Although the pandemic is yet to subside, celebrities share their travel diaries

Gurnaaz Kaur

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It’s that time of the year when many of us would pack our bags and set out to explore a new destination. Avid travellers confined to their homes must be dreaming of beaches, mountains and more. Nine months into the pandemic and we know Covid-19 has changed the way we once travelled. Masks, sanitisers, social distancing, contact tracing apps… These are now a must in the world of travel. Mode of transport is another choice that has to be made after much thought. But all is not lost; these celebrities ignite hope and share wisdom as they let us peep into their ‘new normal’ travel diaries.

Landor calling
Shreya Pilgoankar, actress

When the lockdown was lifted, I ended up going to Srinagar to shoot a music video and it was absolutely incredible to be in such a magical place. Taking flights is still a bit of a concern, but I take every precaution. I also test myself before and after the flight. Now that shoots have resumed, I am invariably travelling. For a holiday I plan to go to Landor in Mussoorie in January for three-four days, all by myself.

Take care
Sonu Sood, actor

Everyone in the industry has started travelling,but that’s mostly for shoots and not for a holiday. I’ve been travelling a lot to Hyderabad and other places for work. Initially when I started travelling, it was a bit weird because that was after such a long gap but now everything looks normal.Just the basic precautions to stay safe can’t be ignored. I see a mad rush among travellers; it looks like the whole of India is travelling! People are getting used to it. I do plan to take my family to New Zealand in January if everything goes well. It has been long due.

Be wary
Aarya Babbar, actor

I do not want to travel in these Covid times unless it is related to work, but in October when it was my wife’s birthday I could see she was really frustrated sitting at home, so just for her, I broke the rule and we travelled to Alwar in Rajasthan. Face-shield, mask, sanitiser… Using it for literally every object… The journey was all about that. And of course we got ourselves tested before and after travelling. I think this isn’t the time for gallivanting. If you’ve decided to go somewhere, maybe just for a change, enjoy the property where you stay; exploring the city is out of question!

Short vacation
Tanuj Virmani, actor

I’ve been travelling since July, mostly to Dubai for a project. In fact I am in Dubai even right now, but not for work. It’s a short vacation with my father. There has been a dramatic change in the way we travel and it is quite unnerving — Covid tests, PPE kits, no food on flight apart from the basic masks, shields and sanitisers – but the show must go on. I think unless and until you really need to travel or feel the destination is relatively safe like Dubai is, it isn’t the ideal time for wandering.

Small-town fun
Rumana Molla, actress

I have started travelling but taking all the necessary precautions. When I travelled, I was glad that they kept an empty seat between passengers. Travelling was mostly work-related because I had to finish some assignments; otherwise, I am mostly home in Belgium. I recently went to Navsari because I have family members living there and it was really nice. Small town and not too many cases, things were quite relaxed.

Something amiss
Digangana Suryavanshi, actress

I have been on a road trip and I have been to Hyderabad twice. We travelled in our personal car from Mumbai to Indore to Mandu then from there back to Indore, followed by Onkareshwar and Khandwa. It was much-needed as at one point I thought this is the end of the world! I think the real feeling of travelling carefree has gone missing.

Jungle tale
Jagnoor Aneja, actor

I have started travelling and my first destination was Jim Corbett. I stayed there at an amazing resort in the middle of the jungle with all the precautions. Earlier we wanted to explore new destinations but due to Covid, things have changed completely.

No risk
Shubhaavi Choksey, actress

I did travel in October, as my husband needed to be in Dubai for work. So my son and I took off and stayed for nearly a month. We have a house in Dubai, but going elsewhere will take me a while because I can’t take the risk.