Traveling has always been an exhilarating experience for many, but for Maliha Fairooz, it is a passion that knows no bounds. From her first memory of traveling as a child to her current goal of visiting every country in the world, Fairooz has embarked on a remarkable journey. However, what sets her apart from others is the fact that she travels with a Bangladeshi passport, ranked as the eighth worst passport globally. In this article, we will explore the challenges she faces as a Bangladeshi traveler and how she overcomes them to embrace adventure.
The Limitations of a Bangladeshi Passport
The Bangladeshi passport grants its holders access to only 40 countries without the need for a visa. Comparatively, citizens of Singapore, holding the top-ranked passport, can enter a staggering 193 countries visa-free. This significant disparity creates numerous hurdles for Fairooz and other Bangladeshi travelers. Traveling becomes a complex process, demanding meticulous planning and navigating through endless bureaucratic red tape. Obtaining visas often requires official letters of invitation and travel packages, adding to the time and financial burden.
As a Bangladeshi traveler, Fairooz confronts stereotypes and prejudices on her journey. Unfortunately, countries with stronger passports tend to be wealthier, leading to the assumption that those travelers are explorers and adventurers. For Fairooz, this mindset contributes to the misconception that Bangladeshis are illegal immigrants. These prejudices intensify the challenges faced by solo female travelers and create an environment where they are seen as mere statistics instead of individuals with unique stories and aspirations.
Fairooz recounts one of her most harrowing experiences while traveling – being detained in an airport in Cape Verde, Africa. Despite possessing all the necessary visas and paperwork, officials denied her entry solely based on her Bangladeshi passport. The authorities even threatened to deport her to Senegal, a country she had already left and lacked a visa to return to. This ordeal lasted a grueling 17 hours, during which she felt trapped and vulnerable. Thankfully, her mother’s contact with the U.N. office in Cape Verde ultimately facilitated her release. However, the traumatic experience left a lasting impact, instilling fear and anxiety whenever Fairooz is at an airport.
Although Fairooz has faced adversity while traveling, she remains resolute in her pursuit of exploring the world. Despite the negative experiences, she firmly believes that the beauty, kindness, and generosity she has encountered far outweigh the challenges. For Fairooz, travel serves as a means to make things happen in life when everything else seems stagnant. It allows her to disconnect from the world and immerse herself in different cultures, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.
While some prioritize saving money for material possessions like houses or cars, Fairooz’s focus is entirely on travel. As an expatriate, she earns a better income than she would in her home country, enabling her to dedicate almost all her earnings to exploring the world. For her, the joy and fulfillment derived from travel far surpasses any materialistic pursuits. It is a conscious choice to pursue experiences over belongings and to invest in personal growth through the exploration of new places and perspectives.
Advice for Aspiring Travelers
Fairooz’s journey serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to travel the world. She offers valuable advice to those looking to embark on their own adventures. Her suggestion is to start small and gradually build up the courage to explore further. Traveling within one’s own country or nearby destinations allows individuals to develop a sense of confidence and familiarity with the process. Additionally, surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who share the same goals and beliefs can provide the motivation and encouragement needed to overcome obstacles.
Maliha Fairooz’s remarkable journey as a Bangladeshi traveler defies the limitations imposed by her passport and challenges prevailing stereotypes. Though her experiences have occasionally been marred by prejudice and adversity, Fairooz remains resilient and continues to find fulfillment in her travels. Through her determination and unwavering spirit, she reminds us that the world is vast, diverse, and waiting to be explored, regardless of the passport we hold. Fairooz’s story is a testament to the power of embracing challenges and seeking out the beauty and generosity that the world has to offer.