Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations for 2025 & 2026

Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations for 2025 & 2026

Explore Culture, Adventure, and Luxury Around the World

Gone are the days of complicated travel planning. The world of 2025/2026 is all about seamless, immersive experiences. With e-visas becoming standard for many countries and platforms like Trip.com for flights, HalalBooking.com for halal-friendly stays, and Klook for easily bookable tours and activities, your dream holiday is just a few clicks away.

This curated list is designed for the modern Muslim traveller, balancing breathtaking sights with cultural sensitivity and ease of access. Whether you're seeking luxury, adventure, or a budget-friendly escape, let this be your inspiration.

1. The Maldives: Enchanting Coral Islands

Why visit: Turquoise lagoons, sugar-white beaches, and dreamy sunsets make the Maldives a once-in-a-lifetime escape. Beyond luxury, there are growing options for mid-range and budget travellers on local islands.

Key attractions: Snorkel with manta rays and (seasonally) whale sharks; enjoy sandbank picnics; paddle in glass-bottom kayaks; explore the vibrant reefs of Banana Reef; or take day trips to Maafushi or Gulhi for local island culture.

Halal-friendly features: As a Muslim-majority nation, the Maldives offers halal menus, private pool villas with full seclusion, prayer mats, and Qiblah directions. On local islands, alcohol is prohibited, and modest dress is encouraged away from tourist beaches.

Budget → luxury: Guesthouses on Maafushi (budget), boutique resorts with meal plans (mid-range), and ultra-luxury overwater villas with private pools and butlers.

Getting there: Excellent connections via UAE or Qatar from Europe; from Asia via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Colombo. Consider a short stopover in Dubai or Doha to break up the journey.

2. Malaysia – Exotic Langkawi & Vibrant Kuala Lumpur

Why visit: A friendly, value-packed destination where rainforest, islands, cuisine, and city thrills meet—ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

Key attractions: In KL, see the Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka 118’s precinct, and savour street food in Kampung Baru. In Langkawi, ride the SkyCab and SkyBridge, chase waterfalls, and island-hop around the archipelago. Add Penang for world-famous food and heritage streets.

Halal-friendly features: Abundant halal eateries, prayer rooms at malls and transport hubs, and Muslim-friendly hotels. Modest-swim beaches and private-pool villas are easy to find.

Budget → luxury: Slick city hotels near Bukit Bintang (budget to mid-range), Langkawi beachfront resorts with kids’ clubs (mid-range), and private-pool villas in Datai or Pantai Tengah (luxury).

Getting there: Direct or one-stop flights to Kuala Lumpur from Europe (often via UAE/Qatar/Turkey). Easy domestic flights to Langkawi, Penang, and Borneo. From Kuala Lumpur, take a bus or train to Kuala Perlis Jetty, then a ferry to Langkawi (book online via BusOnline.com).

3. Indonesia – Idyllic Honeymoons on Lombok

Why visit: Lombok offers Bali-like beauty without the crowds—quiet beaches, volcano views, and a relaxed island vibe. The nearby Gili Islands are perfect for snorkeling and bicycles-only charm.

Key attractions: Trek Mount Rinjani (season-dependent), visit pink-hued Tangsi Beach, try beginner-friendly surfing at Selong Belanak, and spot turtles around Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno.

Halal-friendly features: Lombok has a strong Muslim culture, making halal food and prayer spaces easy to find. Many resorts arrange private dining and modest-friendly water activities.

Budget → luxury: Homestays near Kuta Lombok (budget), boho-chic boutique hotels around Senggigi (mid-range), and secluded cliff or jungle villas with private pools (luxury).

Getting there: Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP) via Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. From Europe, connect through Middle East hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or Istanbul, then onward to Jakarta/Bali and take a short boat ride to Lombok or the Gilis.

4. United Arab Emirates – Luxury on the Arabian Gulf

Why visit: Sky-high innovation meets beach life and desert adventure. The UAE is also one of the world’s most convenient stopover hubs and among the easiest places to find halal comforts.

Key attractions: Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall; Old Dubai’s souks and Abra rides; Palm Jumeirah; Museum of the Future; Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi; desert safaris with dune bashing and Bedouin-style dinners.

Halal-friendly features: Abundant halal dining, prayer rooms everywhere, and hotels accustomed to Muslim travellers. Family-only pools and ladies’ spa timings are common.

Budget → luxury: Apartment-style stays in Deira (budget), beachfront resorts on JBR and Saadiyat (mid-range), and ultra-luxury properties like Burj Al Arab or Emirates Palace (luxury).

Getting there: Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) are two of the world's biggest international hubs, served by Emirates and Etihad—perfect stopovers between Europe, Asia, and Australia.

5. Egypt – Ancient Wonders Await

Why visit: A timeless classic—pyramids, pharaohs, and a life-giving Nile that continues to shape local culture and cuisine.

Key attractions: Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx; Cairo’s new Grand Egyptian Museum (check opening schedule); Islamic Cairo’s mosques and markets; Luxor’s Valley of the Kings; Karnak and Hatshepsut temples; Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan; and Red Sea beaches in Hurghada.

Halal-friendly features: As a Muslim-majority country, Egypt offers abundant halal food and mosques. Many resorts have women-only spa facilities and family-friendly beach areas.

Budget → luxury: Guesthouses in Giza or Cairo’s Garden City (budget), boutique Nile cruise cabins (mid-range), and five-star Nile or Red Sea resorts with kids’ clubs (luxury).

Getting there: Direct flights to Cairo (CAI) from major European cities; excellent connections via UAE and Qatar from the rest of the world. Domestic flights easily link Cairo with Luxor and Aswan. Consider combining Cairo with a Red Sea break or Nile cruise.

6. Oman – The Hidden Gem of Arabia

Why visit: Understated elegance—golden deserts, emerald wadis, rugged mountains, and dramatic fjords—without the glitz of neighbouring UAE. Ideal for travellers who value nature and authenticity.

Key attractions: Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque; Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid for swims and canyon walks; Wahiba Sands desert camps under starry skies; Jebel Akhdar’s terraces and cool mountain air; Musandam’s dhow cruises through “Arabia’s Norway.”

Halal-friendly features: Halal dining is standard, prayer spaces are abundant, and resorts often offer private-pool villas and family-oriented facilities.

Budget → luxury: Guesthouses in Muttrah (budget), boutique desert lodges and seaside hotels (mid-range), and mountain clifftop resorts at Jebel Akhdar (luxury).

Getting there: Muscat International Airport (MCT) is well-served by Oman Air and other regional carriers. A calm, authentic alternative to UAE stopovers.

7. Uzbekistan – Silk Road Treasures

Why visit: An affordable journey into the heart of the ancient Silk Road. The architecture of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva is breathtaking, offering a deep cultural experience.

Key attractions: Samarkand’s Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda; Bukhara’s Kalyan Minaret and Lyabi-Hauz; Khiva’s walled Itchan Kala; Tashkent’s museums and Chorsu Bazaar.

Halal-friendly features: Muslim-majority nation with rich Islamic heritage and halal Central Asian cuisine like plov and shashlik (verify certification).

Budget → luxury: Courtyard guesthouses (budget), restored caravanserai-style boutiques (mid-range), and upscale heritage hotels near historic squares (luxury).

Getting there: Fly into Tashkent (TAS) via Turkish Airlines, UAE carriers, or Uzbekistan Airways. High-speed Afrosiyob trains connect Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

8. Türkiye – Where Continents and Cultures Collide

Why visit: Türkiye offers incredible diversity—history, culture, shopping, cuisine, and beautiful coastlines—along with excellent value and strong Muslim-friendly infrastructure.

Key attractions: Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys (hot air balloon rides are a must), Pamukkale’s travertine terraces, and the turquoise Aegean coast.

Halal-friendly features: Halal food is widely available; mosques are everywhere; many hotels cater to family-focused travellers with private facilities.

Getting there: Istanbul (IST) is a major hub, served by Turkish Airlines and many global carriers.

9. Thailand – Discover Fascinating Phuket & Beyond

Why visit: Thailand offers a vibrant mix of beaches, temples, cuisine, and wellness—great value with increasing halal options.

Key attractions: Phuket’s island-hopping to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay; Old Town’s street art; Big Buddha viewpoint; Krabi’s Railay Beach; Chiang Mai’s temples; Bangkok’s Grand Palace and shopping.

Halal-friendly features: Halal eateries are common in Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and southern provinces. Hotels often arrange halal meals upon request.

Budget → luxury: Guesthouses and aparthotels (budget), beachfront resorts with kids’ clubs (mid-range), and private-pool villas or wellness retreats (luxury).

Getting there: Phuket (HKT) has an international airport with direct flights from major Asian hubs. From Europe, connect via Bangkok (BKK) or the Middle East.

10. China (Chengdu) – A Pandamonium of Culture & Cuisine

Why visit: A unique cultural destination offering Giant Pandas, Sichuan cuisine, and vibrant Hui Muslim heritage.

Key attractions: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; Leshan Giant Buddha; ancient Jinli Street; and local “Qingzhen” halal restaurants.

Halal-friendly features: Chengdu has a historic Muslim quarter and mosques like Chengdu Huangcheng Mosque. Many hotels provide prayer mats on request.

Budget → luxury: Cozy guesthouses (budget), international chains near Tianfu Square (mid-range), and luxury hotels with modern amenities (luxury).

Getting there: Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) is a major international airport, well connected by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

Travel Note: Umrah Stopover & UmrahPlus Ideas

Tip: Add these destinations to your Umrah stopover plan—Maldives, UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah), Oman, or China (Chengdu).

For an extended journey, consider UmrahPlus itineraries by flying with Flynas from Jeddah to Uzbekistan, Türkiye, or Egypt, blending spiritual and cultural experiences.

Planning Tips (Quick Reference)

• Visas & entry: Many destinations offer eVisas or visa-free stays—check the latest requirements for your passport.
• Stopovers: UAE and Qatar make ideal stopovers.
• Booking platforms: Trip.com, HalalBooking.com, and Klook cover flights, stays, and tours.
• Family tips: Choose resorts with kids’ clubs, family suites, and modest-swim facilities.
• Prayer & dining: Carry a travel prayer mat, check Qiblah apps, and confirm halal dining options in advance.

Final Word

Whether you’re chasing coral reefs in the Maldives, exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders, or tracing the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, 2025–2026 promises Muslim-friendly journeys for every budget. With smart stopovers, trusted booking platforms, and hotels that respect your values, you’ll return with memories worth sharing for a lifetime.