Traveling is fun!
And traveling during monsoons is definitely an opportunity not to be missed to interact with the nature and enjoy its pure love. I would say it actually casts a spell on you!
Have you ever noticed that rains make us happy and our mind serene?
So when you have already planned your trip, listed below are twenty practical tips to travel completely hassle-free during the rainy season:
Check the latest weather report plus news
Before you travel, do your research about the place you are traveling to. Due to heavy rains there are possibilities of certain roads or highways that may be blocked or jam-packed. Especially while traveling on roads in mountainous areas or hilly regions that are prone to mudslides and landslides and low lying areas that tend to flood up. Hence, it’s crucial to check the latest weather report and news.
Carry umbrellas and raincoats
You may think how silly and a very obvious kind of point, but it is very important to carry a heavy duty umbrella as light umbrellas are likely to turn inside out when it’s windy during the monsoons. Â
A long raincoat works best as it hides away all the mud-splashes in your bottoms and even prevents from wetting your clothes most of the time.
Gumboots or appropriate waterproof footwear
It is extremely necessary to carry gumboots or right waterproof footwear like rubber sandals or flip-flops. Remember, in this season roads and paths become quite slippery, so pack appropriate footwear depending on your activities. Avoid carrying leather shoes or high heels, etc, and keep them at home as they get spoilt in the rains.
Synthetic clothes or chiffons are best
When you travel during the monsoons, one thing is absolutely clear that you’re going to get caught somewhere in the rains. Hence, your clothes will be damp and you will need to dry them too. That’s where synthetic clothes or chiffon clothes are easy to manage, better than
Medicines and first aid kit-topmost priority
When you travel during the monsoons, one thing is absolutely clear that you’re going to get caught somewhere in the rains. Hence, your clothes will be damp and you will need to dry them too. That’s where synthetic clothes or chiffon clothes are easy to manage, better than cotton they dry quickly and you can use them over again. Make sure you carry extra pairs of clothing that are light and comfortable.
Medicines and first aid kit-topmost priority
Carry enough medicines such as regular painkillers, medicines for fever, common cold, stomach upsets, etc must be included and a first aid kit containing bandages, disinfectant scrubs, adhesives
Insect repellants and mosquito net are a must
Since you are traveling in monsoons, you are likely to many air-borne diseases and insect bites. It’s better to use mosquito bands, insect repellants and a mosquito net is essential to prevent the attack of mosquitoes and other insects. Doing this will allow you to enjoy your trip and not ruin it.
Water-proof  bag or a waterproof cover for your bag
To protect your clothes from getting wet, a water-proof bag or a waterproof cover for your bag comes in handy. Carry some large plastic bags and sturdy zip-lock bags to also keep your electronics, gadgets and other important belongings dry.
A torch or small flashlight
Do not rely on your phone’s flashlight when you need light somewhere amidst. Save your phone battery as you may need it in an emergency during power cuts. Carry a small flashlight or torch which is of a great help when you’re stuck anywhere or want to find your way in the dark. Even candles or headlamps are also practical in certain cases.
Extra chargers and power banks
During power outrages, your extra phone and device chargers and power banks are really of great help making you feel their presence. Also keep in mind, you may not find batteries for certain device, mobile or laptop enroute your trip, hence it’s always better to pack in some extra batteries in advance.
Hair dryer
Carry a hair dryer in your monsoon trip, as it dries your wet hair and protects you from catching cold through drenched hair. It even dries your undergarments quickly.
Stock in sufficient food, dry snacks and water
It’s always a great idea to carry enough clean drinking water, homemade biscuits and dry snacks, etc to satisfy your hunger pangs on the go. They are extremely helpful even when you are stuck in traffic jams. Remember, to be extra careful of not consuming outside food and drinks, even if you have to, then consume proper hot food at clean food joints and restaurants. Sipping hot coffee or tea helps avoid the monsoon’s adverse effects on health. Â
Keep credit cards and some extra cash handy
Due to heavy rainfalls there are chances of you getting caught in traffic jams or in some situation as such, hence carrying some extra handy cash will save you in certain emergency situations. It’s always better to carry some credit cards too, but remember not to carry too much of cash!
Location maps or GPS
Yes, it’s wise to carry location maps or GPS while on your trip to an unknown place, as they are of great help. But because of heavy rainfall, there may be network issues or no network where GPS may not work. You may need to travel on diversion roads or change your route due to traffic jams or poor roads.
Kindle, books and games for your entertainment Â
It’s obvious that while it rains heavily, you wouldn’t be doing any of the outside activities. Therefore, to shed away your boredom, pack some books that you’ve been thinking lately to read but still haven’t. In today’s techno-friendly world, Kindle is a boon. You won’t have to carry much of weight and still get to read a million books.
And yes, games like ludo, chess, Uno cards, etc are great for family and kids’ entertainment. Â
Waterproof makeup and beauty products
Oh yeah, carrying waterproof makeup is a great idea. Also to save your hair from getting messed up in intense humidity it is advised to carry anti-frizz products.
Clothes or shoe fresheners
These are available in the market and stock in a few to keep away the smell of wet shoes, clothes or stuffs. Another thing you could do is carry a travel clothesline, which you hang in your hotel room and hang clothes and stuffs to dry a bit.
Silica gel pouches are great
Keep these silica gel pouches that come along in newly purchased bags and purses, shoes and in various other stuffs. They are extremely helpful in keeping your bags and shoes dry from inside.
Local guide
While in an unknown city or country the local guides are really helpful as they are quite aware of the consequences that occur during the rains and also they are familiar with the alternatives.
Learn their local language
It makes easier to communicate and get solutions if you know their local language and the local people may help you out better.
Keep calm
You will definitely need to keep calm and remember to not just plan immediate trips or just a day prior, but instead keep a gap of a day or two. There are chances of flight or train ticket cancellations due to heavy rainfall.