While not compulsory, Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage that Muslims do their best to perform at least once. This is why the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are crowded with pilgrims throughout the year. With such a demand, travel agencies in the UK offer their services in the form of Umrah packages to make it easy for them to perform the pilgrimage.

Agencies offer various travel Group packages for Umrah, and each is priced as per the services included in it. One thing all these packages have in common is that they are all inclusive. This means that they include transport, food, hotel stays, guided services, and more. However, these packages are customisable, and pilgrims can modify them if they want to suit their needs and budgets, but that’s a discussion for another time. This article will detail what pilgrims must look for in all-inclusive Umrah packages to ensure a smooth and serene experience.

Tips to Book the Best All-Inclusive Package

An Umrah package is the best way to travel, as opposed to performing the pilgrimage privately. With a package, the cost is reduced, the agency manages everything, and pilgrims get the best experience overall. However, different agencies charge different prices for their Umrah deals. With so many of them operating in the UK, it can be a bit of work to find the one that offers the best value. The following tips will help pilgrims book cheap all-inclusive Umrah packages that offer a balance of savings and services:

1-      Cost and Budget

The price of the package is one of the main reasons pilgrims choose it over performing Umrah privately. They must make sure that the upfront cost they pay is the only time they have to pay the agency. What we mean is to read through the fine print and check for any hidden costs.

Ask for a complete breakdown of the Umrah package and how much the agency is charging for each of its services. A reputable travel operator won’t make any excuses and will provide a complete breakdown of the trip and its value. Some agencies even offer flexible payment plans. Pilgrims can check those out too and decide which suits them the best.

Also, thoroughly read the payment and cancellation policies, as they will be useful in case of an emergency.

2-      Accommodations

As stated, an Umrah bundle includes everything from meals to hotel stays. Pilgrims must check the location of the accommodations and ensure it is close to the Haram in Mecca and Medina. The closer the living arrangements are to the Haram, the more convenient the stay will be, as pilgrims won’t have to commute or walk long distances.

Location isn’t the only thing pilgrims must check, but also the quality of the room they are getting. They must ensure the hotel they are getting is the same star as the one mentioned in the package. Pilgrims also need to check hotel reviews and what amenities that hotel is offering.

Furthermore, they need to check what type of room is being booked. Is it a standard one, or are there options for an upgrade? Pilgrims can try and haggle with the travel agent to get a room upgrade for no extra cost.

3-      Travel and Transport

Flights are part of the package, after all, pilgrims aren’t going to walk all the way to Saudi Arabia. Since they are part of the deal, confirm which class of service you are getting, like is it economy or business. Check which airline is being booked if it’s reputable or not, and also note flight timings. If it seems that the travel agency has cut corners to save money, ask them to make it right. If they refuse to do so, then you can try and book with another one.

The package must cover airport transfers, and a shuttle or bus must be available to take you to the hotel and Haram. Local transport is another aspect that must be checked for visits to historical sites or travel between Mecca and Medina. The latter is important if pilgrims intend to stay in both cities for the duration of Umrah.

4-      Meals

Food is one of the most important aspects of the package that pilgrims need to make sure is included and is up to the standards. Also, check what type of meal plan is being offered, full board, half board, or breakfast.

The full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the half board only has two meals in a day and is usually served buffet-style. Also, pilgrims must check for the quality of the food. If they have any dietary restrictions, they must communicate them to the agency so it can make sure the food served is safe to consume.

5-      Group vs Solo Packages

Pilgrims have the option to perform Umrah either privately or with a group. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Opt for a group Umrah package, and the cost of the trip will lower considerably. Since the cost of the pilgrimage is divided among all group members, the amount an individual has to pay is reduced. There is also a sense of community and security while performing Umrah with a group. Pilgrims don’t have to deal with difficult situations alone and can rely on other group members. The entire trip is organised and scheduled. As for the downside, there is little to no privacy.

On the other hand, with a solo package, pilgrims get privacy, and the entire trip is tailored to their preferences. Also, the schedule is quite flexible, as pilgrims can change it if they see fit. However, there is a drawback too, which is the cost. The solo Umrah bundle costs more than a group package. It all boils down to the preference of the pilgrims to decide which one suits their budget and other needs.

6-      Health and Safety Measures

Travellers must make sure that the package is in compliance with the health and safety standards, like if there are any vaccinations required. It is mandatory to get vaccinated to travel to foreign countries. Each country has its own set of vaccination requirements, and the agency can guide you on which one you need to get to travel from the UK to Saudi Arabia.

Also, check if there are any plans in place for medical emergencies. How far the hotel is from a clinic or a hospital? Usually, the accommodations are within the proximity of a local clinic or medical facility. You need to make sure there are plans in place for any unforeseen medical situation, your life can depend on it.

To Wrap Up

Umrah is a sacred journey, and pilgrims need to take great care that their pilgrimage isn’t compromised. The tips we have discussed will help them find the best all-inclusive Umrah packages with the most value. From the cost of the deal to what’s included in it, everything must be checked before booking. While it is a bit of work, the effort is worth it for a smooth pilgrimage. If you would rather not put in this much effort, then Muslims Holy Travel is the next best thing. Visit our website to get a quote for your ideal customisable all inclusive Umrah deal.