In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful, may His complete Salaah and Salaam be upon His final Messenger, and upon all his family, Companions, and followers up to the Day of Judgement, to proceed...
The city of Makkah has a number of cities within easy traveling distance (four hours driving or less). Let's take a look at some of these cities:
Jeddah
One of the Kingdom's most modern cities, if not the most modern, Jeddah is only about a 40-minute drive from Makkah. Jeddah's residents and visitors can throw a rug on the beach and watch the waves of the beautiful Red Sea smash into the huge rocks bordering the shore lines, or they can find a calmer spot where they can dip their feet in, swim, or snorkle, wondering at the coral reef's fantastic underwater life. More secluded sections of the beach are found in the south, where a family can privately picnic, swim, or throw rocks into the Red Sea. Jeddah hosts 'Abdul-'Azeez International Airport, and a number of Western businesses and restaurants. Almost anything you are used to from the West can be found here.
At-Taa'if
Only an hour from Makkah, At-Taa'if is a beautiful town set high in the mountains, with a lot of parks and greenery that make for an excellent quick get-away spot for a family picnic or outing. Many Makkans retreat to At-Taai'f to get away from Makkah's intense summer heat.
Al-Madeenah
A little more than three hours away from Makkah is Al-Madeenah, the City of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam). Upon entering the city, one notices the difference between the people of Al-Madeenah and Makkah. The Madanees are extremely hospitable, a trait that Allaah allowed them to keep since the time of their ancestors from the Ansaar. Prayer in the Prophet's Masjid (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) earns a reward 1000 times greater than in other masjids (except in Makkah). The weather is also much cooler than Makkah, you find many of the air conditioners in Al-Madeenah have a "heat" option for those semi-chilly winter nights.
Al-Baahah
Less than four hours away from Makkah, this quiet southern town in the mountains hosts a number of cattle farms and camping grounds. When driving to Al-Baahah, the road from At-Taa'if leads you to the foot of the huge mountain on which the town is found. You can look up and see Al-Baahah far above you, yet the windy road that climbs the mountains will take about an hour to ascend, and what a beautiful view it is! You might feel suprisingly cold winds and see families of monkeys or mountain goats as you wind and twist your way up the mountains. Those afraid of heights will want to take the less scenic road to Al-Baahah. Like At-Taa'if, it is much cooler than Makkah in Al-Baahah, they even get snow sometimes in the winter time!
May Allah Be Pleased With all muslims Ameen.
