Soha Ali Khan: When in Australia, immerse yourself in the beauty of Melbourne at your own pace

Soha Ali Khan, actress and author, recently shared the wonderful experiences of a family trip to Australia. Captivated by the country's summer holiday charm, Khan highlighted her love of beaches, Melbourne's cricket ground and vibrant cafe culture. She highlighted the importance of planning a diverse itinerary while also sharing tips for other travelers in Melbourne.

Question 1: Australia is a beautiful place and your Instagram showed a beautiful fireworks show on New Year's. How did you and your family end up in Australia as a destination to ring in the new year?

Answer: We last visited Australia in 2020 and have wanted to return ever since. Being one of the few countries in the world that celebrates the Christmas season during the summer, it creates a completely different atmosphere where everyone gathers for beachside celebrations, enjoys delicious food, and gathers to watch the fire show. artificial ones on New Year's Eve.

Question 2: What was your experience living in an Airbnb during your trip to Australia? Did you have any interactions with locals or unique cultural encounters during your stay?

Answer: We have always tried to choose Airbnb when we travel and with our daughter, that is the type of experience we always want to have when we visit a destination: the feeling of being an insider rather than an outsider when you are part of a culture that is different from the of India. Airbnb's interface is amazing and that's something we discovered on one of our previous trips to London. This time our host Lily was an absolute gem and she gave us some amazing local suggestions, from restaurants to the best hidden shops to bring back souvenirs for our home.

Question 3: What are your favorite must-visit destinations/places/restaurants in Australia? Detail the places.

Answer: Australia is a country that offers something for every traveler. Inaaya and I are real water babies and loved the pristine white sand beaches, with Aspendale Beach being a favorite. That aside, the Melbourne Cricket Ground holds a very special place in my heart and we were lucky enough to visit it during this trip, especially on my father's birthday. Making the most of a summer before the one we have in Mumbai, we enjoyed picking and enjoying some delicious strawberries. If you're planning a trip to Australia, it's something that should definitely be on your bucket list.

Question 4: Any advice you would like to give to other travelers planning their trip to Melbourne this year?

Answer: Melbourne is one of the most magnificent cities in Australia and there is so much to experience! The place has an extremely diverse climate, so do your research and check weather patterns before your trip. I suggest you don't forget your umbrella, sunscreen, and some extra layers that you can wear as needed. The place also has the most vibrant coffee culture and coffee shops that you must know about. Day trips are a must if you are in Melbourne; You can explore attractions such as the Great Ocean Road, the Yarra Valley wineries, Phillip Island or the Dandenong Ranges. Lastly, and most importantly, plan your itinerary in a way that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Melbourne at your own pace.

Question 5: Lastly, we have noticed that you always choose Airbnb as your travel partner when traveling domestically or internationally. What is it about the homestay experience that makes you travel with them often?

Answer: Airbnb is our home away from home, allowing me and my family to travel however we want. Kunal, Inaaya and I love to spend time playing board games and enjoying local snacks. It gives us the perfect space to relax after spending hours together outdoors. There is absolutely no mundane moment when it comes to Airbnb, we love talking to our hosts to learn about the neighborhood, the city, and recommendations on places we should visit. My Australian Airbnb will always be special as the three of us watched the most beautiful fireworks as we settled into our room and brought in 2024.