Episode 64 – Essential Tips for Your First Journey to India with Travel Expert Mariellen Ward
In episode 64 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with guest Mariellen Ward, an award-winning travel writer and founder of the tour company India for Beginners and the website BreatheDreamGo
Mariellen shares her personal journey of travelling in India, common misconceptions about the country, and the realities of visiting as a first-timer. The episode covers key tips for preparing for a trip to India, recommended regions and experiences for new visitors, practical advice for acclimatising upon arrival, and guidance on travelling safely and respectfully, especially for women.
Listeners will discover how customised tours with local expertise can help avoid scams and ensure meaningful, sustainable, and culturally sensitive travel experiences in India.
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India Travel Cheatsheet
Episode 64 – What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 The importance of preparing for India: research, packing, and setting the right mindset
- 📅 Strategic itinerary planning, including when (and when not) to visit due to weather and festivals
- 🚄 Navigating arrival logistics, from airport pickups to protecting yourself from scams
- 🛏️ Why homestays offer a safer, more authentic accommodation experience (especially for solo women)
- 🥢 How to approach India’s culture respectfully—what to wear, religious etiquette, and photography tips
- 😲 The value of staying open-minded and adaptable to embrace India’s surprises and transformative moments
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
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- Delhi: India’s capital, with recommendations for a soft landing in South Delhi’s homestays, and tranquil green areas like Lodhi Garden and Central Delhi’s British-era neighbourhoods.
- Agra: Home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, and the starting point for many first-time itineraries.
- Jaipur: The vibrant “Pink City” and gateway to Rajasthan, part of the Golden Triangle route.
- Kerala: A lush, peaceful state in South India offering a “softer landing” and gentle introduction to Indian culture.
- Goa: Noted as touristy; Kerala is recommended over Goa for authentic experiences.
- Madhya Pradesh: The “heart of India,” featuring less-visited treasures such as Mandu, Orchha, Maheshwar, and premier tiger reserves like Kanha National Park.
- Jaisalmer: Described as “fairy tale”-like, with its golden fort and the nearby Thar Desert for a magical overnight experience.
- Rishikesh: Holistic and spiritual river town, location of transformative experiences during India’s festival of Holi.
Foods
- Pure Veg Cuisine: Vegetarian food is widely available and important in religious/sacred settings in India.
- Home-cooked Meals: Highlighted as a special treat in homestays and authentic family-run guesthouses, including cooking demos in Jaipur homestays.
Words/Concepts
- Golden Triangle: The classic tourist route: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
- Homestay: An Accommodation option where travellers stay with local families, providing a sense of safety and genuine cultural immersion.
- Scams: Travellers should be wary of scams, particularly around airports, markets, and with fraudulent travel agents or guides.
- Shoes Off Nation: Remove shoes before entering homes and temples out of respect.
- Read the Room: Adapting clothing, behaviour, and gestures to local customs and social hierarchies, especially regarding gender norms.
- Travel Blogging: Early days of travel writing online, as pioneered by Mariellen in India.
- Wildlife SOS: An ethical elephant rescue centre near Agra, recommended as a responsible animal tourism experience.
- Diwali and Festivals: The timing of Indian festivals is crucial for itinerary planning; Diwali, in particular, significantly impacts travel due to traffic and celebrations.
- Transformation through Travel: Emphasis on India as a “journey” rather than just a destination, highlighting the potential for personal growth and change.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Advice to show respect for local traditions, avoid photographing sacred sites (like the burning ghats of Varanasi), and maintain composure to help others “save face.”
Links
Links to Mariellen’s website and tour company
- Tours – India For Beginners
- Website – BreatheDreamGo
- Facebook – Instagram – Pinterest
- LinkedIn – Mariellen Ward
Podcasts
- Episode #11: Connecting Travellers with Local Experiences: A Conversation with LikeLocal Founder Gevorg Babayan
- Episode #12: Cultural Immersion Explored: Adventures in Vietnam and Cambodia with LikeLocal
- Episode #14: Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers
Articles
Guest Bio – Mariellen Ward
Canadian travel writer & tour operator Mariellen Ward runs the award-winning travel site Breathedreamgo.com, inspired by her extensive travels in India.
Mariellen started travel blogging in 2005 and founded India for Beginners custom tours in 2019. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her “soul culture” and she has spent more than 9 years travelling & living in the country.
She is passionate about helping women travel safely and well in India and encouraging mindful travel. Mariellen is currently based in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
