Step 1: Let the madness kick in and you decide to take yet another solo trip of your lif
Step 2: Spend hours looking for accessible accommodation, shortlist a few according to your budget, needs and mood. I got Astoria Design Hotel which was costly but worth it because it had a lift. I have started to call these extra expenses as, Disability Tax because I always have to pay them because of the disability.
Step 3: Start with the emails. Email all the accommodation, your airline and let them know your needs. Ask for names so when you arrive you ask for the exact person to help you. Let them know your entire plan and get them on WhatsApp.
Step 4: Share details about your diet, disability needs, wheelchair with the Airline and the Hotel. Become BEST friends with them. They will be your team. I had to be carried off the Aircraft in Opajita but they got my wheelchair at the door because I asked for it and repeated it several times. No compromise on human rights!
Step 5: Do partial planning and gather information once you arrive because many local activities are more cheaper and fun and people guide you on what is available.
Step 6: If you are able bodied, you can take the bus and it is cheaper but for someone on wheels like me, I had to take the taxi and it was five times more costly but I had no option because some buses are not accessible.
Step 7: Opatija, Croatia is beautiful, I chose to wander on the streets outside my hotel, spoke to locals about their lives and government. I bought two books and read them while I had local snacks. Also took a day trip to Rijeka city centre which was also beautiful!
Never be shy to ask strangers to take your pictures. I have made so many friends this way and they are always shocked to know that I am an Independent Pakistani Hijabi Girl on wheels who loves to travel. I let the shock settle in. Its time we bring more love to Pakistan as we move around.
Currency that works: Croatian Kuna
Food: Mostly bland, carry your chilly flakes
Keep traveling. Keep safe
Reach out @iamtanzilakhan for more details
Where There is a Wheel There is a Way – Trailer out now
A simple comment made on one of our posts made us realize the magnitude
The Muse Ft Cristina de la Concha
One of the days during an art retreat in Spain. I was surrounded by
Can brands dare to put disability next to swag? ft. Pepsi Pakistan
Inclusion, Disability, Equity, and Integration are all buzzwords that the Titans (I mean brands)