Hi there, Namaste – so lovely to have you here! 🙂
Ever dreamed of doing nothing but travelling the world? Us too! We’re Ben and Poorva, and in between those limited annual leave days and budget restrictions, we do our best to explore as much of the world as we can!
This page is all about experiencing the true beauty of our incredible planet, without having to quit our 9-to-5s. 😉 Between us, we’ve been lucky enough to visit 22 countries (so far!), and we have no intention of stopping anytime soon. We certainly have our favourite destinations and dishes, but the excitement of travelling to somewhere completely new is what keeps us going.
We travel not just because it’s breathtaking, but because it’s our way of learning about the world – seeing it through the eyes of its people, feeling it through their experiences. It’s easy to get caught up in our little worlds, but travelling reminds us that we share this planet with billions of others, each with their own stories, traditions, and ways of life.
As a British-Indian couple from completely different backgrounds, we’ve learnt so much from each other. Adapting to new ways of thinking, embracing unfamiliar cultures, and finding the beauty in our differences – it’s been absolutely incredible. Take food, for example: Ben swears by mattar paneer, while I’ll never say no to my scones! 🍰☕
Welcome to Beyond Both Shores! 🌍
This is the little corner of the internet we created to share our adventures with you. As we explore the world (sadly, not in 80 days 😆), you’ll find us writing about India’s majestic Bengal tigers, Portugal’s hidden gems, Brazil’s electrifying Carnival, Spain’s tapas & flamenco… and so much more!
We’re here to show you how to travel smart – without quitting your job. Expect itineraries, food guides, hidden gems, smart travel tips, and cultural deep dives – from Japan’s delicate cherry blossoms to Bolivia’s otherworldly salt flats. Whether it’s city breaks, historical explorations, or simply enjoying a pint in a new country, we’re all about immersing ourselves in different cultures and helping you do the same.
We share a giant world map covered in four types of pins:
📍 Countries I’ve visited alone
📍 Countries Ben has visited alone
📍 Countries we’ve explored together
📍 Countries we’ve both been to – but not together (yet!)
Every time we look at it, we’re reminded of and humbled by just how vast this world is – and how much more there is to see. So, come along for the ride, get inspired, and let’s explore together! 🚀
Who is Poorva?
Glad you asked! I’m from India, but I bought myself a one-way ticket to the UK to start a whole new life. I knew it would be different, interesting, and hopefully amazing – but what I didn’t realise was just how much I’d love learning from the cultural differences, diverse ways of living, and unique mindsets I’ve encountered over the past five years here.
One of the biggest gifts of moving to the UK? Meeting and working with people from all over the world—Venezuela, Trinidad, Brazil, Peru, France, Barbados, Germany, Spain, Vietnam, Britain, India (the last two – of course!), you name it. Each interaction fuels my curiosity to learn, explore, and experience cultures beyond my own.
How It All Started
My first international trip was in the early 2000s with my family to Singapore and Malaysia. I was in awe of everything different from India, and that trip sparked my love for exploring new places. Then came a Europe city tour, also with my family – London, Paris, and Zurich—three completely different worlds, each leaving me with unforgettable memories. That’s when I decided: One day, I’m gonna live in one of these cities. Didn’t know when, didn’t know how – but here we are today, and London is now home. It’s my cosy escape, my mix of wild adventure and calm retreat, shaping me into who I am today. I love it!
That One Solo Trip That Changed Everything
During my time at university, I took a solo trip to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, while volunteering with AIESEC. I barely did any research before going (on purpose – crazy, I know!). I wanted this trip to surprise me, and wow, did it deliver! The food, the parties, the Mexican culture – it was absolutely incredible! The family I stayed with was warm and welcoming, but what I didn’t expect (rookie mistake of not researching!) was that everyone spoke only Spanish. No Hindi. No English. Just Spanish. I should have paid more attention to my language lessons – lesson learned!
That trip confirmed something I already felt deep down—I am made to travel. And I know I’ll get there, slowly but surely. 😊
The Indian Passport Struggle is Real!
If you have an Indian passport, you already know—visas, visas, visas! For those who don’t? Guys, embrace your privilege because you are lucky! 😂 But for my fellow travellers in the same boat, I’ve got you covered—check out my visa tips and tricks here to make the process a little easier. I may travel slowly, but I travel. 💙
When I’m Not Travelling…
You’ll find me:
🎨 Painting—I love getting creative with colours.
🍜 Exploring cuisines—London’s food scene is insane (yes, I take too many food photos).
📸 Obsessed with food photography—Capturing the world of food through my lens.
🎭 Chilling with friends—because life is best when shared!
💼 Hustling in sales—bringing in deals by day, dreaming of my next trip by night.
What’s Next?
One thing on my bucket list? Skydiving. As for my future travel plans? The list is endless. So stick around and explore with me and Ben as we discover the world, one destination at a time. 🌍✈️
Who is Ben?
Hi! So my story is certainly not as exciting as Poorva’s but here we go…
Originally from a nice little city called Worcester (yes – like the sauce) near Birmingham in the UK, I left at 18 to go to University and never moved back. After Spending 4 of the best years of my life at uni in the beautiful city of Bath (go if you haven’t already), I moved to London where I met Poorva.
Living in the big city is very different to Worcester, there’s so much to do, see, try, and eat but it’s also less personal and can be lonely at times. It’s a significant change moving to such a place when all your family and most of your friends still have the life you expected you’d have back home. But I wouldn’t change it for anything, I’ve learned to love London, discover its hidden gems and live the life here I want, it’s the best city in the world.
How It All Started
Like a lot of kids in the UK, my first experience of being abroad was family beach and resort holidays to Spain and Portugal. I’m so grateful that I was lucky enough to have parents who could take me on these. Although I loved these as a child, when I reached 15/16, I’d find myself becoming bored, wanting to explore and seeking something new.
My first non-parent trip (except my lads’ holiday to Malia – Oh Ah Malia 🎶) was to Seville. I still think it’s my favourite city! I loved being able to plan an itinerary, go to the best tourist spots and choose where and what to eat. I got the bug for city breaks in Europe and over the next few years went on several, but never got the chance to go beyond Europe until…
My First Time ‘Travelling’
Not long after I met Poorva, she invited me to go to Brazil to meet her friend Mandi and go to Rio Carnival. This felt so exciting, but also a little alien as someone in their little European bubble. I was filled with doubts and questions: Is it safe? Is it worth the money and time? even: What’s it like flying long-haul?
I needn’t have worried, it was the best experience of my life to that point! It wasn’t just exploring a new, more unfamiliar culture and cuisine, nor meeting such amazing people, it was also the excitement and adventure of being outside of my comfort zone, even just a little. The cramped overnight buses, scary (for me) driving and the challenge of navigating a country where I barely spoke the language all added to the thrill.
That trip taught me that the most rewarding travel experiences often come with a little uncertainty and that stepping into the unknown is what can make the journey truly unforgettable.
When I’m Not Travelling…
You’ll find me:
⚽ Watching football (probably at the pub) – I’m a big Liverpool fan.
📺 Catching up on British crime drama shows – far better than American TV (not sorry!).
📰 Reading about politics – It’s so important even when it’s scary.
🧑💻 Coding – Well it is my job.
✈️ Planning our next trip – It won’t be more than a few months away.
What’s Next?
I would love to take more of my family and friends away with us. I got the chance to take my Dad and his partner to India and it was incredible to share the experience. I’d love to travel with my Mum and younger brother and sister too. Hopefully, you’ll see them in some photos of our travels in future blog posts. 🌍✈️