Travelling during the rainy season can add a level of complication. There is a change of plans, delays and water almost everywhere. But if you’ve ever experienced monsoon in its full glory, then only you’d realise there is no other season like it. Gloomy, yet mischievous sky, freshness of air, the sound of raindrops, get ready for this monsoon season with the travel tips.
Staying Dry in Monsoon Season
During monsoon season, it’s inevitable -you and your beongings willl get wet. Synthetic fabric is known to be more breathable and easy to pack, the best company for your journey. Pack clothes and items that are light weight and easy to dry. Also, opt for a water resistant watch or cell phone case or even your travel backpack.
Rainy Adventures
The fact that most of the region is drenched in torrential rains make checking weather forecasts while travelling an important task. This comes handy when you are out trekking in the Himalayas or in the hilly sides.
Stay Dry and Comfortable: Essential Gear for Rainy Travel
Don’t forget the essentials: raincoats and umbrellas. While this may seem more like an obvious point, it is a very significant one. Also, weather appropriate footwear is a must. Tuck away all your fancy, leather shoes and carry waterproof shoes and floaters to stroll around or hike in comfort.
A Practical Travel Essential for Health and Comfort
Carry a hair dryer. This might seem like a beauty tip, but there’s more to it. Make sure you dry your hair to avoid getting cough and cold.
Protect Yourself
More rain means more pools of water where mosquitoes can breed. Puddles especially become breeding grounds for such insects. With mosquitoes, diseases are rampant and travel through the air and water. So it’s best to carry insect repellents to keep mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever at bay.
Stay Hydrated and Safe
As water-borne diseases swirl around in monsoon season, avoid drinking water from an unreliable source. Always carry your own water bottle. If not, purchase packaged mineral water to stay on the safer side.
Stay Safe, Skip the Street Food
It is best to avoid street food during the rainy days. Though street food may be tempting, you might want to abstain yourself from such during the rainy days. Since the food is kept out in the open air, you never know if it’s hygienic enough to eat.
Safety First
It can be a treacherous thing to head to the hills in the rains, with slippery roads and the heightened possibility of landslides and mudslides. Always put safety first, especially while travelling during rainy season. Take some time, and plenty of breaks in between. The last thing you want to do is end up falling to the deep end!
Flexible Travel Planning
It is recommended that you allow plenty of waiting time in your travel itinerary. Monsoon showers can change your itinerary, where buses and planes can be delayed or cancelled without further notice. Maybe arrange your plans with some allowance for delays – it’s better if you keep in touch with your airline or bus about their policies for schedule changes and refunds.
photo credit: Mike Kotsch, Bluewater Sweden
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