One set of problems is faced by a regular Umrah from one country. There is a reunion Umrah across UK + US + BD which has many interrelated problems, and if you make one mistake, it can go on a cascade.
The 12 most frequently made mistakes by diaspora Bangladeshi families are mentioned in this guide. Stay away from these, and your meeting will go smoothly.
Mistake 1: No clear family leader
What happens: Three branches of the family take it on itself that someone else is doing it. Bookings stall. Decisions take weeks.
The solution: Select one leader. Typically a adult child from the UK or USA (due to English ability, work hours and internet). Parents of BD-based children are confident in the leader. They're always relied on for logistics.
Mistake 2: Multiple agencies
What happens: The families of each branch book with their local agency of choice. Consequences: various hotels, airlines, and several mu'allim. The trip(s) appear to be 3 reunions in one.
The solution: Reunion experienced agency (such as Tour Solvers) bookings UK + US + BD. Coordinated everything. See Article 6 in this series for information.
Error 3: Late booking
What happens: The family will make a decision 8 weeks before travel on whether they wish to reunite or not. These BD visas are not processed on time. The hotel block isn't available.
The solution: Get a head start (5-6 months). BD visas take 2-3 weeks. It takes 4-5 months for hotel blocks. You can wait 8-10 weeks before applying for your UK/US visa.
Mistake 4: Not aligning school calendars
What happens: Book February half term dates at home in UK. US family's school spring break is in April. The family doesn't know what to do until it's too late.
The remedy: Take time to match up the school calendar dates for the UK and US, and also BD, before selecting dates. A typical alignment is October half term/US fall break. Another is Easter (April).
Mistake 5: No cost-splitting agreement in writing
What actually happens: The family arrives at an oral enigma, “equal split.” A trip happens. Three months later, the brothers disagreed over the £500 they had split in the cost of living.
The solution: Record the cost split into a common Google sheet prior to making any deposit. Be specific as to who is to bear the responsibility for flights, hotels, ziyarat, gifts etc.
Mistake 6: Multiple levels for multiple families.
What occurs: UK family books 5 star hotel. BD parents stay at 3-star to save money. The awkwardness of status difference.
The solution: All in the same room hotel, same area, same level. The hassle of having a mix of levels isn't worth the costs.
Mistake 7: Arriving at the airport
What happens: Family meet at Jeddah airport. Flight from the UK at 2 pm. US flight at 6pm. BD flight at 10pm. Family arrives at the airport and sets up on a day-long layover.Family arrives at the airport for a layover all day.
The solution: Families come in separate groups. They are to meet at the lobby of the hotel. The staff of the hotel is responsible for checking-in.
Mistake 8: To do everything on Umrah day
What happens: The family performs Tawaf in the morning, ziyarat in the afternoon and the meal in a restaurant in the evening. Ailing parents are tired. The spiritual moment is lost.
The solution: Day 1 – Umrah only (Tawaf, Sa'i, prayers, rest). Day 2-3 = ziyarat. Day 4+ = food and grocery shopping. Spread it out.
Mistake 9: Underestimating elderly BD parents' needs
The result: 500m walks in a hotel in Saudi heat for BD parents (70+). After day 1 they become tired. They do not have a good time on the remainder of the journey.
The solution: a good hotel in the Premium category within 200m from Haram for elderly. Direct Biman flight (where possible). Pre-arranged wheelchair service. Slower daily pace.
Mistake 10: No Bangla-speaking mu'allim
The result: Family gets a Hindi/Urdu speaking mu'allim. BD elderly parents have a problem interpreting instructions. Religious experience is not experienced as well.
The solution: Demand Bangla speakers as mu'allim while booking. Confirm in writing. Some agencies claim they have one, ask for a phone call to confirm.
Mistake 11: Not taking travel insurance.
How it happens: BD elderly parents experience a heart incident while at the peace process. None of the travel insurance, £8,000 medical bills, plus chaos on return flights.
The solution: Travel insurance for ALL pilgrims and particularly the elderly. Costs £30-150 per person. Avoids up to $5,000 in potential charges.
Mistake 12: Airport currency exchange
What happens: The family brings in GBP/USD at the airport and exchanges them for Saudi riyals. The rates are 5-8% higher than bank rates.
The solution: Change money in your own country prior to traveling. Or make purchases using a Wise/Revolut card. Only use Saudi ATMs as a last option.
Other less common but impactful mistakes
Mistake 13: Expensive gift during Umrah.
The prices for souvenirs in Saudi Arabia are overcharged. Purchase something special in Bangladesh before flying to Saudi (for items to present to Saudi friends), or in the home country before travel.
Mistake 14: Not bringing power adapters
Saudi has other sockets. Pack travel adapters for everyone in the family.
Mistake 15: Letting go of the family WhatsApp group.
There's a shared WhatsApp group for communication during the trip. If you don't have one, it is difficult to find family in Makkah.
Mistake 16: Trying to coordinate Madinah visits too rigidly
The period to conduct Madinah ziyarat is 4-5 hours, which includes Quba, Uhud and Qiblatain. Do not schedule too close together. Allow rest time.
Mistake 17: Booking premium tier without elderly health consult.
Walking is necessary, even on the highest tier. Have an older parent's doctor clear them before signing for a top-tier reunion.
Mistake 18: Forgetting Saudi prayer dress code
The Haram will require conservative Muslim dress. Modest dress, women's head coverings. Bring extras.
A family's list of mispronunciations (composite)
The Ali family from London + NYC + Sylhet (6 people). They made 4 of the 12 mistakes:
Error # 1 (no leader): 6 weeks of wrangling over dates before the son of the adult took over.
Mistake 3: Booked 9 weeks in advance. Average wait for parents' visa is 4 weeks (peak season).
Mistake 5: Quibbled over £350 in additional costs 4 months later.
Mistake 9 (underestimate elderly): Father (76) fought hard at 400m hotel. Hopefully they had done a "premium tier".
Things they learned: Plan in advance the next time. Have a price negotiated and agree on in writing. The top-tier for elderly makes it worthwhile. The mu'allim from bangla is compulsory.
How to prevent mistakes before booking
1\. Family WhatsApp meeting 5-6 months ahead. Schedule, leader, budget.
2\. Pick a reunion experienced agency. Avoid any random agencies.
3\. Record all in a Collaborative Google Doc/Sheet.
4\. Confirm all in writing with the agency.
5\. Make arrangements for the needs of elderly parents in particular.
6\. Insurance for all. Even healthy adults.
7\. Three days of buffer time (2 days at the beginning, 1 day at the end).
What to do if there is an error while traveling
- Visa may be refused at the airport – contact the agency immediately. They do the negotiations with the airline/Saudi.
- Block hotel – talk to the hotel manager. Demand the same floor. The agency can intervene.
- Wrong mu'allim: Change by agency. The agencies that have experience with Reunions have backups.
- Medical: Travel insurance. Good hospitals in Saudi.
Park question about cost until later in the trip. As with all things, solve it at home. Refrain from spoiling the experience.
