Hey there! I’m the first part of Zahra Travels, Zahra. I’m a Pakistani-Canadian writer based in Toronto but currently interning at the London, UK bureau of CBC News.

Not too long ago, I hated the idea of travel. When my family and I immigrated to Canada, I blamed travel for not being able to fit into Western culture.

But my parents wanted my sisters and me to have the privilege of travel they didn’t as young people. So with all her savings, mama financed her girls’ first solo trip to the Middle East when I was 16. After that, my passport constantly sought ways to get thicker.

My trips are a result of media projects, working abroad, and visiting friends and family around the world. I created Zahra Travels to document and critique mainstream travel culture and encourage more people to practice mindful travel

Mindful Travel

Travelling is fun and great but we often forget to get past the luxuries of resorts and the privileges of western passports. As a Canadian citizen, my experience is different from someone who’s passport limits opportunities. Being a woman and that of colour also flips the tables. Zahra Travels has become a place where I feel comfortable challenging the Instagram vacation shots and sharing experiences about meaningful travel.

Besides that, I enjoy fondling Spanish on Duolinguo, practicing salsa moves in the shower, and talking to strangers on the subway.

My travels have so far included:

North America

• Canada
• USA

South America/Carribean

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Paraguay
• Honduras
• Cuba

Europe

• Netherlands
• England
• France
• Spain

Asia

• Pakistan
• Iraq
• India
• UAE
• Palestine
• Turkey

Africa

• Egypt
• Tunisia

Check out my Instagram and keep up with where in the world I am now!

© All photos and content belong to Zahra Travels unless stated otherwise.