Whether you’re standing in line, sitting on a bus, flying on a plane or walking from one place to another, traveling can be very unproductive. As Muslims, we need to be conscious about our time and aim to make the most of every second. That’s why we’ve put together this list to give you ideas on how you can maximize your time, productivity and experience while you are in transit instead of staring blankly out the window or getting overwhelmed as you wait in line.
If you have more ideas and tips, please share them in the comments section.
- Make the right intentions
- By making the right intention, you can make even the act of waiting for a source of reward for yourself. For example, next time you are traveling, make the intention that you are doing for the sake of Allah so you can explore his creations and be humbled by it. With that intention, every second you spend in that journey is a reward for you insha’Allah.
- Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
- Download the MyDuaa app
- Sincere Dua
- Pour your heart out. Ask for anything and everything. Out loud or in your heart.
- Read
- If you have a thousand excuses to not read when at home then you don’t have much of an excuse anymore. Read a couple of pages only, if you must. It’s a good habit and skill to acquire.
- Listen to an audiobook
- If you can’t read, you can definitely listen to an audiobook. Here is a list of our favorite audiobooks.
- Memorize a few verses
- This is a super rewarding habit you can get into. Anytime you travel, pick one verse and continuously repeat it. Write it down on a small piece of paper and keep it in your pocket and remind yourself as you go.
- Memorize a dua
- You can make dua in any language you prefer but would it not be amazing to make duas that Allah has taught us in the Quran and duas that we learn from the sunnah?
- Count your blessings. Write them down.
- This is a very rewarding exercise. Be specific and be detailed.
- Call up a family or friend that you have cut ties with
- It’s never good to cut ties with anyone. It’s baggage you have to carry with you everywhere you go. Lighten the load and call [or message] someone who you may be upset with. Forgive and forget.
- Write
- Write about your experience thus far or whatever else you want. Start a travel blog and share your experiences with others.
- Exercise
- Any type of movements you can do with your hand, neck, back and legs – do it! Get the blood flowing.
- Organize and declutter your computer
- We always postpone this task until things get really bad. Why not clean up your computer when on an airplane where this is no internet?
- Remove duplicate and unwanted photos from your phone
- Clear up space for the many more pictures you are going to take.
- Take a power nap
- Power napping is an art that requires practice and patience but the pay off is well worth it in the long run.
- Research about the place you are headed
- Even if you don’t go out to explore as much as you’d like, take a moment to learn about the history and interesting facts about the place you are going. It will make your trip more meaningful.
- Learn the local language (even if it’s only a few words)
- Learning even a few words like “hello” and “thank you” in the local language is a great way to immerse yourself in a new country.
- Reflect and ponder about life
- Take the alone time as an opportunity to think deeply about existence, admire the sights you see and reconnect yourself with Allah.
- Drink water
- Due to the hustle-bustle of traveling, we forget to take care of ourselves and our fellow travelers. Take a moment and hydrate yourself.
- Clean out your wallet/purse
- Throw out old receipts you don’t need and get rid of loose change. Lighten your pockets.
- Catch up on emails
- Delete the junk, send off responses and get yourself up to date
- Subscribe to a new podcast
- Check out our list of favorite podcasts
- Pay your bills
- Why set aside precious time just to pay your bills. With the ease of mobile banking, you can do it all on your phone while commuting.
- Donate to a local charity
- How cool will it be when on the day of judgment you find out you earned massive amounts of reward from a small charity you helped on the other side of the globe?
- Write a handwritten note to a special someone in your life
- Spouse, parent, sibling or friend. Everyone would love a handwritten note in the digital age. Try sending it from the city or airport you are currently in.
- Explore
- If you’re at the airport, don’t just sit in one place. Move around. Here are some ideas on what you can do if you have a long layover.
- Download essential travel apps for every Muslim traveler