Faithful Journeys

Are you still booking holidays to destinations that don't understand your values? Are you still having to make do with the vegetarian option? Having to schedule your itinerary around salah in the hotel room?

Muslim travellers are reclaiming their space - not just as tourists, but as conscious global citizens who value faith, modesty, and meaningful connection. 

We call this Ummah Power!

With the Muslim travel market projected to hit $300 billion by 2026, more destinations are waking up to the needs - and the value - of the Muslim traveller.

According to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), over a hundred million Muslim travellers took to the skies and roads in recent years, post covid, making it clear: the ummah is not a niche. We are a powerful, unified consumer base with a distinct identity - and we're no longer invisible in the global tourism space. By 2028, the Muslim travel market is set to reach 230 million international arrivals and USD 225 billion in expenditure (Web in Travel).

But while some destinations rise to meet our values, others still lag behind. 😕

What Muslim Travellers Expect — And Deserve

Today’s Muslim traveller is informed, intentional, and loyal. Here’s what matters most:

• 100% Halal food availability

• Prayer spaces in public areas, airports, malls, and hotels

• Modest family environments

• Respect for religious practices like hijab, fasting, and prayer

• Tours to Islamic heritage sites

These aren't optional extras - they’re essentials. The GMTI shows that 84% of Muslim travellers consider halal food availability the most important factor when planning a trip. Yet many popular destinations have still not tapped into our wealth.

Destinations Leading the Way

While some countries lag, others shine for their inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Here are five destinations where Muslims are not just welcomed, but respected and accommodated:

1. Malaysia

Ranked #1 on the GMTI, Malaysia is the gold standard. With its Muslim-majority population and Islamic heritage, it offers halal food, accessible mosques, and cultural familiarity without compromising adventure.

2. Turkey

A beautiful blend of modern and traditional, Turkey offers deep Islamic roots, spiritual landmarks, and family-friendly cities. Istanbul alone is home to over 3,000 mosques—including the historic Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque).

3. Indonesia

The world’s most populous Muslim country is also a paradise for halal travel. From Bali’s growing halal-friendly accommodations to Jakarta’s Islamic infrastructure, Indonesia offers natural beauty wrapped in spiritual ease.

4. Morocco

Rich in Islamic architecture, history, and hospitality, Morocco provides an environment where halal food and prayer spaces are the norm - not an exception. Destinations like Fes, Tetouan and Chefchaouen offer both serenity and cultural depth.

5. Bosnia & Herzegovina

A rising star in halal tourism, Bosnia offers both European elegance and Ottoman heritage. With a growing number of halal-certified hotels and restored Islamic sites, it’s a peaceful and powerful place for reflection.

Destinations That Still Have Work To Do

Let’s be honest - there are still destinations that are dragging their heels to host Muslim travellers. Some offer minimal halal options, little understanding of prayer facilities, and an artificial intolerance of respect for our values, such as modesty or hijab.

While the GMTI tracks improvement across the board, many European destinations score low in meeting even basic Muslim travel needs.

This must change.

As a global ummah, we carry not only our faith, but also economic weight. When we choose where to travel, we influence hotel menus, airport facilities, and even local business strategies.

We are a currency, and countries are beginning to realise it—albeit slowly. It's time we support destinations that support us and educate with wisdom, those who are still struggling.

The Spiritual Side of Travel: A Moment to Reflect

Travel isn’t just movement - t’s a moment of growth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Travel is a portion of hardship.” – (Sahih Bukhari)

And yet, through hardship comes purification. Travel exposes us to new people, new reminders of Allah’s creation, and new chances for gratitude. It tests our sabr, strengthens our trust in Allah, and reveals the blessings we often overlook.

So while planning itineraries and budgets, don’t forget to plan your spiritual mindset too.

5 Top Tips for Muslim Travellers

1. Start and End with Dua

Always begin your journey with the Sunnah travel dua to seek Allah’s protection:

Arabic: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

Transliteration: Subḥāna alladhī sakhkhara lanā hādhā wa mā kunnā lahu muqrinīn. Wa innā ilā rabbinā lamunqalibūn.

Translation: “Glory is to Him who has subjected this [vehicle] to us, and we could never have accomplished it [by ourselves]. And indeed we, to our Lord, will surely return.” (Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:13–14)

2. Download Halal Travel Apps

Apps like HalalTrip, Muslim Pro, and Zabihah help locate halal restaurants, mosques, Qibla directions, and prayer times.

3. Carry a Portable Prayer Kit

Include a small mat, digital Qibla compass, and prayer garments if needed. Even in remote areas, this keeps your salah consistent.

4. Choose Destinations That Respect Our Values

Let your money reflect your morals. Support countries that provide prayer space, modesty, and halal services. Your choice pushes the industry forward.

5. Use Travel as a Time for Spiritual Purification

Keep a small digital journal to note reminders, duas, or experiences that brought you closer to Allah. Let every journey be a means to remember the final journey.

Muslim travel is no longer an afterthought... 

...it's a movement. As the world catches up, we should continue choosing destinations that welcome our values. Whether you're strolling through Istanbul, hiking in Indonesia, or sipping mint tea in Marrakech, remember: you’re not just a tourist - you’re an ambassador of faith.

Support destinations that welcome us. Make Dua for those that ignore us. And let every journey, long or short, bring us closer to Allah.

Stay tuned with IslamicDeals.com for more Muslim-friendly travel insights, halal deals, and destinations that respect our shared values. 😉