The Hajj and the Umrah - The Holy City of Mecca Awaits

The Hajj is an annual event occurring every year in the Islamic calendar. As a religious duty, every Muslim is required to undertake this pilgrimage once in their lifetime. However, the economic situation can place a constraint and some difficulty on the efforts of those planning to take up this endeavour. The holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia draws millions of pilgrims during its holy months of visits. This pilgrimage is inclusive of accommodations as well. The Hajj and the Umrah are important pilgrimages in the lives of devout Muslims helping them acquire much spiritual blessings.
The forty days of Hajj is an experience every Muslim wishes to undertake. Apart form being a source of great spiritual blessings, it is also a means to new beginnings. This pilgrimage is a once in a lifetime opportunity for some and hence they are carefully planned making sure that every Muslim can take complete advantage of this spiritual endeavour. However, specialized care packages that fulfil individual needs and requirements are an ideal solution to get here. Predominantly, Islamic faith considers the Umrah as the minor pilgrimage and the Hajj as the major pilgrimage.
The Hajj is considered a compulsory pilgrimage that must be undertaken by every able bodied Muslim if they can afford it. Many travel agencies specialize in such packages as well as offer economic bookings to pilgrims who wish to undertake these journeys. In 2013, the Hajj pilgrimage will be held in the month of October, the Islamic equivalent of the month of Dhu al-Haijah. This is the last month in the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims from different parts of the world will flock to Saudi Arabia to complete their religious duties.
These months are stressful for travel organizers as they need to look into every detail of the tour and every individual's requirements. However, their experience helps them organize memorable pilgrimages for all the faithful travelling to the holy city. Such specialized agencies have been arranging such journeys for a long time, making sure that pilgrims attain spiritual fulfilment.
Individuals looking into such packages need to be aware that a lot of travel agencies customize them according to the specific needs of different pilgrims. With the help of such superior organisers, pilgrims can make this journey with some peace of mind. Travelling to the old city of Mecca without any worries has now become a possibility. However, agencies with customer care often provide individuals the much needed assistance in order to select the ideal travel solution.
There are certain norms that every Muslim should adhere to for the completion of a successful pilgrimage. Individual taking up this pilgrimage has to be completely free from every financial debt. Now there are many ways in which pilgrims can pay for their journey; one of them includes half-yearly instalments. The use of technology has simplified the way in which these journeys are made.

Daniel S Marlane is the author of this article. Find more information, about Umrah Package here Hajj 2013 Packages

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A Few Things to Pack for Your River Cruise Holiday

While we all enjoy taking holidays to some of the most beautiful places around the world, it can be an experience full of stress and problems, with getting through the airport and reaching your connecting transfer just some of the biggest culprits. If you are looking for a holiday experience in which you can relax as soon as you leave your front door, a river cruise holiday could be exactly what you are hoping to find.
Growing hugely in popularity in recent years, particularly on rivers such as the Seine, Moselle and Danube, river cruise holidays allow you to relax in the height of comfort while you glide along the waterway to a selection of unforgettable cities, towns and landmarks. If you are new to river cruises, it may be helpful to identify what exactly to pack in your suitcase.
First things first, make sure you pack the correct clothing for your journey. So that you don't leave any important items behind, take the time to do your homework and check out the weather of the resorts you are visiting as part of your itinerary. This should be a simple method in working out whether to pack a decent raincoat to keep dry or a sun hat to avoid sunburn.
Another handy item which is so often needed by people is a translation book. While it's likely all the staff on board the vessel will have a grasp of English, it will be a far different situation while you peruse the streets of Strasbourg, Koblenz, Cologne, or any other cities on your cruise route. A phrase book helps you break through the language barrier and will ultimately assist you in learning more about the culture of the places you visit. It's for this reason alone why it should be included among your necessary travel documents.
Purely for precautionary measures, a medication pack should be among the first items you take in your suitcase; it could be a lifesaver should you start to not feel 100% during the trip. While the staff on your cruise will certainly be on hand to help you with any serious incidents, it could be an idea to take a few painkillers to help shake off a sore head from all that wine you enjoyed the night before. Also be sure to pack some seasickness aids; forgetting them could turn your dream cruise into a nightmare!
These are the most important items which should be at the top of your packing list. Once the suitcase is sorted, all you have to do then is wait a short while until you embark on an unforgettable river cruise holiday experience.

This article was created by Thom Sanders for River Cruise Line. They offer sensational savings on European river cruises including Rhine cruises and other experiences.

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Hotel Security: Top 5 Tips To Staying Safe and Secure In Hotels

Whether guests at a seven star hotel or a seven dollar hostel there are certain things that travelers need to consider when staying in overnight accommodation. Here are our top 5 tips for staying safe and secure in a hotel environment.
1. Room to Improve: If you have the option to pre-book a room or choose where in a hotel to stay think about a few things.

• What floor to stay on - the general consensus is between the 2nd floor and 6th floor. This way people can't easily gain access to your room windows but fire fighters can reach with their ladders.
• The risks of the area - Are you staying in a hostile environment? If there is a risk of IED's, car bombs or suicide bombers think about getting a room at the back of the hotel or the opposite of where cars can drive up to the entrance. Perhaps even away from the general lobby area.

If you are not happy with the location of your room, ask to move to a different one.
2. Fire first:
This is a saying we use to remind travelers that as soon as you arrive at your hotel spend a few minutes to ask yourself, what if there was a fire or other emergency?
As soon as you get into your room, place your bags on the bed and exit the room. Look for your nearest fire exit and nearest fire extinguisher, picture reaching these in the dark and count either steps or number of doors between your room and the these points. You may have to find these in the dark or when there is smoke blinding you. Don't stop there, check the fire exit and ensure it is in fact a viable option. Then when you are happy head back to your room.
3. Fire second:
There was a tragic story of a whole family dying from a small fire within their home. They were sleeping with every door open and all the toxic fumes traveled freely throughout each bedroom killing the occupants as they slept. When fire fighters arrived they only found the pet dog alive as he was shut in a small utility room. The door had protected the dog from the fire and fumes. This story re-enforces the fact that a room can protect the inhabitants from smoke and heat for a considerable amount of time if done properly.
Fire second is a saying we teach our students. Once you have identified the fire exits and returned to your room, ask yourself again, what if there was a fire? If there is no escape from the exits then this room will be your citadel, your safe room.

• Look at the window, does it open, what floor are you on? Can you jump? If not does it open to give you fresh air.
• How does the door open and unlock. Is there a key? If so always leave it in the same place.
• Is there a bath - in an emergency you can fill this up with water and use it to douse the door and walls.
• If there is a fire and you cant escape then wet towels and block any gaps around the door.

If traveling to less developed countries or regions think about taking portable fire and carbon monoxide alarms. Both are cheap, small and easy to use and well worth the small amount of space they take up.
4. Double the Door
Your hotel room door is your best barrier to external risk. When inside your room make sure that you use all the locks provided. Do not open the door unless you are a 100% sure to whom you are opening it for. If there is a peephole, use it.
There a few great items on the market that can provide a second layer of door security think about taking these, as they are small and cheap.

• Door wedge
• Door lock ratchet

When you leave the room, use the peephole, make sure there is no one outside. When you come back to the room do not assume that it is secure. The majority of hotel room locks can be defeated quite easily, many people have access to the keys and it would be a mistake to assume that no one could have got in. Take caution, have a quick look around and then relax once you have checked and the door is locked behind you.
The Hamas chief Al-Mabhouh killed by Mossad in a Dubai hotel room made the mistake of assuming his hotel room was secure. Mossad used either a very simple and easily attainable machine to decode the electronic door or the tried and tested string and wire technique that can open many doors which have the tiniest of gaps between the door and floor.
It is not just the intelligence services that know these tricks, many criminals and attackers have the means and the motivation to go to these lengths.
5. Complacency is a dirty word:

• If you hear an alarm, do not ignore it. React quickly and use your pre-determined exit. We do not mean panic and run out in your underwear screaming, but just make sure you do react. Get dressed, get your shoes on, stay calm, prepare to leave the hotel and take your room key, if there is a fire and there is no escape you may have to get back to your room, close your door behind you. Try and avoid using the hotels muster point or emergency gathering location. Sometimes hostiles will use an alarm to gather people in one spot before attacking or carrying out a secondary attack.
• If you wake up in the middle of the night for no reason, check that there is in fact NO reason, take a few seconds to listen, look and sense if something is wrong. If nothing go back to sleep...
• If you see smoke or fire when in a hotel do not assume someone else has reported it. Initiate a fire alarm or call the hotel. Especially when you are in your room call the emergency services as well, do not assume the hotel will call them. Hotels are unwilling to call the emergency services until they have checked out the incident themselves for fear of creating a false alarm. This can cause a significant delay. There have been many horror stories of deaths and injuries caused by these delays. Take control of the situation yourself.
• Do not assume that because you are in a hotel you are safe. If you are in a lift and someone else comes in that you are unsure of wait for him or her to push a floor before you do. Make sure no one is following you towards your room.

Most importantly as with all of our advice, do not develop irrational fear, do not think that everyone is out to get you. Instead just increase your awareness, listen to your sixth sense and take the time to prepare for certain scenarios. Time spent preparing and planning is never wasted, it can also mean the difference between life and death.

The author is the co-founder of Explorer Travel Security. This is a dynamic and elite travel security company dedicated to travel safety and security of individuals, groups and organizations abroad. it is a full service company offering tailored training courses, executive protection, global rescue, elite travel insurance and electronic tracking and security solutions.
Please visit our website http://www.exploresecure.com/ or for further information on our services http://www.exploresecure.com/services/
Our company prides itself on offering tailored travel security solutions and is comprised of counter terrorist and risk management professionals of the highest calibre.

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Top Five Things to Do in Lijiang, China

Lijiang, a charming city in the Yunnan province in the southwest part of China, is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery and unique ethnic minority's culture. According to the local recommendation and tourists' feedbacks, we share the following top 5 things to do in Lijiang, which will bring you to discover the beautiful city from different angles and enjoy a wonderful journey.
1. Enjoy the relaxed time in the bar of Lijiang Old Town
There are many bars and clubs in Lijiang. Bar-hopping has been an important part of nightlife of locals and visitors. The bars are carefully designed and exquisitely decorated, creating an easy and relaxed atmosphere. You can drink cocktails, whisky, brandy, vodka, rum and any other you like. You immerse yourself in the music and dance, and watch the cultural performances by local minorities. Some famous bars are Riding Along for Thousands of Mile, A Meter Sunshine, Sakura. It is not only a chance to enjoy a relaxed time in the old town, but also can get a close touch to the local people's life.
2. Trek along Tiger Leaping Gorge
About 50 kilometers away from Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most beautiful gorges around the world. It runs approximately 15 kilometers along a torrential river flanked by the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596 meters) in the side of Lijiang and Haba Snow Mountain (5,396 meters) in the side of Shangri-La. Standing at the foot of the steep 4,000-meter cliffs and look up, the cliffs soar high into thin air. The series of the rapids roar and the voice resounds through the gorge. Its undulating trails on the mountain lead us to the stunning beauty. Hence, the Tiger Leaping Gorge has been one of the most popular trekking routes in China and attracts a large number of foreign trekkers to challenge the wonder of nature. Just bring along your spirit of adventure and expect to be mesmerized by dramatic beauty.
3. Admire the natural beauty in Lashi Lake Nature Reserve and Wenhai Lake
Located the center of the Lashihai Watersheld Nature Reserve and surrounded by green mountains, Lashi Lake occupies an area of 265.6 square meters and is a haven of over 30,000 migratory birds. From the end of October to early April, the birds come here to escape winter, when is the best time to have a bird watching. Besides birdwatching, the popular activities around the lake are cycling, boating, and riding horse.
The Lashi Lake and Wenhai Lake areas which are rich in forest, water resources and have pleasant climate and fecund soil, are the super places for animals, plants, but also home for the local Naxi, Yi, Han and Tibetan people. You also can go to explore the nearly village to get to know the indigenous cultures and experience their simple life.
4. Explore the "Oriental Kingdom of Women" in Lugu Lake and experience the matriarchal way of life
Situated on the border between Yunnan province and Sichuan province, Lugu Lake is about 200 kilometers away from the Lijiang Old Town. It is renowned for its total natural beauty and mostly for it unique culture of the local Mosuo people who are still remain the matriarchal way of life.
Mosuo people do not formally marry. Rather, they carry a special 'walking marriage' custom, namely the intimate relationships last only as long as they like and freely change their lover. In the matriarchal society, the women are responsible for production and management, and the men are in charge of taking care of the housework. The children are raised by the women and get the surnames of their mothers'. It is believed to be the last practicing matriarchal society in the world and many other Naxi customs lost in Lijiang are still in evidence here.
5. Enjoy the grand cultural show "Impression Lijiang"
"Impression Lijiang" is a grand outdoor cultural show directed by China famous director Zhang Yimou. Using the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the background, the show is presented by over 100 horses and 500 local ethnic Naxi, Bai and Yi people selected from 16 different towns and villages, and vividly showcases the traditions and lifestyles of the local people. The well-design stage, beautiful costumes and attractive story will not disappoint you.

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5 Top Picks Along the Northern Ireland Causeway Coastal Route

5 Top Picks Along the Northern Ireland Causeway Coastal Route

However there is much more than that so if you are thinking about Northern Ireland travel take this route and see some of the following 5 places.

Bushmills Distillery

The famous whiskey made in Bushmills in County Antrim. Make sure you include a stop off at this wonderful iconic whiskey making area. Even better down tools for an hour or two take a tour of the factory and sample some local Irish whiskey which reaches all over the world as a famous brand of whiskey.

Ballycastle

A beautiful seaside town located in the North Coast of Ireland. It has gorgeous beaches and a local port.
The area beside Ballycastle has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. If you are there at the end of August you can take in the Oul Lammas Fair which brings in people from all over the world.

Rathlin Island

The small island of Rathlin while not on the coastal route is a few minutes trip by boat from Ballycastle. It really is worth a visit and has lots to explore. It is renowned for its puffins and hawks. Indeed it is a very important site for maritime life and many divers from all over the world have came to chase shipwrecks. Rathlin is part way between the North of Ireland Coast and Scotland.

Portrush

The coastal town of Portrush is the heartbeat for summer holiday when locals flock to its beaches and coastal life in the summer. Famed for its golf courses and all the facilities for families it is a great place for people to head for their camping and caravan holidays. There is everything you need to have a great holiday.

The Giant's Causeway

There is so much you can say about this unique place.The memory of the rock formations will be imprinted in your mind once you seen them.
This site is only about 2 miles from Bushmills where you will visit the Bushmills Distillery and a mere 13 miles from Ballycastle. So you can see nearly all of these sights are very close to each other.
The Giant's Causeway was awarded a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1986. Legend has it that the Causeway was formed by a Giant called Finn McCool who was 54 feet high. Indeed there are estimated to be 40,000 basalt columns going out into the ocean so he would have needed to be a giant!

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Hartford CT Historic Homes: Day-Taylor House

Hartford CT Historic Homes: Day-Taylor House

The Day-Taylor House was built in 1857 in a beautiful Italian Villa style architecture at the same time that Samuel Colt, the creator of the Colt Revolver built his Armsmear estate directly across the street. Located at the center of the Colt Architectural legacy at 81 Wethersfield Avenue, it has been a residence of several prominent Hartford, Connecticut families.

The Day-Taylor House was built by Hirim Billel, the highly esteemed Hartford builder who also built Connecticut's State Capitol and the Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. It was influenced by the ideas of Andrew Jackson Downing who wrote treatises on landscape design and architecture that were widely popular at the time. It is an example of a style that Downing called "Italianate" based on Italian farmhouses that were also being depicted in popular landscape paintings of the period.

The three story red brick masonry and white trimmed building has an asymmetrical facade dominated by floor-to-ceiling arched windows at every level, balconies, cast-iron lintels and a flat-roofed cupola. The brackets lining the low-pitched roof and cupola are particularly detailed and ornate. The three-part veranda of the front facade is supported by elaborate Corinthian columns. The front facade has remained unchanged since its original construction.

The first owner and resident was Albert F. Day, a descendant of Robert Day who was one of the original colonial settlers of Hartford. The house was later occupied by his father, a Connecticut Attorney General. Later owners included Mary Borden Munsill of the Borden Milk company and Edwin Taylor. In 1928 the house was bought by the Fraternal Order of Eagles who used it as a meeting house, and headquarters. In 1974 it was bought by the Hartford Redevelopment Agency.

The Day-Taylor House is also significant located in Hartford's Colt architectural legacy which stretches along both sides of Wethersfield Avenue for two blocks. The area has become designated as the Coltsville Historical District.

The Day-Taylor House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It had a significant restoration in 1979 and the building now serves as offices. The combination of it being built by one of Hartford's most distinguished builders Hirim Billel, that it was built the same year and directly across the street from the Samuel Colt Home and the Armsmear Estate Park, and that it has been owned and occupied by so many notable Hartford residents makes it one of Hartford, Connecticut's most important historical homes.

Author of Hiring The Best People, Steven Penny writes on Connecticut's best communities to live for your home and family. If you are looking for Real Estate Hartford CT visit http://www.Prudentialct.com

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There Is Always Something Magical About Disney Parades

There Is Always Something Magical About Disney Parades

Disney parades have always been the most spectacular and memorable source of attractions that the Park has to offer. They make an integral part of the Disney-Magic that we all love and enjoy time and again. With awesome display of creativity and technological brilliance they tend to capture the sights, sound and imaginations of fans for years now. For many a visit to the park would't be completed without seeing one of them. These most special, sparkling and out-of-the-world entertainment extravaganzas, beside their unique sights, sounds and technological creativities also offer great opportunities for fans to witness many favorite Disney characters - all in one place and at the same time. Whether its the amazing sound -tracks or dazzling floats or the characters decked with special costumes and waving at you, the entertainment that Disney parades offer is a never-ending saga of joy beyond imaginations.

Being a spectator to one of these amazing parade shows is like a dream come true. If anything, these unique entertainment events will make your theme-park experience even more special. They tend to offer the much needed excitement break during your park visits. Watching the colorful and spectacular parades on the streets of Magic Kingdom, or the enchanting parades at the Hollywood Studios or at Disney Animal Kingdom is simply delightful. Whether it's during the day, or at night-fall, there is a special parade event for every parade lover in the park.

Talk about the all time classic Main Street Electrical Parade and you have a whole lot of memorable stories to hear about. This one of a kind night-time spectacle at the Magic Kingdom enjoys a very special place in the hearts and minds of fans since inception. It is the longest running parade in the Disney park history. The parade is also one of the largest Disney parades with about 23 floats, 80 performers and a galaxy of over 600,000 lights. One should not miss this legendary Parade.

Guests visiting the Disney parks also have many other great parade options to watch for such as Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade. This one of a kind day-time parade makes for a great celebration of classic Disney moments with upbeat music, floats and favorite Disney characters all cheering and marching ahead in front of your eye on the Main Street USA. Again the Animal Kingdom lovers also have the opportunity to witness the famous Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade where guests can join the team of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, including Rafiki, Donald and Goofy in a wild and larger-than-life tribute to all the animal friends. At the Hollywood Studios, parade lovers are greeted with the most colorful and interactive parade - Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade featuring favorite characters from Disney films such as Monsters Inc, Toy Story and more.

Moreover, if you are a Disney Parade fan and planning to visit the Park sometime during spring 2014, the good news is you have an all new Parade marching into the Magic Kingdom. Disney had recently announced the coming of a new procession - Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. It is also revealed that the new Parade will incorporate the celebration of the new Fantasyland and features new innovative floats, costumes and original sound-tracks. Hope the upcoming Parade will take spectators experience to the next level.

For WDW park attraction tickets and passes, including Sea World tickets and discount Universal Studios tickets you can consult authorized ticket Re-Seller The Official Ticket Center

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