Hajj, which purifies man of all sins, is really a very sacred journey whose spiritual aspect could be overshadowed when up against logistical troubles. Therefore choosing the "perfect" hajj package is imperative to allow you to concentrate on the spiritual part of the journey wholeheartedly.
Following are some aspects to think about whenever choosing a hajj package:
Choosing an agency registered with the Ministry of Hajj over a sub-agent raise your odds of an easy journey. Registered agencies tend to be more conscious of the newest rules and regulations of processing visas, can contact Ministry of Hajj to solve a problem, are accountable to Ministry if pilgrims file a complaint and tend to be more resourceful in making airline, hotel and transportation arrangement. They're also cheaper because travel arrangement in Saudi Arabia can only just be performed by authorized agencies. Sub agents have to buy services from these agencies and therefore sell the package at a level up price.
Despite all the features of licensed agents mentioned previously, you can select a sub agent when you have heard good reasons for them Luxury Haaj. All Authorized agents may not offer a good service while some sub agents are extremely professional. Therefore you need to select a hajj package provider centered on referrals.
Company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide in your group is necessary. Irrespective of how much information you have accumulated from books and lectures, you might face questions, you'd not anticipated before. It can also be important to understand 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 reputable imam can mitigate risks of taking shortcuts or going against Sunnah.
Make sure to check that the Imam can do the hajj with the pilgrims of the package you have selected. It's difficult to contact the Imam if he's residing in an alternative hotel, travelling in an alternative bus or surviving in an alternative tent in Mina from yours. This dilemma is particularly common with agencies that offer large variety of packages underneath the guidance of a couple of Imams only.
Having a lady guide will be of added benefit for sisters performing pilgrimage.
It's helpful to check if the travel agency has a full-time employee in US and Saudi Arabia. The more an agency depends on outside resources, the much more likely it is to have problems with mismanagement. Also the longer an agency has provided Hajj services, the better equipped it is to give a organized service.
Most Hajj packages advertise price with fare from New York to Jedda. If you live elsewhere, make sure you include the price of domestic air fare to New York whenever choosing a package. Also add the price of Hajj fees and Zabiha to obtain an estimate of the exact amount you will undoubtedly be spending per person.
Accommodation in a convenient site is extremely useful. Hotel near the Haram and Masjid - e- Nabwi is more important than the number of stars of a hotel since it would cut travel time, conserve energy for worshiping and save time by lacking to stand in long lines to do 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 another person but at a better distance from the Haram. Moreover hotel ratings are per Saudi Government standards which are different from the American standards of rating hotels.
Don't worry a lot of if a hajj package does not offer meals in Makkah and Medina. There are many of options around Haram to eat and drink among prayer times, but may occupy plenty of your own time waiting in a line. Hotel buffets could be a time saver or even a big distraction, normally people may spend plenty of time socializing too much. It's however good for food in Mina and Arafat as options will undoubtedly be limited. If you're performing Hajj with family it could be better to decide on an offer that gives meals through the 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 might be cheaper. Same does work for leaving Saudi Arab. Medina as an interface of entry or exit could save plenty of time.
Ask the agent concerning the located area of the tent in Mina. VIP Tents are generally (if not all) at a brief walking distance from Jamarat. However regular tents in the North American Camp are as far as a 50 minute walk to Jamarat one way. Actually some tents aren't 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 static in Mina is really a plus. Tents in Mina are small with just enough space for people to sleep. Pilgrims can thus leave their luggage within their rooms during their stay static in Mina. In addition it opens up the option to utilize the bathrooms and showers of the space and not the ones create in Mina camp.
Hajj packages that offer free shuttle service from Mina to Haram can help you save money. Taxi fares increase exponentially during Mina days. Lured by the gains, a amount of people result from other cities to act as taxi drivers and could even get lost while trying to operate a vehicle pilgrims to Haram. Buses though cheaper take quite a long time to arrive. Therefore a shuttle service provided by your agent will be quicker and free.
Most hajj packages hand out SIM cards. This could be a time saver too. Otherwise you could have to wait in lines to get a SIM card.
Considering these logistical issues while choosing an ideal hajj package will hopefully cut your worldly worries of performing hajj and allow you to concentrate on your worship to your heart's content.