zahra khozema

Hey there! I’m the first part of Zahra Travels, Zahra. I’ve had the privilege to live/work in five continents. Currently, I call Toronto home.

It’s hard to believe now, but not too long ago, I hated the idea of travel. When we moved to Canada from Pakistan, I blamed travel for separating me from my family. I understand now that my parents just wanted my sisters and me to have the mobility they didn’t get to experience as young people. So, when I was 16, mum spent most of her savings to finance her daughters’ first solo trip to Egypt. After that, my passport constantly sought ways to get thicker.

My travels 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 all 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 whose passport limits opportunities. Being a woman — and one of colour — also often flips the scripts. Zahra Travels has become a place where I feel comfortable challenging Instagram vacation shots and sharing experiences about meaningful travel.

Besides that, I’m a freelance journalist who enjoys fondling Spanish on Duolingo, practising salsa moves in the shower and talking to strangers on the subway.

My travels have so far included cities across: