Traveling and becoming acquainted with people is one of the most powerful experiences. And when those people speak to your soul, simply from traveling with deep passion and purpose, it hits differently. I’ve found so much power and connection through individuals who’ve shared the same feelings and energy toward travel, and it is a constant reminder that my experience is never alone, especially as a Muslim female traveler.
For many, travel is more than getting on a plane and visiting tourist sites, it’s a lifestyle and access to knowledge. So much knowledge, that you would otherwise not fully understand until you’ve had the experience and exposure.
I truly commend individuals, including myself, who pave the path and create space to make travel a whole lot more meaningful, because it really does make a difference.
Here are a couple of Muslim female travelers who inspire me through their experiences, and spice up the amazing world of travel. Enjoy!
A Singaporean Abroad
Amira, the face behind A Singaporean Abroad, is a cabin crew from Singapore who shares the Muslim narrative through travel. She enjoys creating content revolving around halal food and travel inspiration around the world.
What does travel mean to you?
For Amira, travel is to discover and understand herself, the world, and others’ worlds. Exploring new places, trying new cuisines, discovering new spots, and discovering herself. Travel is what makes her heart sing.
What is your favorite travel quote?
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
You can find Amira sharing her adventures on Instagram @asingaporeanabroad, TikTok, and YouTube shorts.
Ouakhila
Ouakhila Torou is a software developer and travel photographer from Benin Republic. She is currently living in the UK for her studies. She is passionate about photography and loves traveling to discover new cultures and new people. Ouakhilatou is fascinated by what nature offers in different parts of the world.
What does travel mean to you?
When asked what travel means to Ouakhila, she said her travel motto is: “Meet the world through my eyes”.
What is your favorite travel quote?
“It is He who has made the earth manageable for you — so travel its regions and eat His provision — and to Him you will be resurrected.” – Quran, Surah Al-Mulk Verse 15
To follow her journey, you can find Ouakhila on Instagram @ouakhila and on YouTube at Ouakhila Torou.
Ayah Adventurer
Ayah Adventurer is a Philadelphia-based travel writer and content creator who is passionate about inspiring others to see the world. Her recent bylines can be seen in EBONY Magazine, Travel Noire, AMAKA, Haute Hijab, and Brown Skin Brunchin’, to name a few.
What does travel mean to you?
For Ayah, travel is self-care. She believes it’s essential for our mental health, and leaves us feeling fulfilled. Ayah says she loves to learn new things and traveling is one of her favorite ways to do so. It allows her to continually expand her horizons, grow as an individual, and learn about different cultures and ways of living.
Ayah started sharing her experiences in hopes of encouraging other women of color to venture out and explore the globe. She also hopes to dispel common misconceptions about Muslim women. As a visibly Muslim woman, she firmly believes wearing the hijab does not limit her in any way. She is able to visit her bucket list destinations, create beautiful looks that express her personality, and have a ball doing it, all without compromising her beliefs.
What is your favorite travel quote?
“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” -Ibn Battuta
It really is the quintessential Muslim traveler quote! A great representation of how I feel and what I do.
You can connect with Ayah on Instagram @ayahadventurer for more of her travel adventures.
Boundless Mind of Mine
Last, but not least, I, Mariam Addish. The face and voice behind Boundless Mind of Mine. A passionate traveler and creative who combines my love of travel, art, and spirituality in everything I do. More about my experience can be read throughout the blog, which I’ll leave you the option to look around 😉
What does travel mean to you?
Travel is more of a spiritual thing for me. So when I travel I do my best to find ways to deeply connect with the land, people, and God. It makes the experience of travel a whole lot more purposeful for me.
What is your favorite travel quote?
“Travel to build mindfulness. Learn about the divine beauty of life and outpour everything that’s poured into you, into the world.” – Me
