How to Better Travel if You Are Travelling During Ramadan
Youliang Teo When he’s not caught up with the real world, Teo Youliang dreams of simply grabbing a rucksack and setting off on an adventure of a lifetime. Whether it means venturing through unknown places, meeting new faces, or frustratingly figuring out a travel map for hours, you can be sure that there isn’t any other place he’d rather be. He’s also content with a hot cup of tea, and writing stories at the comfort of his home.
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The holy month of Ramadan is best spent at home, among family and friends. It is the perfect time for Muslims to reflect on their actions and gain understanding on the experiences of those who are less privileged than them. It is also a time when Muslims attempt to reconnect with their spiritual self and grow closer to God.
Fasting is one of the five tenets of Islam, although not unique to the religion, it is one of the most prominent practices in the Islamic calendar. While it is mandatory for all physically healthy and mentally- sound persons upon reaching puberty, there are allowed exclusions based on circumstances and conditions. One of it being a person who is travelling. Hence, we would like to share some exclusive travel tips with our Muslim readers to make your journey during Ramadan an easy and fulfilling one.
Also read: 10 Muslim-Friendly European Cities With Easy to Find Halal Food
1. Plan Your Travel Schedule Wisely
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There are several factors to bear in mind for Muslims travelling during Ramadhan, the crucial ones being the time for Iftar (breaking of the fast at sunset) and Sahoor (the pre-dawn meal that forms the basis of sustenance for one’s fast during daylight hours. While we are at liberty to pick an airline that operates a schedule that best fits our plans, it is prudent to consider some variables that may affect these two daily markers of fasting. For example, carry along a small packet of dates (to break the fast) in the event a delay in arrival occurs! Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
2. Keep in Mind Your Prayer Options
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Save yourself the trouble of trying to find prayer rooms, and do the research before hand. Lucky for you, many major international airports, such as Singapore or Frankfurt, have prayer rooms for the convenience of travellers!
3. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
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While you are travelling, anything can happen. You may get stuck in a horrendous traffic jam that would probably take a few hours to clear up. What is worse that it is almost close to iftar and you have no form of sustenance on hand to break the fast with!
Of course, there are many scenarios similar to the mentioned above that would prove to be a hindrance to your fasting schedule. This is especially so in a foreign country, where you are unfamiliar with the inner workings of the area that makes such unfortunate events ten times likely to happen!
So take the initiative and stay prepared at all times. Bring along a few dates and a bottle of water as a safety measure, so if you find yourself caught in such a situation, you can sate your hunger and thirst without jeopardising your schedule or your wellbeing.
4. Stock Up for sahoor and iftar
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Your hotel will most likely be ill-prepared for your fasting needs during sahoor and iftar. Room service will usually be unavailable pre-dawn, and there is a chance that the room you are staying in might lack a microwave or a fridge.
So it is probably a good idea to stock up on food and drinks at a nearby local supermarket on the first day to ensure that you have enough to last you during your stay. Bottles of mineral water, protein bars, and dates are good choices to keep your energy levels up while committing to the fasting schedule!
5. Know What is On Your Plate
Image credit: Lufthansa
As many Muslim travellers can relate, it is often difficult to find proper halal food while eating outside, especially overseas. Be sure to thoroughly research on the availability of food on your trip, from the airline meals to the eateries near your hotel.
There are airlines, such as Lufthansa that offers passengers with special meals for their dietary, nutritional or religious needs.
Also read: 15 Muslim-Friendly Tea Rooms in London To Have an Amazing Afternoon Tea
[TRIPZILLA RECOMMENDS] Travelling during Ramadan? Lufthansa has got you covered!
Image credit: Lufthansa
When you fly with Lufthansa, all your dietary needs are covered. Enjoy a wide range of special meals from fruit meals, vegetarian meals to muslim meals prepared with halal standard certified meat/poultry.
Special meals can be ordered up to 24 hours before departure, provided that there is a confirmed booking in the required class. You have the opportunity to order a special meal through your travel agent or online under My Bookings. There will be no additional costs for the passenger for this service.
Please note that special meals are usually offered in Economy Class on flights of more than 185 minutes duration and in Business Class on flights of more than 75 minutes duration.
For more information, please visit here.
Image credit: Lufthansa
Enjoy direct flights to Frankfurt! Lufthansa flights depart Singapore at 23:40 to ensure that Muslim travellers get uninterrupted sleep without transit. Plus point: Frankfurt Airport has 3 prayer rooms as well!
Well, I don’t know about you, but Lufthansa seems to know exactly what their passengers would need. Good things must share, make sure you tell all your Muslim friends!
Brought to you by Lufthansa