|
IslamiCity > Travel
> Umra Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
- How much does the
program cost and what does it include?
By choosing clean and comfortable, but more modest hotel apartment
accommodations and leaving meals to the individual travelers, we are able to
offer this Umrah package at an amazing price. The packages will include airfare from US to the
Jedah. All participants will stay in
comfortable in hotel apartment for the duration of the tour,
and there will be ground transportation throughout the tour. Entrance fees to all monuments & museums will also be included.
The package price excludes (a) food and bavereges (b) tips to the Guide(s) &
Driver(s), (c)
airport taxes.
- When should I
deposit & what are the payment terms?
You should deposit a non-refundable deposit of US$200 to reserve your
space as soon as possible. The
balance amount must be paid prior to your scheduled Umra travel. This allows us to
do the
necessary arrangements. Any questions anytime please feel free to call us
310-642-0006, ext.104, (888) 978-7629 or email us at .
- Why such a heavy
penalty?
Primarily to offset the liabilities that IslamiCity will be liable
to the service providers; hotels, airlines & the local tour operators.
- How many cities
will we visit?
We will visit 3 major places - Jeddah - Makkah and Madinah. Within each city, we will visit many other
areas (see itinerary).
- Are women mandated
to wear Hijab in Saudi Arabia?
A short answer is
yes.
- What are some key Saudi
cultural issues that we should be aware of?
Men & women don't shake hands. Women for the most part wear Hijab except
in downtown Jeddah and some other places. Never criticize food in front of
the host, even in a restaurant. Don't get surprised to see men and women
totally separated in local city buses. Bargaining is in the blood of Saudi
merchants. Don't be shy to get the best deal for yourself.
- What are the
arrangements for daily prayers?
While in Makkah and Madinah, we will safely assume that everyone will make
an effort to pray at Masjid al Haram. As a general rule, the daily itinerary will have
dedicated time allocated for congregation (Qasr) prayers for Duhr/Asr and
Maghrib/Isha. Friday prayers are scheduled to be prayed in Masjid al Haram
in Makkah and Madinah.
- What will the
accommodations be like?
We will be staying in good quality hotel apartments with kitchen. Accommodations will be clean,
pleasant and comfortable. All rooms will have four beds, one for each person
in the room.
- What is the meal
deal?
Meals are not included in the price.
- What should I pack?
It does get hot during summer in Saudi Arabia. We suggest you pack
light clothes. Few pairs of jeans with bunch of T-Shirts would in fact do.
Remember that you can bring back some very good & inexpensive gifts.
Make sure you've a good pair of sneakers & sun glasses. Make sure your
favorite toothpaste flavor and a bottle of over-the-counter drugs, such as
Tylenol, Malox etc. is handy. A camera with lots of picture rolls,
preferably 36 exposures or better yet a digital camera to avoid all the
hassles. A journal diary is highly recommended. Hard case suitcases are highly
recommended. For details, please see (Travel Guide).
- What happens when I
get late & everyone is waiting for me in the bus going to wherever?
Unless there's a (provable) legitimate reason others will not forgive you
... We suggest you try to be respectful & value the time of other
participants. Bring along lots of patience, traveling is not as much fun without
it!
- Would I stay with
my best friend in the hotel?
Chances are, yes. But if you don't for any reason, please don't sweat. Take
it easy. You'll be staying with Muslim friends. It is in fact encouraged to
sometimes stay with a person you don't know. This way you will make new
friends and get to know other people while acquiring or sharpening the
skills of traveling and living with others.
- What travel
arrangements need to be made? Do I need a visa?
Participants are required to mail their passport for to IslamiCity for visa
purposes. IslamiCity will gather everyone's passport and get a group visa
from the Consulate in Los Angeles.
|