Its vacation time, children have more than a month long break, work at office takes a slow pace and the season demands a trip. Sitting at home for the fear of heat will just bring in boredom. Moreover, this is good time for the family to travel together. It facilitates a stronger bonding and everyone shares moments to cherish for life. However, travelling during summer can be a little worrisome. Especially if you are travelling with kids. Depending on the region or location of travel, there are certain things to bear in mind. Here we share some tips that can prepare you to avoid the downside of summer travel.
Eat light
Watch the food you eat while travelling. As the temperature outside rises, our body responds to it by reducing the digestive fire. That is why consumption of spicy, oily and heavy foods will either cause bloating or indigestion. It is best to eat foods that are light and have a cooling effect. Also, eat small meals rather than stuffing all at once. Prefer curd, chaas, nimbu pani, cucumber and salad. You can also carry some home-made dry snacks like puffed rice, thepla, roasted snacks etc.
Eat clean
Rise in temperature means the micro-organisms will breed speedily. Avoid uncooked and uncovered food. If you love exploring local food, ensure you eat from safe& clean places. Do some research or ask a reliable travel guide to find good clean eateries. Equatorial regions like India are home to microbes that cause gastric infections and food poisoning. Water is extremely important. You cannot avoid water, it will cause dehydration. But it is very important to consume clean filtered water. Opt for well-known brand of mineral water only. Especially for the kids. Fresh seasonal fruits like watermelon, musk melon, jamun, banana, lychee, jackfruit and mangoes are the best. Do not consume fruits that have been chopped and stored without refrigeration. If you are travelling in the Himalayas, you will find plums and cherries in abundance.
Attire
The humidity will rise causing sweating and especially around coastal regions. It is best to opt for cotton clothes. Carry good quality loose cotton clothes and light weight shoes. If your skin is sensitive to sun and tan, carry clothes that offer maximum coverage. Avoid heavy makeup to make sure the skin pores are not clogged.
Sun protection
Sunscreen for the body and good quality sunglasses for the eyes are a must. To avoid a sunstroke, do not move in the open sun in the peak hours between 10 am to 4 pm.
Travelling to cooler places like Himalayas
If you are travelling to cooler places of higher altitude, your body needs some time to adjust to the temperature and altitude change. Keep time for acclimatization in the travel itinerary. Even if you are at a cool place, your body still tends to dehydrate. So ensure proper hydration.
Carry basic medication
Consult a doctor before travelling or you can carry basic medicines and supplement like ORS (oral rehydration salts), anti-emetics to ease nausea or vomiting and anti-motility drugs to control diarrhea.
Summer need not be feared. Some minor precautions and you can have a fun filled travel. Do some research on the place and climate and equip yourself accordingly. For example, certain parts of south and south-east Asia experience light to heavy showers during May-June. So it is best to carry an umbrella or poncho. And don’t forget to bring back souvenirs and best memories.
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