You’d think after passing the headache that is security and check-in at an airport, you’d have nothing to worry about besides getting to your gate on time and having your fully charged phone ready at hand.
That’s a lie.
Advertisements
airline
LHR-VIE-ATH: My journey so far
Iâve wanted to see Greece since I first studied its vast history and Greek mythology with Ms Wilkinson back in secondary school of 08. Something attracted me to the still shots of the once strong, erect structures of the Parthenon- dedicated, in Greek mythology, to the goddess Athena- and the ancient temple of Erechtheum that once stood tall, proud and buzzing with life.
Although I have absolutely no interest in the details of history, it fascinates me that time can literally float right past you. That a whole generation of people existed and fought and ruled their land, only for time to claim them, and we stand here looking at what remains. Time and life fascinate me. Â Itâs the most precious commodity we have, and humbles you to see how far common humanity has come.
I left my place at 3am, and began the long journey to LHR. Roads were quiet, the airport was just as eerie and calm. I like it like that- fast, productive and efficient. I booked a 2-stop flight to Thira (Santorini) because letâs face it, whose bucket list is Santorini NOT on?! Booking a layover in Frankfurt, Vienna and Athens saved me quite a pretty penny- layover flights are not the best thing in the world, but when you can visit four cities for the price of one and you actually want to see them, then youâve just manoeuvred the biggest and oldest secret to cheaper deals in the book.
I only had 6 people on my flight, Iâm not sure why that surprised me given the length of the journey we were about to undertake. 6am came, gate A8 was called. I handed my KLM boarding pass to the young Caucasian man who looked way too hyper for 6am, and we boarded.
If thereâs anything I love more than chicken (and Somaliâs love their chicken), itâs the window seat. The seat that has a clear parallel view of a window with no disruptions, bent angles or horrible positioning. My pre-selected seat on this flight was 19A- perfect view of the wing, yet within 5 rows of the nearest exit. I pulled out âHow to Win Friends and Influence Peopleâ By Dale Carnegie and my first 2 hours and 10 minutes were filled with casual glances at fluffy candyfloss clouds and some orange juice. There is no feeling in the world better, in my opinion, than being ontop of the world. The sun was at full beam by this point, and a shard of light pierced silently through the cabin. Felt good to just sit back and appreciate the beauty that is life.
Flight AF1738 arrived at Flughafen Wein (VIE) at 8:15am.
Vienna.
Youâre beautiful. You rained on me but I still love you.
The layover was only one hour, so leaving the airport wasnât an option. The plummeting rain further solidified that choice for me. The shuttle service took the 6 of us to Terminal 3 for our departing flight at gate F13 to Athens. My connecting 9.15am 0S801 flight with Austrian Airlines arrived, we boarded. Theyâd sat us closer together this time, guess it saved the crew having to parade up and down the aisles a hundred times for the next 2 hours. 1 hour in, the pilot came out of the cabin whilst airborne and asked each of us how the flight was. It added a nice touch to the dullness of the flight.
2 hours and 20 minutes of Greys Anatomy and Hawaii Five-0 later, we arrived at the Athens International airport. 11:35am and I was in Greece. 6 hours and 25 minutes to go till my flight to Thira. I better get exploring.
Halal Holidays: 7 Picture-perfect idyllic Resorts for the Muslim female solo traveller
Over the years, with the addition of exclusive specialist holidays such as Kosher and Vegetarian, there has been a huge demand in the tourism and travel industry for attending to the Muslim sectors needs. The birth of Halalbooking, Halalholidaypackages, Muslimbreak, Serendipity and Luxuryhalaltravel, has presented Muslims with a convenient tailor-made itinerary that is much more fitting for our needs. It ensures a seamless and idyllic experience; catering to dietary requirements, easy access to prayer facilities and of course, privacy for both genders. In this blog post, Iâve picked out 7 places around Asia that is the epitome of any travellers dream beach holiday, plenty of sand and sea, but with that modern halal twist.
These are all on my bucket list for the next 5 years! Let me know whatâs on your bucket list in the comments section below, Iâd love to hear what other resorts I could check out.
This officially rated 5* grand luxury resort and spa hotel, set in a stunning seafront peninsula in the province of MuÄla, Turkey, offers many facilities for the Muslim woman. Booking a half-board inclusive package gets you an open buffet or set menu breakfast & dinner, with no alcohol served on the propertyâs premises. Â All food at this resort is halal, and with an entire private beach- âHidden Seaâ, 100% exclusively for women, you wonât get tired of the breathtaking panoramic views of the crystal clear Aegean Sea. The resort has a Hisar outdoor and indoor swimming pool with designated hours for women, a spa centre with 100% privacy for ladies, and a femaleâs only sunbathing station for unprecedented hours of bliss.
Ofcourse, the resort boasts water sports, yacht landing wharfs, health clubs, Spa & fitness areas, Aromatherapy, Hamam, Saunas, Amphitheatre shows, Angelâs party for the ladies, live music and an orchestra and live band every night. I mean, I feel like this resort is just what the doctor ordered for us ladies, after what feels like months of hard work. Much needed indeed.
The resort opens from 1st April until the 31st October, so get booking if youâre looking to kick-start your dream vacation break with a good one this year!
Can we take a moment to appreciate Indonesia in general?! I mean… Indonesiaâs cluster of tropical islands, snow-capped mountain tops, stunning landscapes and white sandy beaches with water clearer than a crystal, make it a geographical masterwork of nature. Predominantly a Muslim country, there is no scarcity of halal food and activities, with Indonesia’s own Bali, Lombok, Java and Jakarta giving you breathtaking views of nature.
One of the resorts in Senggigi, Lombok, is Katamaran Resort, a 4* rated hotel that is 20 minutes from the boat pier to the Gilis and the famed Bali. The resort features 52 private retreats with 32 units of Ocean View Suites (Hell Yeah!) and 20 units of Tropical Pool Villas. The menu options vary, with only some options being halal, but halal food is available in restaurant and cafes only a short 500m walk away. No alcohol is served in your rooms, ensured by halalbooking.com if booked through them. Beaches are mixed and so are most of the facilities, but to avoid this- booking a Villa comes with secluded private pools, secluded outdoor area with gazebos and an open-air shower, furnished with outdoor furniture.
With the addition of Burkini, a female Muslim can enjoy the two-level infinity pools, spa and wellness centre with private rooms and beachfront cafe & bistro for those unfiltered holiday breakfast snaps!
This 5* rated hotel is located on Al Marjan Island in Rad Al Khaimah, the first manmade island of its kind, offering the most remarkable views of clear waters around the Arabian Gulf. Dubai is 45 minutes and the popular Ice land Water Park is only 10 minutes away. Their definitely isnât a shortage of entertainment at this property, with a private beach for families, an indoor pool for women only and a spa centre with 100% privacy for ladies during certain hours of the day.
All food at this property is Halal! As well as restaurants with cuisine ranging from Lebanese, international, Italian, Moroccan, Japanese and Arabian, the property also boasts a no-alcohol zone and does not serve or allow alcohol on hotel premises.
The hotel features 299 guest rooms ranging from Superior double rooms to 3-bedroom suites with bathroom speakers, rain showers, plasma TV and a pillow menu. I donât think youâll find a more relaxing spot for a lazy trip that will embrace your Islamic vacation needs.
This lavish, alcohol-free resort is located on its own extensive 13-hectare island overlooking Hamad International Airport, next to Doha. It boasts its own marina, reefs, private beach, 9 dining options and a vast lagoon pool. All food at this property is halal, catering to international and Qatari cuisine, Italian, Arabian and Mediterranean, American cuisine, a beach grill and also in-room dining experiences. Banana Island Resort has a spa centre with 100% privacy for ladies at certain hours, including Jacuzziâs, steam rooms, saunas, ice well, social Moroccan and Turkish baths and spa boutique with a ladies hydropool.
To say this resort is the ultimate comfort goals would be an understatement. Every room is decked out with free wifi, Plasma TVs, iPod docks and tea and coffee makers.
The resorts Villa type rooms (apart from over water villas) have 100% privacy from outside eyes in the swimming pools. The Over Water Villas at this resort give those Fiji and Maldives picturesque huts a definite run for their money, proving to be just as indulgent and luxurious. The resort boasts a complementary private marina for to 30 boats, a wellness centre and a stunning indoor botanical garden, entertainment centres including 8 lane bowling allies, VIP Cinema, billiards and extensive motorised and non-motorised water sport activities.
The ferry transfer service operates 24 hours (every hour) and is complimentary but allows a maximum of one piece of luggage with one hand carry on per person.
This 5* alcohol-free property overlooks the exquisite Persian gulf, a coastal resort with broad leisure activities- located close enough to the city centre of Salmiya and yet still secluded and extremely tranquil. The majority of the official population of Kuwaitâs citizens are Muslim, making it very easy to access halal food and gender-specific activities.
All food at this resort is halal, and the property dons an impressive spa centre, sunbathing area and indoor swimming pools that guarantee 100% privacy for ladies. High tea is served in an ornate marble lobby with glass atrium and the opulent rooms with gulf/garden views have marble bathrooms with rainfall showers.
This resort definitely doesnât fall short of the customary requisites that come with 5* resorts and rooms come with fat-screen TVs and free wifi. Suites have added lounges, Jacuzzis and pantries. 2 storey apartments are available which include a kitchen and even a butler service, available 24 hours. Fitness centre for women is available, and a secluded beach surrounded by portable fences for women.
 Although this resort doesnât scream the conventional âluxuryâ interior structure quite like the other properties, the panoramic crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea around Turunç Village make up vastly for that omitted touch. Wedged between the enormous tree covered Taurus mountains from both sides, this alcohol-free resort swanks a private female outdoor swimming pool, spa centre and relaxation clinic, with amenities including Turkish baths, sauna, steam rooms and massages to pleasantly indulge in for us ladies! All food is halal, with an all inclusive meal board for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even snacks between meals, pools, spa and beach! To say youâre looked after would be a total understatement here.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the view from your furnished and simple decor room or head down to revel in the 120 square metres of the womenâs-only secluded swimming pool with a waterslide, and masjid and pool bar (mocktails and juice ofcourse!) available extremely close by.
Every room gets a balcony, but make sure you book yourself one of the Sea View rooms. Thank me later. The last thing I want is for your view every morning to be of boisterous tourists clambering into the hotel to check in, when you could be waking up to serene and peaceful bliss and quiet of the sea. If your here for the breathtaking views and not necessarily to be bowled over by the accommodation, this resort is just the thing. The hotel is only open from May 1st until 30th October, so get booking!
Â
The old English proverb âSaving the best till lastâ might prove true in this illustration. Let me know in the comments what you think but this one is by farrrrr my absolute number one!
Set on over 5000 square meters of landscaped grounds, this stylish beachfront resort has polished, upscale and sophisticated rooms the each feature balconies and floor-to-ceilings- which in my opinion is the paramount part of this entire property. I love the idea of a full and undisturbed view from my hotel room. This resort is a spanking new halal and alcohol-free property in a small peninsula, offering an enticing blend of exotic design with lavishly decorated interiors, perfect for stylish relaxation.
For those coming to unwind and experience the fusion of sea and sun, this resort offers nothing short of superlative levels in standard and excellent hospitality. For us ladies, we have 5 secluded swimming pool areas with Jacuzzi’s, a private beach area with special Egyptian sand and 100% private and secluded sunbathing areas to achieve our tan goals, a womenâs spa centre donning; a sauna, steam bath, authentic Turkish bath and steam rooms and even a dedicated womenâs fitness room. The masjid (mosque) is close by and every room comes with a Koran (Quran), prayer rug and Qibla directions, making life easier for the practicing Muslim.
Dining options include a restaurant, 3 cafes and a hookah bar. The food served ranges from International to Turkish cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, provided as an open buffet in the resorts main restaurant.
Personally, Iâd recommend staying in the Select Room, a luxury designed room with a perfect full sea view and balcony Jacuzzi overlooking the sea, complete with foam. What better way to experience the true definition and sense of alternative tourism merged with its own Turkish magnificence, than at this glorious paradise resort.
Open all year long, but summer season is from April 10th until October 31st. Summer daytime activities and evening entertainment include games, sports, competitions, live folk music, poetry, comedy plays, parachutes, surfing the sea and Jet skis.
I reckon I definitely saved the best till last!
Am I right?
Have I missed out any that you think are worthy to go on this list?
You! Reading this right now, leave a comment. Let me know your thoughts.
Travelling soon? For help with what to take with you, click here for my Ultimate Packing Checklist and dont forget my 5 Must-Haves for any Muslim traveler!
First time travelling? Read about mine and know what you need to prepare for! I’m saving you from making the same mistakes I made!
Packing 101: Ultimate Packing Checklist for any Beginner or Pro
With all your hotels and flights all done and ready, your luggage is the last thing stopping you from that amazing holiday. Below are my must-haves for any trip, anywhere in the world, for any length of time. Â Not every single of one of them is necessary; nevertheless the majority would normally go into my own cabin luggage or handbag.
Essentials & Admin items â Try and have as much of the below in extra prints/photocopies close by and a copy in your emails as well.
- Valid Passport
- Visa for the relevant country
- Tickets/Travel documents (flights, accommodation, transport, pre-booked tourist attractions)
- Travel Insurance
- Local currency cash + some GBP in cash for backup
- Credit & Debit cards, prepaid travellers cheque will come in handy
- Guidebooks, Journals, diary, notepad and pens
Electrical Items â all valuables go into hand luggage!
- Camera with charger, pack extra charger, extra batteries
- Mobile phone, charger
- Electrical plug adapter
- Laptop/tablet
- eReader/Kindle
Security
- Multiple Padlocks â go for a combination lock or a TSA approved lock
Personal Health & Hygiene
- Mini First Aid kit
- Filter bottle
- Personal medication including paracetamol, travel meds and anti-malarial tablets
- Personal toiletry bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary items, hand sanitizer etc)
- Small deodorant (spray, powder or roll on)
- Make up if necessary
- Skin moisturisers with SPF, skin cleanser, make-up removers, hand cream
Clothing
- 7 x Underwear pieces â small so no need to cut back on these!
- 5 x basic day t-shirts/tops with at least 2 long sleeved tops
- Jumper/cardigan/light jacket for cooler evenings (can be worn to travel in)
- 2 x Bottoms/Trouser/Skirt (1 can be worn to travel in)
- 4 x Lightweight evening outfits (Abaya, dress, shirts)
- 1 x Pyjamas
- 6 x skirts and headscarves ([Black, Grey, Blue, White- basic colours]1 of each can be worn to travel)
- Closed toe shoes, 1 x heels, 1 x sandals/flip flops (
- 3 socks (ankle, full length)
Hand/laptop bags needs to be 30cm x 15cm x 40cm
Cabin bags need to be 56cm x 25cm x 45cm
A checked bag can be up to 90 x 75 x 43cm, including any bits that stick out, like the handle, pockets and wheels.
Did you find this useful or do you have a checklist that slightly varies? I want to know! Leave me a comment below.
Packing 101 for Beginners: 4 Important Tips
What, on this planet, is more exciting than getting on a plane and feeling the same total freedom as the birds that soar the sky? I canât think of anything besides my motherâs mouth watering slow cooked Lamb chops every Friday. The feeling of being in the sky is like nothing else Iâve experienced, but what is worse that packing the wrong items for your beach break or forgetting the paddle for your creek expedition? Avoid a holiday disaster with my travel checklist and packing tips, derived from my own experiences.
Leave your wardrobe at Home
One of the most common mistakes I used to make is taking my entire wardrobe with me everywhere I went. Not only is it entirely unnecessary but it can also cost you a pretty penny if you over pack and go over your allocated luggage weight allowance. In fact, it might make quite a big dent in your pocket even before youâve even left the country.
Pack light, only take multiple versions of your basics – 3 is more always a safe number. There is no need to take 10 different outfits with you âjust in caseâ. A smarter, lighter way to pack is to recognize that hotels have laundry available for only a few extra euroâs. As you use one item and get it cleaned, you use another. Using hotel in-house services may prove much cheaper than the alternative, and can save you a lot of space in your luggage. The most cost-effective way is going back to basic, and using the complementary soap and sink and some good old arm strength to get your clothes clean.
Arriving in your heaviest
Since cost is directly correlated the weight of your luggage, itâs a good idea to avoid putting heavy items in your luggage. Wear your heaviest clothing to travel in, such as your coats, jacket, your thick jeans and sweaters. Obviously, walking in looking like youâre about to battle a snowstorm wonât help and youâll be advised to remove some clothes. But that one heavy coat might give room for another pair of shoes or another two jumpers in your baggage. After all, airlines measure your baggage and not you.
Be Ruthless
I always take out everything I want to take, pack and half of it and then get rid of third of that. Whatever you think youâll need, get rid of at least a third of it. Youâll probably spend most of your time wrapped up or picking out of two items.
Roll with it
Roll your items of clothing, donât fold. It saves you so much space in your suitcase, avoids creasing your clothes which is a big bonus for presentation and cleanliness and it also makes clothes much easier to find and less prone to being messed up.
Rolling really tight, from experience, has been a game changer for how much I can fit overall in my bags so the tighter you roll, the better. Tuck all your underwear in the gaps that are left behind and stick your rolled up socks inside your shoes.
Check out my all-inclusive in depth travel checklist for what should really go in your luggage!
