Traveling in the monsoon can be exciting and fun. The lush greenery and the cool, wet weather make for wonderful traveling. However, your monsoon travel can be a nightmare if you fail to plan and prepare beforehand.
Monsoon season is quite pleasant, as it is neither too hot nor too cold, which makes it a perfect time to travel near and far. This is an excellent time of the year to discover new places. The smell of moist earth and wet grass, the sound of the rain falling, and a cup of tea in hand can be a perfect journey for all. However, this time of the year is also wrought with risks, accidents, natural disasters, and health issues.
So, if you are a rain-lover and wish to travel in the rainy season, there are a set of dos and don’ts that you need to know. To help you enjoy your monsoon travels in the best way possible, we have listed the precautions to take while traveling during the monsoon season.
1 – Choose the right destination
If you are planning to take a road trip, then you will need to choose a destination that is safe to travel to. Check the route beforehand, as heavy rain can often cause flooding and wash away roads. Do not travel during the night in the rainy season, especially if the road is bumpy and rough.
You should also avoid traveling to hilly areas as floods, mudslides, and landslides increase in such regions during monsoon. Make sure to thoroughly research the destination you plan to travel to before embarking on your journey.
2 – Carry extra clothes
Always carry a towel and extra clothes for everyone in the group when traveling anywhere during monsoon season. It is not always possible to stay dry when it’s raining. So, whenever you get wet, you can dry yourself with the towel and change into the dry clothes you are packing.
It is advisable to pack synthetic clothes are these are not just lightweight but also quick to dry. Besides this, you should also pack warm clothes to prevent yourself from falling sick.
3 – Carry food and water
Monsoon season is also the season for various waterborne diseases. Hence, it is advisable not to eat roadside food or drink water from a public place. Unhygienic food can cause several problems, including food poisoning, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
Make sure to carry light or ready-to-eat food. One of the best food options when traveling during the monsoon season is seasonal fruits. Apart from this, make sure to bring bottled water. If, in case you do need to drink the local water, make sure to boil the water before consuming it.
4 – Take waterproof bags
It would be best if you stored all your stuff in a robust and waterproof bag when traveling anywhere during the monsoon season. If you don’t own one, then you can at least buy a waterproof cover for your luggage. This way, you can safely store your precious electronics, such as camera, phone, batteries, laptop, etc., without the risk of damage from water. Besides this, you can also buy lightweight, transparent waterproof covers for your electronics to keep them safe while traveling in the rainy season.
5 – Monsoon essentials
Rains can be unpredictable, and a sudden rain shower or thunderstorm can leave you completely soaking wet in a minute. Therefore, carry large lightweight umbrellas and raincoats that you can use to properly cover yourself against being drenched by the rain. Make sure to wear rain boots to protect your feet. It is not advisable to wear high-heel sandals or fancy shoes in the rain.
