Desert Reflections
A photographer’s behind-the-scenes look at assisting a Wallaroo fashion hat photoshoot in Palm Springs — lessons on creativity, teamwork, and capturing sunlit style in the desert.
Read moreWelcome to Wallaroo Wanderlust, a series of blogs inviting you to travel the world with Wallaroo!
As the CEO and Founder of Wallaroo Hat Company, I love to travel the world whenever possible. Travel introduces me to new people, languages, cultures, and food. It opens my eyes to different ways of living and allows me to visit natural wonders, charming cities, and everything in between.
Travel is good for the body, mind, and spirit - it allows us time for rest, exploration, and a break from daily routines.
At the end of 2024, I took an inspirational and restorative trip to India. I’m happy to share my adventure and some interesting facts about India with you.
India is an Asian country with over 1.4 billion people, more than 22 languages spoken, and home to various cultures and religions. The country is known for its delicious and flavorful cuisine and extensive vegetarian dishes. In addition, India boasts 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and features landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to the Himalayas.
● visit the Taj Mahal
● take a boat ride on the Ganges River
● enjoy India’s delicious cuisine, including its street food.
● witness a festival, such as the famous Holi Festival of Colors
The peak tourist season in India is typically during the country’s winter season, November to March. During this time, tourists will find mostly pleasant weather conditions ideal for travel. It’s always best to research the temperatures throughout the various regions of India, as temperatures and conditions may vary during certain months.
Lightweight, modest clothing (breathable cotton or linen tops, loose pants, long skirts or dresses) and comfortable shoes are of the essence, and dressing in layers helps with temperature changes and provides options for temple visits and cultural sites. Laundry services are inexpensive in India - so packing lightly is a good option. In addition, don’t forget sunglasses, a Wallaroo hat (such as packable options like Sedona, Gabi or Charlie Trilby), sunscreen with SFP for sun protection, and mosquito spray. Finally, bring essentials like prescription medicine, anti-diarrheal medicine, pain medication, and any other items you may need. A daypack or small backpack is handy for day excursions, and don’t forget a portable phone battery. Also, bring a travel adaptor that will work in India.
India offers a diverse range of accommodation options - from budget-friendly to luxury and everything in between. On the less expensive side, choose from hostels, guest houses, and budget hotels. Those looking for luxury accommodations can enjoy boutique or heritage hotels and unique options such as restored palaces and forts. In addition, India offers distinctive lodging through homestays, houseboats, jungle or eco-lodges, and ashrams or wellness retreats.
India offers diverse flavors and cuisines (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), featuring complex spice profiles. Dining options range from vibrant street food like the iconic Samosas (golden and crispy pastries filled with spicy potatoes, peas and sometimes meat) or delicious Kathi Rolls (skewered meat, eggs, paneer, or vegetables that are wrapped in flatbread) to typical restaurant dishes like Biryani (a classic rice dish) or Chicken Tikka Masala ( marinated chicken roasted in tandoor mixed in a creamy sauce).
While I did get to appreciate the country's beauty, diversity, and gorgeous landscapes, I wasn’t there to do the typical activities one might enjoy on a vacation to India.
India is also a destination for those who wish to support their health journeys, step away from daily life, and focus on wellness in a stress-free environment. This was what brought me to India last November.
I began my trip at Vaidyagrama, an eco-friendly, authentic Ayurvedic healing clinic offering a holistic wellness approach. Located on the outskirts of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, South India, this clinic features clusters of healing spaces led by experienced Vaidyas (practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine) and therapists who provide customized Ayurvedic treatments and freshly prepared medicines.
Vaidyagrama offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments in a natural, eco-friendly environment with a vision of “Authentic Ayurveda for Universal Well-Being.” Its mission is to nurture wellness and heal illness. Also integral to its mission is serving nourishing food.
In addition to nourishing meals, herbal teas, medicines, and treatments, Vaidyagrama offers opportunities for meditation, consultation, and participation in traditional ceremonies.
For example, on Friday afternoons, the clinic has a “cow pooja” (Gau Pooja in Hindu) ritual of worshipping cows, as cows are considered sacred in Hinduism. In this ritual, homage is paid to cows through offerings of flowers, fruits, water, and other items, while blessings are offered through blessings and mantras.
At the end of one’s stay at the clinic, each patient has the opportunity to plant a tree.
More information about Vaidyagrama can be found here.
In addition to my time at Vaidyagrama, I spent some time in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga.
Located in Uttarakhand, India, Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and serves as a gateway to the Himalayas. A spiritual town, Rishikesh attracts seekers from around the globe who want to deepen their yoga practice and connect with their inner selves. In addition to many yoga ashrams and meditation centers, Rishikesh offers adventure activities like white-water rafting, trekking, and bungee jumping.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Ganges River, explore local attractions like Lakshman Jhula and Triveni Ghat, and even participate in the profoundly spiritual nighttime Ganga Aarti ceremonies.
I found November to be a great time to visit Rishikesh. Other desirable times are between March and May and September and November, as the weather is ideal for the area’s many outdoor activities.
My trip to India exemplifies how travel can introduce you to new cultures and people while providing a much-needed “time out” from the real world and giving valuable insights into our lives. Travel is a great “reset” - a time to step away from our regular lives and return home refreshed.
This may be your cue to begin searching for that perfect getaway!
Wherever you go, please travel safely and remember…
It’s a sunny life. Wear your hat!
Head Size | Inches | Centimeters | |
---|---|---|---|
XS/S (Petite) | 6 7/8 | 21 5/8 | 55cm |
M | 7 1/4 | 22 7/8 | 58cm |
XL | 7 5/8 | 24 | 61cm |
Head Size | Inches | Centimeters | |
---|---|---|---|
M/L | 7 3/8 | 23 1/4 | 59cm |
L/XL | 7 5/8 | 24 | 61cm |
Head Size | Inches | Centimeters | |
---|---|---|---|
3-12 months | 5 3/4 | 18 | 46cm |
1-2 1/2 yrs | 6 1/4 | 191/4 | 49cm |
2-5 yrs | 6 1/2 | 201/2 | 52cm |
4-8 yrs | 6 3/4 | 21 1/4 | 54cm |
5-10 yrs | 6 7/8 | 21 5/8 | 55cm |
Teen | 7 | 22 | 56cm |
If you’re having trouble measuring or have any questions, we’re available to help M-F from
8:30am-4:30pm MST
Chat Live with Customer Service
Call Direct
888.925.2866 (toll free)
303.494.5959 (primary)
If you’re having trouble measuring or have any questions, we’re available to help M-F from
8:30am-4:30pm MST
Chat Live with Customer Service
Call Direct
888.925.2866 (toll free)
303.494.5959 (primary)
Shipping times are NOT GUARANTEED. Wallaroo Hat Company is not responsible for actual shipping times once a carrier (FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.) has accepted a package for shipment.
Shipping Options | Minimum Purchase | Cost | Estimated Delivery |
---|---|---|---|
Free |
$100.00 after discount. Free Shipping is not available during site-wide sales. |
Free | 7-14 Business Days and shipped by USPS. |
Standard | None | $10.95 | 7-14 Business Days and shipped by USPS. |
Expedited | None | $14.95 through USPS, or calculated upon checkout by FedEx. | 1-5 Business Days and shipped by USPS or FedEx depending on service selected. |
Please note: Wallaroo is not responsible for any lost or stolen items once delivered to your address. In this unfortunate event, please contact your local police department to notify them of this theft.
Wallaroo has limited international shipping. Please contact customer service at [email protected] for more information or see below to find a distributor near you.
Please be advised that Wallaroo Hat Company is not responsible for any additional duties and taxes collected by the Recipients’ home country.
Here is a list of our International Distributors for more options:
Canada:
Modinno Enterprises
206 – 4288 Lozells Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5A 0C7 Canada
P: (604) 421-6658
P: (800) 565-9511
E: [email protected]
W: modinno.com
Dubai:
Prosports International
P: +971 4 347 7737
E: [email protected]
W: www.prosports.ae
Ecuador:
UPF Solutions/Infocity S. A.
María Sarmiento
P: 593 93-934-2674 (Ecuador only)
P & Whatsapp: 34 631671448
E: [email protected]
UK/Europe
Masku Ltd, UK
Lisa Jackson
P: +44 (0)120 282 1252
E: [email protected]
W: www.wallaroohats.co.uk
Israel:
FEEL import export Ltd.
P: 972-3-5582324
E: [email protected]
W: feel-shop.co.il
Japan:
Prograce, Inc.
P: +81-27-386-9348
E: [email protected]
W: www.prograceinc.com
Mexico:
Sol Protector
Pablo Neruda #3139
Col. Providencia 44630
Guadalajara, Jalisco México
P: (33) 3109-2657
E: [email protected]
W: sol-protector.com
Nordic Countries:
Wanderwear Import Oy
Iris Rekola
P: +358 – 43 8264444
E: [email protected]
Peru:
Cusco Dermavip
P: +51 984510926
E: [email protected]
F: @dermavipskinshop
We love Wallaroo hats and hope you do too! However, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, Wallaroo Hat Company (WHC) is committed to customer satisfaction and will accept returns that meet our Return Requirements on products purchased on wallaroohats.us.
Return Requirements:
Click here to complete your online Wallaroo hat return.
(The online return process excludes Alaska, Hawaii and international orders. Please contact Wallaroo Customer Service directly at [email protected] with any questions.)
When ready, ship your return to: Wallaroo Hat Company, 3155 Sterling Circle, Boulder, CO 80301
Please allow up to 14 days from the time WHC receives your return for processing. Please email our customer service representatives at [email protected] or call 888-925-2766, M-F, 8:30-4:30 MST for further assistance.