Monsoon Travel: Expert Tips for a Safe, Healthy Trip

The Cliff News | 22 July 2026

As India embraces the monsoon, a season synonymous with lush landscapes and romantic downpours, seasoned travelers are reminded of the unique challenges and joys this period brings. Internationally acclaimed beauty expert and 'herbal queen of India,' Shahnaz Husain, has issued a comprehensive guide to ensure that monsoon journeys are not only magical but also safe and healthy.

The monsoon season transforms India's diverse terrain, from misty hills and roaring waterfalls to vibrant rainforests and serene beaches. While these sights offer unparalleled beauty and a much-needed escape, the unpredictable weather demands careful planning and adherence to specific travel guidelines to mitigate potential health risks and travel disruptions.

Prioritizing Health and Hydration

Maintaining healthy eating habits is paramount during travel, especially when monsoon weather can impact food safety. Shahnaz Husain advises travelers to prioritize steaming-hot cooked foods and peelable fresh fruits. This approach helps minimize the risk of contracting infections common during the rainy season.

Strict hydration protocols are also essential. Travelers should opt for safe water sources, such as sealed bottled drinks like sodas or sparkling water, which indicate factory sealing. Hot beverages like coffee or tea are generally safe if served steaming hot. Conversely, raw vegetables, street vendor items, tap water, and lukewarm drinks should be avoided to prevent potential illnesses.

When selecting food from buffets or salad bars, it's crucial to ensure that hot items are steaming and cold items are properly chilled. Fruits and vegetables that can be peeled by the traveler or washed thoroughly with bottled or disinfected water are a safer choice.

Skincare Essentials for Humid Conditions

Despite cloudy skies, UV rays remain a significant concern during the monsoon, as clouds can intensify radiation. Shahnaz Husain stresses the importance of using sunscreen, even on overcast days. The humid weather, however, necessitates a shift from heavy formulations to lightweight, gel-based, or water-resistant sunscreens that prevent skin from becoming excessively oily or clogged.

Sunscreen needs consistent reapplication, ideally every three hours, and immediately after prolonged sun exposure, heavy sweating, swimming, or strenuous exercise. This ensures continuous protection against harmful UV rays that can still impact the skin.

Embracing a Minimalist Beauty Routine

The high humidity of the monsoon season presents challenges for makeup application, with the risk of melting or smudging. Shahnaz Husain advocates for a minimalist approach to beauty during this time. Heavy moisturisers and facial oils may be better set aside in favour of lightweight serums and gel-based moisturisers that offer hydration without contributing to greasiness.

A dewy, natural look is recommended, using BB or CC creams as a lighter alternative to foundation. Hydrating concealers can be used to address blemishes, enhancing natural features rather than masking them.

Combating Fungal Infections

The increased humidity and moisture in the air create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to common monsoon ailments like itching and swelling. Shahnaz Husain highlights the need for antifungal vigilance, particularly after exposure to wet conditions.

Natural remedies are recommended for their efficacy and safety. Pure coconut oil is lauded for its instant relief and potent antifungal properties when applied topically. Neem oil, another natural antifungal, is also highly effective. Washing affected areas with neem water, prepared by boiling neem leaves, can provide significant relief.

For persistent issues, a paste made from dried, crushed neem leaves mixed with sandalwood powder and rose water can be applied to infected areas, especially for foot and nail infections. This natural approach offers a safe and effective treatment against fungal proliferation.

Essential Rainy Day Preparedness

Beyond personal care, practical preparations are key to a comfortable monsoon trip. Shahnaz Husain emphasizes carrying a signature fragrance on a soft fabric wipe or handkerchief for a touch of elegance on damp days. A raincoat should always be kept accessible for unexpected downpours.

Creating a mood-lifting playlist can enhance the travel experience, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the sounds of the rain. Investing in waterproof footwear, such as comfortable, skid-free sneakers or boots, is crucial for maintaining dryness and comfort while navigating wet terrain.

Complementing waterproof shoes with high-quality, waterproof, windproof, and breathable socks adds another layer of protection. These essentials not only keep feet dry and safe from dirty water but can also serve as a stylish statement piece.

Styling during the monsoon, as suggested by Shahnaz Husain, is about maintaining a sense of divinity while staying dry, making every journey a delightful experience irrespective of the weather.