Hira and Sibu, the two global citizens behind The Hybrid Tours
Hira Aftab
Hira is a third culture kid in every sense of the word. She is British Pakistani and grew up in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia (with occasional stays in Pakistan)!
Growing up with people from around the world, sparked her interest in travel, culture, language, history, decolonisation and human rights.
She works as a communications expert in the humanitarian and international development sectors and has worked for organisations like the UN and the British Red Cross.
She is also the Founder of Our World Too, an organisation dedicated to rehumanising the narrative surrounding refugees and displaced communities around the world. This is the permanent partner organisation of The Hybrid Tours.
Hira loves trying out local cuisines and is known for her ability to find amazing Halal food wherever she finds herself!
Beyond travelling and work, Hira holds 2 Masters degrees in International Relations and Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development.
First move abroad: at 4 years old
Flags she identifies with: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UK
Cities called home: Lahore, Riyadh, Madinah, Nottingham, London, Aylesbury
Languages spoken: English, Urdu, Arabic (it’s getting there!), Bosnian (a work in progress), Korean (K-dramas are truly the best teacher)
Most memorable trips: Palestine, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Syria (2006)
Favourite cities: Al-Quds, Sarajevo, Seoul, Tokyo, Damascus, Aleppo, Istanbul
Sibu Szymanowska
Sibu is a global citizen that was brought up in a very multicultural environment. She is Costa Rican/Polish/American and even has Chinese siblings!
Her love for travel started at a young age due to her upbringing. Obsessing over encyclopaedias as a child eventually translated to her traveling and living around the world since 2005 – immersing herself in new cultures and seizing global opportunities.
She now travels full-time and freelances as a marketing analyst, travel consultant and occasionally is hired to handle logistics in off-the-beaten path destinations due to her expertise in the field.
Besides eating, you’ll always find Sibu in random events around the world, whether that’s a flash mob or an underground stand-up comedy club.
Sibu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from China – where she started her first company; and a Master’s degree in Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development from the UK, where she met Hira.
First move abroad: as a 6-month-old baby
Flags she identifies with: Costa Rica, Poland, USA
Cities called home: San José, San Diego, Tijuana, Chicago, Guangzhou, Wrocław, Krakow, London, Rio Blanco, Berlin, San Francisco
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish and German. The last 3 with different levels of fluency. The next goal is fluent Arabic in the next 5 years.
Most memorable trips: Jordan, overlanding Africa by bus, Mongolia
Favorite cities: Hong Kong, Berlin, Beirut, Cape Town, Wrocław
You can read more about how Sibu and Hira started their entrepreneurial journey together here.
Our Mission
At The Hybrid Tours, our mission is to redefine travel by creating immersive and socially impactful experiences that connect travelers with local communities and cultures. We strive to foster meaningful connections, promote responsible tourism practices, and leave a positive impact on the destinations we visit.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leading force in the travel industry, setting the standard for ethical and sustainable tourism. We envision a world where travel transcends beyond sightseeing, where every journey is an opportunity for cultural exchange, personal growth, and positive change. Through our innovative approach, we support refugees and displaced communities while engaging ethically with them and learning about history from people who have actually lived it.
Our Values
- Authenticity: allowing travelers to engage with local cultures, traditions, and people genuinely.
- Responsibility: engaging in practices that minimize environmental impact, respect local communities, and contribute to sustainable development.
- Inclusivity: creating a space where travelers from all backgrounds feel welcome and respected.
- Empowerment: supporting small businesses, preserving cultural heritage, and creating economic opportunities through tourism.
- Connection: among travelers, locals, and the places we visit - as a catalyst for understanding, empathy, and positive change.
- Quality: from meticulously crafted itineraries to treating you like a friend we care for, right from the start.
