So, something that may come as a surprise to you is that unlike other Muslims who come to Makkah and Madinah for Hajj, a lot of locals seem to head the opposite direction. That’s right, a significant number of Saudi residents take this opportunity to go on long vacations abroad.
And honestly? Who would not agree to that?
Homes for Rent, Tickets Out
Just try to imagine living in one of the Hajj pilgrimage destinations: an extraordinarily visited city during the peak travel season. There are bound to be crowds everywhere, ablative traffic, and no peace and quiet at all. So what do some smart locals do? They rent out their homes to Hajj pilgrims and run out of town to spend time away from the newly minted tourists.
Some people prefer renting out their flats or houses to travel agencies or Hajj organizers, which is tremendously high at this time of year. It’s a win-win scenario —they get to earn decent amount of money and the pilgrims find sufficient housing. In some instances, those homes can be rented out for as long as two months.
Indonesian Expat Community?
There is notable focus on the region as an ideal destination among citizens not traditionally associated with Indonesia. As for the trips of the expats traveling on business purposes, compassion goes ahead with group tours designed for the multicultural clientele.
Indonesia? An Unexpected Champion
As far as what marks the ideal getaway, one tends to mark as a precondition — Indonesia. And my reasoning is not overly complex, it’s pretty relaxed, boasts a better temperature than back home, food is halal and the locals really are kind towards their Muslim guests. Not to mention that a culture exists, and that makes matters stronger.
Some Saudis also travel within the Kingdom to places like Jeddah, Riyadh, and even some coastal cities. However, a large number of them fly internationally, with Southeast Asia being a popular region.
Leisure Isn’t The Only Purpose
A resident of Saudi Arabia named Farid mentioned that a lot of people stay behind, but many prefer to spend the Hajj period relaxing or traveling, and renting out their homes. It’s not only about relaxation, but is a strategic financial decision as well.
On the contrary, Fuad, an Indonesian expat in Jeddah who has lived there for years, said that this is quite common. “Some people rent out their entire apartments, especially in Makkah, and travel for weeks,” he noted.
Wind of Change?
The pattern has shifted a little in recent years, though. A majority of the renters now seem to be placed in hotels instead of the previously rented apartments. While there is still the matter of home rentals, the newer trend does seem to be growing in popularity.
Regardless, the principle remains the same. During peak season, a lot of locals prefer to getaway from the hussle and enjoy a less busy country, or even explore new ones entirely.
With regards to evading the throngs of people or reselling the pilgrimage services to make a few bucks, one cannot deny that it’s well thinked out method to skirt around the ‘Hajj Season’.