“AFTER years of travelling to various destinations as a seasoned food and travel blogger, here are some of my tips that can make travel easier and more enjoyable to help you make the most of your next trip!”
Don’t rely on stock photos of a destination: Keep an open mind when looking at magazines, TripAdvisor or Instagram as often these are a carefully-curated idealisation, using Photoshop and filters, to make places look more enticing. Not every destination will give you the ‘postcard effect’ and might end up being dirty or overcrowded in reality. My recommendation is do use Instagram, but go by photos under the location tag to get a true sense of what to expect.
Try going off season and avoid travelling on weekends: Some popular destinations get ridiculously busy during peak season, and I would suggest travelling during the low season as not only will there be less crowds, you will get better deals too. In Europe, my favourite times to travel are mid-September to end of November, and March-May. I find it is also slightly cheaper to fly on weekdays than weekends. During low season, hotels have reasonable rates so you can get better hotels for less.
Do plenty of research: If you have specific dietary requirements or there are specific places you want to see, always book in advance to avoid disappointment or queues. Make a rough list of what the highlights of a destination are so you don’t come back and get upset that you missed something. Don’t over plan your itinerary. The best travel moments usually arise from unplanned moments, detours or getting lost. Leave yourself free time to wander and relax.
Go with an open mind: Sometimes things happen that are out of your control. The one thing you always have control over is how you respond. This happened to me in Bali, and I had to cut my trip short as the volcano erupted, but I took it in my stride and made the most of the time I had left before evacuating. Go with the flow and no matter what happens, just keep an open mind, try to adapt to the situation and stay positive.
Don’t book any unethical animal experiences: Please avoid booking unethical animal experiences when travelling, be it swimming with dolphins, taking a selfie with a tiger or riding an elephant. By choosing not to visit these venues, you will play a crucial part in shutting them down and curbing the demand. By choosing to interact with a wild animal, you are supporting a cruel and inhumane industry.
Travel more sustainably: Try booking direct flights rather than via multiple destinations to reduce carbon emissions. Book hotels with sustainability initiatives such as recycling programmes, biodegradable toiletries, solar power and on-site organic food production. Carry a refillable BPA-free water bottle, which will save you money and limit single-use plastic bottles. Pair it with a metal straw to avoid using plastic straws. Carry a rubbish bag to fill any trash you may see on beaches or in parks.
Be social media aware: For safety, be careful of what you post on social media while you are away. For example, if you have a public Instagram account, never reveal the hotel you are staying in or your room number in real time as you never know who is looking at it. I always post this on check out. Before leaving for your destination, don’t advertise all over social media or to your taxi driver, especially if you are leaving your house empty.
Use packing cubes: I love packing cubes as these keep everything organised. I use space wisely, whether it is cables inside sunglass cases or fragrances inside socks. I use every imaginable space to pack my bits and bobs! Roll your clothes and always put the heaviest items at the base of the suitcase first. Depending on where you are going, you will appreciate the space if you decide to purchase items from your destination to take back home.
Minimise jet lag: There are great ways of dealing with jet lag to ensure you aren’t fatigued and lacking energy when there is so much to discover at your destination. Firstly, tire yourself out before a flight so you get decent sleep during the flight. Resist alcohol or caffeine on the plane and drink plenty of water. On the day you land back, resist the urge to sleep all day and instead carry on with your day as normal and go to bed at your usual time.
Find beauty in small things: When you are rushing or being impulsive to see the main landmarks in a country you can miss out on the small things and beauty in certain places. Sometimes it is so important to slow down, move your head away from your smartphone screen, and look around and observe all that’s around you. They sometimes end up being the nicest discoveries and the most unique. Binny Shah-Patel is an award-winning food and travel blogger.
Visit www. binnysfoodand travel.com & Instagram:@binnysfoodandtravel
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.