“I'm an explorer and my curiosity about cultures, food, history, art and music motivates me to travel”

A Model, an actress, a VJ, the Ishq Vishq girl, Shenaz Treasurywala is a keen and a solo traveller who has travelled more than 100 countries. Besides her upcoming Bollywood projects like Munna Michael and Kaalakandi with Saif Ali Khan, she runs contests for the travel enthusiasts via her Instagram vlogs.

Which was your last travel destination and how did you spend your time there?

Greece. In fact, I'm still here while talking to you. The Greece tourism board invited me and I travelled all over the country. From Athens to Santorini to Crete to Mykonos to Hydra...long list. I spent my time taking in the Greek culture, it's like India one of the oldest civilizations and there's so much to see and do. Their islands are heaven- most romantic being Santorini and most fun if you like to party but also stunning beauty Mykonos. I'm at the Mykonos Collection hotels at the moment and I don't think I've ever had a better view and endless infinity pools in my life

Did you try the local cuisine and please share the experience?

I live to eat and the food is a huge part of my travel experience. Greece is all about food. I didn't know how good Greek food was till I actually got here. And each island has a different cuisine and a different type of Greek salad. The fresh veggies especially the tomatoes feels like they have Gods sugar juice injected in them. And the olive oil- I can drink it (laughs) also the seafood is so fresh. I'm eating every hour. I can't resist the ice creams and gelato on every street corner. I’ll be needing a strict workout regime when I am back.

The memorable sights you saw?

Acropolis, The Temple of Poseidon, Knossos - These are all Ancient Greek cities from 7000 BC and of course the gorgeous landscape of the islands, sunsets of Santorini and the majestic views of Mykonos

Tell us more about your passion for travel.

I've been travelling all my life. Just last year I decided to document it and started as a social media travel vlogger, besides acting. It's been the best decision of my life. I will keep acting of course but I enjoy my travel and not many people know this but the pictures I post are all taken by me. I take the selfie to a whole new level. It's fun and artistic. I always loved photography, nobody pays attention to my pictures until I put myself in them (laughs)

Where all have you been to in India and abroad?

Oh gosh! Can't even count. More than 100 countries I think.

Your most memorable holiday?

Greece right now, sitting right here in the Avaton Mykonos Collection hotel with the sun on me. Looking out at the blue sea and mountains with sexy music playing - can't get better than this.

What part of travelling makes you happiest?

Of course, I only do what I enjoy. That's why I pick and choose my films too. I will only do what I love. It's the best education. It makes me see the world and grow as a person. It gives me perspective on the world. It makes me realize life's little issues are just that - little. When you sit in the magnificence of nature you realize how small you are. Travel keeps me real and humble.

You meet people from everywhere. I have friends all over the world. I don't think I could ever just be in one place now. The world is so big and when I was just 16 I decided I was going to explore all of it. I realize I will never see all of it but I am trying (laughs). I'm an explorer! My curiosity about cultures, food, history, art, music motivates me to travel!!! Also am a nature lover and I would die if I had to just be in a city for months on end. I need travel for my emotional well being and I am blessed to be able to do it!

Do you like to rough it up or pamper yourself?

Pamper all the way. I can rough it but those days are over. I left the roughing it to my 20s. Now it's glamorous, luxury hotels, spas and business class all the way. Hey, I worked for it. Nobody has ever paid my bills. And it makes me proud to say I do it for myself. Have to admit these days, hotels and airlines have been inviting me because of my vlogs and blogs.

Do you like to shop when you travel? What did you shop in the different countries you have visited?

That's the only time I shop. I like buying dresses from everywhere. That way I can point to a dress and say that's from Paris and the pants are from Iran and the shoes are from New Zealand. So I'm wearing all my souvenirs.

Do you shoot a lot of pics?

Yes! As explained before most of the pictures on my social media are shot by me - even when I'm in it. Tripod Remote and a gorgeous location. It's fun, it's my art- I really enjoy shooting! And looks like people like the pictures. I keep getting asked if I travel with a photographer- the answer is no. I travel alone with a tripod. Sometimes, I get an Assistant to travel with me if it's a paid gig.

Who does your packing and what are must have in your bag?

Me of course. Hahaha, I do everything...pack, take my own pics, book my own hotels - I even wash my own hands (winks). In my bag- my photography equipment, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimming goggles, a wrap if it gets windy or cold, a few silky dresses that are light don't need ironing and can go from day into night

Your favourite mode of travel?

Boat but not cruises. I hate cruises and love little boats. My dad was a captain of a cargo ship- I spent the first 6 years of my life sailing with him.

 A place you would like to revisit?

Santorini

Which other countries would you like to explore?

On my list next – Cuba, Morocco, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and Peru.