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I Am a Muslim Traveler—Here's What It's Like to See the World While Wearing a Hijab

Travel + Leisure

4 days ago

Health
Travel + Leisure

I Am a Muslim Traveler—Here's What It's Like to See the World While Wearing a Hijab

For Travel + Leisure's column Traveling As, we're talking to travelers about what it's like to explore the world through their unique perspectives. We chatted with Nazma Begum, who documents her adventures traveling with her husband and toddler on YouTube as HanaExplores, about what it's like to see the world while wearing a hijab. Here's her story… For the last 10 years, I've been a hijabi, wearing what people call a scarf or hijab. I do it for religious reasons as I was born into Islamic faith as a Muslim. It has become part of my daily routine. Nobody forced me to do this—it's something I understood going in. Wearing a hijab is a big commitment, so you shouldn't look down on someone if they don't. Some of my family members do, some don't. I made the decision during the month of Ramadan, when we don't eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. It's a holy time that acts like a reset for Muslims around the world. That year, I thought, I cover up for prayers, so why can't I do it all the time? I'm quite comfortable wearing a hijab now. There are many different styles, even silk and other fancy materials. I enjoy styling it as well. Growing up, my parents didn't have the mentality of traveling much. I was born in Bangladesh, and my parents migrated to Singapore when I was about 6 years old. We'd take road trips to Malaysia and visit our hometown in Bangladesh. Whether it was cultural or them being protective, my family wasn't open to having a girl travel by herself or with her friends. But as soon as I graduated from university, I got married and my husband and I started traveling. Moraine Lake is known for its natural beauty. Our first big trip was to South Korea—we wanted to experience snow. Unfortunately, we didn't see any, but I fell in love with traveling. I also love outdoor activities, like hiking and camping. You're going to get sweaty when you're hiking in a hijab, but it's doable. Once you reach the top and the wind is blowing, it feels amazing. I have a 2-year-old daughter now and I took her on her first flight to Singapore from Vancouver, where my husband and I moved in 2019, when she was just 7 weeks old. We have one-year maternity leave here in Canada, so I used that to the fullest. She was surprisingly good on the flight and impressed me. I was breastfeeding and somehow just knew how to soothe her when she was crying. When she was about 4 months old, we went to Japan in the fall to see the colors. It was beautiful. We visited Kyoto, Osaka, and the Japanese Alps. My daughter is not going to remember a thing, but I'm going to remember all of this. Another of my favorite places is Hawaii. I try to go every year. I can't swim, but I love to hang out by the beach. I also like snorkeling, and in Hawaii, the fishes come right up to the beach, so you don't have to go deep. But I make sure I'm still covered while enjoying myself. I wear what's called a burkini—it's like leggings and a long suit made of swimsuit material, and it covers your hair. If I need to change and there's no washroom, I have this pop-up tent where I can go in and change. My family and I are used to these challenges. My husband and I try and pack in a lot when traveling. We go from sunrise to sunset, and we're adventurous. It's changed a bit with my daughter, but I enjoy traveling with her. Last year, we went to Oahu, and this year, we went to the Big Island, which is great for kids, especially toddlers. They love to play in the sand, then they get tired and it's nap time, so they sleep in the car. When they wake up, they're at another beach. We've had so many adventures. In the Italian Dolomites, my in-laws joined us and we rented a boat on a lake. The weather was so calm, but when we were in the middle of the lake, it changed and got so rocky—we had to be rescued. This was our second Island (Big Island), and Hawaii just hit differently. The warm weather, the food, the unique beaches, tropical fishes and corals. We loved chasing sunsets there. I think my daughter actually remembers these adventures. She says she remembers when Grandpa and Baba rowed the boat. She also remembers playing at the beach in the sand. I know a lot of parents don't want to travel after they have kids. Trust me, changing a diaper in a different location is better. You don't have to think about daily mundane tasks like laundry, changing sheets, and cooking. Plus, there's a better view. When we were in a small Italian town, it felt like everybody was looking at me. I don't think they were being rude; maybe they just hadn't seen a tourist with a hijab. I do attract a lot of attention. I know it's difficult for some people who get stares and comments like, 'Go back to where you came from.' Luckily, I haven't really been in any unpleasant situations. I've had some issues at the border going into the U.S. from Canada, which can be a little unpleasant. Maybe it's because of my Singaporean passport. It has been easier in places like Italy and Switzerland, where they have so many tourists from all over and see a lot of different people with different clothing. But in smaller places, like Jeju Island in South Korea, they stare because they're curious. There are pleasant experiences, too. One time, I was in Vietnam and because of the hijab, they immediately knew I was Muslim, and said, 'Salaam,' the Muslim greeting. Also, anytime I see any hijabis, we always smile at each other and give that silent greeting. From left: Having the chance to don the traditional clothes of Vietnam was a lot of fun and the accompanying sunset made it all the better; Finding halal certified food in Japan was quite challenging, especially in remote parts like the northern alps region, but when we did find some, we enjoyed the local cuisine and really loved Japanese food. The other challenge of travel is that it can be difficult to find halal food. Pork is not halal, and chicken, lamb, or beef need to be slaughtered in the Islamic manner. We also don't consume any alcohol, so we have to check the ingredients. For instance, in Japan, sometimes the sushi rice has sake in it. We use an app to see if food is halal. We always try to do our research beforehand, but it can be difficult with itineraries. For example, you might be traveling south, but the halal place is in the north. You don't want to miss out on places just because you need to eat. That said, there are more places recognizing the fact that we, Muslim people, need to eat halal food. I can also always choose vegetarian pasta or tofu bowls. There's always a way. Traveling doesn't need to stop. The idea of seeing so many different places makes me want to travel as much as I can. I want to show my daughter that traveling is easy and flexible, if you work your way around the challenges. She's already adapted so much in two years. I go camping, boating, and snorkeling with her. There are moments she's scared, but I tell her, 'I'm right beside you. There's nothing to be afraid of.' I'm not going to force her to wear a hijab. It will be good if she wears it. I'd like to show her it's not going to stop you from doing anything that's safe and good for you, like seeing the world.

Tips To Overcoming Language Barriers When Traveling

Forbes

27-05-2025

General
Forbes

Tips To Overcoming Language Barriers When Traveling

getty Let's face it, traveling comes with plenty of opportunities to embark on adventure, see new places, meet new people and of course try a plethora of new experiences. Tips to overcoming language barriers when traveling Of course, there are apps, like Google translate, to help; but you may not always have your phone with you or have an internet connection. Lindsay Dow, a Language Consultant at Lindsay Does Languages, shares tips on how to be understood no matter where you go. You may not have all the right words, but that doesn't matter if you've got the right attitude and aren't showing visible frustration every time that you're misunderstood. Adding a smile and friendliness to any request will typically get people on your side, which means they're willing to hear you out in any language. . Smiling is just one way to communicate beyond words. You can also use your body language and gestures to help get your point across. And to be prepared for the moments that you're really stuck, be sure to keep a small notebook and pen on hand. Being able to draw out what you're trying to describe can be helpful when the impromptu Charades fails! getty There's no need for a language barrier to cause a frantic rush to cram in the language a week before your trip. You don't need to remember complex sentence structures and an expansive vocab to overcome language barriers when travelling. But if you can master the bare minimum, that will help hugely. That includes: 'hello', 'thank you', 'yes', 'no', 'have a good day'. 'On a recent trip to Egypt, the constant presence of eager hustlers could have easily been a source of annoyance. But being able to say 'no thank you, have a good day' rather than just a flat 'no' made for much more pleasant interactions,' says Dow. Languages don't just live within the confines of country borders. You may think your trip to Portugal will be difficult since you don't know Portuguese, but if you know a little of another language (say Spanish), then you can use your English and Spanish together. Often people in Europe (and other continents) speak multiple languages, so you might be using your second language knowledge in unexpected places. getty Chances are you're no longer carrying a paperback phrasebook. That doesn't matter too much because your phone can do plenty of heavy lifting to overcome language barriers. You can of course arrange a local SIM for internet data access in most places, but it's still useful to be offline ready. Be sure to have the languages you need downloaded for offline use on Google Translate. The same goes for having maps downloaded for offline use so you can easily point to where you're going when getting help with public transport. Another tip is to save photos or graphics of key things you might want to ask about: think a photo of any medication you need, must-see highlights to visit, and meals you want to try.

I'm a Professional Packer—and These Are the 5 Biggest Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Travel + Leisure

22-05-2025

Travel + Leisure

I'm a Professional Packer—and These Are the 5 Biggest Packing Mistakes to Avoid

For years, packing was my biggest travel stressor. I'm the type of person who always wants to have the right outfit for every moment, and I love having options—both of which don't exactly translate to packing lightly and efficiently. There were countless trips where I either hated all the outfits I brought with me or I'd find myself lugging around more (and heavier) bags than was necessary. However, as I got older and started to travel more often, I knew it was time to actively hone my packing skills. Gone would be the days of checking a bag just because I couldn't decide which combination of pants and tops to pack. Never again would I start filling my suitcase without having a rough idea of what I wanted or needed to bring. So I began to experiment with various packing techniques—folding versus rolling your clothes. I'd spend hours scouring the internet for outfit inspiration ahead of my travels. I also began to prep my own packing lists, outlining my ideal wish list for trips and then narrowing it down to the essentials. I've since learned there's no easy hack to packing well. Sure, there are best practices and several major mistakes to avoid, but it's rarely a quick, mindless task. If you're someone, like me, who genuinely cares about the outfits you wear while traveling, packing is a process that requires forethought and planning. It takes strategic thinking, matching up your destination, the weather, and your itinerary with the contents of your suitcase, duffel, or backpack. It's for that very reason I started a packing newsletter, sharing the packing lists I've created and used myself. Because trust me when I tell you, going in with a solid packing game plan almost always results in lighter bags, less stress, and significantly fewer 'I have nothing to wear' moments while traveling. While packing lists are my top recommendation if you want to become a better packer, I'd also suggest avoiding some of the biggest (and most common) packing mistakes below—all of which I've either experienced through trial and error or heard about from fellow travelers. Women's clothes folded over the bed, ready to store in the suitcase. Preparing luggage for me, packing became significantly less time-consuming as I began to curate a wardrobe full of high-quality basics, otherwise known as a capsule wardrobe. I found jeans that felt appropriately casual, but could be elevated with a simple slingback, a dressier top, and some jewelry. I invested in neutrals and timeless styles that I wouldn't want to donate in a year or two. I started focusing on quality over quantity and adamantly refused to pack anything that wasn't comfortable and aligned with my personal style. Now with a closet of versatile, all-season pieces, I face less decision paralysis when I'm packing. I also know most of my clothes will, for the most part, coordinate and complement each other, so I don't feel the need to pack extra 'just in case' tops or dresses. Packing cubes were one of the very first tools I fell in love with at the beginning of my quest to become a better packer. Even if I'm just packing for a short weekend, I'll use the cubes to organize my clothing by outfit or type. It's an approach that not only helps me visualize what I'm packing, but it also forces me to make the tough decisions. For instance, if that second sweater or third pair of pants doesn't fit in the cube, it's probably best to leave it at home. While some travelers prefer compression packing cubes—the ones that use a zipper system to cut down on bulk—I also like to use regular packing cubes for organizational purposes. I'll also bring an extra one to hold dirty laundry during my trip; that way, I can easily transfer it from my suitcase to my laundry basket when I'm unpacking. I might try to go carry-on-only, but that doesn't mean I'm going to use the smallest bag possible; I want to use all of the real estate I'm allotted. That said, I've made it my mission to find the most spacious, durable carry-on suitcase on the market. After testing carry-on models from a number of luggage brands (including those in the luxury space), I can definitively say that the Away Bigger Carry-on is my favorite. According to the brand, the suitcase is designed to hold between four and seven days' worth of clothing, a measurement I can confirm is accurate. Whenever I travel with another carry-on, I always struggle to fit everything. Lindsey Shorter Traveling with a carry-on doesn't necessarily mean you just have one bag to fit everything (although exact rules may differ by airline and seat class). I'm a huge proponent of the personal item bag, as it can hold some of your bulkier or more rigid belongings that take up too much space in your suitcase. I like to use mine to carry my toiletries, an extra pair of shoes, my laptop, and any other items I might want to have easy access to, like chargers, lip balm, and even a smaller purse. Like suitcases, I've tested a variety of different styles to find what I deem the very best personal item bag. Most recently, I've been converted to this Calpak backpack; it can hold just as much as my carry-on (and still fit under the plane seat in front of me). Travel cosmetics kit with bottles, pills and cosmetics on I earned my 'professional packer' title, I would opt to check a bag simply because I didn't want to deal with my toiletries. The thought of transferring my shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and other serums and moisturizers into travel-sized containers was daunting, and I chose to avoid it rather than find a solution. But when I took the time to actually figure out a strategy, it quickly became apparent this didn't need to be the most painful part of packing. Now, I keep a stash of travel-sized toiletries, like contact solution and toothpaste, on hand at all times, and I use Cadence Capsules to carry liquids that require smaller containers. I even have a few organizer drawers that I use to hold any sample-sized products I get from Sephora or pick up at hotels. Whenever it's time to pack my toiletry bag, I can just grab and go—no checked bag required.

Traveling With Contact Lenses for Memorial Day? Never Do These 5 Things

CNET

22-05-2025

CNET

Traveling With Contact Lenses for Memorial Day? Never Do These 5 Things

I have a confession to make that I am not proud of, but I know I can't be the only one to do this. More often than not, I sleep in my contact lenses and I wake up with blurry vision and dry, sticky lenses that won't budge. My eye doctor wouldn't be pleased if they knew this because I was not prescribed the type of lenses for sleeping in. Actually, sleeping in my contact lenses puts me at a higher risk of an eye infection. Yikes! This can be a major problem when traveling on a plane or car and trying to remove my contacts. Thankfully, after speaking with my coworker, they gave me important time-saving tips for removing my contacts safely and effortlessly. The trick is to do things in advance, before you get sleepy or busy. These tips are too good not to share, but you should know that these are for reusable contacts and not daily disposable lenses. Read more: An Optometrist Shares 13 Mistakes You're Making With Your Contact Lenses 4 items you should never travel without when you have contact lenses Grab some contact cases, hand sanitizer and contact solution. Katie Teague/CNET Contact lens case This is a must-have when you're traveling anywhere. When you're out, the last thing you want to risk happening is your contact lenses dry out or stay in your eyes too long. Contact lens solution Packing your solution is equally important. Contacts aren't cheap, and ruining them can be a huge hassle. Not to mention, you'll be wasting money as you replace things. Hand sanitizer If you're in a pinch and can't wash your hands before removing your contacts, you can bring a bottle of hand sanitizer to clean your hands before pinching the contacts out of your eyes. Especially since you'll be touching surfaces on the plane or while stopping for a snack or gas on the road. Even after the sanitizer has dried, however, you still may have some residual alcohol on your fingers, so if you have the option to wash your hands with soap and water, I recommend doing that. An extra pair of prescribed glasses "Airplanes have quite dry air and even the most comfortable of contact lenses can become dry and irritating, especially on those long-haul flights," Dr. Mika Moy, a clinical professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley, told me. Instead, she said, "wear glasses on airplanes for better comfort and so you don't have to worry about napping with your lenses on." You can put your contacts back in when you've arrived at your destination. Read more: 10 Eye Protection Hacks You Need to Know Before Spring and Summer Trick for prepping contact lenses for travelBefore leaving for your trip, prep your contact lens case by cleaning it. Then fill each side about halfway with contact lens solution -- or the amount you usually use to fill up your case. Close the lids tight to avoid any leaks, and store the case in a Ziploc bag inside a backpack or purse, where you'll have easy access. You can fill multiple contact cases so that you'll have a backup if anything goes wrong, and you won't have to pack a huge bottle of solution. When it's time to remove your contact lenses from your eyes, just grab your case and place your contacts inside. Make sure your hands are as clean as possible. This simple solution is clever because it saves time and will keep your eyes feeling fresh. Read more: Yes, You Can Save Money on Travel Despite Inflation Dos and don'ts for your contact lenses When it's time to remove your contacts, be careful. After all, you only have one set of eyes. Try these recommendations. ❌ Don't: Remove your contact lenses during turbulence on the airplane. Contact lens solution may spill, your contact could go flying and you might jab yourself in the pupil. ✅ Do this instead: Wait until the plane is steady to avoid poking your eye. Or better, instead of wearing contacts, wear your glasses during the flight to avoid your contacts drying out. ❌ Also, don't do this: Take out your contact lenses while driving or if the road is bumpy. ✅ Do this instead: Wait until you stop at a gas station to wash your hands and remove your contacts. ❌ Don't do this: Only bring one pair of contact lenses with you. Anything can happen when handling your contacts, including ripping a lens or dropping one onto the floor (ew). ✅ Do this instead: Always bring an extra pair or two of contact lenses with you as backup. Or consider bringing one-day disposable lenses instead. "If you wear one-day disposable contact lenses when traveling, you can avoid needing solutions or cases at all," Moy said. "One-day lenses are typically more comfortable and healthier for the eyes because they are only used once and do not need to be disinfected at all." ❌ Don't do this: Put contacts in when you have red eyes. ✅ Do this instead: Always bring a pair of glasses in case you develop an eye infection while traveling. ❌ Don't do this: Sleep in your contacts. Eye doctors will tell you it can cause an infection and even result in permanent vision loss. (I admit, I need to take this advice.) ✅ Do this instead: Place the case filled with solution next to your bed so you can easily remove your contacts without getting up -- whether you're traveling or at home tucked into bed. For more life tips, here's how to make distilled water for free, how to cut cake like a pro with floss and how to end junk mail for good.

The Travel Products That Will Make Summer Vacation a Breeze

Bloomberg

19-05-2025

Bloomberg

The Travel Products That Will Make Summer Vacation a Breeze

By , Matthew Kronsberg, Aja Mangum, and Kat Odell Save The Right Stuff is a monthly checklist of the newest gear, innovations and experiences that we think you need to know about. Previous editions have looked at what you need to usher in spring, how to spend your bonus, and the gear to keep you fit whatever the weather. This time around, we've rounded up nine products that will help you travel better—or at least feel like you've been on an excellent vacation.