The Bougeotte Squad

ROSHNI CHOPRA

Actor, Television Presenter

Some of your go-to airport looks?

I think layering is the key to nail the airport ensemble. In the summers, I throw over an indigo dyed coverup or a waterfall jacket on top of a fitted vest, paired with drapey pants for that Boho vibe. For cold destinations, I’d opt for a leather biker jacket or the classic trench over a trusted pair of skinny jeans with a super comfy top.

The most offbeat places you’ve explored?

I’ve made frequent rounds of Indian villages, majorly up north in Punjab and Rajasthan, owing to the shows I’ve done. Since I was training to be a diver, I’ve had the chance of exploring the untainted south-east Asian islands which are great diving destinations and lie far beyond the tourist traps. Croatia, in the Balkans, is also one of the places I haven’t yet checked off of my list but then it's become so popular lately, it’s hardly off beat any more.

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One meal you can’t forget?

I came across some of the craziest dishes at the Black Sesame Kitchen in Beijing.

Pan-fried dumplings with seasonal fillings, five-flavoured eggplant, red braised pork belly, beef with hangzhou peppers, stir-fry kale, I can keep going on. And, of course, the best, Black Sesame ice-cream.

Your beauty hacks for skin and hair care while traveling?

Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate. Keep lip balms and face oils on standby. I make it a point to pick up local beauty products, especially when I’m travelling across different countries.

Name the places where you found the best street fashion.

New York, Milan, Paris and London, of course!

Most intriguing stranger you met on a trip?

I met a woman who worked for the United Nations, on the way back from Bhutan. It was quite insightful as she introduced me to the concept of "gross happiness index".

Most cherished souvenir?

In Florence, I found this exquisite diary with inlay work. It is so beautiful that I haven’t even written in it. For me, it just sums up Italy, it’s aesthetics and all it’s intricacies.

Failproof outfits from your suitcase?

That would be some block print coordinates from Anokhi, a grey biker jacket by Maje, an Ikai Shibori wrap and a boxy lungi set from my own label.

Your pro-tips for organised packing?

Don't fold your clothes, roll them up instead. They’ll crease less and take up lesser space. Coming to makeup, less is more. Just carry your own set of essentials. Always pack a pair of sneakers, they come in handy for shopping sprees.

Some travel essentials people often overlook while packing?

Yoga clothes to keep up the practice, face hydrator sprays, mini perfume bottles for the handbag and obviously, travel speakers.

How many languages can you order a drink in?

I stick to English and Hindi and if all else fails, sign language it is.

Five things you just can’t travel without?

Lip balm by Carmex,

Beauty flash balm by Clarins

Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo by M.A.C

La Roche sun screen

Touche Éclat by YSL

PRIYANKA BOSE

Actor, Model

Some of your go-to airport looks?

I would opt for jumpsuits, sweats and a hoodie or slacks and T-shirt, probably with a layer. Top it off with a pair of chic sunglasses and a big, big bag.

The most offbeat places you’ve explored?

The most beautiful trip of my life, in fact, was to a secluded location in northern Sri Lanka, the Kanchanaburi district. There was no tourist activity out there because it was a restricted area. That was one place where I learnt so much, I can’t even begin to describe. I ended up staying for a whole month.

One meal you can’t forget?

On a trip to South Africa, my partner ordered some worms off the menu because he wanted to try something different. It was gross. Watching him fake it, I played smart and ate ribs instead.

Your beauty hacks for skin and hair care while traveling?

I keep myself super hydrated by drinking lots of water. And I eat a lot of nuts. I trust my moisturizer and lip balm for complete skin care and protection. Although my hair is always a mess. I guess I could do with some tips there.

Name the places where you found the best street fashion.

New York. I remember surfing through a bunch of thrift stores on Lafayette and Broadway. That one shopping gig had me sorted me out for the whole year.

Most intriguing stranger you met on a trip?

I had the most gorgeous affair with someone I knew for a mere two days. It was during my first trip to Edinburgh when I was 19. He was a very fascinating person, I must say.

Most cherished souvenir?

I don't like souvenirs, all they do is collect dust. But I do pick up alcohol and chocolates from everywhere. And I have a vintage pair of sunglasses that I got from turkey, we’re inseparable.

Failproof outfits from your suitcase?

A pair of jeans, a white shirt, an elegant formal dress and some smart, fitted T-shirts. Not to forget, a pair of amazing shoes and some black pieces.

Your pro-tips for organised packing?

If I have to carry a lot, I roll my clothes off to stuff them in. I always prefer to carry things I can conveniently mix-and-match and repeat.

Some travel essentials people often overlook while packing?

Sunscreen, its the most important thing in the world.

How many languages can you order a drink in?

Just English. I pick up essential words as I go along.

Five things you just can’t travel without?

Moisturiser by Kiehl’s

My Fossil hand bag

Sneakers by Asics

An all season trench by Zara

Sunscreen by Sebamed

SARAH JANE DIAS

Actor, Host, VJ and Former Beauty Queen

Some of your go-to airport looks?

I’m a comfort-over-everything-else person so I’d pick a comfortable pair of denims, a floppy top and versatile shoes. A jacket too, since I tend to get cold during flights.

The most offbeat places you’ve explored?

My show, Channel [V]’s On The Run, took me to a lot of offbeat places around the country. I found a lot of ‘little pockets’ of places that people haven’t even heard of and they just lie there, waiting to be discovered. Recently I went to Bhopal, which was surprisingly, very beautiful and serene. I’m going to go back there for a real vacation.

One meal you can’t forget?

Damn, that’s a terrible question to ask a foodie but if I have to pick one favourite, that’ll be Restaurante Botín in Madrid, the oldest restaurant in the world, that has a section where you can eat in an underground cave. It also had a tunnel leading to a palace, unfortunately that has now been shut off.

Your beauty hacks for skin and hair care while traveling?

I’m big on oils. I carry a small bottle of coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil with me, no matter where I go. Hydration is a must, stay as hydrated as possible. In the morning, I splash my face with rose water, pat it dry and slap on some sunblock. For the night, its oils on my skin and hair to soothe and repair sun-damage.

Name the places where you found the best street fashion.

I found street fashion to be tremendous in New York, where you come across something amazing in every nook and corner. Then there’s Portobello market in London and of course, Bangkok’s weekend market. Though my dream street fashion destination would be Tokyo.

Most intriguing stranger you met on a trip?

I meet intriguing people all the time and I make friends easy, so I stay in touch with them. Eventually, they all end up becoming very dear friends. To be honest, I’m looking forward to meeting an interesting stranger who can actually remain a mysterious stranger. I find that really exciting.

Most cherished souvenir?

I’m a huge sucker for these things. My top picks would be a little music box and some vintage postcards that I picked up in Paris. I also collect pebbles from places, especially if it’s a spiritual trip, as I believe that they absorb a lot of energy, having been around a long time. I swoon over feathers too.

Failproof outfits from your suitcase?

A black jumpsuit as it’s perfect for the night. For a bright day it’s my white jumpsuit with tiny flowers, which goes well with a pair of Roman tie-ups. Hassle free and undeniably, fail proof.

Your pro-tips for organised packing?

I’m such a pro-packer, it’s not even funny. Be calm, pull out everything you think you’d want to wear and then start narrowing it down based on the number of days and activities you’d partake in. My list usually goes - home clothes, out clothes, footwear, lingerie, swimwear, workout essentials, basic makeup and electronics. Try packing a couple of days in advance so that you don’t over pack or worse, under pack.

Some travel essentials people often overlook while packing?

People tend to underestimate the importance of carrying a boardgame, a pack of cards and some music or an instrument, maybe. They make travel so much more fun and are lifesavers in case of flight delays.

How many languages can you order a drink in?

English and probably, French. I pick up languages quickly, so I think I’ll just wing it when I get there.

Five things you just can’t travel without?

My sunblock

A hydrating lip balm

Hand Sanitisers

Coconut Oil

Perfume Oil

MONICA DOGRA

Singer, Actor

Some of your go-to airport looks?

I'm delighted that athleisure is strongly influencing fashion these days. For a girl like me, it’s an immense joy to live in yoga pants and T-shirts. I love ADIDAS Originals and FILA's collections. PUMA too houses some really interesting clothing. At the airport, you'll probably catch me in trainers and a hoodie.

The most offbeat places you’ve explored?

I guess I haven't really gone offbeat, yet. I’ve been to Ladakh, Switzerland, Cambodia, Vietnam and a lot of the little villages between Zurich and Basel.

One meal you can’t forget?

At the Michelin Star Restaurant, in Florence. The owner would just come over to have a chat and then serve you whatever best suited your personality. He was such a darling old man. I'll never forget that meal, it was above and beyond!

Your beauty hacks for skin and hair care while traveling?

Tons and tons of water, of course. I put all my faith in rose water, Sephora activated charcoal wipes and Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream.

Name the places where you found the best street fashion.

Definitely, the Wasteland Vintage, Los Angeles.

Most intriguing stranger you met on a trip?

I met a guy who freestyle raps for money and food. He carries a sign that says "6'7'' Jew will freestyle rap for you!" We’re still in touch. He’s a seeker who travels to India to study forms of meditation and I'm a meditator too. It’s interesting that we just met on the streets of NYC and are still friends, so many years down the line.

Most cherished souvenir?

Raw crystals cut out from the Himalayas that I got during a trek in upper Dharamkot, Himachal Pradesh. I am proud of the fact that I have these precious rocks from the Earth. It feels like they hold a special kind of energy.

Failproof outfits from your suitcase?

Never underestimate ripped jeans and a plain white ganji, preferably some sparkling white sneakers too. My favourite are my New Balances.

Your pro-tips for organised packing?

Spacious travel bags are the best! Also, roll your clothes, don't fold them.

Some travel essentials people often overlook while packing?

I guess, I'm not really sure about those myself.

How many languages can you order a drink in?

Spanish, Hindi and English.

Five things you just can’t travel without?

Shampoo and Conditioner by Shu Uemura

Cha Cha Tint from Benefit

Moroccan Oil

Kama Ayurveda Almond Oil

The trusted, old Lakme Eyeliner

PIA TRIVEDI

Actor, Singer, Model

Some of your go-to airport looks?

I’m the kind of girl who loves the easy and comfortable stuff. You’ll spot me in a pair of jeans, some cool tees, jackets and closed shoes.

The most offbeat places you’ve explored?

That would be the places I visited during my scuba diving expeditions. Barren and Narcondam islands, the active and inactive volcanoes of the Andamans and the Sea Caves in Thailand, where I went canoeing.

One meal you can’t forget?

That would be masala pav, the famous Bombay street food.

Your beauty hacks for skin and hair care while traveling?

Stocking up on a hydrating moisturiser, sunblock and a hair serum to pamper my tresses.

Name the places where you found the best street fashion.

New York and Thailand are undoubtedly on the top, in the street fashion scene.

Most intriguing stranger you met on a trip?

While I was shooting for ‘Life Me Ek Bar’ in Thailand, I met a man named Jason. He had been through so many challenges in life but you wouldn’t even know until he said it out loud. His aura was so calm and positive. He opened up to me about being in a coma and the knowledge he shared, the long spiritual talk we had was something I will never forget.

Most cherished souvenir?

The memories I’ve made and the photographs I've clicked are the souvenirs I treasure most.

Failproof outfits from your suitcase?

Shorts and Ganjis. There’s no going wrong here and plus, they’re just so travel friendly.

Your pro-tips for organised packing?

I'm quite an organised packer. I plan per day outfits, forget days, I plan what I’ll wear in the mornings and in the evenings. Then I throw in some crisp, formal clothing and a few extras, just in case.

Some travel essentials people often overlook while packing?

Sunblock and deodorants, make them a priority.

How many languages can you order a drink in?

Five.

Five things you just can’t travel without?

Books

Music

Kérastase Paris Hair Serum

Perfume by Elie Saab

Moisturiser by Kiehl’s