Diving, dining & more: Kresha Bajaj’s husband is her best travel companion
The designer says she wants to call Cartagena in Colombia her home.
By Glynda Alves, ET Bureau |
Agencies
Designer Kresha Bajaj says she views travel as a learning experience by being open to new ideas.
Seek and find
“A trip becomes a holiday only when I keep learning and discovering new things. My trips inspire me all the time. On a vacation, I like to start the day as early as possible, so we can explore and make the most of our time. Time is always limited, no matter how long we are visiting a place for. “If I’m at a lazy island destination, I would like to just relax. But if I’m at an urban city centre, I would want to learn about the history and culture of that place, and experience everything it has to offer.”
Doing it solo
“I have done just one solo trip, to Paris. But the most amazing thing about that trip was how empowered I felt by myself. To some extent, it prepared me to start working on my own.”
Surprise holiday
“A trip to Socorro took me by surprise. The diving was incredibly tough for me given the freezing cold water, strong currents and turbulence on the boat. The current was so strong that I panicked slightly underwater. But it taught me to be more confident. You must never underestimate the ocean; you respect it and dive within your limits.”
“I keep being drawn back to the island of Bangaram in Lakshadweep. It’s an untouched place where the underwater life, food and people are all incredible. The people are hospitable and caring, and it’s very accessible from Mumbai too.”
Home truths
“The one place I would like to someday call home is Cartagena in Colombia. When I am in this city, I always feel like I belong. It’s an urban city moulded into historical structures, and looks like it’s out of a painting. From a quiet evening spent walking around empty, beautiful streets, to visiting local bars where you can dance the night away, Cartagena has it all.”
Travel buddy
“My husband Vanraj is my favourite travel companion. Travelling with him is always exciting, adventurous and filled with lots of food. The great thing is that we have similar interests. Even when we don’t, we are always open to trying out different things. From diving, to zip lining, to crazy food experiences, I have learned and experienced so much due to his constant push to do new things.”
“Norway. One of my dreams is to go snorkelling with wild orcas.”
Lap of luxury
The new Henley Passport Index is out, and there has been a major shuffle in the global ranking of the world's passports.
In the beginning of 2019, 27 countries were in the top 10 positions on the index, but this month 4 more countries were added to the list.
Several countries climbed the list to have most powerful passports, while few slipped from their positions, including India.
The ranking is determined on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. It is based on the exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association, which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information.
Here's a look at all the top ranking passports of this year.
Road tripping
“I did a road trip in Germany with my family where we drove through 24 different cities. It was amazing, especially given the abundance of beautiful castles, flora, greenery and culture in Germany.”
Top 5 Destinations
• Raja Ampat: For the most beautiful coral reefs I have ever seen.
• Lissw: For its tulip season. Specifically, the FAM Flower Farm, owned by two women who open their private fields to a few visitors each year.
•Fernando De Noronha: A UNESCO World Heritage site and protected national marine park. The underwater life here is amazing, and it seems like you’re living a dream.
•Lisbon: For the character. From the narrow streets taking you through the local designers, to cafes with amazing food, and the people one meets.
•Ravello: It’s different from the rest of the Amalfi coast, given its gardens and history.
Seek and find
“A trip becomes a holiday only when I keep learning and discovering new things. My trips inspire me all the time. On a vacation, I like to start the day as early as possible, so we can explore and make the most of our time. Time is always limited, no matter how long we are visiting a place for. “If I’m at a lazy island destination, I would like to just relax. But if I’m at an urban city centre, I would want to learn about the history and culture of that place, and experience everything it has to offer.”
Doing it solo
“I have done just one solo trip, to Paris. But the most amazing thing about that trip was how empowered I felt by myself. To some extent, it prepared me to start working on my own.”
Surprise holiday
“A trip to Socorro took me by surprise. The diving was incredibly tough for me given the freezing cold water, strong currents and turbulence on the boat. The current was so strong that I panicked slightly underwater. But it taught me to be more confident. You must never underestimate the ocean; you respect it and dive within your limits.”
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Return call“I keep being drawn back to the island of Bangaram in Lakshadweep. It’s an untouched place where the underwater life, food and people are all incredible. The people are hospitable and caring, and it’s very accessible from Mumbai too.”
Home truths
“The one place I would like to someday call home is Cartagena in Colombia. When I am in this city, I always feel like I belong. It’s an urban city moulded into historical structures, and looks like it’s out of a painting. From a quiet evening spent walking around empty, beautiful streets, to visiting local bars where you can dance the night away, Cartagena has it all.”
Travel buddy
“My husband Vanraj is my favourite travel companion. Travelling with him is always exciting, adventurous and filled with lots of food. The great thing is that we have similar interests. Even when we don’t, we are always open to trying out different things. From diving, to zip lining, to crazy food experiences, I have learned and experienced so much due to his constant push to do new things.”
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Bucket list“Norway. One of my dreams is to go snorkelling with wild orcas.”
Lap of luxury
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“My most luxurious holiday was to the Cheval Blanc Randheli Noono in the Maldives. Everything about the place — from the food, the service, and the beach — was impeccable.”In the beginning of 2019, 27 countries were in the top 10 positions on the index, but this month 4 more countries were added to the list.
Several countries climbed the list to have most powerful passports, while few slipped from their positions, including India.
The ranking is determined on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. It is based on the exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association, which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information.
Here's a look at all the top ranking passports of this year.
Road tripping
“I did a road trip in Germany with my family where we drove through 24 different cities. It was amazing, especially given the abundance of beautiful castles, flora, greenery and culture in Germany.”
Top 5 Destinations
• Raja Ampat: For the most beautiful coral reefs I have ever seen.
• Lissw: For its tulip season. Specifically, the FAM Flower Farm, owned by two women who open their private fields to a few visitors each year.
•Fernando De Noronha: A UNESCO World Heritage site and protected national marine park. The underwater life here is amazing, and it seems like you’re living a dream.
•Lisbon: For the character. From the narrow streets taking you through the local designers, to cafes with amazing food, and the people one meets.
•Ravello: It’s different from the rest of the Amalfi coast, given its gardens and history.
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