All-inclusive Hajj Umrah packages organize the whole pilgrimage in one place by offering everything essential to pilgrims. After all, choosing the right Hajj Umrah package is all what makes a difference and ensures peace of mind throughout a journey. However, booking your dream deal with the right travel agency is what matters the most. This is because there are a lot of Hajj Umrah services available out there and thus making difficult for pilgrims to choose the authentic one. Similarly, booking scams and fraudulent acts are trending these days which makes pilgrims hard to trust any travel partner. In this case, how would you find the best Islamic certified travel agency that you can trust? Well, it’s now easier with following pro tips you can try to refine all the random options and shortlist the top options.
How to Trust an Islamic Travel Agency?
Finding a travel operator to book Hajj Umrah packages is different from planning a holiday trip with an agency. This is because the pilgrimage is a meaningful journey for the sole religious purpose to please Allah. This way, travel operators are spiritual partners to support the whole journey and handle everything professionally. Since this comprehensive journey involves booking multiple services, pilgrims are unable to arrange all of these individually. This is where the official travel agencies come into play to facilitate pilgrims.
However, it’s not just about booking with a travel agent but considering the reliable partner whom you can trust. After all, a responsible service provider is what ensures a fulfilling experience. So, research well to find a trusted Islamic travel agency for your next Hajj and Umrah. Here are a few tips to consider while finding the best option before booking.
Consider 7 things Before Booking with a Travel Agency
Official Registration and Approval
Every Hajj and Umrah travel agency operates under the guidance of both local and Saudi regulatory entities. For example, such Hajj and Umrah services get approval from Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and thus have a licence too. Similarly, there are also local Hajj regulators that confirm that pilgrims receive certified services. For example, alnoor tours islamic travel agency USA is an ASTA-approved service that ensures pilgrim satisfaction all the way. So, check out whether your target agency is officially registered with any of such regulations. Fraud agencies aren’t comfortable with sharing licenses as they don’t have a valid one. This is the first step to verify that you are going with a certified and trusted travel agency and your money is in safe hands.
Experience and Reputation
After an official registration, it’s the experience and reputation of the travel agency that matters. So, remember that choosing an experienced travel operator is always safe in terms of your money pilgrimage management. Similarly, the reputation and positive reviews that an agency has matter the most. This is what shows the satisfaction level of pilgrims with their services and attention to detail. Thus, check out the history of their travel services either from their years of experience or customer reviews and feedback. Besides checking out reviews on official website, go through third-party channels (YouTube, Facebook, google, and trip advisor apps). Also, beware of fake reviews and suspicious five star ratings. In this case, booking Hajj Umrah packages with the local travel agency is better where you can easily verify the reputation of their services personally.
Transparency in Pricing and Packages
All the reputable travel service providers work on the basis of one-time payment model. This way, pilgrims have a clear upfront detail of everything included in the package before they proceed to booking. However, there are also some non-professional operators who charge extra as markup or overhead charges besides package pricing. So, it’s important to avoid such scams to secure your investment as well as your spiritual journey. In this case, ask for clear price breakdown for each package. Also, check out the number and quality of inclusions that the Hajj Umrah packages offer. In general, the reliable travel services include additional charges for visa fees and taxes within the package so that pilgrims can pay only for once. You can always compare packages from top travel agencies to find an affordable one.
Accommodation and Transportation Details
Hajj and Umrah packages are complete service offerings that cover everything essential about the pilgrimage. This is the reason travel agencies also advertise all the package inclusions to customers upfront. However, the details of accommodation and transportation are of the main importance among the others. It’s because the whole experience of Hajj and Umrah journey depends on the quality and choice of these services. So, check out whether your target travel agency for umrah and Hajj offers accommodation of high quality or not. Similarly, many travel operators include ground transportation on demand. Also, remember that cheap Umrah and Hajj packages don’t cut cost over the number of inclusions but over the quality. For example, there are economy Hajj Umrah deals available at the lowest possible rates feature 3 star hotels far from Haramain and shared transportation. In this case, always confirm the name and distance of hotels included in your go-to package as well as the mode of transport before booking. Experienced and trusted travel operators share all such details transparently before booking.
Safe and Clear Payment Methods
Certified Hajj Umrah service providers offer safe and secure payment methods for both cash and online transactions. The purpose is to win the trust of pilgrims and ensure peace of mind that their money is in safe hands. However, non-certified travel agencies don’t have clear payment methods and return policies that pilgrims often ignore. It’s a big mistake you must avoid before booking with a travel agency for Hajj or Umrah. For example, if you are going with Hajj Umrah services USA, go through their payment plans and return policies. Also, check out if they have installment policies having interest rates or not. Similarly, make online transaction and keep the receipt as a proof. Also, ask for confirmation through travel agents. If not, proceed with cash payment after confirming all the details in writing.
Customer Support and Guidance
The quality of customer support and the availability of proper guidance are the plus points for any registered Hajj umrah travel agency. It’s important because pilgrims may have concerns or any problem during the trip to discuss with the travel agent. Similarly, pilgrims can also seek guidance about ziyarat tours or rituals during the journey. Besides, agency support becomes important in case pilgrims have emergency in Saudi Arabia. And it’s what previous pilgrims often mention in their reviews and feedback as what they have experienced with the agency. Non-certified or non-professional service providers neither provide 24/7 support nor the expert guidance at any step of the way. So, confirm their quality of customer support before booking. For example, get in touch with team members frequently to ask for guidance related to package details or booking procedure. Also, ask if they have local contact in Saudi Arabia so that you can reach out to them on the go. It’s a great idea to confirm their dedication and responsibility towards customers.
Shariah Compliance in All Arrangements
The Hajj Umrah travel agency should be certified and Islamic in the first place. Booking with an Islamic travel agency matters because which travel operator can understand the religious needs of pilgrimage better than an Islamic service provider? It’s also important to find Islamic travel partners to perform Hajj or Umrah with peace of mind. Because it’s an Islamic travel agency that practices ce shariah-based rulings in all their arrangements. For example, December Umrah packages include halal food options in Saudi Arabia, consider gender separation in case of shared transportation and accommodation, as well as take care of prayer timings during travel.Similarly, Islamic travel agencies like Alhaq Tour have expert scholars and experienced staff who guide pilgrims about Sunnah acts to enhance their experience. So, it’s important to confirm the shariah compliance of a travel agency in all arrangements before booking.
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Final Words
In conclusion, finding the best travel agency for umrah and Hajj is a first step towards a safe pilgrimage. However, it becomes hard to trust a travel agency for first-time pilgrims as they have concerns about scams. But it’s easier than you think to find an experienced travel partner and go with the best Hajj Umrah packages. We hope that following the above-given tips will definitely help you find a reliable travel service even if you don’t have any prior experience of booking.