I’ve rediscovered myself after travelling to Europe during the pandemic: Lakshmi Manchu

At the start of 2021, Lakshmi Manchu vowed to travel more and visit places that she had always dreamt of going to. Having spent the majority of 2020 cooped up indoors due to the pandemic, Lakshmi was determined to start travelling again, and Spain was on the top of her travel wishlist. And sure enough, the actress decided to visit Spain last month. Lakshmi says the six-day trip to Spain changed her as a person and although it’s been a couple of weeks since her return to Hyderabad, the actress still has the post-vacay glow on her face.“I think I have fallen in love with myself a little bit more after the trip. Too bad for you guys,” she joked, while settling down for a live chat with Hyderabad Times.

“Travelling during the pandemic is a huge task with all the COVID guidelines and quarantine rules. In the list of places that I wanted to visit, Spain was the only country that had no quarantine restrictions. I badly wanted to visit Italy but that was out of bounds,” she says, adding, “This is the third time I’m visiting Spain but unlike before, I didn’t spend my time just partying around. Instead, I binged on street food, went dancing, visited the museums and did a lot of walking. I just walked on the streets of Barcelona and Majorca for hours, soaking up the culture and discovering new places. It was exhilarating.”

Lakshmi says she felt free after a long time while travelling and has decided to be more impulsive when it comes to travel going forward. “My life is like the poem Yes, We Can Talk by Mark Nepo. The pandemic has clearly taught us that nothing can be planned. I feel like I’ve rediscovered myself having travelled in the new normal. I just want to make the most of what I have and live to the fullest,” she says.

Having returned to Hyderabad, Lakshmi has a piece of advice for all those who’re planning to travel abroad. “Planning your travel can get a bit overwhelming because of all the COVID guidelines. Make sure to read up on the quarantine rules of the country you’re visiting before planning your trip. Also, travelling is more expensive now. An RT-PCR test costs 120 Euros per test and you have to get a test done every time you get on and off a plane. You must also keep your vaccine certificate and Air Suvidha self-declaration form with you while flying. It can be a bit of hassle, but if you’re passionate about travelling, then it’s totally worth it,” adds Lakshmi.