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California, just its name makes one dream big. California captures the heart and soul of every traveller who ventures into the most populous western US state. Oozing with a dramatic terrain, cliff-lined beaches, redwood forest, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Central Valley farmland, and the arid Mojave Desert encircle California. The main cities include the sprawling Los Angeles (home to the Hollywood entertainment industry), San Diego with its outdoor Zoo Safari Park, Furnace Creek in Death Valley, and San Francisco--the road to the Golden Gate Bridge.

With so much on offer to "Fuel Your Dreams," the state has some outstanding travel-friendly stay options to pick from. After scanning through numerous hotels, here are five hotels that make my list:

Caliente Tropics Hotel

Image Credit: Caliente Tropics Hotel

A Tiki and Polynesian-style tropical hotel built in 1964, the Caliente Tropics Hotel has recently undergone a contemporary and modern makeover to suit the new-age traveller. Through remodelling the overall interiors of the facilities, rooms and the overall feel, the hotel has managed to keep its retro feel intact to offer the best location, recreation activities, and atmosphere in Palm Springs.

Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs

Image Credit: Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs

The unimaginable design of a new Fender Stratocaster infused with the laid-back attitude of a reggae band, the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs delights the music sensibilities of every traveller. A one-of-its-kind music program, "Sound of Your Stay," enables guests to produce a personalized soundtrack of their stay in the hotel, which will forever serve as a special reminder of your stay at the hotel.

V Palm Springs

Image Credit: V Palm Springs

The desert inspired theme of V Palm Springs emulates the natural, soulful spirit of the open-air hotel. The mountainous backdrop offers breath-taking views to travellers who can even opt for the hotel’s ‘Strip Down Promotion’ that encourages travellers to embrace the tantalizing desert playground while staying undressed and getting a room, in a one-of-its-kind initiative that takes one back in time.

Pismo Lighthouse Suites

Image Credit: Pismo Lighthouse Suites

The Pismo Lighthouse Suites is the only all-suite hotel in Pismo Beach that has a beautiful oceanfront view whether travellers opt for suites with either a private patio or a private balcony. With easy access to the Pismo Beach as well as multiple activities, the hotel is perfect for all guests. A life-size game of chess is the highlight of the outdoor activities the hotel offers, which people of all ages enjoy.

The Cliffs

Image Credit: The Cliffs

The Cliffs Image is all about "living in luxury," whether a guest prefers sweeping mountain vistas or an idyllic lakefront home. The full-service resort with amazing views and world-class amenities boasts amazing golf courses and wine trails along with exceptional guest experiences. With a perfect mix of seclusion when travellers want peace and entertainment when travellers want fun, the Cliffs has the best of both amenities.

So while you check out these amazing stay options don't forget to make a checklist of all you want to do. One of the easiest ways to make sure you don't miss anything important is to take the celebrated, cost-hugging drive that begins in San Diego, at the southern end of the state and ends in the San Francisco.

Get travelling.
- Heena

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New Orleans, the largest city in Louisiana, is a great attraction to travellers thanks to its rich culture, history and the outdoors. With a tagline of ‘Pick Your Passion,’ the city invites travellers to indulge in their interests ranging from food to fashion, adventure to entertainment, and much more. The best way to get to know Louisiana is to see it like a tourist, taste it like a local and experience it like a traveller.

Just as there are endless options to help travellers experience Louisiana, there are numerous hotel options where you can unwind and relax. Hotels and lodgings ranging from glorious casinos and full-service resorts to scenic park cabins provide diverse options in New Orleans.

Hilton Garden Inn, Airport

Image Credit: Hilton Garden Inn, Airport

One of the most economical hotels in Kenner, the Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Airport, is just a few minutes from the airport. With the Pontchartrain Center and downtown New Orleans just walking distance from the hotel, it is perfect for both business travellers as well as holiday-makers for being conveniently located. Apart from its location, the hotel has great amenities including every room fitted with Garden Sleep System that adjust the bed to gently cradle the body, ensuring pressure-free sleep while maintaining comfortable body temperature.

Sheraton Metairie

Image Credit: Sheraton Metairie

Nestled between the French Quarter and the New Orleans Airport, the Sheraton Metairie - New Orleans Hotel is located in the heart of the business district. The convenient location along with its upscale design, comfortable rooms and Cajun-American dining options make the Sheraton Metairie a great place to stay. The highlight is the Social Hour organised at the hotel that offers patrons a chance to compare wines from the Sheraton Selects menu.

Hilton Garden Inn, Convention Centre

Image Credit: Hilton Garden Inn, Convention Center

The Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center, at a walkable distance from the New Orleans Convention Center, is a home away from home. Contemporary décor with separate living areas, pull-out sofas, outdoor patio and a convenience store, the hotel is equipped with multiple facilities, making it every traveller’s delight. Similar to the other group hotels, the rooms are fitted with Garden Sleep System beds that ensure pressure-free sleep whilst maintaining comfortable body temperature.

Hyatt French Quarter

Image Credit: Hyatt French Quarter

The Hyatt French Quarter is a beautifully modern, fully restored and completely renovated luxury hotel with historical references that is located in the heart of the French Quarter. In spite of its central location, the hotel offers affordable rates and wonderful amenities. The hotel is within walking distance of popular attractions on the French Quarter including Bourbon Street, Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, Jackson Square, House of Blues, clubs and galleries, the Riverwalk and the French Market.

Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Image Credit: Bourbon Orleans Hotel

The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is a classic hotel overlooking the French Quarter. It's just a few minutes away from the Jackson Square Park if you're travelling on foot. The hotel maintains its historic relevance through the décor while offering modern amenities for comfort. With its beautiful balconies, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel is much in-demand especially during Mardi Gras, when travellers want to be in the middle of all the action.

If you’re in Louisiana, do check these hotels for your stay.

- Heena

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Suicide; is such a powerful word, even the sound of it resonates courage. But is this courage positive? I'm not so sure.

When I first head about ‘The Story of a Suicide’ I wanted to overlook it as if I had heard nothing. Isn’t that exactly what happens when one looks away, even when they know someone is vulnerable and needs that special attention. Why does one shy away from being that single ray of hope that could make the difference between life and death. That's when it hit me; I had to read about Hari, Charu, Sam and Mani….. four unconnected people whose lives got interconnected in a web of love, passion, revenge and deceit leading to one of the main characters intentionally causing his own death.

An online novel, ‘the Story of a Suicide’ broken down into 31 crisp chapters; touch every topic that is taboo to progress the story further interweaving the paths of the main characters. Though the characters are very well defined, they are difficult to relate to or understand due to the complexities of the situations they find themselves in. With twists and turns a keen a feature film, the plot thickens and takes new directions every few minutes to unfold an unlikely episode that becomes the crux of the story. The author has beautifully narrated how a single opinion, a few harsh words from a loved one become a tipping point that takes a human being from hope, aspirations and dreams to despair, shame and suicide. What I felt was missing, was a positive light that would naturally guide a person and free him from the negativity. However reassessing the plot made me realise that most youngsters today are easy yet self-absorbed, independent yet unsure, fearless yet oblivious. The only thing that I could relate to were the feelings expressed.... from Charu's friendly concern to Sam's lust, Alex's casualness to Mani's ambition and Hari's fear.

The Story of a Suicide is a relatively dark novel that will leave the readers with numerous questions that will remain unanswered, that will stay with them long after the last chapter is read.

Over the years I've read about things that drive a sane logical person to take his own life.

The point to think is how does a person full of dreams give up on life so easily? Trust me, I've seen a person from such close quarters that I know thoughts about suicide are not easy or random.

Suicidal thoughts are like fungus; they grow from a single cell into a self-feeding monster that eats away at the person's soul and cripples them mentally. As time goes by, this fungus grows into a humungous form that leaves no room for breathing, choking the person into submission with only a ray of hope in the distance.

Most people will argue that it would have been so easy for the victim to have reached out for help and confessed about their predicament.

However how many people actually sit back and think, 'how could I have helped avert the situation'? Trust me, none.

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean help isn't needed. Most people who want to commit suicide don't want to die they just want to stop hurting. Suicide prevention is equally the onus of people around the victim as much the victim himself. As family and friends, suicide prevention begins with recognising the warning signs, talking about the feelings openly and getting professional help.

Don't turn your back, be that ray of hope.
- Heena

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The natural progression of the sun’s shadow was how humans first learnt to tell time. However as the human evolution has been at a rapid pace, time telling too has travelled a long way. From the sun’s shadow to watches today, time telling has got easier and more convenient. Watches today are much beyond the practicality and purpose of use; they are all about a sense of status, a fashion statement and conversation starters.

Nothing much has changed in terms of a wristwatch’s functionality since the early ages. The 16th-century portable clocks to the 17th-century pocket watch to the 18th-century modern-day wristwatch and the 20th-century smartwatch; they all are primarily for time-telling. Although today in the lap of luxury; watches have seen a tremendous visual transformation also ensuring added features.

With the development of hi-tech watches over the last few years, there has been an equal rise in the demand for vintage pieces too. Although youngsters today look for a lot of digitalisation even in the wristwatch department, the rich history of a vintage brand is never overshadowed. However, when a brand brings together the rich history of Titan along with the digital enhancements of Fastrack, it is sure to create a stir and emerge a winner. Today the Indian wristwatch market is estimated at around INR 5000 crores of which Titan commands a market share of 60-65 percent. 25% of this market share is due to the continuously growing youth segment as well as a well catered to women audience.One thing that the humble accessory has managed to do is to maintain its importance in the course of time. Even today in the age of smartphones watches have their own sparkle and still appeal to a huge section of the masses. Both men and women watches have stood the test of time, and are still considered a symbol of class and individuality.

Personally, I own six timepieces and am always looking to add to the tally. With timely offers that I receive from my favourite online portal, I’m planning to add not only a Bluetooth enabled piece but also a chronograph to my collection.

So what are you flaunting on your wrist?
- Heena

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