of public transport — it probably has a lot of germs, especially on tray tables, arm rests and windows. Wilson also recommends wiping down these surfaces thoroughly, as your child is likely to touch and press against them often. A quick but thorough cleaning can help prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your child healthy for the remainder of the vacation. Frequent hand-washing or hand sanitizer is a good idea as well.

3. Remember hydration, snacks and sleep items

Ensuring your kids stay hydrated, well-fed and well-rested is crucial during travel. Always have reusable water bottles handy to refill and grab a bunch of healthy, packable snacks to avoid overly sugary options on the go. Comfort is key for better sleep — bring familiar items such as their car seat for the plane, an extended seat cushion or travel pillow for head support. Noise-canceling headphones or a soft eye mask can block out ambient noise and light. Additionally, a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or even a cozy set of pajamas can provide a sense of security, making it easier for your child to settle down and rest.

4. Opt for grocery delivery

Vacation rentals often offer the convenience of grocery delivery. This can be a lifesaver, especially when traveling with toddlers. Wilson shares, “We chose vacation rentals over hotels to have groceries delivered in advance. It saved us from the hassle of shopping with cranky kids who just wanted to get to the pool or beach.” This also allows you the ability to customize your order, so you’ll have your kids favorite foods easily available and will be able to feed them balanced meals throughout the trip, rather than relying solely on limited restaurant kids menu options. You’ll likely save money too!

5. Use digital devices for safety

When visiting crowded places like Disney, consider equipping your kids with digital devices to maximize travel safety. These allow for convenient tracking and communication in case you get separated. Wilson told us, “Our kids, aged 7 and 8, had their Gabb watches on during our Disney trip, giving us peace of mind knowing we could contact them if necessary.” If your kids are too young to use devices, parent Daniel Clarke suggests waterproof silicone bracelets or clothing tags with your contact information and any medical details to help you feel more assured.

6. Be consistent with sun protection

Traveling, especially during summer, means constant sun exposure — and nothing ruins the fun on vacation like a bad sunburn. You can protect your kids by frequently applying sunscreen, using sun shades in the car and encouraging them to wear hats and sunglasses. Parent Amy Johnson mentioned, “Our car has sun shades, which help our kids nap and stay cool during long drives. I always keep sunscreen sticks handy to avoid getting my hands dirty.” Of course, sunburns do happen, so adding aloe or cooling lotion to your bag is a smart choice too.

7. Prioritize time management and regular breaks

Traveling can require a lot of waiting in lines and sitting still in a seat. With kids, it’s best to give yourself an extra time buffer whenever possible in case of unexpected challenges or delays. Plus, not rushing will protect your peace of mind and mood. On long trips, Johnson also recommends frequent stops to prevent your kids from getting too hot, overstimulated or uncomfortable. Whenever possible, encourage them to get up and move around to burn some energy.

8. Try out portable potty solutions

For those potty training or dealing with unfamiliar public restrooms, Johnson says that portable potty training chairs and folding travel potty seats have been super helpful for her family. These items not only make bathroom breaks more manageable but also help keep your kids safe from bacteria in public restrooms.

Frequently asking your children if they need to go to the restroom can prevent urgent situations and can also help them get used to the idea of going in new and unfamiliar settings.

9. Bring travel a first-aid kit and important documents

A well-stocked first-aid kit is a travel essential. Beyond the basics like Tylenol, Advil and bandages, consider including motion sickness medication, antihistamines, anti-itch cream, and stool softeners. “These items have saved us from emergency visits,” says parent Richard Campbell. You might also want to bring copies of any important medical documents or consider investing in travel health insurance for your kids, as it provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses and emergencies. Dr. Preeti Parikh, executive medical director at GoodRx, said it’s important to “make sure your children’s vaccines are up to date to prevent infections from diseases like measles, mumps and polio. Keep an eye on how your kids are feeling during travel and consult a medical provider if something feels off.”

10. Ask for help and split the work evenly

Traveling with kids can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to ask for help and split the work evenly among adults in your travel group. Discuss contingency plans, assign different responsibilities and share the load to reduce the mental burden. Above all, be patient with yourself — no travel experience will be perfect and that’s OK. If you’re traveling alone, check in with yourself often and remind yourself that you’re doing great. Be sure to set reasonable expectations and lean on others around you — you’ll often find kindness and support close by no matter where you are.

With summer vacations in most parts of the country, it’s the holiday season. Also, high temperatures in North India too makes many people plan for a small break in cooler areas. Gone are the days when people lugged big cameras to capture their memories. For most, mobiles do the job now. Also, with smartphone cameras improving by the day, many of them give almost DSLR-level photos. However, how your phone’s photographs come out also depends a lot on how you take them. Here are some simple tips to get the best out of your phone’s camera.

1. Understand your smartphone’s camera

The first step towards capturing good photos using smartphones is to understand the capabilities of your phone’s camera setup. Most modern phones come with multiple lens setup offering users a ultra-wide angle lens, telephoto lens, dedicated portrait lens, macro lens, etc. There are also a host of shooting modes.

2. Clean your lens

Now, this may seem like an obvious thing but, the smartphone’s camera lenses get dirtier than they may appear. Cleaning them thoroughly can help you get better and detailed photos.

3. Get some additional accessories, if possible

Like DSLR cameras, there are additional accessories available for phones too. Now, a tripod, a ring light and an additional lens can come in handy in a wide range of situations. A tripod can be used in low light situations as well as capturing a group photo with you being in the picture.

4. Can go for portable ring lights

Ring light can come in handy while recording videos or taking selfies. There are quite a few portable options available.

5. Focus on framing, experiment with the focal length and angles

Now that all the basic things are in place, framing is the next big thing. Irrespective of the location or type of photo you are trying to capture, if you’ve got the frame right, you’ve covered half the journey towards capturing a good photo. For this, try to eliminate unnecessary objects from the frame, also don’t be shy to experiment with the focal length and angles.

6. Try to keep your subject towards either ends of the frame

This trick is basically known as the rule of thirds. In this all you need to do is keep the subject towards the left or right end of the frame. This gives the photo a clear perspective and results in a pleasing photo. With this, you can also use the extra space to incorporate the surrounding to get a sense of the location.

7. Capture ultra-wide photos for an immersive view

Imagine you are typing to capture a lake or a mountain. Using the ultra-wide angle brings more area into the frame with a slightly distorted look. This adds to the perception and adds a creative angle.

8. Shoot early morning or late evening

Golden hour is the perfect time to capture landscape photos or portrait photos, So capture during early morning or late evening. Basically, you need to capture photos when the sun is rising or setting for better and goldenish-beautiful photos.

9. Beach photography

If you are travelling to a place with sea or lakes, then try capturing candid shots with the sea in the background. Get creative with the angles — low angle works really well around the beach. Also, try using the dedicated modes like slow motion shots for the waves, also use some built-in camera filters for some different styles of photos.

10. Hill station photography

Hill station photography is a lot like beach photography. All you need to keep in mind is that you are at a height and you are trying to capture something that’s far and really big. In this case, try to frame your shot with a part of the mountain and also some of the surroundings like buildings, people, etc. Also, compose the shots using the rule of thirds for better photos. Also, far away subjects tend to get a little hazy. Try to capture photos on a sunny day.

11. Creating timelapse videos of sunset and sunrise

While you can always record some videos, making timelapse videos can make things more interesting. For instance, you mount your phone on a tripod, switch to Timelapse or Hyperlapse mode on your phone and leave it to record the beautiful sunrise or sunset.

12. Use Astro mode for night sky photography

Smartphone brands have started offering dedicated Astro mode in their phones, You can use this mode to capture beautiful stars and star trails images.

13. Shoot Panorama for that wide-angle perspective

Panorama mode on your phone can capture the entire surrounding in one frame. These photos not only turn out to be extremely beautiful, but they can also be used as house decor pieces.

14. Edit your photos

No matter how good your phone’s camera is, making slight adjustments in the photos can make a lot of difference. For instance, you have captured some early morning shots at a hill station. In the edit, you can boost those golden colour to make it more prominent. You can add a little sharpness and also dehaze the photos to add some more details. Just make sure not to go overboard while doing so.

15. Keep a check on battery and storage

Make sure that your phone is fully charged and has enough storage space available. Carry a power bank and an external drive with Type-C OTG cable for just in case situations.

Outdoor recreation is in high demand as record numbers of visitors seek out national forests and grasslands for memorable adventures. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore your national forests, and America’s outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. With more than 4,000 recreation areas and 110,000 individual sites and activities like camping, wilderness backpacking, whitewater rafting, ranger-led cave tours, and so much more, you will find plenty of opportunities for everyone in your group to enjoy.

Plan Ahead

This year many locations may now require reservations, and high demand locations can book up in minutes. Planning and setting a reminder to reserve a location in advance is key. Most campsites are available for booking six months in advance of your arrival date. Some are available two weeks or four days in advance of your intended arrival. For popular locations, try mid-week or non-peak seasons. To learn of the latest updates from your desired location, visit the agency website and search the location on Recreation.gov.

Know Before You Go

Every forest and grassland is unique and has specific guidelines, take a moment to review the Need to Know information on Recreation.gov or through Forest Service websites. Review and confirm the status of the location you plan to visit for alerts, including road closures, trail conditions, wildland fires and known animal dangers. Check weather and pack the appropriate clothing. Research if you need a permit for the activity you plan and carry your permit with you at all times. Pay close attention to reservation and confirmation emails from reserved sites and activities. Local managers may also communicate critical updates to help you prepare for your trip, or even cancellation details if the area is impacted by wildfires or other types of emergency situations.

Discover New Places and Experiences

We are hearing from visitors and land managers alike that many popular locations are booked and crowded. Take this opportunity to explore destinations new to you, or hidden gems just around the corner. Use the Trip Builder tool on Recreation.gov to map your travel route and then discover a variety of recreation sites and activities along the way.

Recreate Responsibly

Recreating responsibly is essential to maintain a sustainable outdoor space for all. Embracing diverse experiences will achieve and build an inclusive and equitable outdoors. Championing health and safety will ensure security across our national forests. The opportunity to become a steward for public lands is now.