Don’t Go Yet! Here Are Some Tips Every Muslim Traveller Must Know

1. 1. Get your muslim mobile apps ready!

Make use of technology! There are actually so many mobile travel apps available, that can help you find accommodation, flight tickets, and the best restaurants. There are also Muslim travel apps, available. These apps are super useful, whether you’re travelling or not. There are apps showing you the Qibla direction, the best Halal food and the nearest mosques. Oh, and let’s not forget about the brilliant invention of the dictionary app. When travelling to a foreign country, not everyone is going to speak English or your mother tongue! So get your mobile apps ready and make sure they work!

For example, Muslim Pro will tell you the prayer times, Azan and Qibla direction. They also have Quran verses, as well. HalalTrip shows you where to find the nearest mosques, the best food, tour packages as well as in-flight prayer timings.

Tip: Get the apps that are able to work offline!

Muslim Pro

Website: Official Website

2. 2. Always check if your flights have a Halal meal option

You don’t want to be left hungry in your hotel room at 3 am or during your 12-hour flight because you didn’t check if they had Halal food options. These days, there is a wide range of hotels and flights that cater to Muslims and there are even accommodation websites that show Muslim-friendly hotels such as Halal Booking. For flights, many airlines offer a Halal meal choice and all you have to do is request it during your booking. Additionally, if you are on the frequent flyer program of the airline, you can often save the Halal food option on your profile!

3. 3. Look around for Halal-friendly accommodation

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

As mentioned above, Halal Booking lists hotels that offer services such as prayer rooms, prayer mats and Halal food, so you don’t need to worry about anything. There are also several private accommodations, listed on the site, that cater to Muslim travellers, similar to those found on Airbnb and Homeaway. Owners list the facilities they offer or you can contact them to make sure. However, it is recommended to bring along a travel-friendly prayer mat, just in case!

Halal Booking

Website: Official Website

4. 4. Share your itinerary with your friends and family

Like Stitch says, “family means nobody gets left behind.” But let’s not get too emotional with this, shall we? Sharing your itinerary with your family and friends will let them know where you’ll be and that you are safe and sound, wherever you are. It will also make it easier for them to contact you, if they have concerns. Muslim or not, it’s always best to let those at home know what you’re up to!

5. 5. Use the mosque in your area as a one-stop information guide

There’s no better way to know about the Muslim-friendly options in your area than to head to the nearest mosque. There, the ever-so-friendly locals will guide you to where you can find the best food and so much more. And you might even get to meet new friends, as well! And maybe, these new friends can guide you as to where to get the best shopping deals!

6. 6. Bring along an extra set of prayer clothes

Because you never know what can happen to your one and only set of prayer clothes. What if you spill a drink on them, or lose them during your flight? Buying a new set of prayer clothes in your location might not be easy. So, bring along an extra set or two of prayer clothes, just to be safe!

7. 7. Get an apartment or hotel that comes with an iron!

Let’s face it, most of our clothing choices require ironing and everyone wants their clothes to be wrinkle free, especially when you’re overseas! Also, for business travellers, it is never okay to have wrinkly clothes when attending a meeting. And let’s not forget our beautiful shawls, which always look the best when ironed. Most hotels and accommodation come with ironing facilities so you don’t really have to worry about this. However, one way to have less wrinkly clothes is to roll them, when packing. Always works for me!

8. 8. Travel with a Muslim travel agency

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Muslim travel agencies aren’t really common in Western countries, and they are sometimes only suitable if you fancy travelling with tour groups. There are some, however, that offer free and easy packages, where they arrange everything for you, in terms of accommodation and flight and you do the rest. Travelling with a Muslim travel agency literally makes everything easier. You almost won’t need to worry about anything because everything is well taken care of, from the places you go, the food you eat and where you can do your prayers.

Examples of Muslim travel agencies include Singapore-based Mustafa Travel and C & E Holidays.

C & E Holidays

Website: C & E

Mustafa Travels

Website: Mustafa Travels

9. 9. Pack at least one basic outfit

Everyone wants to look good, I get it! But, looking your best every single minute of your travel journey isn’t really practical, right? What if you’re planning on going on a hike, or a short trip to the convenience store or maybe you have to deal with a long haul flight. Always pack a few basic outfits, just in case because it’s always nice to wear something comfortable once in a while, right? Also, basics don’t require ironing, which is also a plus. Remember ladies, comfort is important!

10. 10. Be extra detailed when planning for trips during Ramadan!

It would be such a bummer if you couldn’t enjoy Ramadan culture or food when you’re overseas during this period. This is especially important during the fasting month, when you need your Halal food at specific times and when you need to find a place to pray. Also, who doesn’t love celebrating Ramadan with its vibrant and homely culture? Tip: Travel to places that are Muslim-friendly and have Ramadan festivals, such as Hari Raya festivals or bazaars.

And you're good to go!

So there you have it, with these tips, your travel will be hassle free, we promise. Happy travelling!