Travel Advice
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I have been to all the 7 World Wonders before the age of 25, and to around 30 countries. Here are products that have made my travels a little more easier for me. Travel smart!
Critical for your survival overseas. This charger/converter allows you to charge multiple electronics at the same time. Super convenient and I take it everywhere I go.
I often travel on a whim and have to pack a couple hours before my flight, but the worst thing that can ruin a vacation is a stomach ache. So be prepared an bring light weight Pepto Bismol tablets.
With traveling there is no time to waste getting sick. Pack a mini Tums and will save you the heartache later.
I work six jobs and I'm always lesson planning ,whether in planes, airports or on the beach, but one thing for certain is that staying organized saves you the work later.This wire organizer helps me to easily located all the chargers I need.
Find a skin regime that works for you, my skin is oil/sensitive so I need products that can work especially with the heat from overseas, it could literally ruin you picture.
I never travel without it. I have been in cities and deep in the village and one thing I can agree is that access to water ,restrooms might night always be guaranteed. So always keep some hand sanitizer and wipes handy.
Great high end brand that sells minis which won't break the bank. This body wash/face wash I tend to use it on those sleepless nights during travel to revitalized me.
70 percent of your immune system is in your stomach. Probiotics are great ways to stay healthy while your'e on the road.Nobody has time to be sick.
If you have oily skin especially in the heat, I definitely recommend you use this product to control the oil and keep you looking flawless.
iScanner, by far the best application I use that is the most convenient, necessary and crucial when dealing with travel documents, forms and less access to reliable wifi or printing. This app allows you to take a picture of a document and it converts it to a PDF and you can either email it to yourself, others or upload it onto your Google Drive.
Traveling While Muslim
As a hijabi traveling is not always easy, although Muslims are around one fourth of the world's population, I have personally found that some locations have been more inviting to Muslims while others have had some resistance. When I decide which country I would like to visit, I typically look at what are the historical sites, visa requirements and the mobility around the country. Thus thinking about safety and food accommodations are low barriers when choosing a place to visit, however, once you arrive you realize these are critical components to getting the most out of your travel.
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Muslim Friendly Destinations
I have traveled to 60 countries and have visited to every continent except Antaratica.Even as a frequent flyer I have been stopped for multiple security checks and asked to remove my hijab. This is not to deter Muslims from traveling, but actually through our visibility and linguistic capabilities we can advocate for ourselves and help shift the Islamophobic narrative.
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Top Muslim Friendly Countries
Maldives
Qatar
Malaysia
Hong Kong
Oman
South Korea
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When traveling to Latin America and East Asia, although Muslim travelers have been slowly visiting and residents are becoming more aware of Muslim identities, there is still push back and less food option.
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For instance, while traveling in several Latin American countries in airports I have been asked to remove my hijab off (Cuba, Costa Rica and Brazil) and have had additional screenings with female security. In one case, I was screened three times in the same airport (Ecuador). Because I speak Spanish, I was able to advocate for myself but if you did not, can you imagine the embarrassment and misunderstandings which could arise?
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When this happened in one country, I thought maybe there hasn't been exposure to Muslim, but after repetitive travel throughout this region and some of the stares I received, I do believe that this is more than a trend. When nations consume Western media that portrays Muslims in a Islamophobic manner with no counter exposure it spills over to how the general public views us. The positive aspect of being a polyglot is that I am able to communicate in Spanish and in Portuguese which can bridge gaps and expand intercultural understanding. I found that people were more curious then full of hatred but because there is usually a language barrier, they are unable to vocalize it. I would also say food options are difficult to find at times and your better option is to be vegetarian while abroad.
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When traveling to Asia, stares may be subtle, so you don't feel ostracize in areas where it is very homogenous. However, many dishes include pork and since English is not the dominant language, you may have to rely heavily on translation in order to see what ingredients are in the food. However, countries like Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand and Singapore, there is a large enough Muslim population and visitators that there is halal options and even neighborhoods and ethnic groups who are historical Muslim. Vietnam was by far my hardest to fine any halal options, and although China in some regions were difficult to find halal food, there is a Muslim population and there are mosques which incorporate both cultures into their cuisine.