2019 is just around the corner! It’s time for you to start planning your upcoming holiday to an exotic country where you and your loved ones can have the time of your lives.
With the growth of globalization, it is now easy for Muslims to enjoy a Muslim-friendly vacation almost anywhere in the world.
Spoilt for choice and finding it hard to pick your next holiday destination? No worries! Below is a guide to some spots that will aid you in making your decision more smoothly and efficiently.
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Japan being one of the most kid-friendly countries, I wouldn't hesitate to say that parents can worry less about stumbling upon dangers or hardships with the little ones.
Not only does Japan provide its tourists with a rich culture and unique experience with its different traditions, but there is also a great number of hot-spots you can list down in your itinerary.
These include the natural sightseeing locations like Mount Fuji and the Osaka Aquarium. For nature lovers, the Japanese-style garden, Kenroku-en, is a must visit.
Another famous spot to head to would be Tokyo Disneyland, a dream destination for those traveling with the children.
You haven’t entirely lived your life if you haven’t paid a visit to Spain. From the vast amount of places to tour, its history and its culture to the Muslim-friendly hotels and restaurants, Spain is an ideal destination for your summer holidays.
Even if you are a person with toddlers or just too tired to lag around the little ones, Spain has plenty of parks to pick from for a relaxed picnic under the shade with your loved ones.
One such park would be Park Güell due to its distinctive features brimming with unique structural designs and monuments.
If you are in Madrid, do not leave without visiting the public square - Puertadel Sol.
When in Barcelona, The Magic Fountain Show is proved to be a super hit with the small ones. You might also want to drop by to the La Rambla Street for some scrumptious gelato while you are there.
What better place to take your family and friends to than a place that lets them build a snowman? If you’re visiting from a country which only revolve around the sun and rain, your group will surely be so elated with this change of ambience.
Not only does Switzerland offer the greatest quality of chocolates, but parents can also encourage their children to pick up learning opportunities with regards to the different types of languages spoken or ethnicities present.
There are quite a few sightseeing spots that you and your family can visit but some of the top ones would be the Zurich Zoo, the Kapellbrüke (also known as the Chapel Bridge), the Rhine Falls, and let’s not forget the Alps!
Ah, the Land Down Under! Australia is a go-to spot for not only adrenaline junkies looking to spend their time doing blood-rushing adventures but it is also one of the best ideal spots for someone who wishes to opt for a more relaxed vacation.
It is guaranteed that your itinerary for a place like Aussie will be nothing short of fun and enjoyment.
Thanks to the country’s terrific weather, this serves as a plus point for those looking to enjoy strolls or picnics on beaches like Cape Conran in Victoria and Frangipani Beach in Queensland.
Sydney should be a definite go-to location on your list. The Royal Botanic Garden by the Sydney Harbor is a beauty you must witness before your very eyes.
As a treat for your kids, you can hop onto a ferry from Circular Quay and head towards the Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House and the Luna Park.
Generally, when someone says they hope to visit Maldives, people presume that it’s for a honeymoon or for a romantic getaway with their significant other.
However, it’s not just for the lovebirds. Maldives is also considered as a great Muslim-friendly vacation spot for trips with family or friends.
Unlike what many believe, Maldives does not have to be a destination that creates a dent in your wallet. If pre-planned carefully, you can tour the Maldives as a budget-friendly holiday.
The Maldives does not only offer white sand beaches and a whole load of coral reef. The Maldives is best known for their water sports and snorkeling activities.
You can even take the kids for dolphin watching and sandbank swimming at Kaashidhoo where the water is so clear you will be left amazed.
Having a proportion of 15% of its population as Muslims, Singapore thrives on Muslim-friendly locations and eateries where a huge number of their cafes and restaurants are HALAL certified.
If you wish to cover all famous landmarks in Singapore, make sure you have a few days in hand.
Some of the best few to visit with your children would be Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, the Singapore Zoo and Marina Bay.
Gardens by the Bay is also recommended as it enables your kids to learn and witness a vast variety of lush greenery and exotic plants in a beautiful and one-of-a-kind setting (let’s not forget the Instagram-worthy photos that you can take).
If you wish to go back in time and have major throwbacks of the Islamic heritage and culture back in the day, Berlin and Munich are the places to be when in Germany.
The two cities have the highest proportion of the Muslim population so you need not worry when it comes to being on the lookout for Halal restaurants or Muslim-friendly attractions due to the abundance present.
If you are looking to visit historical hot-spots, the Berlin Wall, the Berlin Mosque and the Brandenburg Gate can be included into your itinerary.
In terms of Halal food, the Baraka for Moroccan food, and the Yarok Fine Syrian Food for Mediterranean food are the places you would love to dine at.
Previously being the home to the Ottoman Caliphate, Turkey is a country constructed of Islamic structures.
Turkey brims with Islamic heritage and culture which can be deemed as pleasant for tourists, some of which are showcased in the Topkapi Palace and the Sultan Ahmet Mosque.
Do drop by Istanbul and visit the blue mosque for a feel of true Islamic architecture. You will also find a large amount of `bazaars` at reasonable prices to shop from.
A city to visit in Turkey with your family is Alanya. The Alanya Castle is a great spot which will give you a holistic view of the entire city from the top. One attraction which will be a hit for your children would be the Pirate Ship Cave Tour.
After a tiresome day of sightseeing, you can grab some delicious Halal food from Mezze Grill Ocakbasi Restaurant if you are in the mood for some pizza or seafood.
Summertime comes off as a busy time for Turkey, so be sure to plan well ahead to avoid disappointment when it comes to hotels and tours.
Distinguished for it’s out-of-the-ordinary culture, Morocco amalgamates influences from Europe and Islam and is overflowing with modern depictions of customary Islam.
Karaouine Mosque in Morocco is considered a tourist magnet and it’s the largest mosque in Africa, spacious enough to fit 22,000 people at once.
You can choose to wander through the lively blue streets of Chefchaouen and devour delectable Moroccan cuisines from famous restaurants like Restaurant Dar Hatim and Les Saveurs de Riad Fes Maya.
Along with over 400 mosques, you and your family can also tour their museums such as Dar Batha and Nejjarine Museum in Fez.
PS: While you wander around the streets of Morocco, you can treat yourself to pure leather merchandise and Moroccan slippers at one of the souks in Fez like Souk Serrajine.
France is the ultimate spot to be during summer. You can never get bored rigid in such a place taking into account the large number of attractions and activities that this stunning country has in store for tourists.
Disneyland Paris is an obvious choice if you are traveling with your children, along with the countless popular attractions and sightseeing spots like the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Jardin du Luxembourg Garden.
You can also visit the Grande Mosquee de Paris, a beautiful mosque in Paris. France also has no shortage of Halal restaurants.
You can find various cuisines in multiple eateries, Turkish food at the Sizin Restaurant, Mexican food at Baili and if you desire authentic Halal French cuisine, Les GrandsEnfants should be number one on your list of places to dine at.
There are a lot of great muslim-friendly spots that can be recommended for your vacation but it is imperative to take into account the wishes of your children as well if they are tagging along in order to have a successful trip where everyone is satisfied.