The Hail city of Saudi Arabia offers desert scenery, old forts, mountain views, traditional markets, and major rock art sites. It can also become part of a longer Saudi journey for visitors who want to see more of the country before or after their religious travel. Pilgrims arranging a comfortable stay may compare a 7 night luxury Umrah package while planning flights, hotel nights, and any extra travel within Saudi Arabia.
Many international visitors know Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, but they may know very little about Hail. This can make planning feel uncertain. You may wonder which places to visit in Hail are worth your time, whether the city suits families, and which season offers better Hail weather.
The city gives travellers a different side of Saudi Arabia. It has a strong cultural identity, open desert land, historic buildings, and access to some of the Kingdom’s most important ancient rock carvings. Visit Saudi describes Hail as a place known for hospitality, history, desert landscapes, and the Jubbah rock art area.
Is Hail City Worth Visiting?
Yes, Hail is worth considering for travellers interested in history, desert scenery, local culture, and quieter city experiences.
The Hail city of Saudi Arabia is not mainly about modern towers or large entertainment districts. Its character comes from old routes, traditional buildings, rocky land, and stories connected with people who lived in this region over many centuries.
A visit can feel calmer than a trip through the busiest Saudi cities. You may have more time to look at the landscape, visit local heritage areas, and take a slower route through the city.
This is a strong reason Hail Saudi Arabia tourism appeals to families, history readers, photographers, and travellers wanting something different from their main Saudi itinerary.
Hail’s Position in Saudi Travel
Hail sits in northern Saudi Arabia and acts as a regional centre for the surrounding area.
The city has long been connected with movement through the Arabian Peninsula. Its location made it important for travellers, communities, and trade routes passing through the region.
Today, people travel to Hail for its cultural sites, desert setting, mountain areas, and access to ancient rock art. The city can be visited as a separate holiday or included inside a wider Saudi travel route.
International pilgrims should first confirm their main religious travel arrangements. The guide covering current Umrah entry rules can support this stage before any extra city travel is added.
The Story Behind Hail’s Identity
The identity of Hail comes from the land, its historic families, traditional hospitality, and its position near important travel routes.
For many years, local life was shaped by the desert, changing weather, farming areas, trade, and the movement of people. These conditions affected the style of homes, forts, food, and community life.
Many Hail heritage sites show this connection between people and place. Thick walls, raised fort positions, courtyards, and traditional building materials reflect the needs of earlier periods.
When visitors understand this background, the city feels more meaningful. Its buildings are not only old structures. They show the way people protected their communities and built daily life around the surrounding land.
Main Places to Visit in Hail
The main places to visit in Hail include historic forts, traditional markets, museums, mountain areas, desert landscapes, and rock art locations outside the central city.
A good trip does not need to place every site into 1 day. Some Hail attractions are within the city, while others require road travel and more time.
Visitors should divide their schedule into city heritage, nature, and longer trips outside Hail. This makes the journey less tiring and gives each site enough attention.
Families may also need extra time for food, rest, children, and older relatives. A relaxed route often gives a better experience than rushing through several locations.
A’Arif Fort and Its City Views
A’Arif Fort is among the best known Hail attractions and is strongly connected with the city’s visual identity.
The fort stands on raised land, which gives visitors broad views across parts of the city. Its position also shows the defensive value of higher ground during earlier periods.
Its walls, towers, entrances, and interior spaces give visitors a closer look at traditional regional building styles. The setting is also good for outdoor photography, mainly when the light is softer.
Opening access and visitor arrangements can change. Check current local information before building the whole day around a specific entry time.
Qishlah Palace and Military History
Qishlah Palace is another important stop for people interested in Hail heritage sites.
The large structure reflects a military and administrative part of the city’s past. Its outer walls, towers, central space, and traditional design make it different from a small residential heritage building.
Visitors should allow enough time to walk around the site and notice its shape rather than only taking a quick photograph at the entrance.
This type of attraction suits adults and older children who enjoy forts, architecture, and local history. Younger children may need shorter visits and breaks between sites.
Barzan Area and the Memory of Old Hail
The Barzan area is connected with Hail’s historic development and past leadership.
Not every part of an old site survives in its original form, but the area still carries cultural meaning. It helps visitors picture the city before modern roads, hotels, and new neighbourhoods changed its appearance.
A visit here can be paired with nearby streets, traditional shopping areas, or a local meal. This makes the stop feel part of the city rather than an isolated historic point.
People interested in Hail Saudi Arabia tourism should view the area with patience. Some places hold value through their story, not only through large remaining buildings.
Traditional Markets and Local Shopping
Traditional markets add colour and daily life to a heritage trip.
Visitors may see local clothing, household items, perfumes, spices, dates, handmade goods, and products connected with regional customs. The exact goods can differ between shops and seasons.
Markets are also useful for observing the social side of the Hail city of Saudi Arabia. People meet, shop, talk, and continue routines that may not be visible inside a museum.
Keep personal belongings secure and ask before photographing individual sellers. Calm and respectful behaviour usually creates a warmer experience for everyone.
Jubbah Rock Art Near Hail
Jubbah is one of the most important historic areas linked with Hail Saudi Arabia tourism.
The rock art at Jabal Umm Sinman contains many carvings and inscriptions left by earlier communities. UNESCO states that this area once overlooked a freshwater lake and preserves a large collection of petroglyphs within the desert landscape.
The carvings show human figures, animals, symbols, and signs of life from distant periods. They allow visitors to see marks made by people who lived in a very different environment.
Jubbah is outside central Hail, so visitors need a suitable road plan, enough fuel, water, and time. Treat it as a major trip rather than a quick city stop.
Rock Art and Human Life in the Region
The rock art gives evidence that the landscape around Hail did not always look exactly as it does today.
UNESCO connects the Jubbah and Shuwaymis sites with long periods of human history and environmental change. The carvings offer signs of communities responding to water, animals, settlement, and later desert conditions.
This gives the Hail heritage sites wider value. They are not only connected with recent forts and palaces. They also include traces of people who lived thousands of years earlier.
Visitors should never touch, scratch, mark, or climb across carved surfaces. Protecting the rock art allows future generations to see the same details.
Shuwaymis Rock Art Area
Shuwaymis is another major rock art area within the Hail region.
UNESCO identifies Jabal Al Manjor and Jabal Raat near Shuwaymis as part of the World Heritage property. These places hold a large number of petroglyphs and inscriptions connected with almost 10,000 years of human presence.
The location is more remote than a normal city attraction. Road conditions, travel time, vehicle suitability, and local access should be reviewed before departure.
For many short visitors, Jubbah may fit more easily into the schedule. Travellers with deeper interest in archaeology may want more time for the wider region.
Hail Mountains and Desert Landscapes
The Hail mountains shape much of the region’s natural appearance.
Rocky formations rise above wide desert areas, creating strong views and changing shadows during the day. The landscape can feel quiet, open, and very different from crowded city centres.
Nature visits may include scenic drives, photography stops, picnics, and time near mountain areas. Some routes may require local knowledge or a suitable vehicle.
Never drive deep into unfamiliar desert land without preparation. Mobile service can become weak, and distances between services may be greater than expected.
Aja and Salma Mountain Ranges
Aja and Salma are closely linked with the natural and cultural identity of the Hail region.
These Hail mountains appear in local stories, regional memory, and the visual character of the land. They are not only background scenery. They have shaped travel, settlement, and daily life.
Visitors may enjoy the changing mountain colours during early morning or late afternoon. Midday light can feel stronger and may make outdoor stops less comfortable.
A mountain drive should include water, a charged phone, a clear route, and enough fuel. Families should also carry light food and any needed medicine.
Desert Trips Around Hail
Desert travel can become one of the most memorable parts of a Hail visit.
The open land creates space for sunsets, quiet stops, photography, and a break from busy roads. Yet the desert must be treated with care.
Travel with a person who knows the route when entering less familiar areas. Check the vehicle, fuel level, tyres, drinking water, and expected return time before leaving.
The best desert experience is not the farthest drive. It is a well managed visit that lets everyone return safely and comfortably.
Hail Weather Across the Year
Hail weather changes greatly between warmer and cooler periods.
Summer daytime conditions can be very hot, making long outdoor visits more tiring. Winter can feel much cooler, mainly during early mornings, evenings, and time spent in open desert or mountain areas.
Spring and autumn may offer more comfortable periods for outdoor sightseeing, but daily conditions still need checking close to the trip.
Pack for the actual season rather than expecting the same weather as Jeddah, Makkah, or another Saudi city. Northern areas can feel quite different, especially after sunset.
The Best Season for Outdoor Visits
Cooler months are often more comfortable for forts, markets, mountain drives, and rock art trips.
This does not mean every winter day will feel the same. Wind, cold evenings, rain, and changing desert conditions can still affect the plan.
During warmer periods, begin outdoor visits earlier and keep indoor stops around the hottest part of the day. Carry enough water even when the temperature feels mild.
The best Hail weather for your trip depends on the activities you want. Heritage buildings need less outdoor time than mountain and desert routes.
Clothing for Hail’s Climate
Clothing should respect local culture and match the season.
Loose, modest clothes can support comfort during city visits. A light outer layer may be useful in air conditioned buildings or during cooler evenings.
Winter travellers may need warmer clothing for mornings, nights, and desert trips. Summer visitors should carry sun protection, breathable clothing, and enough drinking water.
Good footwear matters at forts, rocky areas, and Hail heritage sites. Uneven ground can become uncomfortable in weak sandals or formal shoes.
Hotels in Hail
There are different types of hotels in Hail, including city accommodation for short visits and options suited to family stays.
Before booking, review the location, room size, parking, breakfast, family arrangements, and distance from the places you plan to visit. A lower room price may be less practical when it requires long daily drives.
Families may prefer larger rooms or connecting accommodation. Solo visitors may value a central location and easier transport more than extra room space.
Check recent booking details and cancellation terms before payment. Hotel services and availability may change by season.
Picking the Right Hotel Area
The right hotel area depends on the purpose of your trip.
A central property may suit travellers focused on city based Hail attractions, restaurants, and markets. A hotel near a main road may work better for people planning early trips toward Jubbah or other locations outside the city.
Do not judge hotels in Hail only by star level. Clean rooms, parking, quiet sleep, suitable beds, and easy road access may matter more.
Travellers continuing toward Umrah can compare a 10 night premium Umrah plan when arranging the religious part of a longer Saudi itinerary.
Travel to Hail by Air
Air travel is often the easiest option for visitors coming from a distant Saudi city.
Flight availability depends on the departure point and travel date. Airport time, baggage collection, and ground transport should be added to the daily plan.
After arriving, travellers may use a rental vehicle, arranged pickup, or another available transport method. A car can offer greater freedom when visiting places outside central Hail.
International visitors travelling through the United States can review Umrah planning for first time pilgrims and families before joining Hail with a wider Saudi trip.
Travel to Hail by Road
Road travel can suit visitors coming from Riyadh or another Saudi city, but the distance and driving demands need proper attention.
Use a reliable vehicle and plan fuel, rest stops, food, and arrival time. Avoid beginning a long drive when the driver is already tired from a flight.
A road trip may give more freedom for luggage and regional stops. It also requires more energy than a short domestic flight.
Families should break the journey when needed. Reaching Hail safely matters more than following an overly tight arrival time.
A 2 Day Hail Plan
A 2 day trip can cover several central places to visit in Hail, though it may feel short for remote rock art locations.
Day 1 may include A’Arif Fort, Qishlah Palace, a traditional market, and a local dinner. Keep travel gaps between each place.
Day 2 may be used for Jubbah or a scenic mountain route. Trying to place both into the same day can become tiring, depending on road time.
This plan suits travellers who want an introduction to the city rather than a deep regional visit.
A 3 Day Hail Plan
A 3 day trip gives better space for the main Hail attractions and a trip outside the city.
The first day can focus on city heritage. The second can cover Jubbah and its rock art. The third can include the Hail mountains, local shopping, or a slower family day.
This length also gives room for late arrival, weather changes, or a tired traveller. The schedule will not break after 1 small delay.
Visitors with a strong interest in history may need more than 3 days, mainly when Shuwaymis is included.
A Family Trip Example
A family of 5 added Hail to a wider Saudi journey before travelling for Umrah. The parents wanted history and nature, while the children needed short visits, regular meals, and enough rest.
They kept the first day light after arriving. Their plan included the hotel, a nearby market, and an early dinner. The next day covered central Hail attractions, including a fort and a heritage building.
The family used the third day for Jubbah. They left early, carried water and light food, and returned before the children became too tired.
Their plan worked because they did not place every place to visit in Hail into a tight schedule. They accepted that a family trip moves at a different pace than solo travel.
Hail for Family Holidays
The Hail city of Saudi Arabia can suit families that enjoy culture, road trips, open scenery, and historic places.
Forts and markets can keep visits varied, while desert and mountain areas give children space away from crowded city streets. Still, parents should check access, walking conditions, toilets, food stops, and weather before leaving the hotel.
Some Hail heritage sites may include steps, uneven ground, or open areas with little shade. A pushchair may not work well at every location.
Family trips feel better when each day includes only 2 or 3 main activities. This leaves room for traffic, food, prayer, and tired children.
Hail for Older Travellers
Older visitors may enjoy the calm pace, cultural history, and broad landscapes around Hail.
The main concern is physical comfort. Forts, mountain viewpoints, and rock art areas may require walking over rough or sloping ground.
A vehicle should stop as close as permitted, and the daily plan should include sitting breaks. Carry medicine, drinking water, and a light snack during longer drives.
Travellers continuing for pilgrimage may also read the guidance for Umrah travel for women when organising family needs for the religious part of the journey.
Food and Local Culture
Food is an important part of visiting Hail.
Travellers may see rice dishes, meat dishes, bread, dates, coffee, and meals connected with regional customs. Menus and preparation styles differ between restaurants and homes.
Ask hotel staff about suitable local restaurants and family seating arrangements. During busy meal periods, popular places may require more waiting time.
Accepting local hospitality with respect can make Hail Saudi Arabia tourism feel more personal. Food often gives visitors a closer view of daily life than a fast sightseeing stop.
Saudi Coffee and Hospitality
Hail is strongly associated with hospitality in Saudi cultural memory.
Visitors may be served Saudi coffee with dates in hotels, homes, restaurants, or cultural settings. Take the cup with the right hand and follow the host’s manner when possible.
You do not need to know every custom before arriving. Calm behaviour, modest clothing, and respectful communication go a long way.
Local hospitality is part of the experience, but travellers should remain sensitive when photographing people, family spaces, or private gatherings.
Photography Around Hail
The city and surrounding region offer strong photography opportunities.
A’Arif Fort, traditional walls, open desert, mountain shadows, and carved rocks can all create memorable images. Early morning and late afternoon often produce softer light.
Avoid climbing onto protected structures or carved rock surfaces for a photograph. A closer image is never worth damaging a Hail heritage site.
Ask permission before photographing local residents. Some people may welcome it, while others may prefer privacy.
Shopping Without Rushing
Traditional shopping can be included at the end of a city day.
Visitors may look for dates, perfumes, clothing, decorative pieces, and small gifts. Product quality and prices can differ, so take time before paying.
Keep receipts for larger purchases. Ask about packing when an item must travel by air.
Do not let shopping take over the whole route. The strongest places to visit in Hail are linked with the city’s history, natural setting, and cultural character.
Building a Hail Travel Plan
A clear plan begins with the number of available days.
Next, separate central city visits from longer road trips. Forts, markets, and city heritage may fit together, while Jubbah, desert areas, and the Hail mountains need their own travel periods.
Then review Hail weather, hotel location, vehicle needs, and the energy level of each traveller.
Keep the final schedule flexible. Weather, opening arrangements, road conditions, and family needs can affect the order of the day.
Step by Step Trip Preparation
Use the following process before you travel to Hail:
- Confirm the number of days available.
- Book transport to and from Hail.
- Reserve suitable accommodation.
- List the main city attractions.
- Add no more than 1 major outside trip per day.
- Check the expected weather.
- Arrange a suitable vehicle when needed.
- Carry water, medicine, and phone charging equipment.
- Keep 1 open period for rest or delays.
This process keeps the journey organised without making every hour feel strict.
Travel From Riyadh to Hail
Visitors can travel to Hail from Riyadh by air or road.
Saudia currently lists flights between Riyadh and Hail, though schedules and fares depend on the travel date. Air travel may suit people with fewer days or children who struggle with long road journeys.
Road travel offers more control over stops and luggage, but it requires a rested driver and a reliable vehicle. The trip should include fuel planning, food, and breaks.
Compare the full cost and effort rather than only the ticket price. Airport transfers and baggage needs also affect the final decision.
Days Needed for Hail
Around 2 days may be enough for a brief city visit.
A 3 day plan gives more room for central Hail attractions, Jubbah, markets, and some mountain scenery. Visit Saudi also presents a 3 day self guided itinerary covering Hail’s heritage, nature, and local culture.
Travellers wanting Shuwaymis, longer desert routes, or a slower family holiday may need more time.
The ideal stay depends on distance, interests, and physical energy. A longer visit is not always better if the days are not planned well.
Balancing Hail With Umrah
A Hail visit should not make the Umrah part of the journey rushed.
Pilgrims need enough time for flights, Ihram preparation, travel to Makkah, hotel check in, rituals, prayer, and rest. Adding another city can increase luggage movement and physical tiredness.
The guide on Umrah and Hajj for first time pilgrims gives wider context about the difference between these religious journeys.
Hail should remain an optional cultural addition. The pilgrimage schedule and the health of the traveller should come first.
Travel Dates and Package Costs
Saudi travel costs can change according to season, flight demand, hotel nights, and the number of travellers.
Pilgrims coming from overseas may compare the best period for booking an affordable Umrah package before adding Hail to the route.
A longer Saudi trip creates extra accommodation, food, transport, and baggage costs. These should be written into the budget before booking.
When travel dates are limited, it may be better to protect the main religious journey instead of adding too many cities.
Ramadan and Off Season Travel
Ramadan can change daily routines across Saudi Arabia.
Meal times, visitor movement, business hours, and energy levels may feel different during the fasting month. Outdoor sightseeing should be planned with respect for the season and the traveller’s physical condition.
The comparison of Ramadan and off season Umrah travel can support decisions about timing and package costs.
For Hail, always check the current Hail weather as well. Northern conditions may not match the weather experienced in Makkah or Jeddah.
Visa and Entry Preparation
International visitors must confirm that their documents support the full Saudi itinerary.
Passport validity, visa type, entry conditions, flights, accommodation, and travel insurance may all need attention. Requirements can depend on nationality and the purpose of travel.
US passport holders can review Umrah visa package requirements before confirming the wider route.
Another guide covering the Umrah visa for US citizens can support the document review. Current official rules should always guide the final decision.
Spiritual Purpose and Cultural Travel
Visiting another Saudi region can give pilgrims a broader view of the country.
Hail offers history, ancient carvings, desert land, and regional culture. Umrah has a separate and much deeper religious purpose.
The article on Umrah benefits for spiritual renewal and family peace explains the personal value many pilgrims seek from the journey.
Keep cultural sightseeing and worship in their proper places. This protects the spiritual focus while still allowing respectful travel before or after the pilgrimage.
Preparing Duas Before the Journey
A wider Saudi journey can become tiring, especially after flights and long road travel.
Preparing a few personal prayers before departure can help the pilgrim remain focused. Keep them easy to read and close at hand.
The guide to Umrah duas for Tawaf, Sa’i, and a peaceful pilgrimage can support spiritual preparation.
Do not overload every travel day. Quiet time, rest, and prayer deserve a place beside sightseeing.
Budget Travel for Families
Family costs grow quickly when another city is added to the route.
Extra nights, larger rooms, meals, domestic flights, car rental, and fuel all affect the budget. Desert activities or guided heritage trips may add further expense.
Families can review cheap Umrah deals for budget travellers while comparing the main pilgrimage cost.
A 5 night premium Umrah package may also serve as a shorter package comparison when the wider Saudi trip already includes several days elsewhere.
Errors That Often Affect Visitors
A frequent error is placing too many places to visit in Hail into 1 day.
Another issue is treating every location as a central city stop. Jubbah, mountain routes, desert areas, and other regional sites may require meaningful driving time.
Some travellers also pack for warm Saudi weather without checking colder evenings in Hail. This can make outdoor visits uncomfortable.
Booking hotels in Hail without checking location can create unnecessary daily driving. A low rate may not save money after fuel, parking, and lost time are considered.
Poor Desert Preparation
Entering unfamiliar desert land without enough water, fuel, or route knowledge can create danger.
Do not depend only on a mobile map. Signal may weaken, and a normal car may not suit every route.
Tell someone the planned destination and return time. Carry a charged phone, power bank, drinking water, food, and basic vehicle equipment.
Visitors wanting deeper desert experiences should use suitable local support rather than driving into remote areas without preparation.
Better Travel Practices
Check road distances before deciding the order of attractions.
Begin outdoor visits early during warmer weather. During cooler months, carry an extra layer for morning and evening stops.
Keep Jubbah as a major part of the day rather than adding it after several city visits. The rock art deserves time and respectful attention.
For families, select hotels in Hail with practical room space, parking, and access to food. Comfort at night supports a better day outside.
Respect at Heritage Locations
Historic walls, forts, and rock carvings should be treated with care.
Never carve a name, remove stones, leave rubbish, or touch fragile surfaces. Follow signs and remain inside permitted areas.
Children should be supervised near raised walls, rough ground, and protected carvings. Explain that the marks on the rocks belong to human history and cannot be replaced.
Respectful behaviour supports the future of Hail Saudi Arabia tourism and protects the experience for later visitors.
Hail’s UNESCO Heritage Value
The Rock Art in the Hail Region is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage property. It includes Jabal Umm Sinman at Jubbah and Jabal Al Manjor and Raat at Shuwaymis.
UNESCO describes carvings and inscriptions that record human and animal figures across long periods of history. The organisation’s records show that the property was inscribed in 2015.
Visitors can read more about global culture, heritage protection, and education through UNESCO. This wider work gives context to the need for protecting Hail’s ancient carvings.
The UNESCO status is not only a tourism label. It also brings responsibility for visitors, local services, and future conservation.
Connection With the Main Travel Guide
The Hail city of Saudi Arabia can become part of a wider journey for travellers visiting from overseas.
The strongest contextual connection is the guide to Umrah from the USA for first time pilgrims and families. It covers the larger travel process, while this article focuses on Hail’s attractions, history, climate, accommodation, and regional planning.
The Hail trip should be added only after the main flights, visa needs, Umrah dates, and hotel arrangements are clear.
This keeps the travel plan realistic and protects the main purpose of the journey.
Times When Travel Support May Be Useful
Travel support may be worth considering when several flights, hotels, transfers, and cities need to work together.
A traveller may need assistance arranging the Umrah section while handling Hail separately. Families may also need larger rooms, suitable transport, or more flexible travel times.
Globe Link Tours can support the pilgrimage side through package, flight, visa, and hotel planning. The Hail portion should be discussed clearly so enough time remains for the main religious journey.
A trustworthy plan should show travel days, hotel nights, and transfer periods clearly. It should not make the schedule look easier than it really is.
Conclusion
The Hail city of Saudi Arabia offers a rewarding mix of forts, markets, desert landscapes, mountain scenery, and ancient rock art.
Major Hail attractions include A’Arif Fort, Qishlah Palace, traditional shopping areas, Jubbah, and the wider natural landscape. The UNESCO listed rock art gives the region international heritage importance.
Around 2 days can cover a short city visit, while 3 or more days allow a steadier trip to Jubbah and the Hail mountains. Families may need extra time because road journeys, meals, and rest can slow the daily schedule.
Check Hail weather, transport, hotel location, and current access before departure. Protect heritage locations, prepare carefully for desert routes, and keep the plan flexible.
When Hail is combined with Umrah, confirm the pilgrimage schedule first. A well spaced journey gives you time for Saudi culture without reducing the calm, rest, and spiritual focus needed for Umrah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hail City’s Main Fame
The city is known for historic forts, desert scenery, mountain areas, hospitality, and UNESCO listed rock art at Jubbah and Shuwaymis.
Top Attractions in Hail
Popular stops include A’Arif Fort, Qishlah Palace, traditional markets, Jubbah rock art, and scenic mountain or desert routes.
Best Season for a Hail Visit
Cooler months are usually more comfortable for outdoor visits. Check the current forecast because mornings and evenings may feel cold.
Travel From Riyadh to Hail
Visitors can travel by domestic flight or road. The better option depends on available time, budget, luggage, and family needs.
Days Needed for Hail
Around 2 days suit a short visit. A 3 day trip provides more time for city heritage, Jubbah, and nearby natural scenery.
Hail for Family Holidays
Yes, Hail can suit families interested in history and nature. Keep the schedule light and check walking conditions at each site.
Hotels in Hail
Accommodation options vary by area and travel need. Review room size, parking, location, family facilities, and recent booking terms.