TORONTO — A life-changing trip almost 20 years ago led Mariellen Ward to a passion for India, as well as one of the first-ever travel blogs, and more recently a travel company called India for Beginners. Ward was in her mid-40s, living in Toronto and newly certified in Yoga Teacher Training, when she embarked on what ultimately became the adventure of a lifetime. It was 2005, and as Ward tells it, “I started travelling and blogging in India that same year.
I founded my professional travel blog at age 49, moved to India at age 58, founded my tour company at age 59, and trained as a naturalist at age 60.” BreatheDreamGo, her travel blog, is familiar for many travellers inspired to travel to India. Meanwhile her travel company, India for Beginners, just released new tours for the 2024-2025 season.
“I know that India can be a challenging place for travellers. Through my blog posts, social media posts, and India for Beginners, I try to assist travellers with tips, advice, recommendations and tours. India is not for everyone, but for those who feel called to visit India, I encourage them.
Ultimately, I think India is a very special travel destination – one of the most transformative trips you can have. It can be magical in ways that are beyond description or explanation,” says Ward. Travelweek connected with Ward during this special time of year for India – Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated later this week – to find out more about India for Beginne.
