Monsoon brings beauty and happiness to our lives. It nourishes our soul, and it seems to be a good time to travel as the landscape turns lush green and there is beauty all around. However, travel during this time can bring a lot of challenges that can impact the overall experience.
One of the primary issues is the unpredictability of weather, which can lead to sudden downpours, thunderstorms, and flooding, causing delays and disruptions in travel plans. Roads can become slippery and hazardous, increasing the risk of accidents, and making driving conditions difficult. Public transportation, including trains and buses, may face delays or cancellations due to waterlogged tracks and roads. Air travel can also be affected, with flights experiencing delays or cancellations due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
The increased humidity and dampness can lead to health concerns and risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Accommodation options might be limited or affected by the rain, with some areas experiencing power outages or water supply issues. Despite these challenges, with careful planning and preparation, you can still enjoy your travel and make the most of the unique beauty and experiences that the rainy season offers.
Discussed below are some travel tips for monsoon:
1.Packing Essentials: Pack properly according to the place to which you are traveling.
- Waterproof Gear: Carry a sturdy umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof bags to protect yourself and your belongings from the rain. Keep some extra polybags with you for emergencies.
- Clothing: Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes that can handle the humidity and dry quickly if they get wet. Do not keep clothes that leach color.
- Waterproof Footwear: Bring waterproof shoes or sandals to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Always keep an extra pair of footwear and some extra clothes that you need.
2.Health and Safety: Health and safety should be your top priority during the trip.
- Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites, which are more common during the rainy season. Pack repellent creams and vaporizers with you for travel.
- First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit, including antiseptics, band-aids, anti-allergy medicine, medications for common ailments, and any other regular medication that you might need.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of clean, boiled, or bottled water to stay hydrated and avoid waterborne diseases. Avoid drinking water from unknown and doubtful sources during travel.
- Road safety: Roads can be slippery and with potholes during monsoon. Visibility is also poor during rain. Keep a suitable distance from other vehicles while driving to avoid accidents. If driving in mountains, make sure that you have a good experience of driving in such terrain or hire a local driver.
3. Travel Planning: The success of your trip lies in good planning.
- Mode of transport: Choose a safe and reliable mode of transport for the region you are visiting. If traveling by air opt for a flexi ticket which offers a reasonable refund and allows you to change dates.
- Check Weather Forecast: Stay updated on weather forecasts for your destination to avoid severe weather conditions and plan your activities accordingly. Avoid going to rivers or sea or water sports if weather conditions are not good.
- Flexible Itinerary: Keep your travel plans flexible to accommodate potential delays or changes due to heavy rain or other weather-related issues.
- Local Transportation: Opt for reliable local transportation options, such as trains and buses, which are less affected by rain compared to flights or private vehicles. Keep a plan B ready just in case there is some disruption due to bad weather.
4. Accommodation: Book yourself a comfortable stay that you can afford.
- Choose Wisely: Select accommodations that are well-equipped to handle monsoon weather, such as those with good drainage systems and emergency backup services. Do not choose to live in remote locations not well connected to the city.
- Book in Advance: Pre-book your accommodations to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure you have a comfortable place to stay.
5. Outdoor Activities: Choose your activities wisely as per the weather
- Indoor Alternatives: Have a list of indoor activities, such as visiting museums, galleries, and local markets, in case outdoor plans are disrupted by rain.
- Protected Exploration: If you venture outdoors, choose activities that are safe and enjoyable even in the rain. For example, river rafting and surfing may be avoided during bad weather.
6. Food and Water Safety: Try to research and identify the places where you would like to eat during travel.
- Eat Safely: Foodborne illnesses increase during monsoon. Avoid street food and stick to well-cooked meals from reputable restaurants to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid ice in drinks unless you are sure it is made from purified water. Do not drink water or beverages from unknown sources.
7. Travel Insurance: Buy a good insurance if traveling abroad.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Purchase travel insurance that covers monsoon-related disruptions, including flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage, if applicable.
8. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your loved ones throughout your trip.
- Communication: Keep your mobile phone charged and have important contact numbers, such as local emergency services, your accommodation, and travel companions. Carry a power backup device. Keep a list of important contacts written somewhere just in case your phone stops working.
- Maps and Apps: Use travel apps and offline maps to navigate unfamiliar areas and find shelter quickly if needed.
9. Emergency Preparedness: Be prepared as things may suddenly go wrong.
- Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place, including knowledge of the nearest hospitals, and local emergency contact information.
- Emergency kit: Always carry flashlights, emergency numbers, and first aid supplies that can be of use in case of an accident. Keep some packaged emergency food and water that can be handy in case of road blockages and jams.
Follow these tips and enjoy the unique beauty and tranquility that the monsoon season brings. The lush greenery, fresh air, and fewer crowds can make for a memorable travel experience for a lifetime if you just take care of your safety.