Please help us to fund our peace journalism. Donate Now

Muslim Travel Apps; and Muslim Women Europe Travel

Muslim Women Europe Travel

There are a few apps designed for Muslim travelers.

In this tory, you will read:

  • What are the good apps for Muslim travelers
  • If a Muslim women in #Hijab, how to protect yourself traveling Europe
  • #Europe is fun and engaging for Muslim women travelers

The first portion of the story was originally published on Jakarta Post.

Traveling during the holy month of Ramadhan can be a challenge for Muslims who need to keep track of when to pray and where, and where to find halal food.

Fortunately, technology has made our lives easier. Kompas.com  has compiled four apps that would make your trip during this holy month more enjoyable.

Muslim Go

Muslim Go is among the top-recommended applications for frequent flyers.

Featuring a directory of halal restaurants, Qiblat (direction of Muslim prayer) information and a mosque finder, the app ensures that you would be able to perform your religious rituals while being away from home.

Furthermore, Muslim Go is also equipped with azan (call to prayer) and a prayer schedule, reminding users when to pray.

Muslim Mate

Muslim Mate is similar to Muslim Go as it is also equipped with halal-restaurant and mosque finders, Qiblat information and a prayer schedule.

However, it also features stories of the Prophet that travelers can read on the way to their destination.

Halal Trip

In addition to information about halal restaurants and a mosque directory, Halal Trip also offers halal travel packages to several destinations, including Japan and South Korea.

Read the full story on Jakarta Post.

Also, Elena Nikolova, our Muslim Girls Travel writer, filed this story not too long ago.

Travelling to Europe for many Muslim women, who wear hijab, might feel intimidating. But I want to assure you that everything is just fine. Europe is still a Muslim-friendly place. I just came back from a European trip and things went very smoothly.  Another friend just returned from all-girls-trip to Europe without any problems. Only advice I have, be prepared and know what to expect when travelling throughout the Europe. Here are some of my favorite tips to keep your safe on your solo trip.

Hotels

One of the most important things for me and the one that I am happy to pay good money is my accommodation. You can use hotel loyalty programs to bring the cost down of your accommodation, but a reputable hotel in a good location can provide the safety you need when travelling. It is more unlikely to get robbed or have problems with your hotel if you choose an international brand plus most of the times they have properties in the city centre making it super convenient. Always read the TripAdvisor reviews and look online for the cheapest deal.

Share your itinerary

As a solo Muslim woman travelling you definitely want to share your itinerary with a friend or a family member, just so they can keep track of you. Just in case something happens there is one person always knowing your location. I love using Uber in Europe for this reason too, you can easily share your ETA with someone else and this definitely makes me feel more safe. Plus it’s a great way to avoid being scammed, see below.

Register with your embassy

I know this is extreme but many consulates and embassies have programs where you can register with them. In essence you let your government know you are in town and if something happens you are on their radar. This will make it much easier in case of an emergency.

Avoid the scams

Sadly Europe does have a lot of scamming and pickpocketing so when travelling solo be extra careful. Don’t stop to talk to some random salesman offering your bracelets in Rome or Milan. Preferably if you need to withdraw money out of your bank account do so within a bank branch especially rather than outside. You want to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

Visits the mosques

As a Muslim woman traveling it is a great way to make friends with local sisters. Visit the local mosque, many European cities have female prayer facilities so this is not a problem. Search online for the central mosque in the city and pay them a visit. You might be invited to try some local food too or have a tour guide for the day.

#Bonus Tip

If you want to keep your independency but still want to explore some of what the city has to offer, join a Free walking tour. It is a great way to meet other single travellers too, have a local tour guide and see the city. It’s a win-win and definitely a lot of fun. There are even themed free walking tours so look online for some in your preferred destination.

You are definitely not alone. You will see so many Muslim women through your travelers either travelling or living in Europe. There is not even one city where I have not seen a Muslim and I have been to more cities than I can remember. Muslims are everywhere and it’s great because number one there is always halal food available and number two travelling is one of the best ways to break misconceptions about Islam and see what this beautiful world has to offer. So pack your bags and safe travels.