Donning a headscarf and locating halal cuisine while traveling can pose difficulties, yet what stands out for Nazma Begum from Vancouver is her zeal for exploration.
For Travel + Leisure’s series Traveling As, we’re speaking with travelers about their experiences exploring the globe from distinct viewpoints. Our conversation was with
Nazma Begum,
who chronicles her travels with her spouse and young child on YouTube
HanaExplores
, focusing on her experience of viewing the world through the lens of wearing a hijab. Here’s her narrative…
Over the past decade, I’ve embraced being a hijabi, covering my hair with what others refer to as a scarf or hijab. This practice stems from my religious beliefs since I was raised in the Islamic faith as a Muslim. It’s now an integral part of my everyday life. No one compelled me; rather, it felt like a natural choice from the beginning. Choosing to wear a hijab requires significant dedication, hence it would be unfair to judge those who choose not to. Within my own family, opinions vary—some support it, while others do not.
During the month of Ramadan, when fasting from dawn until dusk is observed, I decided to take this spiritual journey further. This sacred period serves as a global reboot for Muslims everywhere. That particular year, after realizing how much I cover my head for prayer, I wondered why not extend that practice throughout daily life? Now, I feel at ease wearing a hijab. There are numerous designs available, including those adorned with luxurious fabrics such as silk. Styling them has become an enjoyable part of my routine.
As a child, my parents weren’t big on travel. I was born in Bangladesh, and around the age of six, they moved our family to Singapore. We would occasionally go on road trips within the region.
Malaysia
And we visited our hometown in Bangladesh. Regardless of whether it was due to cultural reasons or their protectiveness, my family didn’t approve of girls traveling alone or with friends. However, once I completed university, I got married, and my spouse and I began exploring different places together.
The initial major journey we embarked upon was to South Korea—to immerse ourselves in the snow. Although we were disappointed not to encounter any, I developed an adoration for travel during this time. Additionally, I am fond of outdoor pursuits such as hiking and camping. Wearing a hijab can make hiking quite challenging due to perspiration, yet it’s still manageable. The sense of accomplishment at reaching the summit coupled with the refreshing breeze makes everything worthwhile.
Now that my daughter is two years old, we recently embarked on our maiden voyage together—from Vancouver to Singapore; my spouse and I relocated there in 2019 when she was merely seven weeks old. In Canada, new parents like us get a year of maternity leave, which we made full use of. To our surprise, she handled the flight remarkably well and exceeded all expectations. While nursing, I seemed instinctively aware of what needed to be done whenever she started to cry.
Around four months into her life, we traveled to Japan during autumn to witness the vibrant foliage. It was stunning. We explored Kyoto,
Osaka
, and the Japanese Alps. My daughter won’t recall any of this, but I will remember everything.
One more place I adore is
Hawaii
I attempt to visit annually. Although I cannot swim, I enjoy spending time at the beach. Snorkeling is another activity I appreciate; particularly in Hawaii, as fish often approach very close to shore, eliminating the necessity for diving deeply into the water. However, even when having fun, I ensure proper coverage. To achieve this, I use a garment known as a burkini—a combination similar to tights with an extended top fashioned from swimwear fabric, which includes head coverings. Should changing clothes be required without access to restrooms, I carry a portable pop-up tent allowing me private space within. This set of difficulties isn’t new territory for my family and me.
My spouse and I aim to fit in as much as possible during our trips. From dawn till dusk, we’re always up for an adventure. Having our child has altered things slightly, yet I still love exploring with her around. In the previous year, we embarked on a journey to
Oahu
, and this year, we visited the
Big Island
This place is perfect for children, particularly toddlers. They enjoy playing in the sandbox; soon after, they grow weary and take a nap in the vehicle. Upon waking up, they find themselves at yet another beach.
We’ve experienced countless adventures.
Italian Dolomites
, my in-laws came along, and we decided to rent a boat at the lake. Initially, the conditions were very tranquil, but as soon as we reached the center of the lake, the weather turned choppy—forcing us to call for help and get rescued.
I believe my daughter genuinely recalls those adventures. She mentions remembering when her grandpa and baba went boating together. She also has memories of playing at the beach, building sandcastles in the sand. Many parents often don’t want to
travel once they become parents
Trust me, changing a diaper somewhere else is preferable. It allows you to avoid thinking about everyday chores such as doing laundry, changing bed linens, and preparing meals. Additionally, the perspective from this new spot is much nicer.
While we were in a tiny Italian village, it seemed as though everyone was observing me. I doubt they meant to be impolite; perhaps they simply weren’t accustomed to seeing tourists wearing a hijab. It’s true that I tend to draw considerable notice. Many individuals find themselves subjected to looks and remarks such as “Return to your homeland.” Fortunately, I’ve managed to avoid any truly disagreeable encounters thus far.
I’ve encountered some problems when crossing into the U.S. from Canada, which isn’t very enjoyable. Perhaps this is due to having a Singaporean passport. The process tends to go more smoothly in locations such as Italy and Switzerland, where they frequently encounter numerous international visitors wearing various types of attire. However, in less populated areas, for instance, Jeju Island in South Korea, people often stare out of curiosity.
There have been many positive encounters as well. Once, when I was in Vietnam, people recognized me as a Muslim right away due to my hijab and greeted me with “Salaam,” which is a common Islamic salutation. Additionally, whenever I come across another woman wearing a hijab, we always exchange smiles and silently acknowledge one another with this familiar gesture.
One difficulty with traveling is finding suitable halal meals. Foods containing pork aren’t acceptable, and poultry, mutton, or beef must follow specific Islamic slaughtering practices. Additionally, we abstain from all alcoholic beverages, which means checking ingredient lists closely. For example, Japanese sushi might include sake in the vinegared rice. To ensure our dietary needs are met, we rely on a dedicated application for identifying halal options.
We usually put in the groundwork of researching before setting off, yet dealing with travel schedules can still pose challenges. Say you’re heading south; sometimes, the only spot serving halal meals could be up north. It would be disappointing to skip attractions simply due to dietary needs. However, an increasing number of venues now acknowledge that Muslims require access to halal cuisine. Besides, options like veggie pasta or tofu dishes are consistently available as alternatives for me. So, exploring shouldn’t come to a halt.
The thought of exploring numerous distinct locations fills me with the desire to travel as extensively as possible. I wish to demonstrate to my daughter that journeying is manageable and adaptable, provided you navigate through the obstacles effectively.
In just two years, she has adjusted tremendously. I take her along for camping, boating, and snorkeling trips. Sometimes she feels frightened, but I reassure her, “I’m right here next to you. You’ve got nothing to fear.”
I won’t compel her to wear a hijab. It would be great if she chooses to wear one. I want to demonstrate to her that wearing it doesn’t prevent you from engaging in activities that are both safe and beneficial, such as exploring the world.
Read the initial article on
Travel & Leisure
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