Juhi Chawla, former Miss India and one of the most successful Bollywood heroines in the nineties, talks about her favorite travel destinations and shares useful travel tips.
Juhi Chawla loves to travel, and so does her entire family (Juhi is married to industrialist Jay Mehta and has two kids – son and a daughter).
Lets hear out Juhi Chawla talk about travel – what it means to her, her favorite places, her travel aspirations, and more.
What does a holiday mean to you?
When I was younger and more carefree, it meant ‘me-time’. But now, with kids, my holidays have to match school schedules and everything else. But, even then, I am a born traveller.
Travel as a way of life
My work has taken me to some of the most exotic locations around the world. And luckily, I found a husband who is fond of travelling as well.
The traveler in me
The sheer idea of a causal holiday with my family excites me. We make sure we let our hair down. What I don’t enjoy is travelling to attend weddings, because that is when packing is a nightmare – I always end up over-packing.
What travel taught me
Travel made me realise how beautiful my own country is. India is so rich in culture, architecture, colour and traditions, but we often tend to underestimate its beauty.
Destinations I feel connected to
Asia has a very warm vibe. I would say Indonesia and Japan are the countries that will stay in my heart forever And most importantly, after travelling around the world, I have ended up building a special bond with my own little home in Mumbai. Coming back home after a holiday is a priceless feeling.
All the yoga teachers say, "travel within"
No travel ticket, no cost 🙂 https://t.co/EIHaHXO9tM— Juhi Chawla (@iam_juhi) April 28, 2016
Place that I appreciate for natural beauty
Switzerland is pretty as a picture. The mountains, flowers, lakes, greenery, and little countryside cottages and churches made me fall in love with the place. I went to Switzerland the first time while shooting for Darr. I went there again for Ishq, and I wanted to go for sight-seeing walks all the time! The good thing is that my husband and kids love Switzerland too because of their fondness for skiing.
My family jokes that when I’m in Switzerland, I’m like that villager on his first visit to a city, who sits rooted to a spot, awestruck.
Maldives is another place I go to frequently. My kids love Maldives for its beaches and all the water sport activities.
I also love the beauty of nothingness in Antarctica. I have been to the Aman Vana resort in Bali and I loved that too!
In India, Udaipur tops my list of favourite places.
How often do I go on vacation?
We go to London and Uganda every year because we have homes there. Besides that, every year.
Jai, my husband, must go skiing at least once, I must go to a beach and the kids have to do a safari.
Destinations on my wishlist
I want to explore Russia, China, Morocco.
My idea of a weekend getaway
Some relaxing time at a farmhouse, just outside Mumbai.
Beaches or Hills
I love the hills more than the beaches.
Must-pack travel accessories
Credit cards, sunglasses and lip balm.
Packing tips
- Carry clothes and accessories that you can mix and match. A pair of blue jeans, a white top, a black shirt, and a few jackets are your must-carry items.
- Carry a foldable bag. It comes in handy when you have extra luggage.
- Instead of carrying extra warm clothes, just carry stuff you can layer up. Add or subtract layers as required.
- Always take a pair of comfortable and stylish shoes.
- Never carry real gold or expensive jewellery. Go for costume pieces that look fashionable. Plus, you won’t regret it in case you end up losing them.
