2025 travel trends – when Muslim values hit the mainstream
What were once seen as niche Muslim preferences are increasingly aligning with global travel trends.
From the rise of alcohol-free spaces, single-sex amenities and the importance of spiritual connection and self-discovery, it's easy to see why many feel that traditional Muslim values are going mainstream.
Let's explore these preferences and how Muslims will travel in 2025.
Alcohol-free spaces
Muslims embraced sobriety long before it became fashionable. While "sober curious" may be a modern-day trend for non-Muslims, Islamic teachings have encouraged it for around 1400 years - no bandwagon-jumping needed! And since this isn't a new fad for us, plenty of holiday destinations already offer alcohol-free spaces.
Thousands of hotels already cater for this preference and more will join to attract Muslim customers. Check out Halalbooking’s unique features to find dedicated filters for alcohol-free rooms, restaurants, and entire hotels, not just in Muslim-majority countries, but all over the world. More and more holidaymakers are discovering the freedom and peace of mind offered by Türkiye’s halal-friendly resort hotels, which are alcohol-free, serve only halal food and have dedicated women-only sections with pools, spas and even beaches. There’s certainly no reason for men to feel they are missing out though, which leads us neatly on to our next trend.
Men-only wellness retreats
As society becomes more aware of male mental health, men-only retreats focusing on well-being and personal growth will become more prominent.
Women-only spaces and retreats have long been popular for Muslims. But men are increasingly seeking similar single-sex environments to unwind.
Just like women, men want environments where they can kick back and relax without compromising their faith. And just like women, these retreats provide men with a comfortable setting where they can be themselves, share experiences and foster brotherhood.
Türkiye is renowned for its culture of hamams or Turkish baths, a tradition which is still alive today. When you add in the large number of thermal springs, which can be found across the country, it makes for an unbeatable combination. Almost all halal-friendly resort hotels and spa hotels in Türkiye, which offer women-only spa facilities, also offer them for men-only. You can check individual hotel pages for full details. The thermal wellness hotels of Afyonkarahisar and the Aegean region around Izmir are very popular, as are Alanya’s halal-friendly resort hotels.
For more inspiration, read our dedicated blog article: “We felt welcome!” A poignant testimony from a Muslim family: first time in a halal-friendly hotel.”
Ramadan abroad: The sacred month in a Muslim country
Ramadan is getting earlier each year, by around 11 days (if your reference point is the Gregorian calendar!). This year the 1st of the sacred month of Rajab 1446 AH coincided with 1st January 2025. So we’re expecting to enter Ramadan on the last day of February or 1st March, depending on moon sightings.
For those who seek an early holiday escape and want to connect with the Ummah in the blessed month, visiting a Muslim-majority country immersed in Ramadan fervour offers an unrivalled experience. Increasingly, Muslims in the West are seeking the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Muslim countries during this special time.
Whether it's witnessing the Masjid illuminations during Taraweeh in Türkiye, tasting Balkan flatbread for suhur in Bosnia, or experiencing the lively firecrackers that signal the breaking of fast in Indonesia, you're sure to find somewhere you feel at home during Ramadan.
For more inspiration, read our dedicated blog article: Top cities to visit in Ramadan 2025.
DIY Umrah
Independent Umrah will continue to grow this year thanks to Saudi Arabia's drive to promote religious tourism as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy. The country is making significant investments to improve infrastructure and services for pilgrims to boost the number of visitors.
The traditional way of booking through packages or groups has given way to more flexible options, with pilgrims now arranging their visa, travel, accommodation, and other Umrah requirements online. This usually works out to be much less expensive and certainly offers more flexibility and freedom.
With Halalbooking, you can choose from hundreds of hotels in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and use unique filters to choose specific Umrah features. For example, you can filter hotels by the walking distance from the Haram (Masjid al-Haram in Makkah or Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah) to find the most conveniently located hotels - especially helpful when travelling with children or elderly relatives. Alternatively, you can filter by hotels which offer a free shuttle service.
For inspiration and information on how to organise your Umrah, you can explore our DIY UMRAH PLANNER, or read our dedicated blog: Our Guide to DIY Umrah: The Most Rewarding Trip.
Umrah plus culture or beach
Increasingly, travellers are seeking to combine their Umrah with a longer break, to explore more of what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has to offer. Some spend longer in the holy cities, exploring the sites of the seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), others choose to extend their trip to explore the cultural sites of Jeddah, still a bustling port and the historic gateway for those arriving for Hajj and Umrah. Soak up the atmosphere of Jeddah’s fascinating old town, Al Balad, or make the most of the sunshine by staying on the waterfront or Corniche, to enjoy the clear waters and sandy beaches of the Red Sea.
Some beach hotels also offer upmarket ladies-only spas. As well as boosting your Imaan, you can enhance your physical well being too.
For more inspiration, read our dedicated blog articles: Sites from the Seerah: Retracing the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) or “Jeddah Ghair”: Jeddah is different.
Smart trade-offs
Inflation is moderating globally but remains high compared to pre-COVID-19 levels — so we're still paying relatively more for our goods and services than before the pandemic. This means many people still have to be strategic and cost-conscious when it comes to their travel expenses.
The trend for opting for all-inclusive, package holidays or choosing to travel off-peak will continue. Savvy travellers will find creative ways to have the same travel experience by making smart trade-offs. For example, switching from five to four-star accommodation or choosing alternative destinations offering similar experiences at lower costs.
Trading up
Interestingly, there’s also an equal and opposite trend, where, rather than reducing their budget, some travellers choose to go all-out on one special holiday, rather than spreading their spend over a number of breaks across the year. According to the latest report from UK trade body, ABTA, long-haul travel and five-star holidays are on the rise, particularly among Gen Z. Popular long-haul destinations include Malaysia, Thailand and the Maldives.
In order to trade up, travellers are saving for their holiday fund by dining out less, reducing non-essential shopping, and choosing budget-friendly entertainment options.
Family holidays
Holiday trends are increasingly reflecting the importance of family connections and values. Multigenerational trips are on the rise with many families prioritising shared experiences. And it's becoming common for parents and even grandparents - who often have more disposable income - to fund these trips.
For Muslims, family has always been important. And a holiday together is more than relaxation; it's a way to reinforce family ties and create lasting memories.
Top family destinations for 2025
With their family-friendly atmosphere and amenities, alongside tasty halal food and mosques, destinations like Türkiye, Malaysia, and the UAE will continue to be top choices for Muslim families in 2025.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have emerged as favourites for those seeking safe, family-friendly entertainment such as theme parks and aqua parks. Egypt continues to grow in popularity too, especially with those seeking value-for-money beach holidays, whilst Marrakech has become a top choice for those who wish to combine culture with sunshine and water fun.