10 Things Every Muslim Women Traveler Must Know
When we think of traveling, the first thing that comes to mind is perhaps packing our bags and booking flights. But what about the essential travel tips for Muslim women travelers? What about other important details like staying safe and keeping your faith in challenging circumstances?
Muslim women are becoming increasingly interested in traveling, experiencing new cultures, and exploring new opportunities worldwide. As a Muslim woman, are you expected to sit at home? Not! With some planning and preparation, you can enjoy exploring new places.
10 Things Every Muslim Women Must Remember Before Traveling
Here are some essential travel tips for Muslim women travelers. So, what are ten things a Muslim woman must remember before embarking on a journey? Let’s find out.
- Religious Requirements For Muslim Women
There are a few religious requirements that Muslim women must follow when traveling. First, they must dress modestly. This means covering their bodies from the chest to the knees, as well as their arms and hair. They should also avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing.
Second, Muslim women must pray five times a day. Prayer (Salat) can be performed anywhere, as long as it is clean and quiet. Third, they must fast during the month of Ramadan. Lastly, they must refrain from alcohol and gambling at all times.
Following these religious requirements may seem daunting, but many resources are available to help Muslim women travelers. Many websites and apps provide prayer times, locations, and advice on how to dress modestly while traveling.
Check out the Muslim Pro app for accurate Praying times, fasting (Iftar and Suhoor timings), and have a digital copy of the Quran in your hand.
- Optimize Your Packing
The luggage of a Muslim traveler contains more items than that of a non-Muslim holiday goer, such as shawls, prayer mats, and scarves. Since you don’t want to carry too much heavy baggage, packing your luggage efficiently becomes crucial.
Pack basic outfits that you can mix and match to keep the luggage space optimized for other items while playing variations to your travel style.
- Muslim Women Traveling Alone
Muslim women traveling alone should take extra precautions to stay safe. They should avoid traveling to countries with a high risk of terrorism and have comprehensive travel insurance.
Muslim women should take care to stay in safe accommodation when traveling alone. They should book hotel rooms in advance and try to stay in well-lit and busy areas. If possible, they should also try to find accommodation that has security features such as CCTV or a security guard on duty.
- Take Care of Your Hair and Body
When traveling as a Muslim woman, taking care of your hair and body is important. Make sure to keep your hair covered and clean. You may also consider wearing loose, comfortable clothing that covers your body. It is also a good idea to pack a scarf or other type of head covering, just in case you need it.
Knowing the local customs and laws regarding the hijab (headscarf) is also important. In Muslim countries, it is required by law for women to wear a headscarf in public. In other countries, it is not required but may be recommended. Do some research before you travel, so you know what to expect.
Overall, just use common sense and be respectful of local customs. If you take care of yourself and dress modestly, you should have no problems while traveling as a Muslim woman.
- Dress Appropriately While Flying
Muslim women travelers need to be aware of the dress code while flying. While wearing a hijab or abaya is not required, it is recommended to dress conservatively. This means avoiding clothing that is revealing or tight-fitting. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes since you will spend a lot of time on your feet.
While flying, Muslim women should also be prepared for additional security screening. This may include a pat-down search and having your carry-on luggage searched. It is important to cooperate with security personnel and not to argue or resist.
Overall, Muslim women must dress conservatively and be prepared for additional security screening when flying. Following these guidelines can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
- Stock up on Essentials before You Leave Home
Every Muslim woman traveler should stock up on essential items before leaving home. This includes a headscarf, a prayer mat, and a Quran. Packing modest clothing suitable for visiting mosques and other religious sites is also a good idea.
When packing for your trip, include a first-aid kit and any prescription medications you may need. It is also a good idea to have travel insurance in emergencies.
- Eat and Drink Halal
A non-Muslim country may present a challenge when finding halal food. Due to the lack of halal food in certain places, some Muslims refrain from traveling there. However, there are few ways to find halal food.
Arab and Asian restaurants are your best bet for those who eat large quantities and want Halal meat.
Second, many countries are rich in seafood, especially near the sea, so don’t miss out on this delicious food. Providing that the seafood is prepared and cooked without alcohol or in a manner that meets our expectations.
Finally, vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafés are becoming more popular in many countries, especially Europe. So you can try them out as well.
- Security Suggestions for Women Who Travel
If you are traveling in unfamiliar places, be aware of your surroundings, Islamophobia is on the rise in many Western countries. Keep groups together at night and avoid walking alone. If you feel unsafe, contact the local authorities or the hotel staff.
It is best to travel during daylight hours. Wearing expensive jewelry should be avoided.
Be aware of the possibility of stolen handbags, clutch purses, and bum bags. It is advisable to carry a dummy wallet containing small cash. The dummy wallet can be handed over to a mugger if you are directly confronted.
- Plan Carefully for Trips During Ramadan Period
A trip during the month of Ramadan should be planned carefully. Some places are not safe to visit during certain times, such as Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month.
Traveling in your own country isn’t a big deal. However, if you’re planning a trip overseas, such as to India, China, or the USA, there are more things to consider.
Plan and conduct adequate research if your travel plans coincide with such timing. If you want halal food and prayer facilities, look for Muslim-friendly accommodation.
- Taking children on a trip
Traveling with underage children requires some additional measurements. Women traveling with children are more likely to be targeted by thieves since they’re often distracted and unable to hold onto their handbags. Keep your valuables close to your body by wearing a belt.
Pack enough supplies to last the entire trip if you aren’t sure if baby products will be available where you are going. In some countries, breastfeeding in public is regarded as offensive. Make sure that you are aware of this before you go.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our list of 10 useful travel tips for Muslims. Although these Muslim travel tips may not seem like much, they can save you a lot of trouble, time, and energy.
