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Category: Travel

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara – Of Royals and Royalty
GujaratTravel

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara – Of Royals and Royalty

WannabemavenMarch 19, 2014

The last time I visited a royal palace was the Buckingham palace in London in the summer of 2010. Cut…

Sewri Fort and Sion Fort in Mumbai – Sorry State of Affairs
Mumbai Travel GuideOffbeat MumbaiTravel

Sewri Fort and Sion Fort in Mumbai – Sorry State of Affairs

WannabemavenMarch 13, 2014

As a 9 to 5 corporate slave, the only free time I get to explore new places is on weekends.…

Passive Observations in Gujarat
GujaratTravel

Passive Observations in Gujarat

WannabemavenFebruary 25, 2014

I have been a happy traveler since my road trip in Gujarat. Not only did I see some interesting off-beat…

Maharashtra Nature Park – From Dumping Ground to a Nature Pleasing Space
Mumbai Travel GuideOffbeat MumbaiTravel

Maharashtra Nature Park – From Dumping Ground to a Nature Pleasing Space

WannabemavenFebruary 17, 2014

It doesn’t take an expert to know that Mumbai is synonymous with congestion, noise and pollution. And yet in all…

Bird Watching at Sewri Jetty – Flamingos in Mumbai
Mumbai Travel GuideOffbeat MumbaiTravel

Bird Watching at Sewri Jetty – Flamingos in Mumbai

WannabemavenFebruary 9, 2014

Nature lovers and those complaining about Mumbai’s congestion have something to rejoice! Sewri – a neighbourhood towards South Mumbai, has…

Sahara Cricket Gaurav Point – Cricket Museum for a Cricket Crazy Nation
Mumbai Travel GuideMuseums in MumbaiOffbeat MumbaiTravel

Sahara Cricket Gaurav Point – Cricket Museum for a Cricket Crazy Nation

WannabemavenJanuary 28, 2014

UPDATE: THIS MUSEUM IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED Brihanmumbai Muncipal Corporation gives cricket enthusiasts a reason to smile. BMC along with Sahara…

How To Tackle Travel Sickness – My Inexpensive Tricks
Travel

How To Tackle Travel Sickness – My Inexpensive Tricks

WannabemavenJanuary 21, 2014

I come across a lot of people who suffer from Motion Sickness aka Travel sickness. Traveling by bus in particular,…

Ancestral Goa museum and Big Foot– Victim of its own concept
GoaTravel

Ancestral Goa museum and Big Foot– Victim of its own concept

WannabemavenJanuary 15, 2014

If you are bored of visiting Goa’s infinite beaches or if you are the type of person who enjoys visiting…

Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves – Among Asia’s most visited parks
Mumbai Travel GuideTravel

Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves – Among Asia’s most visited parks

WannabemavenJanuary 11, 2014

[Last updated: 27 April 2017] Sanjay Gandhi National Park or Borivali National Park is among the most visited parks in…

Vallarpadam Church, Kochi is home to an Interesting Folklore
KeralaTravel

Vallarpadam Church, Kochi is home to an Interesting Folklore

WannabemavenDecember 20, 2013

I was in Kochi on an official trip when I had a day spare until I headed back home. Thankfully, my…

A Visit to the Circus – For Nostalgia’s Sake
Travel

A Visit to the Circus – For Nostalgia’s Sake

WannabemavenDecember 12, 2013

More than a decade back, Circuses used to be the talk of the town. Amar Circus, The Great Indian Circus,…

Pushkar – My Experience with Priestly Thieves
RajasthanTravel

Pushkar – My Experience with Priestly Thieves

WannabemavenDecember 10, 2013

Every city in Rajasthan has a tale to tell of its own, whether it is the blue houses of Jodhpur,…

2 Nights 3 Cities in Rajasthan: The Jaipur-Ajmer-Pushkar Leg
RajasthanTravelTravel itinerary

2 Nights 3 Cities in Rajasthan: The Jaipur-Ajmer-Pushkar Leg

WannabemavenDecember 5, 2013

Have a weekend coming up or looking for a small holiday with friends or by yourself. Here is one of…

Byculla Zoo – Visit before Vanish
Mumbai Travel GuideTravel

Byculla Zoo – Visit before Vanish

WannabemavenNovember 29, 2013

For every child, a visit to the zoo is always a fascinating experience. If you were born in the 80’s…

Nehru Planetarium – Mumbai Sightseeing
Mumbai Travel GuideMuseums in MumbaiTravel

Nehru Planetarium – Mumbai Sightseeing

WannabemavenNovember 27, 2013

Nehru Centre in Worli (Mumbai) is dedicated to Science, Space and Astronomy. Named after India’s first Prime Minister – Pandit…

Global Vipassana Pagoda – Meditation for Mumbai
Mumbai Travel GuideOffbeat MumbaiTravel

Global Vipassana Pagoda – Meditation for Mumbai

WannabemavenNovember 25, 2013

Global Vipassana Pagoda is an angelic structure constructed as a dedication to Buddha, his teachings and the monks who practice…

Vardhman Fantasy Presents "The Wonders of the World"
Mumbai Travel GuideTravel

Vardhman Fantasy Presents "The Wonders of the World"

WannabemavenNovember 24, 2013

Located in Mira Road (East) – Mumbai, Vardhman Fantasy is a theme park mainly targeted at kids and youth. It…

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Travel Itineraries

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Hi. I’m Edwina. I founded Wannabemaven to share immersive travel stories and guides to make it easy you to travel. I hope you're enjoying my free travel guides. If so, would you consider supporting my work.



@wannabemaven
Edwina Dsouza

@wannabemaven

24/28 states 🇮🇳 19 Countries 🌍 Collecting stories from places you've not heard of. Sometimes I write about them.
  • La Mercè is one of the best reasons to visit Barcelona in September. 🇪🇸

It's the city's biggest annual festival, celebrated since 1871 in honour of the Virgin of Grace. There's music, fireworks, street performances, traditional celebrations and the spectacular Giants Parade.

We planned our trip around La Mercè and were lucky enough to catch the opening celebrations in the Gothic Quarter. It was such a fun way to experience Barcelona beyond Gaudí's monuments and see the city’s traditions come alive.

If you’re planning Spain in September, save this one. La Mercè 2026 runs from 24–27 September.

(Things to do in Barcelona, Barcelona in September, La Mercè Festival, Spain in September)
  • La Mercè is one of the best reasons to visit Barcelona in September. 🇪🇸

Celebrated since 1871 in honour of the Virgin of Grace, Barcelona’s patron saint, the city’s biggest annual festival takes over with music, fireworks, street performances, traditional celebrations and the spectacular Giants Parade.

We planned our trip around La Mercè and were lucky enough to catch the opening celebrations in the Gothic Quarter. It was such a fun way to experience Barcelona beyond the Gaudí monuments and see the city’s traditions come alive.

If you’re planning Spain in September, save this one. La Mercè 2026 runs from 23–27 September.

(Things to do in Barcelona, Barcelona in September, La Mercè Festival, Spain in September)
  • Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
  • You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
  • Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
  • Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
  • Bye bye zee 5 it was NOT nice knowing you. Hope you're in better shape for the next World Cup!
  • Malsej Ghat gets all the attention, but 150 km from Mumbai lies another monsoon escape that's just as rewarding.

Welcome to Dabhosa Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls near Mumbai and an easy monsoon road trip through the lush Maharashtra countryside. The drive itself is half the experience, with winding roads, emerald green fields, forested hills and villages that come alive during the rains.

If you're looking for a weekend getaway from Mumbai or the perfect monsoon drive in Maharashtra, this is one to add to your list.

Would you take this road trip?

#DabhosaWaterfalls #WaterfallsNearMumbai #MonsoonRoadTrip #MaharashtraCountryside #WeekendGetaway RoadTripIndia ExploreMaharashtra MonsoonInMaharashtra NatureLovers IncredibleIndia
  • This is Khao nom krok, one of the most popular street snacks in Laos 🇱🇦 in Southeast Asia. The moment I saw it, I couldn't help but think of paniyaram.

Both are cooked in the same kind of mould, both have that perfectly round shape with a crisp outside and soft centre, and both are best eaten hot off the pan.

But that's where the similarities end. Paniyaram is usually made with fermented rice🌾 and lentil batter and is mostly savoury. Khao nom krok is made with rice flour and coconut milk🥥, so it's creamy, slightly sweet, and almost custard-like inside.

Travel has a funny way of making the unfamiliar feel familiar.
View on Instagram
La Mercè is one of the best reasons to visit Barcelona in September. 🇪🇸

It's the city's biggest annual festival, celebrated since 1871 in honour of the Virgin of Grace. There's music, fireworks, street performances, traditional celebrations and the spectacular Giants Parade.

We planned our trip around La Mercè and were lucky enough to catch the opening celebrations in the Gothic Quarter. It was such a fun way to experience Barcelona beyond Gaudí's monuments and see the city’s traditions come alive.

If you’re planning Spain in September, save this one. La Mercè 2026 runs from 24–27 September.

(Things to do in Barcelona, Barcelona in September, La Mercè Festival, Spain in September)
View Reel on Instagram
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
La Mercè is one of the best reasons to visit Barcelona in September. 🇪🇸 It's the city's biggest annual festival, celebrated since 1871 in honour of the Virgin of Grace. There's music, fireworks, street performances, traditional celebrations and the spectacular Giants Parade. We planned our trip around La Mercè and were lucky enough to catch the opening celebrations in the Gothic Quarter. It was such a fun way to experience Barcelona beyond Gaudí's monuments and see the city’s traditions come alive. If you’re planning Spain in September, save this one. La Mercè 2026 runs from 24–27 September. (Things to do in Barcelona, Barcelona in September, La Mercè Festival, Spain in September)
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
La Mercè is one of the best reasons to visit Barcelona in September. 🇪🇸

Celebrated since 1871 in honour of the Virgin of Grace, Barcelona’s patron saint, the city’s biggest annual festival takes over with music, fireworks, street performances, traditional celebrations and the spectacular Giants Parade.

We planned our trip around La Mercè and were lucky enough to catch the opening celebrations in the Gothic Quarter. It was such a fun way to experience Barcelona beyond the Gaudí monuments and see the city’s traditions come alive.

If you’re planning Spain in September, save this one. La Mercè 2026 runs from 23–27 September.

(Things to do in Barcelona, Barcelona in September, La Mercè Festival, Spain in September)
View Reel on Instagram
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
La Mercè is one of the best reasons to visit Barcelona in September. 🇪🇸 Celebrated since 1871 in honour of the Virgin of Grace, Barcelona’s patron saint, the city’s biggest annual festival takes over with music, fireworks, street performances, traditional celebrations and the spectacular Giants Parade. We planned our trip around La Mercè and were lucky enough to catch the opening celebrations in the Gothic Quarter. It was such a fun way to experience Barcelona beyond the Gaudí monuments and see the city’s traditions come alive. If you’re planning Spain in September, save this one. La Mercè 2026 runs from 23–27 September. (Things to do in Barcelona, Barcelona in September, La Mercè Festival, Spain in September)
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.”

Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes.

What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
Ahead of Tony’s release, here’s a travel moment that intersected with Anthony Bourdain. Bait Al Luban, the restaurant he visited in Muscat on his iconic show *Parts Unknown*, Season 9, Episode 8, “Oman.” Had to make a stop here to try some of the country’s most beloved dishes. What’s your Oman food recommendation🇴🇲🍲?
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
You voted for Part 2, here it is :)

Should I make this a series?
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
You voted for Part 2, here it is :) Should I make this a series?
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went.

Should I do a Part 2?
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
Not everything Mumbai Foodie told me to check out was a hit. Here's a roundup of some of the places they recommended and how it went. Should I do a Part 2?
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? 

(Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
Mid-year performance review of all the shady bars in Mumbai I visited this year. 6 months still left, where should I visit next? (Mumbai, Mumbai Bars, Mumbai local experiences, things to do in Mumbai)
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Bye bye zee 5 it was NOT nice knowing you. Hope you're in better shape for the next World Cup!
View Reel on Instagram
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
Bye bye zee 5 it was NOT nice knowing you. Hope you're in better shape for the next World Cup!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Malsej Ghat gets all the attention, but 150 km from Mumbai lies another monsoon escape that's just as rewarding.

Welcome to Dabhosa Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls near Mumbai and an easy monsoon road trip through the lush Maharashtra countryside. The drive itself is half the experience, with winding roads, emerald green fields, forested hills and villages that come alive during the rains.

If you're looking for a weekend getaway from Mumbai or the perfect monsoon drive in Maharashtra, this is one to add to your list.

Would you take this road trip?

#DabhosaWaterfalls #WaterfallsNearMumbai #MonsoonRoadTrip #MaharashtraCountryside #WeekendGetaway RoadTripIndia ExploreMaharashtra MonsoonInMaharashtra NatureLovers IncredibleIndia
View Reel on Instagram
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
Malsej Ghat gets all the attention, but 150 km from Mumbai lies another monsoon escape that's just as rewarding. Welcome to Dabhosa Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls near Mumbai and an easy monsoon road trip through the lush Maharashtra countryside. The drive itself is half the experience, with winding roads, emerald green fields, forested hills and villages that come alive during the rains. If you're looking for a weekend getaway from Mumbai or the perfect monsoon drive in Maharashtra, this is one to add to your list. Would you take this road trip? #DabhosaWaterfalls #WaterfallsNearMumbai #MonsoonRoadTrip #MaharashtraCountryside #WeekendGetaway RoadTripIndia ExploreMaharashtra MonsoonInMaharashtra NatureLovers IncredibleIndia
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
This is Khao nom krok, one of the most popular street snacks in Laos 🇱🇦 in Southeast Asia. The moment I saw it, I couldn't help but think of paniyaram.

Both are cooked in the same kind of mould, both have that perfectly round shape with a crisp outside and soft centre, and both are best eaten hot off the pan.

But that's where the similarities end. Paniyaram is usually made with fermented rice🌾 and lentil batter and is mostly savoury. Khao nom krok is made with rice flour and coconut milk🥥, so it's creamy, slightly sweet, and almost custard-like inside.

Travel has a funny way of making the unfamiliar feel familiar.
View Reel on Instagram
@wannabemaven
@wannabemaven
•
Follow
This is Khao nom krok, one of the most popular street snacks in Laos 🇱🇦 in Southeast Asia. The moment I saw it, I couldn't help but think of paniyaram. Both are cooked in the same kind of mould, both have that perfectly round shape with a crisp outside and soft centre, and both are best eaten hot off the pan. But that's where the similarities end. Paniyaram is usually made with fermented rice🌾 and lentil batter and is mostly savoury. Khao nom krok is made with rice flour and coconut milk🥥, so it's creamy, slightly sweet, and almost custard-like inside. Travel has a funny way of making the unfamiliar feel familiar.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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