Meet the Travel Expert: Embracing Travel Equity with Zayera Khan by Nikki Singletary

To decolonize travel is to reject extractive, one-sided tourism. It means actively listening to Indigenous, Black, queer, and local voices; questioning whose stories are amplified and whose are erased; and critically examining how colonial power structures continue to shape borders, heritage sites, and even the idea of the travel “bucket list.”

— Zayera Khan

I created Breakfast Included as a way to not only showcase my travel journey, but highlight that various different ways to travel and experience what this planet has to offer. We feature travel experts who venture off the beaten path and inspire you to venture into the (seemingly) unknown.

Not everyone can afford the opportunity to:

Take a gap year.
Study abroad.
Take a family vacation to Rome.
Cruise the Caribbean.
Take a sabbatical.

And not everyone wants to:

Wait until they're retired.
Volunteer on a church mission.
Wait for their friends/family/significant other to go with them.
Get on a plane at all.

But you still have options. A lot of options.

Read on to learn about Zayera Khan, the importance of travel equity, and what it means to "decolonize" travel.

[Travel equity] also means rethinking who travel is designed for—supporting those of us who don’t fit the mainstream mold: queer folks, solo women, older travelers, and others whose needs and experiences are too often overlooked. True travel equity means not just inclusion, but transformation—of how we move through the world, and how the world receives us.

— Zayera Khan

Tell us about yourself. What should we know about Zayera Khan?

Born in Pakistan and spending six formative years in Nigeria, I have lived in Sweden since the age of ten. For the past fifteen years, I have called Stockholm home—though at heart, I remain a traveller and a vagabond.

Professionally, I have over 20 years of experience in the IT sector, specializing in user experience design and the development of digital products and services. My focus has consistently been on human-centered transformation, inclusive design, and improving customer interactions across platforms.

Beyond my professional work, I have also been deeply engaged as an activist and volunteer in various organizations committed to political advocacy, social change, diversity, and inclusion.

How did your passion for travel begin?

My passion for travel began in childhood—sparked by curiosity and a desire to understand my surroundings and where I was in the world. As a child, I moved between Pakistan and Nigeria and had the chance to visit parts of Europe. But when my family settled in Sweden, I couldn’t travel for nearly 12 years. It was mostly due to financial constraints, but also the limitations that came with holding a Pakistani passport and living in Europe.

Everything changed when I started earning my own money through summer jobs—and most importantly, when I finally received my Swedish passport. That moment truly opened the world to me. At 22, I took my first solo trip abroad—to Turkey in 1992. I still remember the excitement of that journey: staying in budget hotels, joining excursions, and meeting new friends along the way. It was the beginning of a lifelong love for travel and discovery.

Since then, I’ve made travel a priority in my life. Whatever I earn during the year, I always set aside a separate budget just for travel and adventure. It's not just a hobby—it’s part of who I am. I’m someone driven by curiosity, with a deep desire to explore and understand the world.

What type of traveler are you?

My travel style has evolved over the decades. I used to plan everything meticulously—researching destinations, budgeting carefully, making reservations, and preparing for every detail in advance. These days, I travel more spontaneously, allowing room to adapt to both my needs and my mood. I focus more on being in a place rather than just ticking off sights.

I spend time talking to locals, visiting libraries and markets, as well as museums and landmarks—often combining these with long walks, as walking is my preferred way to explore new surroundings. I hike, take photographs, and film short videos to capture moments and impressions that spark my curiosity.

Over the years, I have joined many group tours around the world. Sometimes, when I want to take a break from planning and just enjoy being on the road, I opt for a guided tour. But I also enjoy solo travel—as a way to reconnect with myself and embrace the unfamiliar. I enjoy participating in volunteer-based travel, such as WWOOFing and various agricultural or wildlife projects. I suppose the kind of traveler I am depends on the context—opportunity, need, and budget all shape how I explore the world. At heart, though, I remain curious, open, and flexible.

How do you find or foster community during your travels?

‍When I travel, I make an effort to research queer and LGBTQ+ events, organizations, and any special happenings in the area I am visiting. I often reach out through platforms like Qouch or other queer communities to connect with local LGBTQ+ people.

These connections are meaningful—they offer insight, solidarity, and a sense of belonging. I also share my experiences and reflections on social media, both to document my journey and to amplify queer voices and spaces. For me, community means showing up, acknowledging others, and offering support whenever I can.

Tell us about your latest business venture.

My upcoming project, Zayera Travels (working title), is a travel platform and concept designed to promote cultural, queer-friendly, and sustainable tourism in Scandinavia. It caters to both solo LGBTQ+ travelers and groups, offering curated travel itineraries, personal guidance, and immersive content focused on destinations across Sweden, Norway, and the Nordic region.

The vision is to create meaningful travel experiences by collaborating with local partners—such as eco-lodges, LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and cultural initiatives—that allow travelers to connect deeply with the places they visit. I hope to launch Zayera Travels next year to offer LGBTQ+ people: a gateway to inclusive, responsible, and enriching travel travel experiences in the Nordics.

Do get in touch with me for partnerships and advice regarding your upcoming travel to the Nordics 🏳️🌈

What advice do you have for first-time LGBTQ+ travelers or solo lesbian travelers?

Do your research and connect with the community before you arrive—through apps, forums, or queer-led local businesses and organizations. Choose destinations that prioritize inclusivity and safety, but don’t be afraid to venture into remote or rural areas if you are prepared. Be clear about your own boundaries, but also remain mindful and respectful of the local context—let that show in how you dress, speak, and engage.

As a queer woman, your presence is visible no matter where you are. Own that presence. Be yourself, connect human to human, and let the rest unfold naturally. We have every right to take up space and exist—on our own terms.

What does "decolonize travel" mean to you?

To decolonize travel is to reject extractive, one-sided tourism. It means actively listening to Indigenous, Black, queer, and local voices; questioning whose stories are amplified and whose are erased; and critically examining how colonial power structures continue to shape borders, heritage sites, and even the idea of the travel “bucket list.”

For me, decolonizing travel means embracing relational travel—approaching places and people with respect, reciprocity, and a willingness to unlearn. It’s about showing up humbly, being present, and bearing witness to a culture or society as it exists now, not as a performance for visitors.

What does travel equity mean to you?

Travel equity means making sure that everyone—regardless of gender, race, disability, income, or nationality—has access to safe, meaningful, and dignified travel experiences. It’s about breaking down systemic barriers, from visa restrictions to the racism embedded in global mobility.

It also means rethinking who travel is designed for—supporting those of us who don’t fit the mainstream mold: queer folks, solo women, older travelers, and others whose needs and experiences are too often overlooked. True travel equity means not just inclusion, but transformation—of how we move through the world, and how the world receives us.

What's next for Zayera Khan?

‍Starting in spring 2025, I am studying Travel and Tourism in Sweden with the goal of becoming a travel consultant, and I expect to graduate at the end of 2026. This year combines academic learning with hands-on experience.

Currently, I am based in Voss, Norway, working as a seasonal tour guide. In the autumn, I will continue my journey with an internship where I will delve deeper into sustainable and volunteer-based travel—an area I am passionate about exploring further.