Methods for Picking a Hajj Package

Hajj, which purifies man of all sins, is really a very sacred journey whose spiritual aspect may be overshadowed when faced with logistical troubles. Therefore choosing the "perfect" hajj package is vital to permit you to concentrate on the spiritual facet of the journey wholeheartedly.

Following are some aspects to take into account when selecting a hajj package:

Choosing an agency registered with the Ministry of Hajj over a sub-agent raise your likelihood of an easy journey. Registered agencies tend to be more alert to the latest rules and regulations of processing visas, can contact Ministry of Hajj to resolve an issue, are accountable to Ministry if pilgrims file a criticism and tend to be more resourceful in making airline, hotel and transportation arrangement Maktab no 1. They're also cheaper because travel arrangement in Saudi Arabia can only just be done by authorized agencies. Sub agents have to buy services from these agencies and therefore sell the package at a mark up price.

Despite most of the benefits of licensed agents mentioned previously, you are able to select a sub agent when you have heard good reasons for having them. All Authorized agents may not provide a good service though some sub agents are very professional. Therefore you need to select a hajj package provider based on referrals.

Company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide in your group is necessary. Irrespective of simply how much information you've accumulated from books and lectures, you may face questions, you'd not anticipated before. It can also be important to learn if the travel agency seeks advice from their guide. For logistical ease, some agents may plan departure to Arafat and Muzdalifah before enough time recommended by Islamic law. Choosing an agency that plans the trip under a trustworthy imam can mitigate risks of taking shortcuts or going against Sunnah.

Be sure to check that the Imam is going to do the hajj with the pilgrims of the package you've selected. It is difficult to make contact with the Imam if he is remaining in a different hotel, travelling in a different bus or surviving in a different tent in Mina from yours. This dilemma is especially common with agencies that provide large variety of packages under the guidance of a couple of Imams only.

Having women guide will be of added benefit for sisters performing pilgrimage.

It is beneficial to see if the travel agency has a full-time employee in US and Saudi Arabia. The more an agency depends on outside resources, the more likely it's to suffer with mismanagement. Also the longer an agency has provided Hajj services, the better equipped it's to give a organized service.

Most Hajj packages advertise price with fare from New York to Jedda. If you live elsewhere, be sure to include the price of domestic air fare to New York when selecting a package. Also add the price of Hajj fees and Zabiha to get an estimate of the actual amount you will soon be spending per person.

Accommodation in an easy site is extremely useful. Hotel near to the Haram and Masjid - e- Nabwi is more important than the amount of stars of a hotel because it would cut travel time, conserve energy for worshiping and save time by not having to stand in long lines to accomplish wudu or use restrooms. It could be better in cases to share your room with 4 people in a hotel near Haram and not sharing room with one other person but at a better distance from the Haram. Moreover hotel ratings are per Saudi Government standards which will vary from the American standards of rating hotels.

Do not worry a lot of if a hajj package doesn't offer meals in Makkah and Medina. There are many of options around Haram to consume and drink in between prayer times, but may use up a lot of your own time waiting in a line. Hotel buffets might be a time saver or even a big distraction, as frequently people may spend a lot of time socializing too much. It is however good for food in Mina and Arafat as options will soon be limited. If you're performing Hajj with family it may be better to select a package that gives meals through the entire trip.

Choosing hajj packages that land in Medina first, can save time spent in immigration lines. Pilgrims landing in Jedda can experience 14 - 18 hours in immigration before leaving for Makkah. However choosing package where pilgrims land in Jedda opens up additional flight options and may be cheaper. Same is true for leaving Saudi Arab. Medina as a slot of entry or exit could save a lot of time.

Ask the agent concerning the location of the tent in Mina. VIP Tents are generally (if not all) at a short walking distance from Jamarat. However regular tents in the North American Camp are so far as a 50 minute walk to Jamarat one way. In fact some tents are not even pitched in Mina. They're located beyond huge sign boards that say "Mina ends here"!

Hajj packages promising use of private apartments during stay in Mina is really a plus. Tents in Mina are small with only enough space for people to sleep. Pilgrims can thus leave their luggage inside their rooms throughout their stay in Mina. In addition it opens up the possibility to utilize the bathrooms and showers of the room and not the ones put up in Mina camp.

Hajj packages that provide free shuttle service from Mina to Haram can assist you to save money. Taxi fares increase exponentially during Mina days. Lured by the gains, a amount of people come from other cities to act as taxi drivers and may even get lost while trying to drive pilgrims to Haram. Buses though cheaper take quite a while to arrive. Therefore a shuttle service given by your agent will be quicker and free.

Most hajj packages give out SIM cards. This might be a time saver too. Otherwise you could have to attend in lines to obtain a SIM card.

Considering these logistical issues while choosing the perfect hajj package will hopefully cut your worldly worries of performing hajj and permit you to concentrate on your worship to your heart's content.