Monsoon in India isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. The hills wrap themselves in mist, waterfalls roar back to life, and the scent of wet earth stirs up nostalgia and promise. These make monsoon travelling a memorable experience.
As everything slows down, the monsoon also brings lush landscapes, romantic rain showers and refreshing escapes.
Travelling during the monsoon season can be a magical experience. It’s one of those lovely times when surroundings take all your worries away and you are reduced to a mute spectator, basking in the glory of the moment.
Monsoon season is one of the best times of year for travellers to explore a rainforest, a beachside town or a hilly city that offers ecstasy, beauty and divine delight.
As a traveller, you must be careful while wandering around during the monsoon due to extreme weather conditions. The wet season can make travel more complicated.
If you plan to travel during this rainy season, remember that the constant temperature fluctuations can take a toll on your skin, leaving it irritated and oily. High humidity can have an adverse effect on skin health.
Like any trip to a faraway destination, preparation is key. The following practical tips explain how to travel during the rainy season:
Use waterproof sunscreen
Despite the rain and cloud cover during the monsoon season, UV rays can still harm our skin, even on overcast days.
The sun is barely visible in this season, so people tend to skip sunscreen, thinking their skin will not be damaged as the weather is cloudy and rainy. However, UV radiation can be higher during cloudy days because the clouds can reflect and scatter the UV rays, increasing their intensity.
The weather is humid, and the thick formulation of sunscreens can make your skin oily, sticky and prone to sweating all day.
So, it would be a good idea to pick something that’s gel-based, lightweight and does not clog your pores. During the monsoon season, it is advisable to opt for a water-resistant sunscreen. A single application will not protect your skin the entire day. Sunscreen must be reapplied every three hours for optimal results, and it should be reapplied strictly after prolonged sun exposure, heavy sweating, swimming, or intense exercise.
Keep it minimal
Applying makeup can be challenging while travelling, as it might melt in the rain.
In the monsoon season, less is always more. So, you may want to consider pausing the usage of heavy moisturisers and facial oils for skin prep. Embrace a minimalistic approach to your makeup routine. Opt for a natural, dewy look with gel-based moisturisers and lightweight serums enriched with hyaluronic products that enhance your features rather than masking them. For your base, you can also substitute a foundation with a BB or CC cream to even out your complexion, followed up with a hydrating concealer to cover up any blemishes
Antifungal treatment
A jump in a puddle in the rain might satisfy your inner child, but this could cause a host of fungal infections for you.
High levels of humidity in the air allow bacteria and infections to multiply with ease, which leads to problems like itching, swelling and a foul smell. The air is saturated with moisture during the rainy season, which makes it an ideal breeding season for bacteria, viruses and fungi.
In humans, fungal infections happen when an attacking fungus takes over a part of your body, and your immune system is incapable of warding it off.
Lotion-based moisturisers are better than cream-based ones in this season. Pure coconut oil provides instant relief. In its unheated form, coconut oil works as a potent antifungal agent. Applying it over the skin makes it a good, safe topical medicine.
Neem oil is considered a natural antifungal. Neem is easily available and works as one of the best treatments for fungal infections. Washing the infected area with neem water helps in treating fungal infections. To make neem water, boil neem leaves in water for a few minutes and let it cool. It can be used to massage the feet and can be applied to the toes. Lightly dab the neem oil onto the area using a cotton swab or cotton ball, and allow it to soak in for up to 30 minutes. Wash off the oil with warm water.
Dry and crush some neem leaves. Add this powder to sandalwood powder and make it a paste with rose water. Now apply this paste to the area where you have the infection on the feet and nails
Don’t forget your rainy day essentials
A signature fragrance makes everything better, especially on grey days. Carry a soft fabric wipe or mini handkerchief misted with your signature scent. It gives your preparation a feminine and unforgettable touch.
A raincoat is an essential item you should always keep in your vehicle’s seat compartment for maximum protection during a downpour.
Create a playlist of songs that match your rainy season mood and relax as you listen to the rain outside.
Styling during the monsoon isn’t about staying dry. It is about staying divine while staying dry.
Whether you are caught in a downpour or have been forced to walk through an unavoidable puddle, waterproof boots are rightfully beloved for their ability to shield your feet from the discomfort of damp conditions.
So, waterproof shoes are essential for maintaining comfort and dryness during rainy season travelling. Choosing the right pair of waterproof shoes can be a daunting task for travellers. It is critical to try shoes before you buy them whenever possible to ensure the upper fits the way you like. Preferably, buy sneakers that are comfortable to walk in and are skid-free.
Invest in a pair of popular brand waterproof, windproof and breathable socks that live up to their name. Not only will they keep your feet safe from dirty water and slippery paths, but they also make for a great statement piece for your outfits!
Hydration
Dehydration is a common complaint during travelling in hot and humid weather. The increased humidity during the monsoon can increase your sweat rate, leading to dehydration. It can make you sweat incessantly, losing more water. Dehydration strips the cells of water and vital minerals, and hence, a person feels tired, lethargic and dizzy. It is essential to drink water regularly, regardless of your thirst level, especially during the rainy season when you might not feel as thirsty due to cooler temperatures.
Water makes up 70% of our body mass and is one of the most vital nutrients. On average, an adult needs 2-3 litres of water daily to stay well-hydrated.
During the monsoon, your drinking water may get contaminated, and hence, packaged mineral water is the best because it is loaded with essential minerals and nutrients. You must try tender coconut water, lime water, kokum squash, buttermilk, soups and vegetables with high water content like watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, etc. to keep the body hydrated.
