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2018 Year-End Destinations: 10 Muslim-Friendly Places That’ll Feed Your Wanderlust

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Cheng Sim •  Aug 10, 2018

This year, work and play have brought us new opportunities and outcomes, but where will wanderlust take us before the year ends? Instead of imagining and wishing for the best vacation of all time, let’s rewards ourselves with a holiday we deserve. A REAL one ?

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Now that you’re ready to travel, what shall we do with your remaining annual leave? Are you looking for a nature retreat or city exploration? Whatever your decisions may be, one of these travel destinations will be your best year-end holiday yet!

1. Perth, Australia

Most travelers buy a flight ticket to Perth for their sun, sand, and sea. That’s a promise for anyone who steps foot on the capital of Western Australia. Besides that, there’s also the chance to explore the hidden gems of Western Australia and chill away in Perth. With so many things to do, we certainly can’t blame them ?

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Follow the locals' footsteps to discover it yourself. Check out the blooming tulips and magnolias at Araluen Botanic Park or feed a kangaroo at Caversham Wildlife Park. Prefer hiking? Take your inner explorer for a walk along the forested Bibbulmun Track!

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#HHWT Tip: Need a guide? We show you how it’s done with this 5D4N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary to Perth!

2. Hong Kong

Did you know that Hong Kong is HHWT’s preferred destination in 2018? Allow us to give you a few reasons why. A trip to Hong Kong guarantees delicious halal dim sums, convenient public transportation, and splurge-worthy shopping trips. This destination fascinated us so much that it drove us to write an entire article about why every Muslim traveler must visit Hong Kong.

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For a fun-filled day, you can ride the iconic tram to The Peak, shop at the Ladies’ Market in Mongkok, stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui, and say hello to Mickey at Disneyland. It’s fair to say that there’s never a dull day here, and there are other awesome attractions to discover in Hong Kong. Seriously, check out our ultimate guide to Hong Kong for more travel tips?

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#HHWT Tip: Want to explore Hong Kong on a budget? We have 16 essential (and Muslim-friendly) tips you’ll ever need. Your wallet will thank you?

3. Dublin, Ireland

From Instagrammable landscapes to lively culture, Dublin is definitely on our travel bucket list. If your idea of a perfect vacation has the words "relaxing" and "picturesque", don’t stop yourself from booking a flight ticket to this part of the world!

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Landscaped with breathtaking sceneries, it’s a shame not to practice your photography skills in Dublin. Work your camera when you catch the wild Fallow deer at Phoenix Park, admire the architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the largest cathedral in Ireland), or go back in time to the eight-century-old Dublin Castle.

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If fall is your favourite season of the year, prancing on the crunchy autumn leaves at St. Stephen’s Green is a must ?

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4. Jeju, South Korea

We’re often told that Jeju is a place where enchanting seaside and laid-back culture thrive. We adore it so much that we called it the Muslim-friendly Hawaii of Korea. When travelers make their way to this South Korean gem, their cameras and smartphones are always ready to take pictures ?

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When in Jeju, we encourage everyone to take a stroll at Swiss Village, sip fresh milk tea from St. Isidore Dairy Farm, and relive your childhood at the Teddy Bear Museum. Besides that, did you know that Jeju has amazing Muslim-friendly eateries too? Yes, you can savour the best seafood steamboat in town if you follow our 5D4N Muslim-friendly itinerary to Jeju.

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5. Barcelona, Spain

Apart from their famous football team, Barcelona’s enchantment lies in its historic attractions. Best explored on foot, Barcelona will win you over with their beautiful Basilica La Sagrada Familia church, magical water show at Font Magica and the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall. Aside from that, you can’t leave Barcelona without doing these eight things too.

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Once you’re blown away by the attractions, rest assured that a delicious meal is never too far away. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, you can savour some lip-smacking Tajine dishes, meaty kebabs, and seafood paella. 

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Spent all of your research time on sightseeing? It’s alright, we’ve bookmarked 6 Muslim-friendly eateries for your next Barcelona trip.

6. Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is spectacular in many ways, but we certainly have a soft spot for Taipei. For nature seekers like us, Taipei is flourished with picturesque spots that truly completes any trip. If you ask us, we love following the hiking trail at Taroko Gorge National Park, enjoying a cup of tea at Maokong Teahouse and catching rainbow sightings at Shifen Waterfalls ?

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We haven’t gotten to the best part yet: the halal Taiwanese cuisine! If your mind is set on local food, there are many awesome Muslim-friendly eateries in Taipei. Imagine having steamed dumplings for breakfast, beef noodle soup for lunch, and Taiwanese shaved ice for dessert. You’ll be craving for seconds, that’s for sure ?

#HHWT Tip: Planning a long holiday? Here’s the ultimate Muslim-friendly 5D4N itinerary for your first trip to Taipei.

7. Rome, Italy

When in Rome, wear your most comfortable footwear and explore the city as the locals do. The year-end promises full-blown autumn and early glimpses of winter, so be prepared to be whisked away!

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Treat yourself to a relaxing walk and visit a medley of historic attractions at your own pace. We recommend exploring the St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain on a sunny afternoon. After burning all those calories, let’s not forget to indulge in some Muslim-friendly cheap eats and creamy gelatos in Rome. They’re one of many reasons why we fell in love with Rome.

8. Xi’an, China

Beijing and Chengdu may be popular travel spots in China, but we have a deep appreciation for hidden gems like Xi’an. If you have the time, admire the ancient beauty of the Great Mosque of Xi’an (one of the most incredible mosques in China), Bell & Drum Towers, and the Terracotta Army Warrior Museum. That is one of the many reasons why Xi’an is called the Muslim-friendly gem of China ?

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Hanging out at the Muslim Quarter is also one of our favourite things to do. Take a walk along the busy street, and you’ll discover lamb skewers, flatbread in mutton soup, persimmon doughnuts, sour and spicy noodles and more. With so many places to explore and food to feast on, it comes as no surprise that Xi’an is a must-visit in everyone’s travel bucket list.

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9. New York City, US

Thanks to their influential pop culture, New York City is one of the world’s most exciting cities. Just the thought of NYC is enough to conjure imaginative snapshots of Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park.

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If you’re planning your first trip here, catching Broadway shows and visiting the American Museum of Natural History are some of the NYC experiences you need to have. Apart from that, you have to make your way to the Halal Guys for hot rice platters, Cairo Steakhouse for kebabs and other Muslim-friendly eateries in NYC for savoury delights.

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10. Hokkaido, Japan

Ask anyone and they would say that Hokkaido is one of Japan’s scenic treasures. To be exact, breathtaking is how we would describe it. Don’t believe us? Spend the afternoon along the Otaru canal, catch the twinkling city lights in Hakodate, and space out amid the fluffy clouds on the Hills of Biei. Trust us, those aren’t the only places in Hokkaido that can take your breath away ?

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For first-timers in Hokkaido, read our Muslim-friendly guide to Hokkaido for everything from must-go attractions to accommodations. Plus, we unveiled some money-saving hacks like purse-friendly shopping and cheap eats in our budget-friendly Hokkaido guide. Prefer a halal food guide instead? Check out these Muslim-friendly Japanese eateries in Hokkaido to satiate your craving for miso-based ramen and shabu-shabu ?

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Tempting, isn’t it? Whether you have a preference for a nature getaway or city sightseeing, one of these destinations could wrap up your 2018 on a celebratory note. All you need to do is book a ticket, pack your bags, and whisk yourself to the best vacation of the year!?