3 Places to go for Holiday instead of America?

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

With all the recent news of travelers having a difficult time getting into America, you might be thinking to yourself where else can I take my family for a break, especially as a Muslim family? With all the cost and time it takes to take a holiday with the family why take the chance of being denied entry? It could happen anywhere especially if your visas or documentation is in question, but consider these 3 destinations instead and save yourself stress and money:

Malaysia

Mosques:

One of Malaysia’s highlights is its breathtaking mosques, which offer a deep sense of serenity and architectural beauty. The Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, with its striking pink dome and waterfront location, is a must-visit. Another gem is the National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara) in Kuala Lumpur, an expansive masterpiece with a unique star-shaped dome. The Blue Mosque in Shah Alam, Iron Mosque in Putrajaya, and the Wilayah Mosque in Kuala Lumpur are just a few more examples, but the country is filled with beautiful mosques almost everywhere you go.

Iron Mosque(Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin), Putrajaya Malaysia

Food:

If you are a foodie you are in for a treat - Malaysia is a food lover’s dream, offering a vast array of halal cuisines influenced by Malay, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian flavors. Unlike America, where finding halal food can be challenging, Malaysia ensures that halal dining is the norm. From the national staple Nasi Lemak (coconut rice with sambal, anchovies, and boiled egg) to the flavorful everyday Roti Canai (flaky flatbread with curry), Sushi, and all the international brands, the choices are endless. Famous street food places like Jalan Alor in Kuala Lumpur or Gurney Drive in Penang is not only delicious but also budget-friendly but street food that is both tasty and cheap can be found on every corner in any city.

Japanese Beef Teriyaki Set

Beauty:

Malaysia is also home to some of the world's most stunning natural landscapes and beaches, making it an ideal destination for families. The pristine beaches of Langkawi, with their crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, offer a perfect getaway for relaxation and water activities. There are plenty of others like Port Dickson and Kuala Terengganu to check out. If you’re looking for adventure, Taman Negara, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, provides exciting jungle treks, river cruises, and wildlife encounters. The Cameron Highlands, with its lush tea plantations and cool climate, is another great family-friendly escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. In Kuala Lumpur the Petronas towers is the main attraction, make sure to take the tour that takes you up for an unforgettable view of KL.

Langkawi Beaches, Malaysia

Affordability:

When comparing travel costs, Malaysia is significantly more affordable than the United States. Flights, accommodations, food, and attractions come at a fraction of the price. In Kuala Lumpur, you can find a luxury hotel stay for around $50-$100 per night, whereas a similar experience in New York or Los Angeles could cost over $300 per night. Additionally, renting a car or using Grab(Malaysia's Uber) is very cheap and there are multiple public transport options as well. You don't have to be rich to feel rich in Malaysia.

Türkiye

Mosques:

Türkiye is home to some of the most magnificent mosques in the world. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul, with its six minarets and intricate Iznik tilework, is a must-visit. Nearby, the historic Hagia Sophia, once a church and now a mosque again, showcases a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural brilliance. The Fatih Cami Mosque, Pasha Mosques, and Ismail Aga Mosque are just some of the hundreds more to enjoy. If you venture to Bursa, the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) is another historical marvel, but almost anywhere you go you will find breathtaking mosques.

Faith Mosque, Istanbul

Food:

Türkiye’s entire food scene is mostly Muslim-friendly. The country offers a diverse range of flavors influenced by Ottoman, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine. Indulge in succulent kebabs, freshly baked pide (Turkish pizza), and savory börek. Don’t forget to try baklava and kunefe for a sweet treat, paired with a glass of traditional Turkish tea. There are plenty of international brands that are also halal as well as cuisines from all over the world. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul or the historic bazaars of tucked away in every city, delicious halal food is always within reach.

Shawarma Plate with Garlic Sauce

Beauty:

Türkiye boasts stunning landscapes that rival any destination in the world. The landscapes of Cappadocia, with its hot air balloons floating over rock formations, offer an unforgettable experience. The pristine beaches of Antalya provide the perfect seaside escape, while the Pamukkale thermal pools present a breathtaking natural wonder. If you love mountains and greenery, the Black Sea region with its lush forests and scenic tea plantations is a must-visit. But the best thing is that Türkiye has an old-world feel with its stone streets, historic buildings, and epic mosques.

The interior of the Hagia Sophia

Affordability:

Traveling in Türkiye is significantly cheaper than a trip to the United States. A luxurious hotel in Istanbul or Antalya can cost between $50-$150 per night, but there are even cheaper options when you book in long-term stays or BnBs. It's not as affordable as Malaysia but still very good value for your family holiday. Public transportation, including trams, buses, ferries and domestic flights, is also very affordable, making it easy to explore the country on a budget. The food is also relatively cheap for your family, especially in the areas outside of central Istanbul and other high tourist areas. Recent inflation issues have hit the country hard over the last few years so prices do fluctuate, but you will be saving money.

Morocco

Mosques:

Morocco is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world, stands majestically by the Atlantic Ocean with intricate Moroccan craftsmanship. In Fez, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, which also houses the world’s oldest university, provides a deep sense of Islamic heritage. Throughout the country, you’ll find stunning mosques that offer places of worship and spiritual tranquility.

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Food:

One of the best parts of visiting Morocco is its diverse and halal-friendly cuisine. From the iconic tagine (slow-cooked stews with meat and vegetables) to the famous couscous traditionally served on Fridays, Moroccan food is a delightful mix of spices and flavors. Street markets and souks are filled with tasty treats like chebakia (sesame cookies), pastilla (savory-sweet pie), and refreshing mint tea. You can also find fresh made pizza at almost any corner. The best part is the fresh fruits and vegetables in Morocco are some of the best in the world, and you will have no shortage of fun for your taste buds walking around any city.

Produce Stand, Casablanca

Beauty:

The cities of Casablanca, Fez, Rabat, and Marrakech each offer their own natural and architectural beauty. Casablanca boasts a stunning Atlantic coastline, Fez is surrounded by rolling hills and lush scenery, Rabat blends city life with beautiful green spaces and ocean views, and Marrakech sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes. Similar to Türkiye but to a lesser degree, there is an old-world feel almost everywhere you go with markets, mosques, and buildings. There is always something for your eyes to enjoy around every corner.

Atlantic Ocean Beachfront, Casablanca

Affordability:

Morocco falls somewhere between Malaysia as the cheapest and Türkiye as the most expensive on our list today. A comfortable riad (traditional Moroccan guesthouse) stay can cost as little as $40-$100 per night, while luxury accommodations remain cheaper than in major U.S. cities as long as you stay out of the tourist areas. Again, long-term stays and BnBs tend to be cheaper. Food, transportation, and attractions are also reasonably priced, making Morocco a great destination for travelers looking to experience luxury on a budget.

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** Disclaimer: We are compensated for some of the links provided in this article if you purchase something, but we only recommend what we have used and found successful or we have done some research to find. This blog should not be used as financial advice and we are not travel agents, we are just letting you know our opinions from real life experience. May Allah bless you and your family on your travels.