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Stressed over trip planning as a couple? Top 5 tips for a perfect vacation: Budgeting to dividing responsibilities | Travel
Lifestyle

Stressed over trip planning as a couple? Top 5 tips for a perfect vacation: Budgeting to dividing responsibilities | Travel

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Updated on: Sept 04, 2025 02:39 pm IST

Instead of bickering over your trip plan, here’s an easy couple’s guide to make travel stress-free and bond well. 

Trip planning should not ideally follow a one-size-fits-all approach, with generic itineraries and copy-paste schedules, sightseeing spots. The plan depends on the family size: be it a multigenerational family with kids and grandparents, a solo traveller, or parents with little children. Likewise, a couple’s trip needs to prioritise planning that includes fun, intimate time together for relaxation and bonding.

Master your trip planning as a couple to make the most out of it.(Shutterstock)

ALSO READ: Want to travel cheaper? 11 hacks to cut hidden costs on your trip

Heniel Rupaarelia, founder and managing director at ETrav Tech Ltd, shared with HT Lifestyle five tips for couples on how to plan their trips:

1. Make it experience-first

  • Select destinations that combine romance with light adventure, such as beaches, hillside retreats or cultural hubs, where mornings might mean hiking misty trails and evenings end with wine by the ocean. Replace rigid timetables with freedom.
  • Renting bicycles in safe areas offers spontaneity and shared exploration in a way private cars rarely can.
  • Keep at least one day unscheduled and plan a spontaneous visit to a local cafe, a hidden waterfall or a market unknown to guidebooks.

2. Budget smart, not tight

Make a checklist as you head to the destination.(Freepik)
Make a checklist as you head to the destination.(Freepik)
  • Blend indulgence with authenticity. Splurge on a scenic fine-dining experience but balance it with street food walks or local market tastings, which often reveal the most memorable flavours and stories.
  • Keep a flexible budget with a buffer for last-minute opportunities such as a surprise couple’s spa treatment, a private sunset sail or an offbeat cultural tour.
  • Skip the expensive glamour of Paris or London in peak season and instead, enjoy Vietnam’s charming cafes, Sri Lanka’s coastal escapes or Croatia’s romantic old towns at a fraction of the price with double the charm.

3. Balance sightseeing and downtime

  • It’s tempting to load the itinerary with every ‘must-see’, but overplanning can erode the very connection you’re travelling to nurture.
  • Trips with one to two planned activities per day have turned out to be more fruitful than those with three or more.
  • Build in slow mornings, unhurried meals and unstructured afternoons. Use in-between moments to share a coffee on a balcony, to spend a lazy afternoon in a hammock or to take a romantic stroll.

4. Divide responsibilities to avoid burnout

Divide the roles, while one handles the destination spotting, another takes care of commute plans.(Freepik)
Divide the roles, while one handles the destination spotting, another takes care of commute plans.(Freepik)
  • Planning fatigue is real, and putting the entire burden on one partner risks imbalance.
  • The most efficient travel pairs adopt a split-and-conquer model. One handles flights, visas and core bookings, while the other shortlists hotels based on location, safety and ambience.
  • Assigning roles such as food scout or map master not only divides the workload but turns planning into a joint adventure.

5. Choose destinations that strengthen the bond

Ubud in Bali offers activities like couple spa.(Freepik)
Ubud in Bali offers activities like couple spa.(Freepik)
  • Tourist-friendly hubs like Bali, Portugal or Japan offer the right mix of beauty, culture and ease of movement, all extremely crucial for a stress-free bonding. Avoid regions with safety concerns unless both are seasoned travellers.
  • Travel season matters, too. Shoulder seasons like April in Greece or September in Japan offer lower prices, fewer crowds and more space for intimacy. For couples travelling from India, short-haul destinations like the Maldives, Bhutan or Thailand provide seamless escapes without long layovers.
  • Design the trip to match your shared energy. Ubud in Bali offers couples’ spas and jungle views, Lake Bled in Slovenia delivers fairy-tale tranquillity and Hoi An in Vietnam charms with lantern-lit evenings.

Experience is paramount on a couple’s trip, slow, intimate moments which outshine the otherwise packed itineraries. From spontaneous detours to leisurely beginning the day with breakfast in bed, travelling for a couple is a good way to connect, especially for the new ones.

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Emma Stone's New ‘Spiced Sienna’ Hair Is the Perfect Copper Shade For PSL Season
Fashion

Emma Stone’s New ‘Spiced Sienna’ Hair Is the Perfect Copper Shade For PSL Season

by jummy84
written by jummy84

To all those dreaming of Emma Stone’s grown-out pixie cut, just wait until you see her “spiced sienna” dye job.

By now, we all know that Emma Stone did not cut her hair off because she was tired of styling it in the morning or restless for change or hoping to highlight her incredible jawline—all of which would have been valid and relatable reasons for such a dramatic chop. In reality, she fully shaved her head for her role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ newest film, Bugonia, earning herself a seven-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival for her efforts. Okay, they probably weren’t clapping just because she went bald, but her latest hair color by Tracey Cunningham is certainly worthy of applause.

On August 28, the 36-year-old actor debuted a “luminous copper auburn” tone at the Venice Film Festival, which Stone’s longtime hairstylist dubbed “spiced sienna” just in time for PSL season.

Emma Stone arrives at Palazzo del Casinò during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025.

Victor Boyko/Getty Images

“Crafted with Schwarzkopf Vibrance Alkaline Color Gloss, this shade radiates warmth, depth, and glow, perfectly framing her fearless transformation,” Cunningham, the U.S. creative director of color & technique at Schwarzkopf Professional, wrote of Stone’s latest update on Instagram, sharing her exact custom formula for those who are already texting photos of her client to their local color specialists.

Those who frequent salons know that lightening one’s hair is much longer, more delicate process than going in the other direction, and Stone has slowly been making her way back to auburn since switching to a dark brunette shade in the summer of 2024. Back in January, she debuted a nutmeg pixie cut at the Golden Globes, subtly inching closer to this warm copper auburn as her hair grew out.

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Ganeshotsav 2025: Looking for the perfect Marathi snack for guests? Here's how to make the mini vada pav
Lifestyle

Ganeshotsav 2025: Looking for the perfect Marathi snack for guests? Here’s how to make the mini vada pav

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The ongoing ten-day Ganeshotsav marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity of wisdom and good fortune. A season full of visiting friends and family, a head full of what to make for them — this time move beyond the classic modak, and impress your guests with the perfect vegetarian appetiser.

Mini vada pav

Bite-sized, packed with flavour, and an instant crowd-pleaser, it’s the ideal savoury snack to balance out all the festive sweets. This recipe, from Mayuri’s Jikoni, gives the humble Indian vada pav a mini makeover that’s just right for entertaining guests. And what better way to add a twist to the celebrations than by marking National Burger Day with a true desi classic?

Mini vada pavs
Mini vada pavs

Ingredients:

For the vada: 1 cup mashed potato, ¼ cup finely chopped onion, 1 green chili finely chopped, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp garlic paste, ¼ tsp turmeric powder (haldi), ¼ tsp red chilli powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp sugar, ½ tsp goda masala, 1 to 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, ½ cup besan (chickpea flour, chana flour), 1 tbsp rice flour, ¼ to ⅓ cup water, a generous pinch of salt, a generous pinch of turmeric powder (haldi)

For the peanut chutney: ½ cup peanuts roasted, 3 to 4 dry red chillis lightly roasted, 4 to 6 cloves of garlic, ½ tsp tamarind paste, 1 tsp jaggery powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 to 2 tsp red chilli powder

For the green chutney: 1 cup fresh coriander roughly chopped, 1 cup fresh mint roughly chopped, 1 cup raw mango cut into pieces, ¼ cup peanuts roasted, 1 inch ginger peeled and chopped, 2–3 green chillis, ¼ cup water, ½–¾ tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tbsp grated jaggery/sugar

Pav or bread: 22/24 bread slices cut into 2-inch circles, butter, and ghee

Method:

Start by mixing all the vada ingredients together, then roll them into small balls. If the mixture sticks, lightly oil your hands. Set aside. The for the coating batter, whisk together all the batter ingredients until smooth, make sure the consistency of the batter is neither too thick nor too thin. Then onto the chutneys. Grind all the ingredients into a coarse powder and transfer to separate serving bowls.

As for the bread, cut round shapes from bread slices using a tart mould, lid, or cookie cutter. Lightly toast each slice in a pan with butter or ghee on both sides until golden. Set aside.

Frying the vadas:

Heat oil in a deep pan. Test with a drop of batter — it should sizzle immediately. Dip potato balls in the batter, coat well, then fry until crisp and golden. Drain and set aside. Now smear a little green chutney on each toasted bread slice. Place one fried vada on top, sprinkle peanut chutney generously, and if you like, add a few pomegranate arils for freshness. Serve hot.

Tips:

Keep toasted bread slices and fried vadas warm in the oven until serving. Chutneys can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge to make it easy to assemble when guests arrive. And for spice lovers, add a side of fried green chillis.

This Mini Vada Pav is the perfect mix of festive flavour and playful presentation. Whether you’re hosting a Ganesh Chaturthi get-together or simply looking for a vegetarian-friendly burger option, this recipe is bound to be a showstopper.

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Alia Bhatt's No-Makeup Selfie Is The Perfect Reminder That Natural Beauty Is The Best Beauty | Glamsham.com
Bollywood

Alia Bhatt’s No-Makeup Selfie Is The Perfect Reminder That Natural Beauty Is The Best Beauty | Glamsham.com

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has again set the internet ablaze with her beautiful no-makeup selfies. Posting a sneak peek of her island getaway, Alia showed that her natural beauty and glowing skin don’t require any filters. Wearing a vibrant orange bikini and posing effortlessly, the actress showcased her acne-free skin with the caption, “Hair by: sea salt and ocean breeze.” Fans filled the comments section with heart and fire emojis, complimenting her beauty and radiance.

Family Time on a Tropical Island

The actress is taking it easy on vacation with her loved ones. Shaheen Bhatt, her sister, posted several pictures from the outing on Instagram and captioned her post “Island Interlude.” The photo carousel had a stunning group picture of Alia, Shaheen, their mom Soni Razdan, and Shaheen’s beau Ishaan Mehra. In another video, Alia could be seen exercising alongside a man suspected to be Ishaan, proving that she does not miss a workout even when on a break.

Juggling Family and Films

Despite being in vacation mode, Alia Bhatt has a packed work schedule. She is currently filming Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’, which stars her husband Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The film is one of the most anticipated releases and marks another collaboration between Bhatt and Bhansali after their successful venture ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi.’

Also Read: ISLAND GETAWAY GOALS!” – Alia Bhatt Chills with Sister Shaheen Bhatt and BF Ishaan Mehra in TROPICAL PARADISE

Trouble for YRF’s ‘Alpha’?

Alia’s upcoming large-scale project, ‘Alpha’, under the YRF Spy Universe brand has also been marred in controversy. With the poor reception of ‘War 2’, helmed by Ayan Mukerji and featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, YRF has apparently been playing safe with their upcoming spy movies.

Aditya Chopra himself has taken charge of ‘Alpha’ owing to fears regarding director Shiv Rawail’s lack of experience, reports a report by journalist Subhash K Jha. Rawail had directed the mini-series The Railway Men before, but working on a high-budgeted spy thriller is a new area for him to venture into. With ‘War 2’ receiving a weak response, the stakes are high for ‘Alpha’ in which Alia Bhatt is seen playing a lead role.

All Eyes on Alia

With a flourishing career, a romantic personal life, and a devoted fan following, Alia Bhatt remains in the spotlight. Whether it’s taking a relaxed no-makeup selfie or heading a high-profile movie, Alia shows she’s a force to be looked up to—both off and on screen.

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When Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood actor Lakshya spoke about him after Kill screening: ‘Perfect example of…’
Bollywood

When Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood actor Lakshya spoke about him after Kill screening: ‘Perfect example of…’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Published on: Aug 22, 2025 01:19 am IST

As we wait to see Lakshya in Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood, a throwback video of him talking about Shah Rukh Khan’s son goes viral

Like Shanaya Kapoor, Lakshya is one newcomer whose Bollywood debut kept getting pushed. He was initially going to begin his journey with Janhvi Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan’s Dostana 2, but the project was shelved. Karan Johar then announced Lakshya as one of the leads, alongside Shanaya, in Bedhadak. But that film was also shelved. In 2024, Lakshya finally made his Bollywood debut with Kill, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Up next, he will be seen as the hero of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut show, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. But what does Lakshya think of Shah Rukh Khan’s son?

Aryan Khan with Lakshya and Mona Singh

A year ago, during an interview with Fever FM, Lakshya opened up about his friend and now director Aryan Khan. When asked if he has ever felt a difference between nepo and non-nepo artists, Lakshya shared, “Difference I think bahar waale log zyaada banate hain. Andar kuchh hai nahi. Because aadhe toh mere dost hi hain saare. Janhvi (Kapoor), Shanaya (Kapoor), Ananya (Panday), Agastya (Nanda). Aur itne sahi log hain naa yeh. Itne correct hain, koi complications nahi hai, koi insecurities nahi hain. Apna kaam karte hain aur tameesdaar log hain. Aryan (Khan) humaare dost hain. Aryan was there in the screening and I made him meet my parents. And my father said ‘He doesn’t look like he’s Shah Rukh Khan’s son’. Like woh pair wair (proceeded to make the gesture of touching feet), matlab he’s just a perfect example of how a boy should be.”

Raghav Juyal, who was the villain of Kill and will be seen as Lakshya’s best friend in Aryan’s show, chimed in and added, “Bohot tehzeeb, usse naa bohot culture diya hua hai Aryan ko.” Well, clearly Aryan not only won his star cast over with a well-written show, but also his charming personality.

Also starring Bobby Deol and Sahher Bambba in the lead with epic cameos by Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar, Aryan’s show The Ba***ds of Bollywood is set to arrive on Netflix on September 18.

News / HTCity / Cinema / When Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood actor Lakshya spoke about him after Kill screening: ‘Perfect example of…’

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XL sanitary pads that keep your leaks in check: Top 8 options for a perfect night of sleep | Health
Lifestyle

XL sanitary pads that keep your leaks in check: Top 8 options for a perfect night of sleep | Health

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Menstruation is one of the most challenging phase in every woman’s life. Along with the unbearable period pain, what mostly affects her are her unexpected mood swings and the risk of leaks, especially during night. Say hello to XL sanitary pads! Designed for heavy flow days, these pads provide extended coverage and superior absorption so you can move freely without worrying about leaks. The soft, skin-friendly surface keeps you comfortable throughout the day, while the secure wings hold the pad firmly in place, no matter how active you are.

Best XL sanitary pads(Pexels)

Be at work, home, or travelling, these XL sanitary pads ensure uninterrupted comfort and peace of mind. So, we have curated this list of top 8 XL sanitary pads to help you stay worry-free, confident, and unstoppable—because your period should never slow you down.

Whisper Bindaazzz Nights Koala Soft Sanitary Pads give you overnight comfort with extra softness and superior absorption. Designed with leak-lock technology, these pads ensure long-lasting dryness even on heavy flow days. The ultra-soft top layer feels gentle on the skin, preventing rashes and irritation. With wide wings for a secure fit, they let you sleep peacefully without worrying about stains. Stay confident and comfortable all night with Bindaazzz Koala Soft Pads for women.

PeeSafe Ultra Thin Sanitary Pads combine protection and comfort with a lightweight, breathable design. These pads are crafted for women who prefer slim yet highly absorbent hygiene solutions. The feather-soft top layer prevents irritation, while the super absorbent core locks in wetness instantly. With wider coverage and secure wings, PeeSafe ensures you stay stain-free all day. Their eco-conscious design offers freshness and protection, making them perfect for daily use with ultimate comfort.

Stayfree Secure Nights XXL Pads provide all-night protection with superior length and wider back coverage. Specially designed for heavy flow, they offer up to 12 hours of leakage protection. The cottony soft cover keeps you irritation-free while the anti-leak channels distribute fluid evenly. Extra-long and extra-wide pads with secure wings ensure a comfortable fit during sleep. Stayfree helps you wake up fresh and worry-free, no matter how heavy your flow.

Everteen XXL Sanitary Napkin Pads deliver natural comfort with premium cotton softness. These pads are dermatologically tested, ensuring protection against rashes and allergies. Designed with an advanced absorbent core, they control odour and provide long-lasting dryness. Extra-large size with wide wings prevents side leaks, giving you the confidence to move freely. Everteen pads are eco-conscious and skin-friendly, making them ideal for women seeking safe, reliable, and irritation-free menstrual hygiene during heavy flow days.

Sofy Anti-Bacteria Sanitary Pads protect you from both leakage and bacteria with 99.9% antibacterial protection. Featuring a green sheet, these pads reduce odor and irritation, keeping you fresh for hours. The extra-long design with wide hip guards prevents stains even on heavy flow days. Their soft cover feels gentle on the skin, offering all-day comfort. Stay safe, clean, and confident with Sofy Anti-Bacteria pads, specially made for women who prioritize hygiene and protection.

Niine Naturally Soft XXL Sanitary Pads offer cottony comfort with strong absorption for heavy flow days. Designed with a breathable top layer, they minimize rashes and irritation. The ultra-absorbent core locks in moisture, while wide wings provide a secure fit for all-day confidence. With an odour control system, these pads keep you fresh and comfortable. Niine ensures long-lasting hygiene and protection, making them a trusted choice for women seeking both softness and security.

Anandi Sanitary Pads for Women XXL pack of 30 delivers affordable hygiene with reliable protection. These extra-large pads are designed for rural and urban women alike, providing comfort and leak-free assurance during heavy flow. Made with a soft top sheet, they prevent rashes while ensuring dryness for hours. Wide wings and secure fit let you move freely without stains. Anandi pads combine comfort, protection, and value, empowering women with safe and dependable menstrual care.

Flawsome Overnight Sanitary Pads provide extra-long protection for peaceful sleep during heavy flow nights. Designed with advanced leak-lock technology, they prevent back stains and side leaks. The ultra-soft cotton top layer keeps skin irritation-free, while the odor control system ensures lasting freshness. With wide wings and secure grip, these pads stay in place even during movement. Wake up confident and dry with Flawsome Overnight Pads, specially made for women who need all-night comfort.

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