 | |
| Name | Mariellen Ward |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 1982 |
| Birth Place | Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Travel writer, Blogger, Copywriter |
| known for | Founder of Breathedreamgo |
Mariellen Ward is a renowned travel writer and blogger based in Rishikesh, India. She founded Breathedreamgo, a travel blog that inspires readers through travel stories in India and South Asia. With over 15 years of experience, Mariellen is passionate about responsible travel and solo female travel.
Early life and education
Mariellen Ward was born in Toronto, Canada. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Ryerson University, graduating in 1986. Her education laid the foundation for her career in communications and storytelling.
Career
Mariellen began her career as a freelance financial writer in Toronto. In 2005, she embarked on a transformative journey to India, which inspired her to start travel blogging. In August 2009, she launched Breathedreamgo, focusing on travel in India and South Asia. Her blog has garnered over 5 million views and has won several awards, including the National Tourism Award from India’s Ministry of Tourism in 2019.
Mariellen has written for leading international newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. Her work emphasizes the power of travel to connect and transform, advocating for women’s solo travel and sustainable tourism practices.
Responsible travel
Mariellen is a strong advocate for responsible travel. She promotes cultural respect, fair trade, and well-managed wildlife tourism. She speaks out against animal cruelty and practices such as elephant riding. In 2020, she trained as a naturalist at a tiger reserve in India.
Personal life
Mariellen’s journey is deeply intertwined with her professional life. In 2005, she left her job in Toronto and moved to India to pursue her passion for yoga and travel. This decision marked a turning point, helping her overcome depression and find a new purpose. Today, she splits her time between Canada and India, continuing to explore and write about her adventures.
Awards and achievements
* Founder of Breathedreamgo, a leading travel blog about India and South Asia.
* Winner of the National Tourism Award for Best Foreign Travel Journalist/Blogger from Incredible India Tourism in 2019.
* Shortlisted for the Outlook Indian Responsible Tourism Award in 2020.
Mariellen has authored a book titled “Song of India: Tales of Travel and Transformation,” sharing her experiences and insights from her travels. Readers can receive a free PDF copy by subscribing to her newsletter, Dispatches.
External links
Mariellen Ward’s official website
Mariellen Ward at Instagram