Taking a leap of faith after 40, into an unfamiliar world.

In this episode of Travel That Touches Your Soul, Karen Cleveland sits down with award-winning travel writer, blogger, and tour operator Mariellen Ward, founder of Breathedreamgo and India for Beginners. Mariellen shares the deeply personal story of leaving her life in Canada after 40 and traveling solo through India for six months with no plan, no safety net, and no idea what awaited her.

Through yoga, pilgrimage, elephants, ashrams, cities, jungles, and sacred rivers, India became her “soul culture.” Nearly two decades later, Mariellen now helps other women travel India safely, mindfully, and with cultural respect.

This is a conversation about courage, surrender, reinvention, and what becomes possible when we stop waiting for permission and say yes to the unknown.

Guest Bio

Mariellen Ward is an award-winning Canadian travel writer, blogger, and tour operator specializing in transformative journeys to India. She is the founder of Breathedreamgo, inspired by nearly two decades of travel across India, and India for Beginners, a custom tour company designed to help women travel India safely and deeply.

Her work promotes mindful travel, cultural immersion, and solo travel for women. Mariellen has been published by BBC Travel, National Geographic Traveller India, and Condé Nast Traveller India. In 2019, she received India’s National Tourism Award for Best Foreign Travel Writer.

Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen calls India her soul culture and now lives in Jaipur, where she creates insider experiences connecting travelers to artisans, history, spirituality, and everyday life

Host Bio

Karen Cleveland is the host of Travel That Touches Your Soul. She curates conversations with travelers, guides, and change-makers whose journeys create deep connection. Through animals, land, culture, and spiritual insight, Karen explores how travel can awaken something essential within us and invite us into a more meaningful life.

25% Discount on Jaipur Crafts, Shopping & Artisans Tour

https://indiaforbeginners.com/shopping-tours-in-jaipur-and-delhi/

Breathedreamgo Travel Blog

https://breathedreamgo.com/

India for Beginners. Custom Tours for Women

https://indiaforbeginners.com/

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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@breathedreamgo

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Where the Journey Continues

This is a short pause in the journey. A moment to remind you that the conversation does not end when the episode does. If something you heard on the show stirred your curiosity or touched something deeper, the website is where those threads continue to unfold. At SoulfulTravel.travel, you will find upcoming episodes you may not have heard yet, along with past conversations worth returning to. You will also discover soulful journeys and tours being led by trusted colleagues. Experiences rooted in connection, respect for place, and meaningful encounters with people, land, and wildlife. If you are traveling with me to experience wildlife, you may not know that I am also an animal communicator. I teach animal communication classes that invite you into a deeper way of listening and relating with animals. These classes are open to everyone. You do not need to be traveling to participate. The website is also where you will find details about upcoming classes, future journeys, show notes, and special giveaways mentioned on the podcast and video channel. If something in you feels called to explore a little further, this is a gentle place to begin. Thank you for listening. Thank you for watching. I look forward to connecting with you again, when the moment is right.