And if you find yourself lost about what to pack, the viral 5-4-3-2-1 method can come in handy.

Does packing before a holiday give you the creeps? And just the mere thought of organising multiple pairs of dresses, shirts, bottoms, shoes and accessories inside a suitcase paralyses you with fear? Worry not; the internet is full of quick hacks that can save you last-minute stress and anxiety, and we recently came across digital creator Shashank Arora’s post that takes us through not one, but 3 simple packing methods to make travel light and easy.

While people are divided over the best way to pack clothes, Arora decided to test the three options using one small bag and the same set of clothes.

1. The normal fold method: Managed to fit 5 shirts, 4 t-shirts, 3 pants (2 jeans + 1 formal), 2 towels, and 2 shorts, plus shoes, socks, slippers, and boxers. Everything looked neat and easy to access.

2. The viral vertical packing method: In this method, you stack clothes upright instead of flat. It’s supposed to save space – but it only fit one extra shirt. You also need a bigger suitcase since the method takes up more height. Not great for formal clothes either – wrinkles and crushed collars are guaranteed.

3. The rolling method: Here, you roll every item – shirts, pants, even towels. It saves a little space, but it’s time-consuming and doesn’t look as organised. Works best for casuals like t-shirts and jeans, but not for structured clothes.

So, is there really a best method?

While no single method fits all, costume designer Shilpa GNS said that the normal fold method tends to work best, helping keep the clothes clean and relatively wrinkle-free. However, she suggested customising and switching between the three and seeing what works best for you. “Rolling thinner clothes and folding the heavier ones offers the most space inside the suitcase overall,” she said.

Beyond the packing method, if you find yourself lost about what to pack, the viral 5-4-3-2-1 method can come in real handy.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 method?

1. 5 pieces of clothing

Limit yourself to five essential clothing items. These should be versatile and suitable for different occasions, such as a combination of casual wear, one or two dressier outfits, and weather-appropriate layers. For example, you can pack a pair of jeans, two tops, a sweater, and a dress. By choosing pieces that can be mixed and matched, you create multiple outfits without overpacking.

2. 4 pairs of shoes

Shoes take up space, so choose wisely. Stick to four pairs that meet the needs of your activities. This could include a pair of comfortable walking shoes, dress shoes, sandals, and sneakers. Make sure to pack shoes that are durable and appropriate for the climate and activities you’ll be doing on your trip.

3. 3 accessories

Accessories can elevate your outfits and help you adapt to different situations, but they don’t need to take up much room. Choose three versatile accessories, like a scarf, a belt, or a hat. You can also include practical accessories like a crossbody bag or sunglasses to complete your packing.

4. 2 bathing suits or specialties

Depending on your destination, you might need to pack items like swimsuits, sports gear, or workout clothes. Keep these to a minimum, with just two specialty items. For a beach vacation, you might pack a swimsuit and a cover-up. For a hiking trip, it could be a workout set and a jacket.

5. 1 extra or wildcard item

This could be anything you think will be especially useful for your trip but doesn’t fit into the other categories. It might be a book for downtime, a special outfit for an event, or something specific to your destination. This wildcard item is your personal touch to your packing list.

Europe’s Christmas markets are more than shopping. They’re immersive cultural experiences wrapped in twinkling lights and holiday spirit.

Europe’s best Christmas markets offer a magical blend of tradition, twinkling lights, and festive cheer – from Vienna’s imperial elegance to Wroclaw’s budget-friendly charm. Whether you’re chasing mulled wine, handmade gifts, or snowy backdrops, these destinations deliver unforgettable holiday experiences.

Vienna, Austria (Mid-November to December 26): Belvedere Palace Christmas Market is a standout in Vienna, set against a baroque backdrop with artisan stalls and classical music. The larger Rathausplatz market features over 150 stalls, an ice rink, and a glowing tree-lined avenue.

Prague, Czech Republic (Late November to early January): Prague’s Old Town Square market is one of Europe’s most picturesque, with Gothic towers and a giant Christmas tree. The Wenceslas Square market adds variety with Czech pastries and wooden toys.

Copenhagen, Denmark (Mid-November to December 31): Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market transforms the amusement park into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, rides, and Danish treats. It’s cozy, stylish, and family-friendly.

Wroclaw, Poland (Mid-November to December 31): Wroclaw’s market is a hidden gem with affordable prices – mulled wine for just £3 and hotel rooms starting at £35. It features fairy-tale installations, local crafts, and hearty Polish food.

Salzburg, Austria (November 20 to January 1): Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest in the world, nestled in the historic city center. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it offers a serene and traditional experience.

Berlin, Germany (Late November to December 31): Berlin hosts over 80 Christmas markets, from the grand Gendarmenmarkt to the eco-friendly Lucia market. Each offers a unique vibe, from gourmet food to handmade crafts.

Brussels, Belgium (Late November to early January): Winter Wonders in Brussels includes a massive light show, Ferris wheel, and ice rink. The market stretches across the city center with Belgian chocolates and waffles galore.

Some lakes around the world are known for their magical ability to change colour with the seasons. These natural wonders attract tourists, scientists, and photographers who want to witness their shifting shades.

Nature has many surprises, and colour-changing lakes are among the most fascinating. These lakes transform from blue to green, pink, red, or even white depending on the season, weather, temperature, algae growth, and mineral content. Some of them shift shades throughout the year, while others change colour within weeks or even days.

Scientists study these transformations to understand local ecosystems, while travellers visit these places to enjoy rare, picture-perfect landscapes.

Here is a detailed look at seven lakes around the world that are famous for their dramatic seasonal colour changes.

1. Lake Hillier, Australia

Lake Hillier is famous for its bright pink water, which remains colourful throughout the year but becomes even more vibrant during hot seasons. The colour comes from a type of algae and salt-loving bacteria. As temperatures rise, these organisms produce more pigments, resulting in a more intense pink shade.

2. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Located in the high-altitude region of Bolivia, Laguna Colorada is known for its red colour caused by algae and minerals. But the shade is not constant. During different times of the year, the lake shifts between deep red, brick orange, and rusty brown. The colour changes depend on the intensity of sunlight and water temperature.

3. Kelimutu Crater Lakes, Indonesia

Kelimutu is one of the world’s most mysterious sites because it has three crater lakes, each with a different colour. These colours change regularly from blue to green, black, brown, or deep red due to the volcanic gases rising from below the surface. The lakes constantly react to mineral and chemical changes, creating unpredictable colour shifts.

4. Hutt Lagoon, Australia

Hutt Lagoon is another Australian lake known for its pink shade. The lake appears bright pink during hot summer days when algae grow rapidly. In cooler months, the colour softens into light purple or lilac. Sunlight, clouds, and water levels also play a major role in how the lake looks on any given day.

5. Lake Natron, Tanzania

Lake Natron is a salt lake that often turns red or orange because of its high salt content and algae. During the dry season, the water becomes shallower, and the colours intensify. In the rainy season, the lake becomes paler or even white due to diluted minerals. It is also known as a breeding ground for flamingos, adding even more colour to the landscape.

6. Spotted Lake, Canada

Spotted Lake in British Columbia changes colour due to high mineral deposits. In spring, the lake looks blue-green, but as water evaporates in summer, mineral-rich spots appear in shades of yellow, white, and light green. This creates a unique polka-dot pattern that draws visitors every year.

7. Retba Lake, Senegal

Lake Retba is known for its pink water, similar to Lake Hillier. The colour is strongest during the dry season when the water becomes saltier. In the rainy season, fresh water flows into the lake, reducing salinity and turning the water into a lighter, almost clear shade. The presence of algae is the main reason behind the colour variations.

These lakes prove that nature is constantly changing and full of surprises. Their colours shift with the seasons, offering unforgettable views and valuable scientific insights.

Whether you admire them from photographs or plan to visit one, these colour-changing lakes are reminders of the beauty and mystery hidden in our natural world.

Experts note that these low-lying countries face major environmental risks such as flooding and rising sea levels but benefit from easier transport, farming, and construction.

While towering mountain ranges like the Himalayas, Andes, and Alps dominate the global landscape, several nations around the world are remarkably flat, with no natural mountains within their borders. These countries, often characterised by low elevation and gentle terrain, provide a stark contrast to their mountainous counterparts and offer unique geographical, environmental, and cultural identities.

Vatican City: The smallest and flattest sovereign state

Among the most notable examples is Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, surrounded by the city of Rome. With an area of just 0.49 square kilometres, Vatican City’s elevation ranges only between 19 and 75 meters above sea level—too low to form any mountainous terrain.

The Maldives: The world’s flattest country

Another famous example is the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of more than 1,000 coral islands. The Maldives is recognised as the flattest country on Earth, with an average ground level of just 1.5 meters above sea level and its highest natural point reaching only about 2.4 meters. This extreme flatness makes it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

Kiribati: A nation at sea level

Kiribati, a Pacific island nation spread across the equator, is similarly flat, made up primarily of coral atolls and low-lying islands. Most of its land barely rises more than a few meters above sea level, making it one of the countries most at risk from global warming and oceanic flooding.

Denmark: Rolling hills, but no mountains

In Denmark, though hilly areas exist, the country technically has no true mountains. The highest natural point, Møllehøj, stands at only 170.86 meters above sea level—more a hill than a mountain by international standards. The nation’s gently rolling landscape and fertile plains make it ideal for agriculture and settlement.

Other flat regions across the globe

Other nations with similarly low topography include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and The Gambia, all of which feature mostly lowlands and minor elevations rather than defined mountain ranges.

Environmental Challenges and Advantages

Experts note that countries without mountains often face distinct environmental challenges. “Flat nations are on the front line of climate change,” says environmental analyst Dr. Rina D’Souza. “They face threats such as flooding, soil erosion, and rising sea levels, which can have severe impacts on infrastructure and habitability.”

Despite these challenges, flat countries enjoy certain advantages, including easier transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure development due to the absence of rugged terrain.

A reminder of Earth’s diversity

In an increasingly climate-conscious world, the stories of these flat nations—from the coral atolls of the Maldives to the pastoral fields of Denmark—serve as reminders of Earth’s diverse landscapes and the shared global responsibility to protect them.