Posted: June 7th, 2010 | 1 Comment »
It’s all about football! The World Cup 2010 kicks off on June 11th 2010 and the whole world is going crazy. 32 teams from all over the globe are targeting one of the most prestigious titles in sports. For the first time ever this amazing event takes place on the African continent in South Africa. If you are one of the lucky fans who got a ticket check out our halal guide for the World Cup 2010. Or maybe if you are just planning to enjoy the atmosphere and public viewing in South Africa we’ve have some interesting tips for you.
Accommodation: Just a couple of months ago the first ever fully halal hotel opened Cape Town. halaltrip offers adequate accommodations for Muslims travelling to South Africa.
Food & Drinks: South Africa offers a wide range of halal food all over the country. Various websites like zabihah and sanha list all important restaurants including reviews.
Mosques: Almost one Million Muslims are living in South Africa. Hence, it is not that difficult to find a mosque near you. Check out salatomatic to get some more information.
World Cup 2010: More information on host cities, stadiums and public viewing zones can be find on FIFA.com or the interesting blog SouthAfrica.info.
Posted: June 2nd, 2010 | 2 Comments »
Travelling is an amazing and great way of enjoying life. Whether inbound or outbound each traveler is exploring the world in his or her own way. But there are many reasons to leave your lovely home for a certain time. We’ve put some ideas together that maybe inspire you for your next trip. So what are you waiting for?
5. Learn something! Do you have some troubles with your English class? Check out those amazing language courses in England or the US. Travelling for education reason might be the perfect way to gain knowledge within an enjoyable atmosphere.
4. Travelling for God: Many places around the world hold religious importance to people. Be aware of such a travel that might be very exhausting and always stick to your spiritual goals. At the end you could expect a whole new angle on yourself and your environment.
3. My Mum is from Australia, my Dad is from Ghana and I was born in Paris: Your family is spread all over the globe? Perfect! Enjoy visiting your family abroad but to also plan to explore the region on your own.
2. Get to know the other side: Each culture and society has its own rules and history. Try to explore those different ways of life and don’t judge people based on media reports or stories from your friends. At the end you may not only better know the other side but even yourself!
1. Just relax! This is the most wonderful way of going abroad. Enjoy crystal-clear water, white sand or exciting adventures in the rainforest. Do it your way and leave busy home behind! It’s still there when you come back 
Posted: May 13th, 2010 | 1 Comment »
Ever thought of exploring the Islamic roots of the so called old continent? halaltrip presents the Top 5 cities in Western Europe still shining with the old Islamic legacy that shaped the continent. Maybe you’ll find your next holiday destination as summer is about to come.
5.) Vienna: The Ottoman Empire tried to capture unsuccessfully the Austrian capital in 1529 and later in 1683. Beside the military siege both countries exchanged various cultural aspects of life within the last centuries. Today Vienna is famous for its great coffee shops, the “Wiener Schnitzel” and the “Stephansdom”, where the bells of the church were made out of the left behind guns from the Ottoman. The architecture of the city is partly based on oriental designs like flat roofs or the similar like a mosque built “Karl Church” with its kind of minarets. Moreover you’ll find some wall paintings remembering the sieges. You’ll even find a Yunus-Emre-Fountain located in the Türkenschanzpark that was a gift from the Republic of Turkey to Austria in 1991.
4.) Algarve: Derived from the Arabic word “al gharb” meaning “the west” this southernmost region of mainland Portugal was once the west border of the Moorish empire. Various architecture aspects are mainly affected by that time. Especially the twisting and narrow streets protecting people from the hot sun and many small minarets on houses are one of the most famous Islamic legacy. Also many Arabic words have influenced the Portuguese language.
3.) Sevilla: Once the capitol for the Kings of the Umayyad Caliphate and important centre of Al-Andalus Sevilla is still a beautiful city in the heart of Spain. As a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site the Moorish aesthetic and urban influences continued and are very present in contemporary Seville. If you do check out this great city, visiting the Cathedral of Sevilla is a must. Once known as The Great Mosque with its beautifully ornamented and world famous minaret called Giralda the church is one of the biggest in the world nowadays.
2.) Cordoba: In 766 Cordoba was elected as capital of the independent Muslim emirate of al-Andalus. At that time nearly half a million people lived in Cordoba not only making it the world’s second largest city but one of the most advanced in the world. The city acted as cultural, financial, economic and political heart of the Muslim empire. Also the construction of The Great Mosque of Cordoba dates back to this time once being the largest library in the world. Today the Christian Mezquita is one of the most famous tourist hot spots in the region. This incredible building is without a question one of the most impressive in Europe.
1.) Granada: Only the massive area of the Alhambra would be worth to visit this great city. Built during the mid 14th century the Alhambra acted as a palace and a fortress complex today it is one of the most viewed hot spots in the world. Travellers are waiting hours standing in line only to purchase some tickets. So please visit the official website before visiting this historic monument.
Posted: May 6th, 2010 | 2 Comments »
Travelling through the Middle East doesn’t have to be that expensive. Within the last couple of years dozens of low-fare airlines started their business in the region. Most of them do offer a wide range of destinations even to Europe. Let’s have a look on three promising companies you may book in future when you are planning to go to the Middle East.
Air Arabia
Based in Sharjah Air Arabia is the largest low-fare airline in the region flying to more than 55 destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa. Founded in 2003 by the Ruler of the Emirate as the first low-fare airline it was profitable within one year and internationally awarded in 2009. Meanwhile Air Arabia established several subsidiaries in Egypt and Morocco. Once on board you may enjoy a wide variety of Halal food, alcohol-free drinks and newspapers starting from one U.S. Dollar to ten U.S. Dollar per item. http://www.airarabia.com/
Flydubai
Established in 2008 flydubai is heavily supported by the Emirates Airline Group and already operating in more than 15 countries including Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait, Syria and Azerbaijan. Currently the fleet consists of seven Boeing 737-800 aircrafts another 54 aircrafts have been already ordered. On board guests may purchase branded snacks, hot food on international flights and soft drinks, while alcoholic drinks are available too. http://flydubai.com/
Jazeera Airways
Starting operations in 2005 Jazeera Airways has grown rapidly and already offers one out of every four take offs at Kuwait International Airport. Owned by government and venture capitalists Jazeera Airway operates with eleven Airbus A320 to 12 countries and 23 destinations. The airline is focusing primarily on the Gulf region but do also operates in Pakistan and Egypt. On board complimentary food and beverage service are offered as alcoholic drinks can’t be purchased. http://www.jazeeraairways.com/
Posted: April 22nd, 2010 | 2 Comments »
Travelling around the world can be very exhausting due to heavy luggage, troublesome security checks and long flight duration. Busy preparation might also let you forget important stuff. So check out our ultimate Muslim travel packing list. If you do like it just print it out and place it over your working desk or on your fridge. Hopefully it helps
1.) Travel Light: You don’t need five or six trousers, dozens of books or all the stuff from your bathroom just to look good. No need of paying hotel guys for carrying or storing your bags, fast security checks, no stress the evening before takeoff and just imagine how flexible you will be at your final destination. But don’t forget your passport, flight tickets and some money!
2.) Check your hand luggage twice: Do you really want to explain why you took that nail scissors with you? Or do you like to throw your expensive Hugo Boss perfume into the waste because it’s more than 100ml? So have a second look to avoid displeasing interrogation at the security check.
3.) Do you have a VISA: Entering a country might not always be that easy. Traveling within the European Union as an European is different as going to the US or elsewhere in the world. Before booking your travel package just have a short look on the embassy website of your destination to clear things up.
4.) Do you want Halal food on the airplane? If you aren’t keen on the veggie sandwich or just a cup of tea for your overseas flight claim your Halal meal while booking. At least every airline in the world offers that option!
5.) Muslim travel package: Last but not least don’t forget your Muslim travel package. It should include a local prayer time table, a compass to find the Qibla direction and a pocket prayer rug or a hand towel to pray on.
Did we forget anything or do you have the ultimate hint? Just drop a comment below!
Posted: April 20th, 2010 | No Comments »
Bahrain and Malaysia already hosted an amazing Formula One Grand Prix this year. On May 30th 2010 Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton & Co. stop in Istanbul to drive on the famous Istanbul Park Circuit. Opened in 2005 the track follows the contours of the land and takes much influence from the best tracks worldwide. Due to the nature of the circuit the crowd experiences each year exciting on-track action. Who will succeed Jenson Button as last year’s winner? Come in, search your muslim-friendly hotel and find out live! Ticket prices starts from EUR 40 to EUR 280 and can be purchased online.
Posted: April 14th, 2010 | No Comments »
Dreaming of white sand, crystal clear water and beautiful coral reefs? Have a look on those three beautiful beaches in various Muslim countries. halaltrip offers halal & muslim-friendly hotels in all of the following countries, so what are you waiting for?
Nungwi Beaches
We’ve recently covered beautiful Tanzania, so you may also check out this amazing beach area on the Island of Zanzibar. The city of Nungwi is located north and shines with impressing coral reefs. This small fishing village gives you a unique place to relax and enjoy your life.
Sun Island
Looking for some sportive holidays on a stunning island? Sun Island is a given gift for all water sports passionate travelers on the Maldives. Even the water is that crystal clear you might think you are walking on it. An active and beautiful sea life guarantee an unforgettable trip.
Kadidiri
The Kadidiri Island might be an undiscovered pearl of the Togean Islands in Indonesia. Palm trees, calming tranquility and colorful sea creatures combined with crystal clear water are ideal for recharging ones battery.
Posted: March 30th, 2010 | No Comments »
This summer is going to be a great one for each and every football passionate fan. South Africa will be the first ever African host of the biggest sports event of the world. In case you grab a ticket and plan your trip why not checking out the first ever fully Halal Hotel in Cape Town.
The southern city will host games like England vs. Algeria, Cameroon vs. Netherlands and even one semi-final. Coral International Cape Town is well located and offers services on a luxury level. The hotel does not serve alcohol on their premises, but offers Halal food and prayer facilities. If you decide to book please come back and submit your review on halaltrip.com.
Posted: March 25th, 2010 | 1 Comment »
Who travelled on the largest wooden ship around the globe? Who took the first pictures with the “camera obscura”? Who was a pioneer in the development of astrolabes? Who founded the first ever university? The Science Museum in London traces the almost forgotten story of the so called “Golden Age”, where female and male Muslim scholars were the most important driver of modern civilization.
The free exhibition, which runs from the 21 January to 30th June 2010, looks at the social, scientific and technological achievements that are credited to the Muslim world. So what about a weekend-trip to check out this amazing and mind-opening exhibition? Take a look at Muslim-friendly hotels in London, book your flight and enjoy a memorable city break.
