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Travel + Leisure
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
The Simple Way Emma Roberts Prepares for Travel Mishaps—and Her Very Relatable In-flight Routine
Though Emma Roberts is a busy actress ( American Horror Story, " Madame Web"), producer (Hulu's hit series Tell Me Lies ), and mother to 4-year-old son, Rhodes, you will often find her with her head in a book, especially when she is traveling. She says books are what get her through those pesky flight delays we all experience. 'I always prepare for them with books and good stuff downloaded to watch,' she told Travel + Leisure recently. She has a slew of other clever travel hacks up her sleeve, including skincare tips, the best travel uniform ever, and what she always has in her carry-on. Emma while away on a tropical vacation. In order to survive a trip, whether it is for business or leisure, the actress always travels with Kiko Milano under-eye patches and Lumify Eye Drops. She says her go-to plane activity is reading with a glass of Champagne, which often leads to a nap, for which she dons her Drowsy Sleep Mask. With her in-flight routine down to a science, it's no surprise Roberts has also perfected her travel uniform. Her go-to is Aritzia sweatpants with a black hoodie and the Visvim backpack in black. 'It is the best travel bag I have ever owned!' she told T+L. And what will you find inside her bag? 'Always bring fuzzy, warm socks in your carry-on!' She also always packs a deck of cards in her carry-on to play solitaire, 'or perhaps gin if someone else knows how!' Window or aisle seat? Window always! When do you arrive at the airport? So early, sometimes my friends meet me later. Best tips for jet lag? Stay awake. Who from Tell Me Lies would you travel with? Let's all plan a trip! Bucket list trip? I would love to do a train trip through Ireland with my son! He is obsessed with trains, so I think it would be magical to do that with him. Also, a safari in Africa is what my mom and I always talk about! Roberts is an avid reader, so she started an online book club called Belletrist Book Club with her good friend Karah Preiss back in 2017. The club teamed up with Penguin Random House and Apple Vacations in March to create a program called Pages in Paradise. Dubbed the 'ultimate beach read program,' its aim is to provide book lovers with the ultimate vacation at nine Dreams Resorts and Spas across Latin America and the Caribbean with a curated library and book-centric events. As someone whose trip is very impacted by the books she brings, the collaboration is a passion project for Roberts. 'Honestly, the idea came from a very real personal struggle—I've always found it tricky to pack the right book for a vacation. I'll think I'm in the mood for historical fiction, but then I get to the beach and suddenly all I want is a good memoir or a timeless classic. Pages in Paradise is really a dream come true in that sense—it's a curated library filled with authors Karah and I love, designed for people to discover the perfect book that matches their vacation vibe,' she told T+L. She admits that this also helps save room in her carry-on. 'And selfishly, it saves me from packing five books, just in case, because I'm definitely someone who can tear through multiple reads on a beach day! No more overthinking or overweight suitcases!' One of her vacation reads by the pool. As for what Roberts will read on her next trip, she says, 'I love a novel for the summer, and in the fall I tend to gravitate more towards memoirs! I haven't figured out why. Right now, I'm starting 'The Quick and the Dead' by Joy Williams.'
BBC News
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Songkran: The world's biggest water fight
For three days every year, Thailand transforms into a wet and wild party. But this ancient festival is far more than just a raucous good time. Every year from 13-15 April, Thais across the country cool off and celebrate new beginnings with what is arguably the nation's largest and most important festival: Songkran. Tied to the Thai New Year and the close of the annual rice harvest season, this annual celebration is all about purification, honouring elders and fostering a sense of renewal. However, it's most well-known among travellers as a raucous country-wide splash fest. "The most famous part of the festival is the massive water fights," explained Worapa Angkhasirisap,director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. "People of all ages take to the streets armed with water guns and buckets." Viewers of the latest season of The White Lotus recently got a glimpse of this when three unaware travellers were dropped in the middle of a town-wide Songkran celebration. "Why is everyone carrying those guns?" one of the women asked. Within moments, the trio were being chased through the streets by water gun-wielding children and smiling revellers before seeking refuge in a convenience store, bewildered and soaked to the gills. Despite its White Lotus portrayal, these water fights are generally a friendly and joyous part of the festivities that visitors are welcome to take part in. In fact, hordes of travellers now descend on Thailand each year to take part in what is commonly called "the world's biggest water fight". Yet, the festival's modern popularity among international travellers belies Songkran's deep roots. Meaning "to enter" or "move forward" in Sanskrit, Songkran occurs when the Sun moves to the Aries constellation – the first sign of the Zodiac. Some scholars believe the Unesco-inscribed festival harks back to an ancient Hindu festival called Makar Sankranti and was adopted by the Khmer Empire that ruled Thailand in the 11th Century. Today, Songkran is all about making a fresh start, with water symbolising the washing away of the previous year and purification. During the three-day festival, scented water is often poured atop images of the Buddha to represent renewal. It is also common for Thais to wash the hands of their elders and ask for their blessings, splash water on family and friends and give offerings to temples. "Since most Thai people practice Buddhism, Songkran is also a spiritual time," explained Kharitthakorn Sakulsupapong, sales and marketing managerof the Thailand-based Tropical Vacation travel agency. Despite being a three-day national holiday, some Thai communities – such as the popular beach resort town of Pattaya – extend the party for as many as 10 days. Because April is often Thailand's hottest month, cooling foods are typically on the menu during Songkran. "Since April is the peak of mango season, you'll find plenty of mango sticky rice, one of Thailand's most beloved desserts," Angkhasirisap told the BBC. "Another seasonal favourite is khao chae, a refreshing dish of rice soaked in jasmine-scented iced water, served with savoury side dishes – perfect for cooling down in the summer heat." Visitors who find themselves in the country during Songkran are more than welcome to join in on the festivities. "Thai people are always very happy to teach tourists about their cultural traditions and will be delighted to answer any questions visitors may have [about the festival]," said Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri, vice president of sales at Centara Hotels & Resorts in Bangkok. As with any religious festival, Mongkolwongsiri noted that it's also important to be respectful. "Songkran is very inclusive – the water splashing is open to everyone, although it's always important to understand and respect the cultural boundaries," Mongkolwongsiri cautioned. "For example, visitors must avoid throwing water on monks or elders and try not to spray water directly in anyone's face." While Thailand's cities attract the biggest Songkran crowds, Angkhasirisap says travellers venturing away from the nation's main tourist hotspots are also likely to encounter the festival. "Bangkok and Chiang Mai are well-known hotspots, attracting huge crowds and hosting grand celebrations," she explained. "[However], in recent years, Thailand has made an effort to promote celebrations in all regions, [including] lesser-known provinces." More like this:• A White Lotus actor's guide to Thailand• Koh Mak: The tiny island that's redefining travel to Thailand• Measuring the 'White Lotus effect': How TV and film locations impact travel According to Angkhasirisap, smaller destinations have their own special twist to the holiday, with beach destinations like Songkhla and Surat Thani, being much more laidback than the party vibes found in larger cities, while provinces like Phrae, Lamphun, and Ubon Ratchathani incorporate cultural parades into the traditional festivities. "Wherever you go, you'll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere," said Angkhasirisap. "It's a truly unforgettable festival!" --
