Wa `alaykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Travelling in earth to contemplate in the creation of Allah and to entertain oneself is permissible as long as it does not involve any unlawful practices. The following are certain points which must be put into consideration for one who is going for a tour or traveling for tourism:

1- Tourism may be done for a legal reason such as performing Umrah or going for hajj or even for seeking knowledge or contemplating over the marvelous creation of Allah.  It may also aim at spreading the message of Islam by making dawah for Muslims and non-Muslims.

In Quran Allah says, “Say travel in the land and see what was the end of those who rejected truth” (Al-An`am 6:11).

Moreover, the Quran reads, “Say to them O Mohammad travel in the land and see how has been the end of the Mujrimoon (criminals, those who denied Allah ’s Messengers and disobeyed Allah )” (An-Naml 27:69).

2- It is haram to travel for the purpose of venerating a specific place, beyond the sacred mosque of Makka, the Prophet’s mosque in Medina and the Aqṣa mosque in Jerusalem.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah  be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah  be upon him) said: “No journey should be undertaken to visit any mosque but three: al-Masjid al-Haraam, the Mosque of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah  be upon him) and the Mosque of al-Aqsa.” (Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

3- It is haram for the Muslim to travel in a non-Muslim land in general, because of the evils that will affect the Muslim’s religious commitment.

4- There can be no doubt that Shari`ah forbids tourism in places of corruption, where alcohol is served and immoral actions take place and sins are committed, such as beaches and parties and immoral places, or travelling to celebrate Charismas.

4- With regard to visiting monuments of former nations who were destroyed due to their disbelief in the Messengers of Allah, a Muslim is prohibited to enter those places where the punishment of Allah was inflicted on those people. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah  be upon him) passed by al-Hijr – which was inhibited by Thamud, he said, “Do not enter the dwellings of those who wronged themselves unless you are weeping, lest there befall you something like that which befell them.” Then he covered his head and urged his mount to move on quickly until he left the place behind. (Al-Bukhari)

5- It is also not permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram.

Almighty Allah knows best.