Taking care of your skin and hair before travelling boosts your physical appearance and improves overall mood and confidence levels.

Travelling is an exciting experience. The idea of going to and exploring a new place is thrilling, but a change of weather and climate conditions can harm your skin and hair. It may cause dullness of hair, skin breakouts, acne flare-ups, dry lips, tan lines, and other such common issues. It, therefore, becomes important to take care of yourself and manage some common issues while travelling. Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, says there are some skin and hair treatments you can opt for before travelling. Preparing your skin and hair prior to embarking on a journey is essential to ensure you look and feel your best, she says, recommending scheduling a cosmetic skin treatment.

Hydrating Facial Or Exfoliating Peel

These can be done to rejuvenate your complexion and address any skin concerns. According to the expert, these treatments can help improve the texture and appearance of the skin, leaving you with a ‘radiant glow’ that will boost your confidence throughout the trip.

Hair Treatment

In addition to skincare, it is also imperative to pamper yourself with a hair care treatment before travelling. The dermatologist says it can help revive your tired locks and enhance the overall health and shine of your manes. “Whether it is a deep conditioning treatment or a fresh haircut, investing in your hair care routine can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining manageable hair while on the road,” she suggests.

Other Skin And Hair Tips To Follow While Travelling

This is what the expert advises:

1. Opt for a lightweight moisturiser with SPF protection to keep your skin hydrated and shielded from harmful UV rays.
2. Use a hydrating face mist throughout the journey to refresh and revitalise your skin, especially during long flights.
3. Pack all your essential skincare products like cleanser, toner, moisturiser, night cream, and sunscreen.
4. Remember to carry disposable makeup wipes to easily remove your makeup.
5. Always have a water bottle handy and drink water regularly. Not prioritising hydration can damage the skin and hair. Dehydration can cause dullness in the skin; it can take away the shine from the hair.
6. For hair care, consider carrying a travel-sized dry shampoo to combat greasy hair on-the-go.
7. To protect your hair from damage caused by styling tools or harsh water, apply a leave-on conditioner before styling.
8. Embrace natural hairstyles like braids or buns to minimise heat styling.
9. Shield your hair from dirt, pollution, and sun damage by keeping it covered. It can safeguard the scalp and maintain the youthfulness of hair for a longer period.

Monsoon is in full swing in many parts of the country, and its time to update your wardrobe for the rainy season. While the torrential downpour, puddles and muddy streets can make dressing up a challenge during these months, following a few guidelines will help keep your fashion game high.

Add a pop of colour to your wardrobe

You might have a preference for subtle colours, but this is the season to bring out your bright coloured outfits. You can pick colours such as orange, canary yellow, fuchsia pink to stand out from the crowd. If you are not comfortable with wearing such vibrant colours, you can go for a pair of neon coloured socks to get a funky look. Nowadays, even many working professionals tend to match up their formal outfit with colourful socks with quirky patterns.

Pick the monsoon-perfect socks

Closed footwear should ideally be avoided in monsoon. However, most of us don’t have the liberty to wear casual shoes at our workplaces. If you are wearing closed footwear in 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.

Choose the right footwear

Travelling in monsoon is a task in itself, and the wrong choice of footwear can even make things worse. Unless you want to spoil your favourite pair of shoes, avoid wearing stilettos or kitten heels. 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. If you want to make a bolder statement, wear a pair of thigh-high PVC boots, which are all rage this season.

Make a statement with your umbrella

Gone are the days, when umbrellas were used as a mean to protect against rains. If you look at the current trends, umbrellas are here to take the fashion world by a storm and rightfully so. A fun, bright colored umbrella can make your outfit look vibrant and playful. 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 colours.

Choosing the right attire

It doesn’t take more than common sense to understand that monsoons are not here to stay long. Especially, when you are travelling, try to avoid wearing jeans, trousers or dresses that go past below your knees. Instead, choose shorts, skirts and dresses with short hem that will not get dirty. If you want to add some fun quotient to your style, wear a bright colour romper or a jumps

The fabric matters

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

Don’t forget to carry your handbag

While you may want to skip carrying a handbag during monsoon, 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.

Remote monasteries, high altitudes, rich culture, and spicy dishes make a visit to Bhutan the adventure you’re craving. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Bhutan is a harmonious society, where culture and traditions remain intact – a country where high-altitude peaks are forbidden to climbers, and Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product. Here’s what to know before traveling to the Kingdom of Bhutan, and some tips to help you get the most out of your trip.

1. Flying into Bhutan

Flights into Bhutan are heavily weather-dependent, and conditions can be quite unpredictable. All take-offs and landings at Paro Airport are by visual flight rules, which means pilots can only take off or land if they are able to see the runway and surrounding hills. Flights do not operate at night or in poor conditions, so flights can be delayed – sometimes for a few days. Keep basic necessities in your carry-on baggage to get you through any potential delays or unexpected stop-overs.

This airport is particularly dangerous due to its location in a deep valley, which is surrounded by mountain peaks as high as 18,000ft (5,000m).

If you’re flying internationally and require a connecting flight to Paro, your luggage will not be checked in all the way to Paro via your first flight. You will need to recheck your luggage at the counter before you catch a connecting flight. This is important to note if you’ve got a connecting flight and require the time to go through immigration, collect your luggage and check-in again.

2. Safety on the roads

Car accidents are very common in Bhutan. To avoid any major injuries, always wear a seatbelt and avoid driving at night; mountainous roads are poorly lit and there are many blind corners. (Keep in mind that you will most likely not be the one driving – independent travel in Bhutan is not allowed, except for travelers from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.)

If you’re traveling by car or 4WD, never leave valuables inside the vehicle when parking near tourist sites or villages.

3. Spotty Internet connections

There are two mobile network providers in Bhutan: B-Mobile SIM and TashiCell. Ask your local guide to help you purchase a SIM on arrival, but make sure you unlock your phone before you insert the SIM card. 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity are available (and 5G is in the works), and WiFi is available in most hotels in major cities.

Connectivity might be touch-and-go, but in a country that is still largely disconnected from the outside world, this is one of the best things about traveling in Bhutan.

4. Dress code for entering a dzong

A dzong is an ancient fortress with towers, courtyards, temples, and administrative offices. Before entering a dzong you need to dress appropriately. You can’t wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or have your jacket unbuttoned or unzipped. No hats, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops, or t-shirts can be worn inside. Travelers aren’t expected to wear the traditional kira, but you should make sure your clothing covers your arms and legs.

5. ATMs and cash in Bhutan

ATMs are available in major towns around Bhutan. The three banks that accept foreign credit cards are Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank and Druk Punjab National Bank. Travelers can withdraw money using a Visa or MasterCard, but beware of the fees.

Your best option is to get cash out in Thimpu or Paro before you venture further afield. Although Bhutanese Ngultrum is only circulated in Bhutan, foreign currencies can be exchanged for Nu when you arrive. If you’re carrying USD, $100 USD notes have a higher exchange rate compared to notes in lower denominations.

6. Tackling the Tiger’s Nest trek

Constructed in 1692, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a sacred Buddhist site sitting 10,000ft (3,000m) above sea level, perched on the side of a cliff. To reach the Tiger’s Nest, travelers must drive (via taxi) 20 minutes north of Paro, and start the four to five-hour hike up to tour the monastery from the car park. The 4mi (6.5km) return trip has an elevation gain of 1,700ft (520m), which is not too difficult for a single day trip if you have spent time acclimatizing in the town of Paro (7,220ft/2,200m above sea level).

Wear sturdy hiking boots and use hiking poles to give your knees extra support on the ascent and descent. Drink lots of water before and during the hike to stay hydrated, and remember to bring cash if you plan to have lunch at the cafeteria when you reach the Tiger’s Nest.

7. Guided tours only

As we mentioned above, traveling around Bhutan can only be done with a registered guide, which means you’ll be accompanied by a local on your journey.

For all the nomads out there that hate the idea of a “guided tour”, hear us out.

In such a remote location, having a local guide to tell you stories and translate to connect with locals along the way is essential to understanding this alluring destination.

8. Bhutanese food is spicy and delicious

The most famous dish is ema – rice and spicy chilies topped off with a delicious cheese sauce. Kewa datshi is made up of sliced potatoes and cheese – usually with chilies, too. Try shakam paa, dried beef cooked with (you guessed it) chilies and radish.

If you love dumplings, momos are everywhere in Bhutan. Fried or steamed inside a flour dough, these meat, cheese or vegetable filled snacks are best enjoyed with a chili sauce. You’ll find momos at almost all restaurants and street food stalls.

If none of this sounds appetizing, try fried fern stalks or a tasty yak curry.

As a side note, it’s not uncommon for travelers to get Bhutan belly – whether you’re not used to eating chili in every dish, or you’ve accidentally drunk unfiltered water. To keep the risk to a minimum, avoid drinks with ice cubes and stick to fruits and vegetables that can be peeled.

9. Beverages in Bhutan

Ask the locals you meet along the way if you can try ara – a hot, highly alcoholic treat.

While World Nomad Chris Potter was traveling through Bhutan, an elderly gentleman cooked him up a cup of this local drink. First, he popped some yak butter into a hot pan, broke in some eggs, and scrambled them with the butter. He then proceeded to pour a full bottle of rice whiskey over the top, heated it all through and then ladled it into large mugs.

“I looked down at the steaming potent brew with its eggy oily topping and closed my eyes while taking a large gulp – not to look like a complete wimp or disrespect this kind gentleman’s cooking. And, to my surprise, it was delicious.”

10. Get off the beaten track and see Eastern Bhutan

Most travelers fly directly into Paro and take trips from here to Thimpu, Punaka, and then back to Paro.

Instead, get off the tourist trail by making your way southeast from Paro to the town of Samdrup Jongkhar. From there, you can cross the border into India via the Assam plains.

Eastern Bhutan is rarely visited by travelers, and there is much to see on this side of the country. Discover secluded valleys and nature reserves, home to the very rare black-necked cranes. Local festivals in districts such as Trashigang and Mongar will provide an authentic experience of the local culture, far different to the touristy festivals that occur in and around Paro.

Whether you are first time visiting Tokyo or you are seasoned Tokyo traveller, it does not hurt to be prepared for your trip to the capital.

Here are most useful things to know, while visiting Tokyo

1. Purchase an IC Transport Card

Prasmo and Suica are the two major IC transport cards used in Tokyo. These reloadable cards . they are not only convenient to use it for travelling on trains or buses, but you can use these cards for paying at selected stores as well as restaurents.

You can get a card from train station kiosks and ticket machines for a refundable ¥500 deposit. Overseas visitors can even pick up Special IC cards such as Cute Sanrio-themed Pasmo Passport, which would help you get additional discount on attractions in Tokyo.

2. Cheap and convenient way to Go to Airport

There are plenty of options to get to and from Tokyo’s two international airports. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but many airlines use Narita Airport in Chiba prefecture.

To get from Haneda into the city, the best option is take the train. You can get from the airport to Shinagawa station in mere 20 minutes on the Keikyu Airport Line. Taxis are available at both airports, but they are not cheap.

3. Send you luggage separately

Carrying your baggage around Tokyo can be hassle, especially, if you are constantly going in and out of packed train stations. To lessen your load, Yamato Transport can help take your heavy suitcases to and from the airport. Yamata also offers a service to take your luggage from Tokyo to your next destination.

4. Uber in Tokyo

Uber is available in Tokyo and Japan, it is used to hail taxis and not rides like in other nations. The cheapest uber option is Uber Taxi, which charges similar charges as general taxi plus an additional surcharge per kilometre travelled. The best part of using Uber, you can book it through the app and it is all in English. The transactions are cashless.

5. Where to take out the cash

In recent year, cashless payment options have made great stride over the past few years, cash is still very much used in Japan. Your credit cards should be accepted at major establishments, but you can withdraw cash with international credit as well as debit cards from ATM;s at Japan post branches and convenience stores such as 7-eleven and lawson.

6. Carry your passort to avail taxfree discounts

Tax-exemption service for international tourists are offered at numerous shops as well as retail outlets in Japan. You can save on the 10% consumption tax, you are required to spend a minimum amount specified at the same store on the same day. The above service is only available to foreign tourists staying in country for less than six months.

7. Wifi in Tokyo

Japan is not exactly the most wifi accessible nation. Numerous public networks need to have Japanese address or phone number and you cannot always rely on connecting at cafes and restaurants

8. Store your luggage in locker

If you have checked out of your hotel, but still have time to spare before continuing your journey? Do not worry, Tokyo’s train stations and shopping centers have lockers that are perfect for storing the small to medium-sized bags. However, you cannot always count on availability as these lockers are usually in busy central areas. And you definitely will not able to fit a large suitcase in one of these lockers.

9. Bring your spare mask

People have to make a choice whether to wear a face mask indoors and on public transport. However the Japanese government still recommends that masks must be worn in specific situations such as crowded rush hour trains. And few businesses and venues might ask you to keep your mask on when entering, so it is good idea to carry one with you when are going around Tokyo.