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Are you a Muslim traveller looking to plan your next travel in accordance with Halal rulings? Or are you a hotelier, restaurant or any other tourism entity looking to understand how to better accommodate your Muslim clients? Or are you simply curious as to what on Earth does Halal Travel even mean? After all, Muslims have been travelling since the dawn of age, right!? If any of that sounds familiar, then this Ultimate Halal Travel Guide is for you.
In this Halal Travel Guide, I will be demystifying what Halal Travel is and providing you with all the resources that you need to help you plan your next dream holiday.
What Is Halal Travel And Muslim Friendly Travel
In simple terms, Halal Travel is travelling in a manner that is permissible according to Islamic law. This means taking Islamic teachings and regulations into consideration when planning and booking your trip. And it also extends to the accommodation you choose to stay at, the restaurants you choose to eat at and things you choose to do whilst you’re on your Halal holiday. Typically, a Halal Holiday destination will be a Muslim country.
Have you also heard of the term Muslim Friendly Travel? To some, this means the same thing as Halal Travel. And to others, this means holidaying in, staying in and eating at a destination that may not necessarily be a Muslim majority destination. But it does cater to the needs of Muslim travellers.
For more information on what Halal Travel and Muslim Friendly Travel are and what they entail, then be sure to check out this article on The Rise Of Muslim Friendly Halal Travel.
Which Travel Style Is Right For Me
The answer to this question depends on your needs and wants as a Muslim traveller. If you are looking for an all-inclusive Halal travel experience that meets all your religious and cultural needs, then Halal Travel is the right choice for you.
If, however, you are happy to make some compromises and are simply looking for Muslim-friendly facilities and services, then Muslim Friendly Travel may be a better option.
What To Consider When Planning A Halal Or Muslim Friendly Travel
When it comes to Halal Travel, there are a few key things that you need to consider. In this section of the Halal Travel Guide, I have listed the key factors that you need to consider when planning your Halal holiday.
Destination
This will very likely be the deciding factor between which Halal Travel style is for you. If you want a Destination where you can easily find Halal food, walk around without fear of judgement in your hijabs and meeting the needs of Muslims is the norm, then naturally you can opt for countries with a Muslim majority. These Halal Travel Destinations include Turkey, UAE and Saudi Arabia to name a few.
If you don’t mind visiting a non-Muslim majority country where Halal food may not be readily available, at every street corner, then consider these Muslim Friendly countries. These include UK, Japan, Thailand, Mauritius and Singapore to name a few.
You may also be interested in Top 7 Hijab Friendly Travel Destinations.
Accommodation
Accommodation is the make or break factor in any holiday, let alone a Halal holiday. You’ll want somewhere where you can be comfortable in your room, at meal times and whilst using the hotel/resort facilities. It’s for this reason that many women opt for Halal Hotels and Resorts, so that they can swim in their burkinis, enjoy women only swimming and spa facilities and dine in their hijabs without feeling out of place.
At the very least though, (especially if you’re opting for a Muslim friendly hotel), you’ll want to ensure
- Halal or vegetarian food is available at the hotel/resort or nearby
- Burkini is allowed to be worn in the pool (if that’s your choice of attire)
- The hotel and staff are known for their kindness and inclusivity, so you don’t have to worry about Islamophobia
- The activities available at the hotel/resort or nearby are Muslim friendly and ones that you can participate in, so you don’t get bored
And if you’re opting for a full on Halal Holiday, then you may want to also consider
- Women only swimming pools
- Segregated spa facilities
- There are praying facilities available in either your room or there’s a mosque nearby
- The direction of the qibla is clearly marked in your room
- No alcohol is served on the premises
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Halal Travel Inspiration
Halal Holiday Destinations
With so many Halal Travel options available, it can be hard to decide where to go on your next Halal holiday. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this section of the Halal Travel Guide, I have listed some of the best Halal Holiday Travel Destinations.
Turkey
As a Muslim-majority country, Turkey is one of the best Halal Travel destinations. You’ll find plenty of Halal food options, mosques and Islamic attractions. And with its stunning scenery, friendly locals and amazing history, there’s something for everyone in Turkey.
And did I mention that they have fully fledged Halal resorts in their coastal region of Antalya that offer women only facilities?
UAE
The UAE is another Muslim-majority country that is perfect for Halal Travel. Not only will you find plenty of Halal food options, but you’ll also find many luxury hotels and resorts that cater to the needs of Muslim travellers.
Though do note, due to the travel boom that UAE has experienced in recent years, many hotels and resorts also serve alcohol on the premises.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the perfect Halal Travel destination for those looking for a more authentic Muslim experience. From the historic city of Medina to the stunning desert landscapes, there’s plenty to see and do in Saudi Arabia.
For anyone undertaking the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage, you can now extend your trip to enjoy some of the lesser known areas of Saudi Arabia. And with the Haramain High Speed Train, you can now also easily get from city to city as well.
Books To Inspire Your Next Travel
The Best Muslim Friendly Countries To Visit
With an increasing number of Muslims travelling the world, many countries are now becoming more Muslim friendly. In this section of the Halal Travel Guide, I have listed some of the best Muslim Friendly countries to visit.
United Kingdom
The UK is a great Muslim Friendly Travel destination for those looking for a more western experience without having to compromise on their beliefs. With plenty of Halal restaurants and a large, diverse Muslim population where women can freely wear their hijabs, you won’t feel out of place in the UK.
Japan
Japan is another great Muslim Friendly Travel destination for those looking for an eastern experience. With its stunning sceneries, deep history, quirky culture, delicious food and hospitable people, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with Japan.
Whilst Halal food isn’t readily available on every street corner, there are plenty of seafood restaurants available. And if you absolutely must have Halal meat during your travels, you’ll be able to find halal restaurants in Osaka and Tokyo.
Thailand
Thailand is a popular Muslim Friendly Travel destination for its stunning beaches, delicious food and friendly people. And with a large Muslim population, you’ll find plenty of Halal restaurants and mosques around the country.
In fact, in the beach province of Krabi, you’ll even find dry hotels. This means that they don’t serve any alcohol on their premises, leaving you to feast in peace like a Queen (or King).
Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful Muslim Friendly Travel destination with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and lush green mountains. And with a large Muslim population, you’ll find plenty of Halal restaurants, mosques and Muslim friendly activities all over the island.
If there’s one thing you don’t have to worry about in Mauritius, it’s whether you’ll fit in. With Mauritian people being made up of a diverse range of ancestral roots, everyone will feel at home here.
More Halal Travel Guides
Halal Travel Guide Essentials
Islamic Prayers For Travel
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ.
Subhana-alladhi sakh-khara la-na hadha wa ma kunna la-hu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbi-na la munqalibun.
Glory unto Him Who created this transportation, for us, though we were unable to create it on our own. And unto our Lord we shall return.
Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:13-14
Halal Travel Must Haves
The Veiled Explorer’s Conclusion
And there we have it, the definition of Muslim Friendly Travel and Halal Travel and what to consider when planning either. Now that you know the difference between the two, which travel style is for you? Leave me a comment down below to let me know.
