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Hajj, which purifies man of sins, is really a very sacred journey whose spiritual aspect can be overshadowed when confronted with logistical troubles. Therefore choosing the "perfect" hajj package is imperative to enable you to give attention to the spiritual aspect 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 boost your chances of an easy journey. Registered agencies are far more aware of the most recent rules and regulations of processing visas, can contact Ministry of Hajj to eliminate a challenge, are accountable to Ministry if pilgrims file a problem and are far more resourceful for making airline, hotel and transportation arrangement. They're also cheaper because travel arrangement in Saudi Arabia can just only be performed by authorized agencies. Sub agents have to purchase services from these agencies and therefore sell the package at a mark up price.

Despite most of the advantages of licensed agents mentioned previously, you can pick a sub agent when you have heard good things about them. All Authorized agents might not give a good service although some sub agents are extremely professional. Therefore one should pick a hajj package provider centered on referrals.

Company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide in your group is necessary. Irrespective of just 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 know 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.

Be sure to check that the Imam can 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 problem is especially common with agencies offering large number of packages underneath the guidance of a couple of Imams only.

Having a lady guide could be of added benefit for sisters performing pilgrimage.

It is beneficial to determine if the travel agency features a full-time employee in US and Saudi Arabia. The more an agency relies on outside resources, the more likely it is to suffer from mismanagement. Also the longer an agency has provided Hajj services, the greater equipped it is to offer a organized service.

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

Accommodation in a convenient site is extremely useful. Hotel close to the Haram and Masjid - e- Nabwi is more important than the amount of stars of a hotel as it would cut travel time, conserve energy for worshiping and save time by devoid of 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 to Haram and not sharing room with an added 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.

Don't worry a lot of if a hajj package doesn't offer meals in Makkah and Medina. There are plenty of options around Haram to consume and drink between prayer times, but may use up lots of your time waiting in a line. Hotel buffets could be a time saver or perhaps a big distraction, as often people may spend lots of time socializing too much. It is however good to receive food in Mina and Arafat as options will be limited. If you should be performing Hajj with family it may be better to choose a package that provides meals throughout 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 may be cheaper. Same holds true for leaving Saudi Arab. Medina as a slot of entry or exit could save lots of time.

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

Hajj packages promising usage of private apartments during stay in Mina is really a plus. Tents in Mina are small with just room enough for individuals to sleep. Pilgrims can thus leave their luggage in their rooms in their stay in Mina. In addition, it opens up the option to utilize the bathrooms and showers of the area and not the ones setup in Mina camp.

Hajj packages offering free shuttle service from Mina to Haram can assist you to save money. Taxi fares increase exponentially during Mina days Premium Hajj. Lured by the gains, a number of individuals originate from other cities to act as taxi drivers and can 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 given by your agent could be quicker and free.

Most hajj packages hand out SIM cards. This could be a time saver too. Otherwise you may have to hold back in lines to obtain a SIM card.

Considering these logistical issues while choosing an ideal hajj package will hopefully cut your worldly worries of performing hajj and enable you to focus on your worship to your heart's content.