My first trip alone
How I Convinced My Super Strict Muslim Parents to Let Me Travel Alone at 19 🎉✈️
Hey friends! Today, I'm spilling the tea on how I managed to get my super strict Muslim parents to let me travel alone to South Korea at just 19. If you’re dreaming of your own solo adventure but think your parents will never say yes—keep reading!
The Dream 🌸
I've *always* wanted to visit South Korea. My obsession only grew when I met Kimmy, an exchange student from Seoul, during my first year at university. We instantly became besties, and I was always like, “Girl, I’m coming to visit you summer 2024. Mark your calendar!”
My other friend Lilly was just as down for the trip, and I thought: PERFECT! Girls’ trip, here we come!
But oh boy—little did I know the rollercoaster that was coming. 🎢
Planting the Seed 🌱
Kimmy used to stay at my place all the time, and before she left to go back to Seoul, I promised her: I WILL come visit you! Summer 2023 rolls around, and I casually (okay, nervously) tell my parents about the trip. Even though they weren't fully convinced, I just wanted the idea simmering in their heads.
The Hustle 💸
I started working crazy hours—two jobs while being a full-time student! My parents were fine with me traveling with Lilly since they knew both her and Kimmy. Everything seemed smooth until...
Plot Twist 😬
Fall 2023 rolls around, and Lilly tells me she won’t have enough money for the trip. My heart sank, but I was like: You know what? I’ll go alone. Easier said than done when you have strict parents!
Still, I kept grinding and saving money, even though I wasn’t sure how to break the "solo trip" news to my parents.
Mom to the Rescue 🙌
In January, I finally told my mom. Her response? “I’ll find a way for you to go!” QUEEN ENERGY. 👑
She found this Muslim travel group called The Halal Travel Guide, which was organizing a trip to South Korea and Japan around the same time I wanted to go. The only problem? My dad would NEVER let me travel with people he didn’t know.
Operation Convince Dad 🕵️♀️
I did SO MUCH research on the travel group—reading reviews, checking their credibility, calculating costs, and planning my savings.
February rolls around, and it's go-time. Early one morning, when my dad was driving me to the bus stop, I took a deep breath and spilled everything. He wasn’t sold right away, but I wasn’t giving up. That afternoon, I showed him all my research, reviews, and receipts.
A few days later... he said YES!!! 🎉
The Trip of a Lifetime 🗺️
I paid the deposit, booked my flight, and joined the travel group. It turned out to be one of the best experiences ever. Even though I was the youngest in the group, I had an AMAZING time and felt super safe.
If you're thinking about solo travel but worried your parents won't budge—do your research, stay persistent, and find a reputable group if that helps!
10/10 recommend The Halal Travel Guide and going on adventures that scare you a little. You never know the memories you'll make! 💕