Buy a reasonable sized strong suitcase. Remember your luggage will be transported multiple times so it is very important that your suitcase is easily recognisable and is easy to move about. Don’t forget to label your luggage so that it is easy to recognise amongst 100’s of other suitcases.

We always advise pilgrims to take reasonable amount of cash with them. As looking after large amount of cash isn’t very easy when you are sharing the room with others. We never stop our pilgrims to shop for their family and friends but always advise not to get carried away.

Dates & ZamZam are perfect gifts.

Men

• Ihram (Ideally 2 different Ihrams)
• Sandals, Flip Flops
• Thawb/Jubba with pyjamas/three quarters underneath
• Normal comfortable clothing like Shalwar Kameez
• Under Garments

Women

• Loose, comfortable clothes with pyjamas, loose trousers
• Abayah
• Shalwar Kameez
• Under Garments
• Sandals, Flip Flops

If you have any pre-existing health condition, see your doctor before planning to travel. Doctor can advise you whether it is safe for to travel or not. They might supply you with extra medication to make sure it last you during your trip.

Visitors arriving for the purpose of Umrah or pilgrimage (Hajj) or for seasonal work are required to submit a certificate of vaccination with the quadrivalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis issued no more than 3 years and no less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. (Saudi Arabia Embassy)

Your doctor might prescribe extra vaccinations e.g. Flu Jab.

For NHS advice about Hajj and Umrah Journey, please visit:

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/general-travel-health-advice/hajj-and-umrah-pilgrimage.aspx

It is very important that you stay hydrated throughout your journey. Always keep a bottle with you, fill it with ZamZam on your visit to the Haram. Drink small amounts but continue drinking it throughout the day every day.

Hajj and Umrah journeys aren’t easy and that’s why it is recommended only for healthy people. After the tawaf and travelling there is always a strong temptation for the food, but always try to eat from clean places and try to eat healthy and avoid oily foods.

Eat fresh fruit on daily basis as it is good as a food as well good for hydration of your body.

Even though food items are available but choices are limited. And even though you really have to just fill your tummy, it’s nice to have healthy alternatives with you to avoid slacking off during the journey with junk in your stomach.

• Energy/nutrition bars
• Chewing gum
• Dry fruits
• Dates (great energizers). Ajwa would be the best choice.
• Small Jar of raw honey (as a preventive medicine)
• Plastic zippered sandwich bags – to keep items secure and dry. Especially your snacks (dates etc.)

Blisters on your feet could cause serious problem and affect your Hajj and Umrah. You should always wear comfortable footwear and give your feet a massage on regular basis. One way to get rid of soreness and the roughness of your feet is to apply Vaseline and putting socks on overnight. This will help the blood circulation in your feet and will charge you up for the next day.

Please note you cannot wear socks in the state of Ihram.

If you would like to delay your menses until after the Hajj and Umrah, speak to your doctor and the doctor will prescribed you with the best possible solution.