| Traveling during Ramadan can make for one of | | | | festivity. Music, lights, and community make this a |
| the most memorable trips of your life. While the | | | | truly remarkable occasion to witness and |
| festivities and rituals will vary depending on your | | | | participate in - and best of all, it lasts for a month! |
| destination, you will find the same devout | | | | What you will not find, however, is alcohol. This is |
| observation to this time no matter where you | | | | prohibited during the holy month, so you will not |
| travel in the Muslim world. To experience and | | | | be able to buy alcohol. |
| enjoy Ramadan to its fullest - and to show | | | | You cannot eat or drink? Don't worry; travelers |
| proper respect for believers and their customs - | | | | are exempt from fasting. You may certainly eat |
| there are a few considerations to keep in mind. | | | | and drink what you like, when you like, but just |
| During Ramadan, Muslims fast from daybreak to | | | | plan ahead. You will find few businesses open, so |
| dusk. That's right: you will find that there are few | | | | stock up on provisions before daybreak. It is |
| restaurants and cafes open, unless they are in | | | | polite to refrain from eating and drinking in front |
| very tourist-heavy areas. The pace of the days is | | | | of those who are fasting. Besides being |
| slower, which can be disappointing for those who | | | | disrespectful of their faith, it's just plain rude to |
| like nonstop action. For those who enjoy a more | | | | eat in front of someone who cannot! |
| leisurely pace, Ramadan is a wonderful time to | | | | Before setting out on your Ramadan travels, it is |
| experience Muslim culture. Because Ramadan is a | | | | essential to learn about the importance of the |
| time of prayer and acts of charity, you will find | | | | culture and the particular events and festivities |
| small kindnesses extended that make your visit | | | | that will take place in your particular destination. It |
| that much more pleasant. | | | | is all right to make a faux pas if you are unfamiliar |
| You will find nightlife in Muslim countries during the | | | | with specific rules or rituals; the willingness to |
| holy month, albeit in a very different - form. | | | | apologize and to make the effort is much more |
| When the sun goes down, the cities and villages in | | | | important than getting every detail right. Above |
| the Muslim world come to life. You will find cafes | | | | all, be respectful. Accept hospitality that is |
| and coffee shops opening for the night. You can | | | | offered, extend kindness, and get into the |
| feel the mood lighten, and you will start to smell | | | | Ramadan spirit. Even if you are not a Muslim, you |
| delicious foods being prepared - with a heavy | | | | will find the holy month to be a deeply moving |
| emphasis on sweets. At night, people break their | | | | experience. |
| fast, kids fuel up on sugar, and there is an air of | | | | |