Traveling during Ramadan advice

Specific advice for taking a vacation over Ramadan depends on where you are heading, but there are some general tips it’s worth keeping in mind.

Generally, traveling in Muslim countries during Ramadan is simply a matter of being respectful. That means being discreet about where and when you eat and drink, dressing modestly (as you would need to at any time), and accepting that during this month, some societal norms are different and there may be restrictions on things you want to do. Understand that local people will often be tired but still need to do the same work they would at any time of year – perhaps even more so if they are in the hospitality industry.

But don’t be put off by the thought of traveling in Ramadan. Respectful tourists are always welcome. Memorise a few choice phrases like “Ramadan Mubarak” (have a blessed Ramadan) and “Ramadan Kareem” (Ramadan is generous) and you’ll get a friendly greeting back. “Ramadan can be a wonderful and enriching time to take a vacation,” says Marwa Aziz of our partner Memphis Tours. “It offers travelers a chance to experience authentic traditions and warm hospitality.”

It’s not just customs you need to think about abiding by; in some places there are strict laws around Ramadan that tourists need to be aware of. In some countries such as Saudi Arabia there is the threat of deportation if non-Muslims are caught eating or drinking in public.

Do research local rules before visiting, then. Dubai, with its large immigrant population and touristy atmosphere, can be quite relaxed around Ramadan in contrast with other cities in the United Arab Emirates that aren’t as tourism oriented. Some Pakistani cities like Lahore or Karachi may take a different approach to others, like Peshawar, that are more stringent.

If in any doubt, ask your tour operator or at your hotel for advice. Or just speak to a local – Ramadan customs can be a great way to start a conversation.

The opening hours of shops, restaurants and visitor attractions like museums are likely to be affected during Ramadan, however to what extent will largely depend on how tourism-oriented the place is.

In Egypt, hotels, Nile cruises and restaurants in touristy areas typically operate as normal, as do sightseeing tours, so travel plans are rarely affected by Ramadan. But if you’re traveling to Morocco during Ramadan, you’re probably going to find that souks are closed during the day, while they get very lively after sunset.

In luxury resorts in the Maldives, you could probably go the whole month without knowing it’s Ramadan, whereas on the local islands you will need to adapt. Cafes and restaurants are usually closed during daylight hours, banks and other businesses will close after lunch, and while ferry and speedboat services will tend to operate all day, schedules may be subject to change.

All of this is perfectly manageable, of course, if you know in advance, and our partners will ensure that you’re prepared. And actually, these restrictions can help you feel more relaxed. “If you visit the Maldives during Ramadan, life on local islands during the day is quieter and the pace of life a lot slower. But isn’t that what vacations are about?” says Ruth Franklin of our partner Secret Paradise.

There is no requirement for non-Muslims to fast during Ramadan, but in some places it is forbidden, or at least frowned upon, to eat or drink in the view of those who are. If you go out to eat during the day, you may find service a little slower than normal with fewer staff working. Consider tipping more generously than you might normally, though – it’s likely that the staff preparing your food will themselves be fasting.

If your tour leader, guide or driver are practising Muslims then they may well have lower energy levels than normal due to broken sleep and fasting. Understandably, they may also not join you for group meals.

“Something we often laugh about is how non-Muslims are surprised that we can’t even drink water while fasting,” says Zara Choudhary, editor-in-chief of Sacred Footsteps, a study of travel, history and culture from a Muslim perspective. “But in truth it’s not that difficult. Your body adapts, and you make sure to hydrate before the fast begins. In hot places, though, it’s not always easy.”

Every Muslim country, indeed, every Muslim community, will have its own customs and traditions around Ramadan, so it’s well worth reading up on what goes on in the place you’ve visiting before you travel, to learn what you might see or be able to take part in.

The Egyptian tradition of firing a cannon to mark the daily start of iftar has spread to other parts of the world such as Syria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Indonesia, meanwhile, has a lovely ritual called padusan, when people come together to bathe in natural areas like springs and rivers before Ramadan begins.

“One of the most beautiful moments to experience Ramadan in Egypt is at sunset when families gather to break their fast,” says Marwa. “The atmosphere becomes very lively in the evening, with traditional lanterns (fanous), special Ramadan sweets, and a strong sense of community.”

In some countries such as Turkey, drummers and town criers announce iftar and suhoor. “Something I’ve always wanted to witness is in Jerusalem when a Palestinian drummer recites a prayer to wake people for the pre-dawn meal and to announce the breaking of the fast in the evening,” says Zara. “I travelled to Fes in Morocco especially to experience Ramadan there,” she adds. “Places like the Old City become nocturnal, coming alive at night, so you get a very different vibe to the daytime. The highlight for me was the call to evening prayer and the taraweeh. The streets were full of people heading to the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. It was a beautiful experience; the whole city felt alive.”

“Some touristy places in the Middle East have suhoor parties where they stay up from the night prayer to when they eat in the morning,” says Saadia Baber, founder of our partner Xperience Pakistan. “In my hometown, Peshawar, it is more conservative and we focus on prayer rather than socialising, but in Lahore you can go on night-time tapas-style food tours.”

You can also enjoy many traditional Ramadan foods. In Cape Town, where around seven percent of the population is Muslim, there’s a tasty, milky dessert called boeber that people drink midway through the month, while the fruity British soft drink, Vimto, is ubiquitous around the Middle East during Ramadan. “For me the smell of parathas, a flatbread made of buttery layers that my mum would cook for a pre-dawn meal, always makes me think of Ramadan,” says Zara.