Do you wish to explore the charm of rain-soaked destinations when the weather is delightfully pleasant, the temperature is slightly more temperate, the surroundings are covered with mist, and the landscapes look dreamy, but are not sure how to make the most of it? Then this article is a must-read for you. While travel during the monsoon season can be one of the most rewarding experiences, it is also accompanied with many difficulties and challenges. So, it's essential to take all precautions to ensure a safe trip. Here are the top 15 tips to follow when you are traveling in the monsoon:
Tips to travel during the monsoon season
- Check the weather forecast
This is the first and most important thing to do if you are planning to travel during the monsoon. The weather can be very unpredictable as regular rainfall can lead to cloudbursts and landslides, especially in mountainous regions. Make sure to regularly check the weather updates of the destinations you are headed to and avoid any place where there's a forecast of heavy rainfall. We are sure you wouldn't want to get stuck in the same place for hours.
- Waterproof yourself
If you are planning to do any outdoor activity, don't forget to carry an umbrella or a raincoat. It will save you from sudden rain or heavy downpours that can lead to you catching the flu or cold. And not to mention, with a raincoat on, you can go out in the rain and save yourself from getting entirely wet.
- Carry a waterproof backpack
Carry a waterproof backpack to ensure that your clothes and other stuff remain dry. Your clothes like to remain dry as much as you like to get wet in the rain.
- Wear waterproof shoes
Another important thing to keep in mind while traveling in the rain is to wear comfortable and waterproof shoes. This not only prevents your feet from getting wet but also helps in maintaining comfort while walking and reducing the risk of getting sick.
- Carry insect repellent medicines
Do you know who likes to travel during the monsoon more than you? They are none other than the creepy crawlies such as insects, leeches, mosquitoes, etc. To avoid a warm hug from them, don't forget to carry bug sprays, insect repellent, and other medicines.
- Carry extra clothes
Always carry extra clothes with you so that you can enjoy your 'chak dhoom dhoom' moment in the rain without worrying about your clothes getting wet.
- Avoid street food
During the rainy season, maintaining proper hygiene becomes a challenge. The stagnant water and muddy conditions make the cooking areas quite unhygienic, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. So, it's always advisable to eat from a healthier place during the rainy season and avoid street food.
- Protect your devices
Protect your electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras from getting wet as it may lead to their malfunction. You can buy a good waterproof case, which is easily available in the market.
- Carry a power backup with you
Continuous rain can cause electricity cut-offs for longer periods. Make sure you carry extra batteries or power banks to charge your mobile phones and cameras.
- Carry a hair dryer
We bet this is going to be your best companion during your monsoon trip. A hair dryer can quickly dry your hair, clothes, and other accessories. There are plenty of hair dryers available in the market that can easily fit into your luggage and are very affordable also.
- Avoid risky activities
Avoid any risky activities, especially those that involve water such as canyoning, rafting, kayaking, etc. Because of the continuous rains, the water level rises and it becomes too risky, so try to avoid any such activities and just enjoy the pleasant weather and the dramatic surroundings.
- Be extra cautious!
Monsoon season calls for a road trip with your buddies, but you’ve got to be extra cautious as heavy rains lead to low visibility and slippery roads. So, always prefer to travel during the day as these challenges get amplified in the night. Opt for an alternate route if the roads are flooded and drive safely.
- Add extra days to your itinerary and be mentally prepared for delays
Traveling during the monsoon can cause delays so always add 1-2 extra days to your itinerary so that you don't have to cut short your vacation due to travel delays. Also, by being mentally prepared for delays, you can reduce the inconvenience and stress and just enjoy the trip.
- Always have a Plan B!
We are sure you wouldn't want to ruin your vacation, so always have an alternate destination in mind, especially if you are planning to travel during the monsoon. The rain may lead to road closures, flight cancellations, and train delays, so it's best to check with local authorities and plan your destination accordingly.
- Live in the moment
The last but most needed tip is to live in the moment. Enjoy the breathtaking views, click enough pictures with your loved ones, have chai with pakoda, eat bhutta (corn), and don’t forget to do the most underrated thing - smell the wet soil. As they say, luxury lies in just chilling and doing nothing at all!
Conclusion
Planning a trip during the monsoon can be a delightful experience if you take all necessary precautions. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy your monsoon trip while staying safe and prepared for any challenges that might come with it. Choose your destination wisely, book your accommodation in advance, pack smartly, and bingo! You are all set for your trip! Not sure where to go? Check out our recommendations for the top 10 destinations to visit during the monsoon season.
