Soha Ali Khan

OT What does a holiday mean to you

Soha Ali Khan I believe holidays are of two kinds. You go to a place for fun or you go to a place to laze around.

OT Your most memorable ones

Soha Ali Khan France and Italy. A family vacation at the Maldives last year was great fun too.

OT What do you enjoy most on vacation

Soha Ali Khan It depends. If I am there to explore, I will not miss any museum, park or cultural hub. But if I am on a chill-out vacation, I will hardly leave my hotel. It is mostly about spending quality time with yourself and those with you.

OT What must you always carry in your luggage

Soha Ali Khan A few books, lots of sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and clothing appropriate to the destination.

OT What do you splurge on while on holiday

Soha Ali Khan When Im in Bangkok, I splurge on shoes as I find them in my size thereI am rather smallfooted I mostly buy footwear, shades and hats. New York is great for trendy shopping, especially during the Christmas sale.

OT Some favourite destinations...

Soha Ali Khan I have a soft spot for western Europe, especially Italy and the Amalfi coast. Water is key for me I like being near the sea. So, at the drop of a hat, I can go anywhere in the Mediterranean, such as the south of France. London has been an integral part of my childhood because my brother studied there. Its easy to walk around there without being noticed. I also love travelling in India. I enjoy the idea of road tripsthey make you realise that life outside the cities is full of natural beauty. The family home in Pataudi is my safe refuge. If I want to be alone, I go to the Pataudi Palace. I switch off my phone and make sure I am unreachable. We do a lot of family holidays there.

OT Any destinations on your wish list

Soha Ali Khan One of my most intense shoots was in Cape Town. I thought I would get some time off but I only got half a day to myself. I wish I could explore the place more. I would also love to visit South America and Cuba. But if I have worked hard for months on a film and am looking out for a put-your-feet-up kind of a holiday, I prefer a visit to the Maldives where I can read books, swim, snorkel and gorge on seafood. We had a chance to do that recently when the family went there en masse. The Maldives is my idea of a party.