Welcome to Behind the Blog, the fun edition! This is where the soft corners of my world live, my life story, the backstory of how this blog was born, and what I do, when I’m not traveling or blogging.
There’s more to me than just a knack for globetrotting and spinning tales! I hold a special love for the written word, cute stationery, pastel hues, vintage & artsy things, deep conversations, tea, books, afternoon naps, cobbled streets, colorful doors and windows, mountains, open roads, blue skies, sunsets, undiscovered places, and beautiful minds, in short, I love all things bright & beautiful.
Here’s more about me…
… I love traveling with my family, they are the heart and soul behind every journey we take. My better half, Manish, is a civil engineer who builds with the same passion I pour into words and stories. We’re raising a vivacious teenage daughter, Amishi, who’s right in the thick of it all. Although I’ve had the privilege of calling multiple cities in India home, I’m currently soaking up the bustling energy (and a bit of the chaos) in Noida. I love packing up everything we own, moving to a new place every few months or years, and exploring new places. Frankly, I don’t like the idea of living in just one place all your life. I love the feeling of being somewhere new. It makes me feel alive. I’m drawn to places the guidebooks overlook, and I find my joy in exploring the beautiful patchwork of cultures stitched into every place I visit.
The world tugs, and I go…
Ever since my earliest memories, the call to explore has been the soundtrack of my life. As the years have passed, the urge to see the world has only intensified. Now, I get it… the thought of packing up and diving headfirst into unfamiliar territories scares people, mostly. But believe me, stepping outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens. It’s the ultimate playground for self-discovery, growth, and unbridled joy.
For me, travel is the greatest teacher…
Travel has taught me more than anything else. It’s like looking through a kaleidoscope, always showing something new and surprising. I’ve learned a great deal about myself, the diverse mix of people out there, and all the wonders that make up the world we all share. To say it’s been a revelation wouldn’t even cover half of it.
As a family, we dive in wholeheartedly wherever we go. Be it soaking up the local art scene, delving into centuries-old history, savoring the food like locals, or simply striking up conversations with the people we meet, our appetite for unique, authentic cultural experiences is insatiable.
We’re basically like adventurers hunting for hidden treasures, except our treasures are experiences money can’t buy.
How it all began…here’s my story…
I spent my early years in a cozy middle-class household in a charming small town in Punjab, India. Even as a young dreamer, my imagination soared to far-off and exotic locales, although my travels were mainly limited to the cozy corners around my hometown. But hey, who says you can’t be an explorer in your stomping grounds? I found a wealth of wonder right in my backyard.
After earning my Bachelor’s in Biotechnology and a Master’s in Business and Management, the bustling metropolis of Delhi called my name. Trading my familiar town for the big city in my early 20s was as exhilarating as it was nerve-wracking.
But you know what? That move turned out to be a game-changer. It was like finding a cheat code to life. It turbocharged my self-awareness, toughened me up, and accelerated my path to independence.
Fast-forward seven years from my Delhi chapter…
I found myself happily hitched and living in Hyderabad. While both of us were navigating the 9-to-5 corporate maze, the juggle between work and play felt like a tightrope walk. Our escape route? Micro-adventures that spiced up our lives. From the well-known landmarks to the undiscovered nooks and crannies around Hyderabad, we made the most of our limited free time.
Then, like the ultimate plot twist in a heartfelt movie, our lives were forever changed with the arrival of our baby girl. This little spark of joy turned our world upside down, in the best possible way, of course!
As much as I loved gallivanting across far-flung places, I was prepared to hit pause on those ambitions. I initially thought that my wanderlust had to take a backseat to motherhood and that venturing to distant lands was a no-go with a tiny tot in tow.
On the heels of that…
That all changed during an impromptu train ride to Baroda, Gujarat, when our 2-month-old little explorer was just as thrilled by the journey as we were.
That trip was a lightbulb moment for us. It shattered the notion that travel and parenting are mutually exclusive. We realized travel might just be the most extraordinary gift we could ever give our daughter.
From that moment, our family adventures took on a new, richer dimension. There was simply no turning back after that epiphany.
Our daughter became the youngest member of our travel squad as we explored India’s stunning landscapes, from the sunny beaches of Goa to the snowy peaks of Kashmir, to the cultural richness of Shimla and Amritsar.
By 2014, we decided it was time to take our adventures international, landing in the dazzling city of Singapore.
Suffice it to say, we were smitten. Travel wasn’t just an interest anymore; it had woven itself into the fabric of our family life, transforming us in countless beautiful ways.
And as they say, the rest is history, or better yet, an unfolding adventure we’re writing together, one destination at a time!
In 2016, our family’s travel dreams hit a whole new level. We embarked on a whirlwind tour of the USA for an entire month!
Imagine walking sideways and zigzagging through the skyscrapers of New York City, culture-hopping in Washington, DC’s museums, finding solace in nature’s grand amphitheaters, and feeling the electricity of Las Vegas.
Plus, we made our daughter’s fantasy come true at Disney World in Orlando, felt the spray of Niagara Falls on our faces, and even turned into chocolatiers for a day at Chocolate World. Honestly, it was a sensory overload, in the best possible way!
And Travel Melodies was born…
After this epic journey, I was bursting at the seams with stories and insights. Sure, Facebook and Instagram were great for sharing snapshots, but I felt a deeper calling. Friends and family already saw me as their travel guru, but why stop there?
My vision was bigger. I wanted to help families around the globe elevate their travel game. And that’s how this blog, my creative side gig, was born.
It was 2017, and I kicked off what I thought was just going to be a digital diary or journal, a cozy little corner of the internet where I could let my love for storytelling, writing, and globe-trotting shine. Little did I know, that this pet project, this side hustle would snowball into my full-time gig.
Initially, I poured out stories of our escapades and, yes, occasional mishaps—because let’s be real, the best travel stories often begin with a twist. I aimed to offer raw, relatable lessons so others could learn from our triumphs and our little “oops” moments.
Before I knew it, what started as a casual hobby was suddenly drawing an audience. Readers came, they saw, and they loved it! And just like that, my pet project matured into my professional passion.
So here we are, sharing, learning, and making the world a smaller place, one incredible journey at a time!
A turn in the tale…
It wasn’t long before I found out that blogging is not just about churning out captivating tales and killer content. The recipe includes a hefty dose of SEO, a sprinkle of content marketing, and a big ol’ dollop of technical savvy. To get these ingredients right, I became a student again, but this time, my classroom was the internet.
I dove into blogger communities, lost myself in online tutorials, devoured advice from industry leaders, and even splurged on some courses. I guess you could call me a DIY digital dynamo at this point! As the blog and I evolved, one thing remained constant: my unyielding passion for storytelling, writing, exploring the globe, and making travel more accessible and extraordinary for people everywhere.
This blog is not just some webpage; it’s a part of me. It’s my labor of love, my dream sculpted into digital form. Every article, every photo, every tip is a chapter in an ongoing story, one aimed at turning this space into a treasure trove for like-minded adventurers out there.
I live and breathe Travel Melodies because every ounce of effort brings me closer to fulfilling a mission that means the world to me and hopefully, to you too!
Over time, Travel Melodies evolved…
In the beginning, my travel mantra was basically a checklist. New cities? Check. New countries? Check. New continents? Double-check. It was all about racking up the numbers. But fast forward a decade, and my approach to travel has done a complete 180 degrees.
Instead of just “seeing” a place, now it’s about “feeling” it—like, really soaking in the essence of a destination. Responsible, sustainable, slow, and above all, meaningful travel has become my north star. I’ve grown increasingly aware of how fortunate I am to explore the world freely. So, every journey I take now aims to be a responsible use of this incredible privilege.
The goal is to leave the world a little better than I found it.
The moment I step into a new destination, it’s like I’m falling in love with life anew. It’s intoxicating, really—understanding and embracing the differences, immersing in unfamiliar cultures, savoring exotic flavors at local eateries, taking part in age-old traditions and festivals, engaging with local art and handicrafts, learning new skills, and even sleeping in local homestays.
But it’s more than just enriching my own life; it’s about positively impacting the communities I visit and the world at large. And here’s the masterstroke: my better half and our little adventurer are entirely on board with this evolved travel philosophy. They’re my co-pilots in this ongoing quest to weave positive change into the fabric of our adventures.
So, here we are, ever committed to traveling not just far and wide, but deep and meaningful too! I’m pursuing a specialized travel writing course from the prestigious London School of Journalism to deepen my passion for travel storytelling and bringing you more engaging, insightful tales from around the globe.
When I’m not traveling or writing…
When I’m not soaking up a new destination or penning down my experiences for Travel Melodies you can find me wrapped up in deep convos with my two favorite human beings, hubby and daughter, cozying up with a favorite book, sipping a cup of masala chai (I’m a true chaivinist. No, I did not make it up, it’s a word for a teaholic or tea enthusiast), discovering new words and their meanings, buying books I don’t have space for (yes, I hoard books, and it’s called Tsundoku in Japanese, and this is where I fail on my quest for minimalism but hey, succeed at happiness), decorating and styling my home, crafting itineraries for bucket list places, catching a nap, listening to my favorite music, running, practicing yoga, and indulging in Abhyanga. Life’s little luxuries, you see!
Places that feel like home & moments I’ll never forget
Now, don’t get me wrong, I find every place I visit mesmerizing in its own right. But there’s something about Copenhagen, Vienna, and Istanbul. Those cities just make my heart sing, and my spirit feels at home. It’s like they whisper, “Hey, want to stay forever?” And my heart whispers back, “Oh, absolutely!”
As for my treasured travel memories, where do I even start? Meeting the tribals of Arunachal Pradesh felt like stepping into a different universe.
Then there’s the Kheerganga trek, a rite of passage for my mini-me into the world of hiking. Oh, and the hands-on pottery experience at the oldest studio pottery in India, Andretta Pottery? A crafty dream come true. Sleeping under the celestial blanket in the remote Thar Desert was nothing short of magical. Ah, let’s not forget one of the most sky-high adventures ever, soaring in a hot air balloon over the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia!
Lessons from the road that stayed with me
Through it all, if there’s one golden nugget of wisdom I’ve unearthed, it’s this: travel light. Carry as little baggage as possible, holds true for life as well as travel.
And trust me, globe-trotting has gifted me more life lessons than I could’ve ever imagined, but the most poignant one?
The art of gratitude. I’ve learned to find immense joy and thankfulness in the simple, everyday things, and that’s a lesson I’ll treasure forever.
the trivia twist
Fun facts about me01. Favorite travel destination of all time:
Vienna. Something about that city just feels like it gets me: art, history, calm, coffee… sigh.
02. Ultimate guilty pleasure:
- Movie marathons on long flights
- Splurging on room service desserts
- Taking way too many sunset photos
- Buying cheesy souvenir magnets (my fridge looks like it took a gap year)
03. First thing to do when you arrive at a new destination:
- Unpack my suitcase
- Find the best local coffee shop
- Take a quick nap
- Go out and explore immediately
04. The one thing you always forget to pack:
To pack less. Every time I promise, every time I fail.
05. Biggest pet peeve:
- Long security lines at the airport
- Overpacked itineraries with no downtime
- Loud tourists in quiet places
- Forgetting something important at home
06. How you usually spend your weekends:
Toggling between blogging and life-ing, usually in pyjamas, with a chai mug that somehow refills itself (read: Manish).
07. Best way to survive a long flight:
- Pretend to sleep like I trust the aircraft (I don’t)
- Jolt awake at every bump, pretend turbulence is normal, clutch the armrest as it owes me rent
- Strategically time bathroom breaks to stretch your legs
- All of the above (frequent flyer wisdom)
08. Most romantic trip you’ve ever been on:
A hot air balloon ride… until I realized I’m afraid of heights.
09. Most questionable souvenir to bring home:
- A snow globe that leaks in your luggage
- A keychain that says “Wish You Were Here.”
- A T-shirt that says “I ❤️ [Insert City]” in Comic Sans
- A jar of sand from a public beach
10. Most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done:
It was my anniversary. Someone wished me, and I, in all my wisdom, said ‘you too’, then silently questioned all my life choices for the next hour.
11. One place that didn’t live up to the hype:
Las Vegas. All dazzle, no depth. I kept waiting for the charm to kick in—but it felt more like a theme park for grown-ups than a place with a soul.
at the moment
Dreaming of:
Frosty Christmas days in Europe
On repeat:
lo-fi beats and chai breaks
Avoiding:
doomscrolling and unsolicited advice
Learning:
balance, with extra grace (and tea)
In my mug:
masala tea
Organizing:
posts half-written, ideas half-lost
Celebrating:
small daily wins
READING:
mountain in you by brianna wiest