Breathedreamgo

30/08/2024

In the summer of 2010, just a year after I started publishing my travel blog Breathedreamgo, I attended TBEX in New York City. I was broke, I took the Megabus and stayed in a small hotel where I had to share the bathroom. But it was a big deal back then to see 300 travel bloggers in one room.

Today I applied to speak at TBEX in Quebec City next June. It's the first time TBEX is in Canada for over 10 years. I hope to see my Canadian friends in travel there!

The birthplace of French North America and the only walled city north of Mexico is an open-air treasure chest that will delight history and culture buffs

26/08/2024

I am hosting a webinar with JourneyWoman: Solo Travel for Women 50+ tomorrow about travel in India and Asia and you are invited!

Webinar date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
When: 2 pm – 3pm EDT

In partnership with women-owned businesses from our JourneyWoman Women’s Travel Directory we’ll share perspectives about where to go, what to do and how to create the right experience for you.

This webinar is hosted by Mariellen Ward from the JourneyWoman Advisory Council and founder, India for Beginners. Speakers include: Cathy Gotfried, Babes in Bali; Elinor Fish, Run Wild Retreats and Dr. Angela Clark, We Go Travel.



Sign up here: https://journeywoman.com/solo-travel-events-for-women-50/solo-travel-webinars/journeywoman-webinar-less-travelled-india-and-asia-on-august-27-2024/

20/08/2024

Two India-related events coming up from JourneyWoman: Solo Travel for Women 50+

Tomorrow is the online JourneyWoman Book Club event featuring the book “The Widows of Malabar Hill” by Sujata Massey.

Set in 1920s India, it's about Perveen Mistry, Bombay’s only female lawyer. Perveen is investigating a suspicious Will on behalf of three Muslim widows living in full purdah when the case takes a turn toward the murderous.

I read the book on my vacation last week and I found it a compelling read, plus it paints a vibrant picture of Bombay 100 years ago. Wish I could step back in time to visit some of the thriving Parsi cafes -- a few of them are still going strong!

Sign up here: https://journeywoman.ck.page/bbb9454100

Read more about the book here: https://journeywoman.com/.../august-book-club-the-widows.../ See less

09/08/2024

As there's a lot of interest in Kamala Harris these days, I am re-sharing a blog I published about Tamil Nadu, her Mother's home state in India. Her Mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher, was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and emigrated to the United States when she was just 19 years old to study.

Tamil Nadu is a fascinating place, one of the last classical civilizations left on earth, a place of culture, temples, monuments, spirituality and more.

Check out my blog post about Tamil Nadu in the comments below.

27/07/2024

New on the blog -- a very comprehensive guide to travel in Vietnam for beginners.

I am going to start creating more beginners guides to countries in Asia. Upcoming are India and Bali!

This Beginners Guide to Vietnam for first-time travellers will cover everything you need to know from getting a visa to staying safe, and from food to culture.

15/07/2024

One of the best article I have read about tourism in India:

"The Taj Mahal, the palaces and camel rides of Rajasthan, the backwaters of God’s own country — these form Indian tourism’s marketing mainstays. This is limiting and wholly devoid of imagination."

Absolutely!

"India must present itself to the world as an ancient civilization that celebrates its past while developing and enjoying its diversity of culture and racing to the frontiers of new human achievement. Every facet of its past, present and aspirations for the future hold out fascinating appeal to people elsewhere."

There are SO MANY places in India, and SO MANY aspects of the culture that are not marketed at all that it's criminal.

LINK here https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/as-iconic-cities-tackle-overtourism-with-travel-restrictions-it-is-time-for-india-to-step-up-12769461.html

19/02/2024

New post: Yoga and Wellness Retreat in Bali

Last November, I went to Bali for the first time on a self-designed Yoga and Wellness Retreat. I had an amazing time, one of my best vacations ever, and learned a lot about travelling to Bali.

I’ve just published a new blog post is all about my trip with lots of tips and advice for travel in Bali and how to create your own retreat. Features lots of information about Ubud, two very special resorts, and a Beginners Guide to Bali.

My Beginners Guide to Bali will help prepare you for your trip and help you sail quickly through the airport when you land.

Special thanks to my friend and very inspiring teacher GuruMaa Savitri Devi!

Thanks to Secret Retreats for arranging my stay at Hotel Tugu Bali.

Thanks to Four Seasons Resorts Bali for an incredible spa day.

Link here: https://breathedreamgo.com/a-wellness-and-yoga-retreat-in-bali/

29/01/2024

New post alert!

This is a guest post about 27 Amazing things to do in Bali. Some are well-known, but most are those "hidden gems" that travel writers love to find. Enjoy and please share: https://breathedreamgo.com/27-amazing-things-to-do-in-bali/

15/01/2024

New on Breathedreamgo!

A very detailed blog post about going through panchakarma -- Ayurvedic treatment -- at Hitayu Ayurveda Udupi.

Panchakarma treatment is not easy ... but I absolutely loved staying at the Ayurveda centre, in a forest, in tropical South India.

AND I also loved the results. I lost at least 4 kgs (8-9 pounds), and feel a whole lot better in many different ways.

I am highly recommending this authentic, affordable and very comfortable Ayurveda centre. I will be going back for tune ups!

Link here: https://breathedreamgo.com/best-ayurveda-retreat-india/

08/01/2024

Did you know Breathedreamgo has a newsletter? I fill it with news, latest blog posts, India for Beginners tours, and more -- you can sign up here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y1j1a4

January issue going out tomorrow!

28/12/2023

Magical Northeast India!

New on the Breathedreamgo blog, a post by my friend Gaurav Bhan Bhatnagar all about Northeast India.

This area is the most unseen part of India. Rarely visited by tourists, it's home to vibrant tribal cultures, teeming wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful landscapes, tea gardens, living root bridges, the wettest place on earth, a fascinating and unique culture, and much more.

Read all about magical Northeast India here in this new post: https://breathedreamgo.com/best-places-to-visit-in-northeast-india-assam-and-meghalaya/

Gaurav, who is a Northeast expert, is leading an India for Beginners tour to the Northeast in February: https://indiaforbeginners.com/northeast-india-adventure/

It's so exciting to be exploring one of the last frontiers in India!

16/12/2023

***NEW BLOG POST***

New guest post from Vrushali Ketkar all about beautiful, romantic Udaipur!

This is the only post you need: 2-day Udaipur itinerary with best things to do, best places to visit, top hotels and much more.

https://breathedreamgo.com/2-day-udaipur-itinerary-with-best-things-to-do/

10/12/2023

***NEW BLOG POST***

New post from guest author Anjali is all about Mumbai: The best places to visit in Mumbai on a 3-day itinerary.

From the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, from Colaba to Bandra — this is the only Mumbai guide you need.

https://breathedreamgo.com/best-places-to-visit-in-mumbai-on-a-3-day-itinerary/

18/11/2023

New blog post! My fave luxury getaways near Delhi.

Delhi is a fascinating city and I truly love it, challenges and all, but it's also a good city to getaway from occasionally. Luckily, we are spoiled for choice! There are so many absolutely amazing places within driving distance. This list is not meant to be comprehensive, but it is a good one as I have done a lot of travel and a lot of research!



https://breathedreamgo.com/best-luxury-getaways-near-delhi/

26/10/2023

Lonely Planet just named India one of the Best in Travel country destinations for 2024 — number 2 on the list. Well deserved as there really is no place like India. The natural and man made treasures are beyond compare. And beyond counting.



https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel

Lonely Planet reveals its top picks of places to travel in 2024.

19/09/2023

It's Breathedreamgo's Blogiversary!

Today is Ganesh Chaturthi — the celebration of the beloved god of auspicious beginnings and the remover of obstacles. I initially launched my travel blog on Ganesh Chaturthi in 2009 — which means it is now 14 years old!

Happy blogiversary to me and happy birthday to Ganesh! I have always felt the blessings of Ganesh and I am very grateful I have always been safe travelling and living in India.

Here’s a link to Breathedreamgo please visit and share: https://breathedreamgo.com/

08/09/2023

Challo Delhi!

Today, many of the world’s leaders are arriving in Delhi for the

Are you curious about Delhi, capital of India, the world’s largest democracy? I live in the Delhi-NCR region and my destiny has been closely associated with this megalopolis for the last 17 years. Happy to answer questions.

Usually, Delhi is painted in a very negative light by the international media and many tourists to India don’t want to come here. That’s a shame.

In spite of Delhi’s very real challenges, it’s an absolutely fascinating city and many people, myself included, are besotted. Here are just a few fun facts about my base in India:

- Delhi is one of the world’s most historical cities. At least 8 major civilizations have built their capital here, going back 2,000 years
- Delhi is home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites and thousands of incredible forts, tombs and monuments. Much of the city is very beautiful and evocative
- Delhi is one of the greenest capital cities on earth. Central Delhi, originally planned and built by the British Raj, is home to millions of carefully planted trees
- In a country of great food, Delhi is widely considered the culinary capital of India. Butter chicken and choley batura were invented here!
- The largest spice market in Asia is in Old Delhi

These are just a few facts about Delhi. I have a lot more information and guides to Delhi on my blog Breathedreamgo. If you are interested, I would really like to show you this city and make you love it too.

Shopping Guide to Delhi: https://breathedreamgo.com/guide-to-shopping-in-delhi-india/

Delhi’s Best Food: https://breathedreamgo.com/the-best-indian-food-in-delhi/

Delhi Guide: https://breathedreamgo.com/my-top-tips-for-delhi/

Three-day Delhi Itinerary: https://breathedreamgo.com/3-day-delhi-itinerary/

18/08/2023

New blog post on Breathedreamgo all about India's famous Golden Triangle.

The India for Beginners team went on a "recce" trip to explore the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Read all about the many wonderful people and places we discovered here:

Link: https://breathedreamgo.com/golden-triangle-tour-india/

15/08/2023

Apparently, the Taj Mahal is the world's most "Instagrammed cultural heritage site."

Congratulations to India and Happy Independence Day!

Today is the 77th Independence Day -- on the stroke of midnight, August 15, 1947 India gained her independence from Britain -- and I am working on a blog post about the Golden Triangle and playing around with editing photos I took of the iconic Taj Mahal, which has become a symbol for India around the world. Which one do you like the best?

The Golden Triangle is India's most famous tourism circuit. It takes in Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, three cities that are roughly equidistant and within driving distance. Many of the most famous sights of India are within this triangle, but there are many, many, many more throughout the country that don't get nearly enough airtime.

A large percentage of India for Beginners guests want to do a Golden Triangle tour and we are constantly looking for better ways to do this circuit -- from finding excellent home stays to the best-value hotels to unique experiences.

So keep a look out for my upcoming blog post where we spill *some* of our secrets (but not all).

Happy Independence Day, India!

21/07/2023

NEW: Just published a guide to the magical desert city of Jaisalmer.

Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer: https://breathedreamgo.com/best-places-to-visit-in-jaisalmer/

A golden relic from the glory days of the overland Spice Route, Jaisalmer is one of my favourite places to visit in India. It's a long haul out to the very western edge of India, in the Thar Desert ... but oh so worth the effort!

12/07/2023

NEW: Monsoon Travel Guide

This year, the monsoon arrived in India fast and furiously. Monsoon is a great time to travel, if you know where to go, what to expect, and what to do.

Just published: Guide to 14 Amazing Monsoon Travel Destinations around the world https://breathedreamgo.com/monsoon-travel-destinations/

Plus, I have other monsoon resources on my travel blog including:

Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in India: https://breathedreamgo.com/best-places-monsoon-india/

Chasing India's Monsoon, about Alexander Frater's wonderful book and documentary: https://breathedreamgo.com/chasing-indias-monsoon/

Please enjoy!

Monsoon travel is a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. Here are 14 of the best rainy season destinations including India, Vietnam, Philippines, Mexico.

13/06/2023

Meet the Komodo Dragon!

Wildlife of Asia is an ongoing series on Breathedreamgo and I am thrilled to add Komodo Dragons to the list that already features tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, sloth bears and more! This is a guest post from Abigail, an animal-loving blogger who will tell you all about the world's largest lizard including the only place you can see them in the wild in the world! (Hint: It's in Indonesia.)

Here's the link to this new post, just published : https://breathedreamgo.com/wildlife-in-asia-meet-the-komodo-dragon/

27/05/2023

Did you know Christopher Columbus left Spain looking for "the riches of India." Unfortunately we think of India as "poor" ... but that is far from the whole truth. India has always been rich in many different ways, and one of them is absolutely fabulous architectural sites. Forts, palaces, tombs, monuments, temples, abandoned cities ... plus pristine national parks and biodiversity hotspots. India has an embarrassment of riches.

I have gathered up just 19 of the top UNESCO World Heritage sites in this NEW POST, please share and help spread the love :-)

LINK: https://breathedreamgo.com/unesco-world-heritage-sites-of-india/

11/05/2023

New blog post! It is all about an incredible itinerary you can take to experience some of the greatest treasures in India — and at the same time, some wonderful, local experiences.

Please read and share “Offbeat and local Madhya Pradesh itinerary” to find out about visiting spectacular sites like Khajuraho — and also culturally immersive homestays, local crafts centres, and eco friendly wildlife lodges.

If interested, India for Beginners can book this itinerary for you!



Link: https://breathedreamgo.com/offbeat-and-local-madhya-pradesh-itinerary/

26/04/2023

If you have had any interest in exploring spiritual India, this is the post for you.

NEW: Life changing spiritual places in India: https://breathedreamgo.com/spiritual-places-in-india/

Most of the places on the list are very meaningful to me, and I could have added a lot more, too. But I kept it to 10 of the top places that foreigners tend to visit: Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Amritsar, Pushkar, Tiruvannamalai, Dharamsala, Kasar Devi, Vrindavan, and Bodh Gaya.

With lots of information, tips, what to do, where to stay, etc.

08/04/2023

Who wants to go shopping in Jaipur? New blog post!

I consider shopping the markets of India to be a fun cultural activity! My absolute favourite city for shopping is Jaipur. This new blog post by guest author Simran Raju is all about shopping in Jaipur — what to buy and where to go. https://breathedreamgo.com/shopping-in-jaipur-rajasthan/

31/03/2023

Who loves street food?

I've been publishing a series of street food posts over the past few years that includes India, Delhi, Mumbai, Vietnam, Thailand and Italy ... and just found out I'm on a fantastic list of street food bloggers and writers online. Check it out (but not while hungry!): https://blog.feedspot.com/street_food_blogs/

And here are some of my street food posts on Breathedreamgo:
https://breathedreamgo.com/best-street-food-of-india/
https://breathedreamgo.com/guide-mumbai-street-food-recipes/
https://breathedreamgo.com/street-food-of-vietnam-11.../

22/03/2023

New on the blog! My awesome roommate Suzanne Ho**er wrote an amazing guest post Breathedreamgo -- a very detailed 3-day itinerary of Delhi!

I know Delhi quite well as I have been based here on and off over the past 17 years, and I can tell you for sure, this is a great itinerary. Please share with visitors to Delhi!



Here is the link:

This perfect 3 day Delhi itinerary includes all the must-visit place & best things to do, from Chandni Chowk & Old Delhi, to Humayun’s Tomb & Connaught Place.

14/03/2023

“India: the most unique and transformative travel destination on earth.” – Mariellen Ward, breathedreamgo.

"Mariellen Ward is a Canadian born-digital storyteller. Her narrative of India will inspire you to travel the lengths and breadths of the country. She is an unapologetic chronicler who is always dropping truth bombs whilst describing the beauty that the country beholds. An advocate for female solo travel and responsible tourism, this influential India travel blogger stands her ground for a meaningful adventure and is currently located in Rishikesh.

"Mariellen’s blog is an encyclopedia that can please the wanderlust of any travel buff. Scrolling through paragraphs of best put words, you will realize how deeply, and madly in love with this country. Believe us; if there is a person, who interestingly enough, understands the tedious travel dynamics of the regional spectrum of India, hands down it has to be her.
"Along with her travel experiences and the bizarre facets of the country that she beautifully pens down, Mariellen also talks about ruled-out topics such as ageism in travel or for that matter, travel security. And, if you are searching for anything that screams Yoga and Ayurveda in India, no one knows it better than Mariellen Ward."

Thankful to be included... and for the great write-up too!

Learn about the top 10 India travel bloggers that are inspiring a whole generation to travel. Know more about them, their work and social handles here.

31/01/2023

NEW blog post on BreatheDreamGo is all about the Philippines! Filipino travel writer Angie Chua introduces some of the very best reasons to go to the Philippines. She had me at pristine beaches and halo halo ice cream!

This beginners guide to travel in the Philippines includes tips on finding responsible travel options and will help you find pristine beaches & delicious food.