Mariellen Ward

Mariellen Ward is a Canadian travel writer, blogger, and digital storyteller with a deep connection to India. She began travel blogging in 2005, launching her platform, Breathedreamgo, in August 2009. This blog serves as a resource for travel in India, offering insights into authentic cultural experiences, offbeat destinations, personal journeys, and adventure travel. It particularly emphasizes responsible tourism and female solo travel, reflecting Ward's profound affinity for India, which she considers her "soul culture." Her profound connection to India began with a six-month trip in 2005, an experience that shaped her career and led her to split her time between Delhi/Rishikesh and Toronto. Ward advocates for ethical travel, actively promoting fair trade, responsible tourism companies, and speaking out against animal cruelty. In 2019, she founded India for Beginners custom tours, designed to help first-time visitors and solo female travelers navigate the country safely and authentically. Her expertise and commitment to responsible travel have earned her significant recognition, including the 2019 National Tourism Award for Best Foreign Travel Journalist / Blogger from Incredible India Tourism, and multiple shortlistings for responsible tourism awards. She is also the author of "Song of India: Tales of Travel and Transformation."