Traveling has always been a passion of mine, a way to explore new places, immerse myself in different cultures, and, of course, savor the diverse cuisines of the world. As a Muslim woman, my travel experiences come with unique challenges and considerations, particularly when it comes to finding halal food and ensuring that my travels align with my faith.
But these challenges have never deterred me; instead, they’ve deepened my appreciation for the beauty of traveling while staying true to my beliefs.
The Journey Begins: A Love for Travel
From a young age, I was fortunate to travel frequently with my family. These trips sparked a lifelong love for travel, instilling in me a deep curiosity about the world.
I was fascinated by the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and, most notably, the various culinary traditions that each destination offered. As I grew older, this passion for travel only intensified, and I began to explore new countries on my own.
However, as a Muslim, traveling is not just about the excitement of discovering new places; it also involves adhering to certain religious practices.
One of the most significant aspects of this is ensuring that the food I consume is halal. This challenge, while sometimes daunting, has led to some of the most memorable experiences of my travels.
On a recent trip to Brussels, after a long day of sightseeing, I was able to order a delicious halal meal right to my hotel room. This convenience not only saved me time but also allowed me to enjoy a taste of local cuisine without the stress of searching for a halal restaurant.
Halal Food: Making the Most of Delivery Apps
In the early days of my travels, especially during the 1990s, finding halal food in non-Muslim-majority countries was often a challenge.
I vividly remember trips where my family had to pack meals from home because halal options were scarce. However, the landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and I’ve learned to adapt and make the most of the resources available today.
One of the best tips I can offer is to install food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or local equivalents before your trip. These apps have been a game-changer for me, allowing me to access halal food even when I’m too tired to venture out of my hotel.
On a recent trip to Brussels, after a long day of sightseeing, I was able to order a delicious halal meal right to my hotel room. This convenience not only saved me time but also allowed me to enjoy a taste of local cuisine without the stress of searching for a halal restaurant.
Additionally, when traveling to a new city, it’s helpful to do some research ahead of time and mark down halal restaurants or grocery stores on your map. This ensures that you have options close by, whether you’re in the heart of the city or exploring less touristy areas.
Maintaining Cleanliness: Tips for Using a Bidet
Maintaining cleanliness while traveling is another important aspect of my faith. In many Western countries, bidets aren’t as common as they are in Muslim-majority regions. Over time, I’ve developed a few strategies to ensure I’m comfortable and prepared, even when the facilities don’t have bidets.
I always carry a small, portable bidet bottle in my backpack. These can be easily filled with water and used in any restroom. Another option is to bring a collapsible water bottle that you can refill and use as needed. It’s a simple solution that ensures you can maintain your cleanliness rituals, no matter where you are.
In some cases, particularly in public restrooms where sinks are available, you can discreetly use your water bottle to assist with wudu (ablution) or general cleanliness. It’s all about being resourceful and prepared.
When possible, I also try to combine my sightseeing schedule with prayer times, visiting places like museums or parks where I know I can find a quiet spot to pray without feeling rushed.
Finding Places to Pray
As a Muslim, one of the challenges of traveling is finding a suitable place to pray, especially in countries where mosques or designated prayer spaces are not as common. This is a challenge I’ve faced often, but over time, I’ve developed a few strategies that make it easier.
First and foremost, I always keep a small, foldable prayer mat in my bag. A plastic one works well, as it’s lightweight and easy to clean. For those traveling to busy cities like Paris, Rome, or Zurich, it’s essential to plan your prayer times in advance.
Use apps like Qibla Finder to determine the direction of prayer, and don’t be afraid to pray in a quiet corner of a park, a secluded part of a mall, or even a peaceful street corner.
In my experience, people in most Western countries are respectful and will generally leave you alone. However, if you’re concerned about drawing attention, try to find a quiet spot or pray during less busy times of the day.
When possible, I also try to combine my sightseeing schedule with prayer times, visiting places like museums or parks where I know I can find a quiet spot to pray without feeling rushed.
Traveling as a Hijabi or Niqabi: Tips for Comfort and Confidence
As a hijabi or niqabi, traveling can sometimes feel daunting, particularly in areas where wearing a headscarf or face veil might attract attention. Over the years, I’ve learned to navigate these situations with confidence and grace.
For Niqabis
One of the positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic is that face masks have become widely accepted and are now common in many parts of the world. If you wear a niqab, you can use a face mask to cover your face without feeling out of place.
This has made it much easier to travel while maintaining your modesty, as you can blend in without drawing extra attention. The mask serves the purpose of covering your face while also fitting into the current norm, making it less likely that you’ll feel like the “odd one out.”
Traveling as a Muslim woman, especially alone, has its own set of challenges, but it’s definitely doable with a bit of caution. Safety is always on my mind when I’m on the road solo, and I’ve learned that being aware of the cultural and social norms in each place I visit is crucial.
For Hijabis
When it comes to wearing a hijab, weather and local culture can influence your choices. In colder climates, you can opt for stylish caps, beanies, or berets that can be worn instead of a traditional hijab.
These hats not only keep you warm but also allow you to blend in with the local fashion, giving you a more “local” vibe while still adhering to your principles. Pairing these with a high-neck top or scarf ensures you remain modest while also fitting in with the local style.
Another tip for hijabis is to dress comfortably and confidently. Choose outfits that are modest yet stylish, and that make you feel good about yourself. In fashion-forward cities like Milan, Paris, and London, you can easily blend in while still staying true to your identity.
Read more about how to Embrace Your True Self Without Apology as a Muslim Girl | Living Authentically.
The Challenges of Solo Travel as a Muslim Woman
Traveling as a Muslim woman, especially alone, has its own set of challenges, but it’s definitely doable with a bit of caution. Safety is always on my mind when I’m on the road solo, and I’ve learned that being aware of the cultural and social norms in each place I visit is crucial.
While I’ve generally felt safe in European cities, I’ve noticed that the vibe can change after dark. During the day, I usually feel comfortable exploring, but once night falls, the atmosphere can shift, especially in areas where people are out drinking. That’s when I tend to feel a bit more cautious.
To stay safe, I recommend that solo travelers carry a small defense tool, like pepper spray, just in case. It gives some peace of mind. To stay safe, it’s wise to wrap up your activities before it gets too late and avoid solo outings at night. It’s not about being scared but staying smart and minimizing risks.
These small precautions can make a big difference in feeling secure while enjoying the freedom of solo travel.
Traveling exposes you to new ideas and experiences, but it also tests your commitment to your beliefs. I’ve learned that it’s possible to enjoy the wonders of the world while staying true to Islamic principles.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Journey
Despite the challenges, traveling as a Muslim woman has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to see the world from different perspectives, appreciate diverse cultures, and, most importantly, strengthen my faith.
Traveling exposes you to new ideas and experiences, but it also tests your commitment to your beliefs. I’ve learned that it’s possible to enjoy the wonders of the world while staying true to Islamic principles.
In recent years, I’ve noticed a significant rise in solo travel among women in my home country as well. The mindset is changing, and more women are embracing the freedom to explore the world on their own terms.
This shift is encouraging, as it shows that women are becoming more confident and independent in their travels, while still maintaining their cultural and religious values.
The Importance of Halal-Friendly Destinations
As more Muslim women embark on solo journeys, the availability of halal-friendly destinations is becoming increasingly important.
Cities like Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul, Dubai, London and New-York are prime examples of places where Muslim travelers can feel at ease, knowing that their dietary and religious needs will be met. In these cities, you can find halal food at every corner, prayer facilities in most public places, and a general atmosphere of respect for Islamic practices.
Final Thoughts: A World of Possibilities
Traveling as a Muslim woman has its challenges, but it also offers incredible rewards. The world is full of beautiful places waiting to be explored, and with a little preparation and the right mindset, there’s no reason why your travels can’t be both fulfilling and aligned with your faith.
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a family trip, remember that the world is becoming increasingly halal-friendly, with more options and resources available than ever before.
Share Your Journey with Us!
This was a glimpse into my travel experiences as a Muslim woman. If you’re planning a trip and need specific advice or want to know more about a particular destination, feel free to comment or reach out. I’d love to share more detailed experiences and tips to help you on your journey.
Don’t forget to stay tuned for more exciting adventures and travel stories that will inspire you to explore the world while staying true to your beliefs!
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Really enjoyed this, I’ve also found that having food delivery apps ready before traveling is must to do for finding halal options. Also, keeping a small prayer mat in the bag I never thought about!