Helly Shah on her London trip: It feels like a full circle moment

Actor Helly Shah is currently soaking in the charm of London, but for her, this vacation is far more emotional than just another overseas getaway. After a packed work schedule and wrapping up Chumbak, the actor finally took time out for a long-awaited family holiday — one that had been on her wishlist ever since her first visit to the English capital.“Honestly, this trip was long overdue,” Helly shares, adding, “Every year, we make it a point to take at least one international family vacation, but because of work commitments and schedules, I just couldn’t manage it last year. So, after wrapping up Chumbak, I finally had a little time off and immediately planned this trip.” Having visited London once before, the actor says she instantly fell in love with the city and always hoped to return with her parents someday. “There’s something so special about the vibe here. Ever since my first visit, I knew I wanted to come back with my family, so this trip feels really special. It almost feels like a full circle moment where you get your parents for a big holiday and see them experience the city, explore new places, and enjoy themselves," she explains. While Helly is clearly enjoying the city’s charm, London’s famously moody weather seems to have caught her by surprise yet again. “The weather in London is always so unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny and warm, then suddenly windy and super cold — at one point it even hailed,” she laughs, adding, “I feel too cold all the time, so more than a London summer vacation, it has become a London winter vacation for me.”When it comes to travel, Helly says she isn’t someone who believes in rigid itineraries or obsessively ticking tourist spots off a list. Instead, she prefers vacations that feel easy, immersive, and emotionally fulfilling. “For me, vacations are less about ticking tourist spots off a list and more about slowing down. I’m actually a mix of both. As much as I love walking 20k steps exploring new places and cute streets, I also enjoy super relaxed days. I’m okay missing a few touristy stops and mostly like to go with the feeling at that moment," she shares.And for the actor, the perfect holiday has only one benchmark: “The best vacations are the ones where you come back feeling happy, refreshed, and not tired," she concludes.