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Malaysian Paper

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D REAMING of breaking fast at a bustling Ramadan bazaar in Istanbul or experiencing Raya celebrations in the UAE? Travelling during Ramadan and Hari Raya offers an opportunity for cultural exploration, self-reflection and connection with loved ones. With the right planning and some useful tips, you can make your holiday a smooth and meaningful getaway that is easy on the wallet as well! Timing is everything Travelling during Ramadan and Raya can be a memorable experience, but remember to: 0 Plan early: With school holidays, Easter and spring break overlapping, flight and hotel prices can skyrocket! So book your flights and accommodation in advance for cheaper deals. 0 Avoid the jams: Be wary of congested balik kampung traffic – especially if you are visiting other Muslim-majority countries. Be sure to consult traffic apps to avoid jammed routes. Tip: Book tickets in the flight origin’s currency to save on hidden conversion fees. Beat the heat If you and your family are looking for a cooling getaway to escape the heat and fatigue during the fasting month, consider the southern hemisphere. 0 Cooler days, comfortable adventures: Enjoy Australia and New Zealand’s mild weather, which is great for outdoor exploration. 0 Shorter days, earlier iftar : Fasting hours vary worldwide, with southern hemisphere countries such as Chile and New Zealand experiencing shorter 12-hour fasts, while northern hemisphere ones such as Iceland can face up to 17 hours. Make sure to check and plan your sahur and iftar times ahead of your trip to keep things hassle-free! Culinary experiences Together with loved ones, break fast with mouth-watering dishes. Explore and sample some of the local delicacies unique to the country: 0 Indonesia: Explore the vibrant street food scene and unique dishes such as kolak (a dessert soup made with coconut milk, palm sugar and fruits) and various satays. 0 Turkey: Enjoy traditional iftar dishes such as pide (a special bread), and sweets such as baklava. 0 Egypt and Morocco: Savour special dishes such as tagine in Morocco or ful medames and various grilled meats in Egypt. Tip: Pay for foreign transactions with a multi-currency card such as

Ramadan, Raya travel tips A quick getaway during Ramadan can be used to reset one’s body and mind.

Always make a point to sample local fare for the full travel experience.

0 Community spirit: Join local Raya open houses, where strangers can feel like family – especially with shared communal meals. Tip: Use Muslim apps or Google Maps to easily locate prayer spaces. Wellness for mindful traveller Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Opt for wellness getaways to recharge and self-reflect: 0 Reflect and refresh: Pick destinations offering mindfulness retreats ( halal -friendly ones, of course). Think peaceful countryside stays in Turkey or ocean-view paradise spots in Indonesia. These destinations offer the perfect backdrop for rest, reflection and rejuvenation! Extra tips for smooth getaway 0 Watch for closures: Some tourist spots in Muslim-majority countries may close or have shorter hours during Ramadan. Double-check schedules in advance. 0 Stay vigilant: If you are travelling to big cities and busy markets, be wary of pickpockets or scams. Avoid carrying too much cash and stick to contactless payment methods. Whether you are chasing cooler temperatures (Malaysia panas giler ), trying all the kuih or celebrating Raya overseas, travelling during this spiritual season can be an unforgettable experience. Make the most of this special time by planning thoughtfully and embracing the journey with an open heart. This article is contributed by Wise.

o Guide to Muslim-friendly holidays across globe

The Raya holidays are an ideal time to explore new destinations. – ALL PICS FROM FREEPIK

Wise to avoid exchange rate markups and conversion fees. More savings equal more budget for makan-makan ! Celebrating faith together Ramadan and Raya are marked by

community gatherings and festivities: 0 Night markets and bazaars: Countries such as the UAE and Indonesia host vibrant night markets where you can experience local craft, cuisine and entertainment. 0 Mosques and prayer areas:

Attending prayers in historically and architecturally significant mosques, such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Turkey or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE, can be exceptionally moving during this time.

Book tickets in the flight origin’s currency to save on hidden conversion fees.

A change of scenery from the usual balik kampung traffic jams can give you a new perspective on life.

With the increasing heat and humidity in Malaysia, escaping to cooler climates may be a good idea.