Muslim brothers and sisters are blessed with being close to the Almighty, Allah when they get to the holy city of Mecca and Medina. The holy travel is an obligatory pilgrimage in a person following Islam on the condition that he is financially strong enough to be able to travel to the holy city and perform Hajj or Umrah without putting family in financial jeopardy. This travel holds utmost significance in a Muslim’s life where they ask Allah for His forgiveness and allow them to set out on a new lease of life there onwards.

Before leaving for the pilgrimage, you need to make sure that everything is in place so that the most important ad pious journey of your life is not ruined due to circumstances that could have been avoided. Therefore, before going ahead with the journey, you need to keep some points in mind so as to make sure you have a journey that is comfortable and safe. This is not only required in the best interest of you as a pilgrim but even the rules laid forth for the holy travel notes that the journey to Mecca and Medina should be a safe one.

To make sure that all the criteria and arrangements are met, it may be preferred to go with a tour operator or a travel agency. If you are planning to perform Hajj or Umrah this year, consider choosing a firm that specializes in offering Umrah and Hajj packages for 2013. Remember that booking starts very early and you have to book your ticket for the package as early as possible because the best deals get booked very swiftly. To find the best packages, you may look up the internet and search for the best packages for Umrah and Hajj in 2013. There are various companies that offer to book your seat online and booking early may save you up to 25% of your money.

Once you start looking for travel agencies, give priority to the ones whose services have been availed by friends or relatives. This is because one may not guarantee the kind of service an agency unknown to you may provide. An agency whose services have been availed earlier by someone you know can be of benefit as they can give you a real account of how their services are.

Keep budgetary constraints in mind while choosing a plan so that you don’t go off your planning. You need not worry if some packages do not suit your budget as there are many cheap packages for Hajj and Umrah. Customized packages are also available if budget is not a constraint for you.

While choosing a package, you may check if the travel agency provides guides and knowledgeable persons to guide you to the customs of Hajj or Umrah. There are rules to follow once we reach the holy city and we have to mandatorily follow them. Any rite that is missed may lead to incomplete or futile journey which makes no meaning.

Apart from the above things to consider, make sure that you and your family are in good health as weather changes might affect the weaker ones such as elders or the children. With Allah’s grace, you may be able to achieve the goal you have set in your mind and heart. Also, plenty of rest and sleep will ensure that you are in good health to endure the physical stress that the holy journey demands. Do not travel on empty stomach as that may invite fatigue. We pray that your journey to the most pious place on Earth is successful.

Matthew Bouley talks about Hajj and Umrah.