It’s time for a getaway

Celebrities’ guide to the best places to visit in summer.

KARACHI:

Summer may not be a highly-anticipated season here in Pakistan, as just the mere thought of the high temperature causes one to shudder. With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees (Celsius) and extensive power cuts, one hardly looks forward to this season — supposedly a relaxing time for most people. However, for celebrities, it is the time for family vacations; a time to see new sights or visit favourite vacation spots.

Fashion designer Amir Adnan, who recently went on a Euro trip, fell in love with Switzerland and Zurich. He made the most of his holiday, which he enjoyed with his family, by diving in the crystal clear water of Lake Zurich, catching trout in the streams and collecting wild mushrooms in the forests.

Meanwhile, for musician Omran Shafique, who vacationed in Norway and Australia — where he went to perform live — it was all about exploring places on foot. “I just started walking the streets, wandering around aimlessly but at the same time experiencing life first hand,” said Shafique.

His advice to potential travellers is that they should go beyond sightseeing. “They should be a little adventurous and explore the place — like the Blue Mountain excursion in Sydney.”

For someone interested in exploring a cultural mixture, a synthesis of East and West, Turkey — also called Asia Minor — seems like the best place to visit.

This seems to be exactly what fashion designer Nida Azwer had in mind when she chose to take a trip to Turkey. “I chose Turkey for its historic significance, the Turkish cuisine and excellent hotels and resorts,” said Azwer.

“The culturally significant places such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia are absolutely beautiful. The beach resorts and cruise add to the charm of the place,” said Azwer.

According to Azwer, the five must-carry things when on a vacation spree are; comfortable shoes to walk in (since Turkey is more beautiful if explored on foot), sunglasses, blush, a book and good music. Her tip to potential travellers to the country, which geographically bridges Europe and Asia, is, “When in Turkey, you must bargain for the best deals.”

However, to a certain extent, preferences also depend on whether one is going on a family trip or an individual one. For publicist Tehmina Khaled, for instance, places like Thailand and Malaysia are ideal as she has ‘school-going boys’ who can do a lot in these places. “In Thailand, water sports — including paragliding, under-sea walking, water skiing, water surfing — are the main attractions,” said Khaled, who was also the editor of women’s weekly magazine MAG.

“It’s the perfect place where my children can enjoy the rides and shows at Dream World and Safari World while I get to visit temples, the floating market and the Elephant Village in addition to various islands in Thailand,” said Khalid, who also highlighted the affordability of the package.

She stresses the need to bargain while shopping at roadside stalls, night markets, floating market and other tourist places.

However, Khaled is quick to warn potential travelers of Bangkok’s infamous traffic-jams. She recommends sky trains and subways as they’re faster and connect almost all of Bangkok.

Meanwhile, it seems like Khaled isn’t the only one who ventured into the waters this summer. Event manager, Frieha Altaf also chose Maldives because of her love for water sports and the beautiful beaches.

For some, summer season is the time to reaffirm faith. Fashion Designer Shamaeel Ansari planned a trip to New Delhi, India, for the purpose of ziarat (pilgrimage) to the shrines of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Ajmer Sharif.

Apart from that, her interest in historical places like the Red Fort, Humayun’s tomb, Qutub Minar, Lodhi Gardens, Mehrauli and Chiraagh Delhi, also spurred her decision to visit India. “I love Delhi as it combines the ancient and the modern at every block. It’s the seat of the Mughal Empire,” said Ansari.

Meanwhile, upcoming musician Bilal Khan preferred a visit to Malaysia. “I think it’s a perfect mixture of progress, sight-seeing and lots of good shopping.” He advises a visit Genting and to avoid casinos as much as possible.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2011.