Going to another country is away from our comfort zone especially when we will be staying in a desert! That’s why it is essential to take a few things from home to be prepared and not to waste too much time. Heres a list of items you can possibly consider to take with you, but remember it depends on your needs. Don’t worry about taking everything from the list, it’s only a guide. Some items can be bought in Saudi.
Essentials
- Passport
- Travel documents
- Tickets/booking confirmations – flights, accommodation etc.
- Bank cards
- Some Saudi Riyals
Toiletries and Medication
- Required Medicine, Vaseline, Imodium, Paracetamol, Lemsip, Vitamin C supplement, Lucozade Energy tablets, Lanacane Anti-chafing gel…
- Odourless tissue
- Non-perfumed soap (to use in Ihram) such as Simple products
- Trimmer and nail clippers if you want to do extra Umrah(s)
- Perfume
- Non-perfumed wipes
- A small First Aid kit
Clothing
- Spare Ihram
- Sunglasses
- Crocs flip-flops – which are durable and comfy
- Sleeping bag for Muzdalifah ( cheap, light one you’d be willing to leave behind, if necessary)
- Bum bag which doubles up as a belt to carry notes, mushaf, phone etc.
- String bag for shoes
- Small bag/pouch / money bags to hold Jamarat stones. (It’s advised to keep them in multiples of 7 to make it easier while stoning)
- Smaller rucksack for use in Muzdalifah
Food and Snacks
- Healthy light snacks for Hajj days e.g. dried fruit & nuts, energy bars
Misc.
- Marker pen for marking Zam-Zam containers
- Saudi prayer timetable
- Unlocked phone, Saudi Sim Card (can buy Sim at Airport, however many shops don’t sell them now, only official companies do)
- Hajj/Ziyarah notes
- Du’a list & pen
- Travel/light prayer mat
- Universal adapter
Patience, patience and more patience
Don’t stress!
It’s important to plan ahead when packing, as you don’t want to pack last minute and regret not doing it properly when you go over there. So:
- Be prepared! Don’t leave things to the last minute
- Make a list
- Check luggage allowance
- Keep space to bring back gifts (if you intend to!)
- Roll your clothes; creates space and doesnt crease
