We all love a good holiday. But due to this deadly pandemic that hit us like a truck we’ve all had to put our fun on hold. So let’s discuss wearing a hijab while on the sunny beach just so we are prepared for when we can eventually go on a holiday again!
Before discussing travelling abroad for your holidays, I want you to let us know whether you restrict yourself to certain countries because you know that you feel more comfortable in certain countries – considering all things including food, culture, racism, safety and so on.
As hijabis, we are very visibly Muslim, and unfortunately, we can be treated differently because of it. There are many countries my family and I tend to avoid so we don’t feel like outsiders and enjoy being tourists without feeling constantly conscious.
Albeit I must mention that sometimes it is just a certain individual who makes you feel uncomfortable or makes an unsavoury comment about your hijab and that one person is not representative of a whole country’s view for the most part. There are some amazing people you meet while travelling and if I could tell you all the great experiences I’ve had, we’d be here for a very long time. Yes, there are some racists and generally horrible people out there, but if we focused our trips and experiences around them we would have a very boring life.
Just in case you were wondering what countries would be best for hijabi women here are some of the best places to travel to:
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Turkey
- Kuwait
- Japan
- Thailand
There are so many more. But don’t feel as though you can’t go somewhere because you’ll be a minority! There’s actually a certain beauty to it – some people are just curious and love learning about you and your beliefs.
Now… onto the best bit. Food. I love travelling to countries that have unlimited halal food. Somewhere where I don’t have to constantly check labels and ask to see the ‘halal certificate’. The countries above labelled 1-4 are all Muslim countries meaning not only do you not have to worry about being a hijabi but you can eat EVERYTHING!
Here are some other things to consider when travelling:
- Weather
- Budget
- Planning or spontaneity
- Acquiring a visa if necessary
And the benefits of a holiday:
- Reduces stress
- Improves mood
- Increases knowledge of different cultures
- You may be inspired in new ways
Let us know what you look out for when travelling as a hijabi and whether you have any recommendations to share!
