During Hajj, there is a sea of pilgrims in Haramain. With 2-3 million average number of Muslims pilgrims, the places are always crowded. While managing such a humongous amount of people isn’t a challenge for Saudi Authorities however safety and efficiency in every matter aren’t guaranteed. There’s always a possibility of minor inconveniences that you should be aware of and bear them patiently. Whether you’ve booked hajj packages UK or from any other country, expensive or economical deals, here are a few tips and tricks for Hajj;
Learn some Arabic Phrases.
It’s the most beneficial thing you can learn for your hajj trip. Since you will be majorly in contact with locals there; whether you are shopping or traveling, eating in a restaurant or resting in your hotel. Learn some phrases for thanking others, asking for help and directions, answering in yes and no, and name of some local shops.
Label your belongings clearly.
Always label your things clearly. Whether it’s your baggage, your documents or your daily supplies, label them. It will help you remain more organized and efficient on your spiritual journey. You won’t have to stress about common things. Even if something gets lost, you can find it easily.
Prepare IDs for yourself.
Wherever you go, take your travel documents with you. It is advisable to prepare some general IDs for yourself. Passport, Medical and vaccination Certificates, Hotel Address, Flight Information and some contact numbers of your relatives/friends – everything comes in this regard.
Pack efficiently with some backup supplies.
Never overpack. Take what you need not what you desire. Due to unpredictably of events, pack some backup supplies for you. It includes;
- Medicines.
- Toiletries.
- Clothing and Ihram.
- Snacks.
- Sandals/Slides.
- Photocopies of your travel documents.
- Power banks.
Eat healthily and don’t litter.
Eat healthily and avoid junk foods. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Always clean up your space after eating. Throw garbage in bins and don’t litter.
Remain forgiving and patient.
In Haram, especially during Tawaf, pushing and shoving of the crowd is a very common thing as there are a lot of people present there. For some, it might not be so much of a hassle while for others its quite annoying. Anyhow, whatever the case is, always stay patient and forgiving. Never quarrel with anyone. Don’t use curse words. Take care of your safety. Even if anybody is unjust or provokes you, try to stay calm and ignore negativity.
Always keep some local currency with you.
It’s a safer and efficient option to travel with credit/debit cards. However, always carry some Saudi Riyals with you. Some local shops and at least vendors don’t accept these cards. Therefore, the currency can be a lifesaver. For this reason, exchange your international currency at some money exchange center, not in hotel lobbies. So, you can get better exchange rates and authentic services.
These are some of the essential tips and trick for you Hajj travel.
