Things Every First-Timer Should Know Before Taking A Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place. It can be as simple as visiting an "ori-oke" (mountain) in Ilesha or as complicated as traveling to Mecca. 

As the peak pilgrimage season begins and thousands of Muslim and Christian worshippers from across the world are making final preparations for the annual pilgrimage, now is an opportune time to get acquainted with everything you need to know about taking a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is an extraordinary moment in anyone's life that often comes once in a lifetime opportunity.

If you are thinking about taking a pilgrimage, then there are some things you should know before taking the trip,

How to Prepare For Your First Pilgrimage

The first step towards making it happen is to decide where to go. Some popular pilgrimage destinations include Makkah, Madinah, Rome, Jerusalem, and Mehrban. If you choose to go for Hajj, book your tickets well in advance as the demand is high and tickets sell out quickly. If you have not performed Hajj before, you must go through the process of applying for and obtaining a visa, which can take several months. 

The next thing to do is to ensure you are physically and emotionally ready for the journey. While physical fitness is an important factor, mental readiness is equally essential. The last few weeks before the pilgrimage will be a period of adjustment – physically, emotionally, and financially. If you are traveling alone, you must also be prepared to go through periods of loneliness. Be sure to read up on the history of the place you plan to visit. This will help you understand the place better and make your visit more meaningful.

Tips for First-Timers Taking A Pilgrimage

• Ensure you have enough money to cover all your expenses. You may not find ATMs at all the places you visit. 
• Make sure you have all the documents in order. Keep a copy of all your travel documents and other important papers separately. 
• Keep your health and safety in mind. Avoid being in direct sunlight for too long, drink lots of water, and eat healthy food. 
• Keep your valuables safe. Use a money belt or pouch to secure your cash and documents. 
• Keep a journal of your journey. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the trip. 
• Stay connected with your loved ones back home. Send them postcards and keep in touch with them through social media and email. 
• Have an open mind. Your journey may take you places you never imagined and teach you things you never knew. 
• Be flexible with your plans. Things don't always go as planned, so be prepared to adjust. 
• Make friends and keep in touch with them. You may stay in touch with them for the rest of your life. 

Get Travel Insurance.

If you are going on a pilgrimage, travel insurance is quite essential. It can help cover the costs of lost luggage and medical emergencies if you need them. It can also cover missed flights due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. 

Travel insurance is often an investment because it gives peace of mind if something unexpected happens during your trip.

After all these tips, there is only one thing left for you to do. Get AXA Mansard's pilgrimage travel insurance that is specifically tailored to your needs.