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6 essential tips to help you choose the right Hajj package
Posted: Apr 22, 2015
Hajj is a sacred journey as per Islamic tradition and is mandatory for all Muslims. The purity of this journey can be overshadowed if you are faced with logistical problems when visiting Hajj or choosing Umrah packages. If you want to focus on the spiritual aspect on the journey without any troubles, it is best to pick trusted Hajj packages for the pilgrimage.
Read on to get some useful tips that will help you make the right decision:
Pick a registered agent – In order to ensure a smooth and satisfactory journey, it is recommended to choose an agent registered with the Ministry of Hajj. These agencies know the current rules and regulations for visa processes and they can resort to the ministry to resolve any problem that may arise in the visas. They are also comparatively cheaper as the travel and stay arrangements in Saudi Arabia can be done only by authorised agents. When you choose sub-agents, they have to buy from these agents and hence, their package prices are higher.
Check the availability of the Imam – You must check if the Imam will do the Hajj with the pilgrims as selected in your package. Many times, if the Imam is staying at a different hotel or travelling in another bus, or living in a different tent in Mina, it might get tough to contact the Imam. This is a common problem that arises with agencies who offer a large variety of packages under one or two Imam only.
Woman guide – It can be an extra plus point if the tour offers a female guide as it can benefit the sisters who are performing the pilgrimage.
Accommodation – It is convenient to pick an accommodation at a convenient location. It is better to pick a hotel close to the Haram and Masjid-e-Nabwi than to count the stars of the hotel. This will significantly cut your travel time, save energy for worship and save time to stand in queues for wudu.
Food - You need not worry if your package does not offer food in Medina and Makkah. There are various options around Haram to eat between prayer times. You can choose buffet options as well if you want to save time. If you want limited options, food in Mina and Arafat can be a good idea. However, if you are going to Hajj with your family, it is better to choose a tour that offers food throughout the trip.
Destinations – If you pick a package that lands in Medina first, you can save a lot of time in immigration. Pilgrims landing in Jedda have to wait for 14-18 hours in immigration lines before they can leave for Makkah. However, pilgrims who land in Jedda have more flight options and it can be a cheaper option. This holds true for leaving Saudi Arabia as well. Keep Medina as a point of entry or exit during your trip to save on time.
Umrah packages and Hajj tours must be well-arranged so that you can focus on the spiritual rewards of the journey. By understanding the details of the tour, you can surely make a better choice about your package.
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