If you are the kind who's always travelling -be it for fun or work, it is always important to travel smart. It's even more prudent to remember certain things to protect your money and other valuables while on the go
While you are all set to start your trip with your bags and all essentials packed, remember to not miss out on the most important thing -your money and other valuables. There are many travellers who have been duped of their precious possessions while travelling.Here are a few things that you should remember to manage your money while you are out holidaying.

CARRY A TRAVEL CARD

Tour operator Dhaval Modi says, “Instead of taking cash with you, it is always great to carry a travel card.Buy a card of the amount that you wish to spend on the vacation.“ There are options of getting a recharge done if you run out of money . For the same, it is best to purchase a travel card from the bank that you have an account in.

LIGHTEN YOUR WALLET

While leaving for your holiday, always make sure that you are not carrying too much cash with you. Just carry as much as you would require on the flighttrain or once you reach your destination. For the things that you need to buy or for other payments, use your debit or credit card.

INFORM YOUR BANK AND CREDIT CARD COMPANIES

If you are going on an extended holiday and preferably abroad, it is always good to inform your bank or the credit card company of your travel plans.This way if you end up losing your card while travelling, they will be able to block your card.

Prasad Shreshtha, manager of a private bank, says, “We always encourage our customers to inform us before they go on a vacation. If there's any theft while travelling, we immediately block the card of the customer and help out with an alternate id that they can access to withdraw money .“

WATCH OUT FOR BOGUS ATMS

No matter how much money one takes, one may always fall short of cash while travelling. To ensure that your money is safe, do not access ATM machines of banks that you are not aware of. Always look out for machines of the bank that you have an account in.

DO NOT ACCESS NETBANKING FROM PUBLIC COMPUTERS

There can be times when you would require to transact money online.Carry your laptop with you. Do not access a public computer in the hotel that you are staying in or a cyber café.Your details can be easily hacked by someone. Also, if it is absolutely necessary for you to access a public computer, change the password every time you access the bank site.

Prakiti Nandy, an advertising professional says, “I was holidaying with my family in Singapore a year back. I did not know much about travel cards and would only access netbanking. It so happened that on one such occasion, I did not have much cash on me and had to access the resort's computer to transact some money . After I got back to India, I realised that someone had transferred `15,000 to an unknown account. I informed the bank and the cyber cell about it and I got my money back after a fortnight.“

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE TRAVELLING

Never let anyone know of your ATM pin or netbanking password. This also includes the several calls that you might get from the customer care of your bank.

At any point of time if you feel that you have run short of money, it is always best to visit a money transfer and ask a friend or a relative to transfer some money to you which you can refund it to them later.

There are many countries where you will find a few nationalised banks. It is always better to withdraw your money from the ATM machines of such banks. However, remember to verify the details of the bank beforehand.

If someone in a different country offers to exchange your currency with theirs, do not accept the cash. It might just be a way to fool and give you fake cash in exchange for actual money .



There's nothing like giving a gift, regardless of whether it is expected or not. But nothing makes the cut as does a solitaire -it is a thoughtful and immensely meaningful gift. No matter what the occasion -anniversary , birthdays or a special celebration and no matter who the special person is, you can never go wrong with a solitaire. New-age jewellers like CaratLane are changing the way solitaires are being bought. They have a selection of over 1,50,000 solitaires in classic round or other enticing fancy shapes like Emerald, Princess and Cushion. It gives you a plethora of solitaires to choose from in various shapes and sizes and more importantly , they have something to fit every budget.

CaratLane's StreamLaneTM system, just-in-time inventory model and lean supply chain helps them keep costs low and offer solitaires at prices that are up to 25 per cent lower than regular retail jewellers.No wonder, then, that CaratLane offers a Best Price Guarantee on its solitaires. What's more? You can consult their experts on how to select the perfect solitaire -one that suits your taste and fits your budget.

As part of The Rock Fest -a limited period offer -CaratLane is extending a never before offer of five per cent off plus an additional five per cent cashback on solitaires*. With an easy returns and lifetime exchange policy on all jewellery and solitaires, CaratLane is the place where beauty meets true value.

Now open at Viviana Mall, Thane.

(07045009500).

For a free `Try At Home', call +91-9940400002 or 1800-102-0103 (toll-free).

http://www.caratlane.com



Gehna Jewellers has recently intro duced a rose gold collection, which has received an encouraging response from buyers. The collection, aptly named Blush, comprises enticing earrings, rings, bracelets and bangles to lure even the most conservative jewellery buyer. Rose gold is more discreet than yellow or white gold, brings warmth to the creation and marries well with coloured stones. It is for those looking for some change as well as for those who already have enough yellow gold.

The ring featured herein is a glorious cocktail ring, showcasing glamour and understated glitter from every angle. Round white diamonds embedded in a bed of rose gold and a princess cut white diamond in the centre speak of designing brilliance and unmatched craftsmanship. It is your goto for a night out, cocktail party or wedding celebration.

The appeal of rose gold lies in the fact that it is flattering to most skin tones -a youthful-seeming blush is highlighted, or perhaps induced, by rose gold -the shade has spread to fashion, accessories and beauty . Recently revived by international iconic jewellers, the colour formerly known as salmon, is making waves globally .

Where: Gehna Jewellers, Turner Road, Bandra.

Call: 02261201234.

Follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @GehnaJewellers1

Zoya's new collection `Awadh' celebrates the rich iconography of a kingdom, that under the fostering care of the Nawabs in the 19th century , came to epitomise all that was magnificent, refined and cosmopolitan -from the literary milieu of the epoch, to music, painting, art and architecture. HYPNOTIC LOOPS EARRING
These hoop earrings have been designed using the intricate double sided technique of kundan setting, which requires skilled artistry. One side is embellished with dazzling polkis, while on the other side vivacious turquoise adds to its beauty , giving the wearer different looks in the same piece.
RUMI DARWAZA NECKLACE
The silhouette of this necklace is contemporary , using tradi tional Indian techniques in pure gold and uncut dia monds. It is flexible through careful linking after each polki piece, showcasing a unique understanding between the designer with modern think ing and the expertise of mature craftsmen.
KATHAK DANCERS FLOWING LEHENGA NECKLACE
Captured in this gorgeous necklace with green, blue and turquoise enam el, fine diamonds and polki, is the charming essence of Zardozi on a Kathak dancer's lehenga. This piece has an amalgamation of numerous techniques that is complex to combine and flawlessly integrate together in an aesthetical manner.
CELESTIAL KITES BANGLE
This glorious bracelet is crafted in the image of vibrant celestial kites spotted from afar, as polkis elegantly spread across the curved surface. The intricacy, colours and patterns are executed by expert engravers and enamelling artists. The craftsmanship is challenging owing to the curved surface of the bangle, making it a masterpiece.
DAZZLING CHANDELIER INSPIRED EARRINGS
Inspired by glittering chandeliers, this pair is adorned with polki setting on an exceptional 3-Dimensional surface. The designer and craftsmen have vigilantly and painstakingly constructed this piece, exuding an unforgettable statement.
This monsoon, Zoya will conduct personalised and complimentary jewellery care and maintenance sessions from June 18 to 30. For details, contact or visit the store.
Where: Zoya, 369, Linking Road, Khar (W).
Call: 022 2648 8577.
http://www.zoya.in



Indian weddings are a week-long affair.

From mehendi, haldi and sangeet to the actual day of the wedding followed by reception, families are always engrossed in the rituals. To add fun to the entire proceedings and make your wedding a more personal affair, we suggest you organise some interesting games. So move over antakshari and dance face-offs. Try these unique games, instead.

1. RAISE A TOAST

Those who are not in the sangeet can be a part of this game. While not too common a custom in Indian weddings, you can make the function more interactive by asking your guests to speak about the couple in as few words as possible. A mediator can pass on the mic and ask the guests to speak about the couple, in say , eight words.

2. MAD LIBS

Rather than having your guests congratulate you on the stage or write messages on the gifts, play mad libs with them. Hand over each guest a copy of the form and ask them to fill in the blanks. This way, they write what they mean and you can cherish these messages forever (besides remembering each of them and what they wished for you). Alternatively, you can also jot down a few questions like `Where should we celebrate our six months anniversary?', `Two marriage rules to keep in mind are...' and `What should we name our kids?' and get your guests to answer them.

3. OVERSIZED SNAKES AND LADDERS FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM

You can make this simple board game a part of your sangeet celebrations. In an open area, make a large-scale version of `snakes and ladders' (make only 50 slots if it gets too much).Anyone who lands on the snake not only steps back but can be asked to make a confession or perform some embarrassing task.

4. KARAOKE

Ditch the antakshari and by a `lucky draw' method, call two members from the bride and groom's end to sing a random song (popular ones, of course). Not only is it a great way to introduce family members to the other, it also makes for a great ice-breaking exercise.

5. WHO'S THAT?

On the day of the reception, you can blindfold either the bride or the groom and ask them to spot their partner.

With music on, make sure all guests, including kids, surround the bride groom. Make note of how quickly each of them takes to figure out their life partner.



In order to get that elusive pre-wedding glow, brides-to-be need to follow a skin care, diet and exercise regime for at least a few months before the big day . Most brides go through wedding stress and that invariably shows its effect on the skin and hair. Following a routine and some basic tips can take care of it. We spoke to experts and professionals from various fields to come up with a guide that will help you look your best.

OPT FOR A THREE-STEP BEAUTY RITUAL

This is one of the best kept secrets to healthy skin.International make-up professional Daniel Bauer says, “The three-step ritual for perfect skin is what I recommend to all brides to-be including Bollywood's biggest stars. The key to keeping your skin looking healthy, dewy and fresh during your wedding day is to remove your make-up and cleanse away the grime before you go to sleep. Follow your skincare regime with a toning procedure as it tightens the pores and removes deep-seat ed impurities. The final step is to moisturise your skin for a healthy nourished look.“ This simple ritual is undeniably one of the easiest ways to maintain great skin and makes the biggest difference when it comes to bridal skin care.

HAVE NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS AND NUTRIENTS

What you eat is what you are -the brides should not take this lightly . Having food rich in anti-oxidants can help deal with free-radical damage. Clinical nutritionist Dr Nupur Krishnan says, “Have green cucumber with its skin early morning after brushing. Throughout the day , munch on berries like jamun and cherries, raw mango with skin, ripe mango, and watermelon. If you are addicted to tea or coffee, limit its intake or have it black.“

Banning fried foods, fast food, caffeine and aerated beverages completely, for four months before your wedding will help your skin immensely.

CHOOSE SKIN BRIGHTENING TREATMENTS

Brides and grooms can opt for vitamin C skin brightening mesoporation, states dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad.She adds, “Mesoporation is safe and effective and hydrates the skin, too.Photorejuvenation or laser toning can done to achieve radiant skin.However, those with sensitive skin should avoid this.“

LET YOUR SKIN REJUVENATE NATURALLY

Dr Preeti Devnani, who specialises in neurology and sleep medicine, says, “ At east seven to eight hours of undisturbed sleep is extremely important for youthful and radiant skin.“ She explains that while we sleep, our skin regenerates, newer cells are formed and skin elastici ty increases.

KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED

If you want your skin to look supple and youthful, you need to keep it hydrated, state experts. Aesthetician Ritu Tanwar says, “ Apply a hydrating serum on a thoroughly cleansed face before hitting the sack. This lends an unmistakable luminosity to your skin.“

TAKE UP SOME FORM OF EXERCISE DAILY

Exercising every day not only helps in losing weight and toning your body , but also works magic on your skin.When you run or gym, use flush out toxins from the body in the form of sweat.Remember to drink water after exercising.