It’s been a long time coming, but I am finally taking another international trip.
Lately, I have gotten tons of questions from those who knew about my trip such as:
Why South Africa?
So in this blog post, I will lay out my various reasons:
According to a written blog posts by one of my favorite black travelers, South Africa one of the best places for a solo trip.
This trip is bucket list stuff! It is my goal to visit 30 countries by the time that I am 30, God willing.
There are so many firsts that I will be experiencing:
My first actual international solo trip. I won’t be completely alone because I will be with Nomadness Tribe members among other black, female travelers.
With me taking this trip, I will learn so much and change for the better. Become even more humble, even more patient, understanding and even more aware.
I wanted to go to a place that I have not been to before, but that still has beaches.
The beach is the best medicine for me even when I was a child.
Durban, South Africa | Photo Source Flickr | Zaakirah Nayyar
I will mainly be in Durban, South Africa, which is the safest of each city in my opinion as it is not in the International news that often. I have always wanted to attend the Essence Music Festival; I am killing two birds with one stone by attending the first annual in Durban all while visiting SA. It’s Miami meets New Orleans, according to people of color who have been. Even myself, I love and I have been to both places.
It will be my first time touching down on the Indian Ocean, something I’ve never even imagined doing. Everyone that I know goes to SA before going to the real Africa. As a bonus, it is modernized, so I am looking forward to connecting to decent WiFi.
As a result of visiting 3 African countries by now, I have a general idea of what to expect, but I still intend to allow myself to immerse in the experience entirely, I do not have too many expectations, but I do have a general understanding of the history and culture.
Despite being a married, American Muslim who is also hearing and visually impaired, who isn’t typically supposed to travel alone, I’m fearless but cautious. I travel with faith. No matter what happens, it is entirely in God’s control and is intended to occur, to develop me into the person I need to be.
Cape Town Roads | Photo Source Flickr | Zaakirah Nayyar
If this trip were not meant to be, I wouldn’t have found the flight deal for less than $500 nor would I have connected with the ladies who have been who have been advising me in these travel groups of the safest place to be. Nor would I have been put with the people closest to me along this journey.
I had a dream years ago that I would be in South Africa having a photography workshop or school with children or something of the likes. I’ve also dreamed of living outside of the United States and in an African country. Based off my research, and based off of my work and medical needs and my husband’s work and living goals, and even when it comes time to raising children, I think South Africa is that place. I am glad the opportunity has come to see for myself first.
I’ve watched so many movies that were based in South Africa, so I was fascinated with the beauty of it, with the history of it; I cannot wait to see it for myself, educate myself and speak to the locals myself!
It is perfect timing that I am taking this trip now, before married life or even work life gets even busier and hectic. 2017 is the year of three. Three years that I have been married. According to our history, 3 is our number. I do not plan on traveling for fun for a long time. This is actually my first fun trip in two years! All my other trips are incorporated with something else; photo or video work, looking out for or taking care of my parents, visiting family, and even taking care of myself at a doctor appointment. This is also going to be a networking opportunity for me at the Essence Music Festival; in this world, it is about who you know, not just what you know.
Life is short for me as I am a cancer survivor. Unlike most, death is at the forefront of my thoughts. So I need this trip away.
Johannesburg, South Africa | Photo Source Flickr | Zaakirah Nayyar
As a bonus, this trip is a two in one.
I will be flying over to Germany to spend 7 days with my sister-in-law.
This is the part that will help me to become a better wife by spending more time with my in law that will allow me to get to know my husband better in ways that he may not understand or be able to communicate/express by me interacting with his closest family member.
I am grateful to have a phone connection so I can still keep in touch daily with family and friends, aside from using wifi everywhere possible.
Thanks, T-mobile!
I won’t be spending more than $1000 all together on flights, food, insurance, accommodations, and transportation. How is that possible?! That is is a whole another blog post! I may not become financially richer when I return from this trip, but my health level will be up, I will be refreshed and recharged. I will be able to focus on being a better wife and businesswoman.
Here’s to checking off the milestone of visiting 10 countries and continuing to be an inspiration to others and myself during my 3-week journey!
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Why I Chose to Visit South Africa | Zaakirah Nayyar