Selecting a Travel Agent and a Hajj Package

If you want to go with a travel agent and buy their package, consider the following things before buying the package:
When will the package start and end? Does it fit with your schedule? Does the package cover a trip to Medina? If it does, then is it before or after the Hajj? What is the break-up of the trip? In my case it was first five days in Mecca, next five days in Medina and the last five days for Hajj.
Does the package go first to Mecca or Medina? Going to Medina first is better, because less people go to Medinah first, so there is less crowding in the airport. We went to Mecca first; it took about six hours to get out of the Jeddah (Mecca) Airport.
Where does the package start? Depending on that, you may need some additional traveling
Where they will arrange your lodging in Mecca and Medina? Is it a hotel or an apartment? Find out the duration of the stay in each place. How many people will they put in one room? Will they keep their promise by not putting more additional people in the room? What is the size of the room? How far are those places from the Al-Masjid Al-Haram (in Mecca) or the Prophet’s Mosque (in Medina)? Find out the lodging arrangements for Mina and Arafat. Make sure you will get a tent in Mina and Arafat. This is very important.
What kind of food arrangement does the package have? How far are the restaurants from the lodgings? Will there be any food arrangement for you in Mina and Arafat?
Will they provide any transportation during the Hajj? For example, going from Mina to Arafat, Arafat to Muzdalifah, and from Muzdalifah back to Mina. What kind of transportation does the package have for traveling between Mecca and Medina?
Will there be a guide always with the group? What language does the guide speak?
After the Hajj will they take you directly to the airport? Or will they put you in a hotel or apartment before flying you back home?
How much does the package cost? Does it cover the visa processing fee, etc.?
If possible, ask the travel agent for a couple of references to find out how people were treated when they traveled with them. Always talk to a couple of travel agents and compare their deals. Pick a package that fits best for you regarding cost, schedule, duration, etc.