Performing Umrah is one of the long-standing dreams of every Muslim, whether he is from the UK or anywhere else in the world. Because this journey is never meant to be a leisurely one, but rather a spectacular journey that brings one closer to Allah by being a guest of Allah. Thousands Muslims travel from the UK to Saudi Arabia to join this holy journey.
To make the entire journey safe and comfortable, consider some important tips and arrangements that can make Umrah easier than ever.
This piece of content will also help you understand everything about the Umrah journey from the UK and shed light on planning, travelling, packing, and accommodation. Here are some tips for booking trusted Umrah packages during these days.
What is Umrah
Umrah is a journey or worship performed in a city in Saudi Arabia, the first city where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began preaching Islam. This journey requires only 4 acts of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Halq/Taqsir. There is no limit to when someone can or cannot perform it.
No one is stopped by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah except for the 5 days of Hajj. The reward for joining the journey is not to perform any religious duty, but rather to become a guest of Allah, as it is a non-obligatory worship.
There is no doubt that Muslims do it for forgiveness, blessings, and strengthening their faith, but the real reward is to become a guest of the Lord of the Universe. In fact, many Muslim families in the UK have a good opportunity to teach their children about Islam and its importance will be evident in their lives through the Umrah they perform.
Why do most people prefer the UK for Umrah?
Therefore, the decision of many Britons to embark on the Umrah journey is increasing from time to time every year. Today, the Muslim population across the UK is spreading more than ever before. According to the records presented by several travel agencies, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, and Glasgow are the top destinations from where a large number of Muslims perform Umrah.
Among them, London, Birmingham, and Manchester are the main travel hubs where it is easy to find Umrah flights, and that is why most of the Umrah travel agencies are located here.
These agencies easily offer all-inclusive packages that include visa, flights, accommodation, and ground transportation. These services provide every Briton with the opportunity to travel for Umrah and carry out any paperwork without any stress. And they also include Ziyarat tours that make the trip more memorable for every UK traveller.
As a general rule, if an item is available in large quantities, its availability is at a lower price. Thus, agencies affect the entire Umrah travel budget, so they are selling packages with the title: Cheap Umrah Packages from UK. And these are not only for singles or couples, rather all groups and families can also benefit and fulfil their sacred dream.
How to Plan Your Umrah Trip
It makes it easier to complete the journey in stages, whether it is Umrah or not. The first step in planning is choosing the right time. As mentioned above, there is no restriction on performing Umrah except during the Hajj period, but some months are busy. December, January, and Ramadan (the Islamic lunar month) are among the busy months when the weather is pleasant, and the budget for flights and hotels can be different from the rest of the year due to the availability of more rewards.
The best step in planning is to decide on your travel dates and then contact a local travel agent, meaning someone based in and around the living point.
Keep these two things in mind before booking your Umrah trip:
- Choose an agency with a good list of reviews.
- ATOL-protected agency
It is assumed that the agency you select will offer you all the essential services, including flights, hotels, visas, transportation. Make sure to pay any agency first, hotels should be what you have agreed on and don’t assume the similarity, especially when travelling with family and elders or kids.
Some packages offered by agencies come with meals and guided tours, but check the invoice to make sure what is included or not.
It is understood your picking agency will offer you flight, hotel, visa, transportation mean all main services. Ensuring the first of all to pay any agency, hotels should be what are you decided and don’t consider the similar especially travelling while family.
Some offering packages by agencies come with meals and guided tours but must make sure via invoice what is really included or not.
What Types of Umrah Packages Are Available
There are many types of Umrah packages due to time, scope, and category, but all these packages depend on the budget and preference of the traveller.
This is a short list, you will find these included roughly:
3-Star Packages:
Economy or budget packages are listed in this category because they are cheap. Economy booking, economy hotels, and mostly indirect flights with shared transport. This is a budget-friendly plan for performing Umrah from the UK.
For example: 10-night packages coming under 900 GBP (estimate)
4-Star Packages:
Sometimes basic facilities are not the best option due to travelling abroad without comfort. Therefore, staying close to the Haram and choosing better rooms really makes an impact on the Umrah trip to plan a memorable trip. Selecting these types of packages is also considered to be budget-friendly for those who are planning with family and especially travelling with seniors and children.
5-Star Packages:
These types of packages are best suited for those who are looking for high-end facilities during Umrah. These packages provide accommodation in Swissotel Hilton, Fairmont, etc. as these hotels are considered to be within walking distance of the Haram.
Staying at these or similar places also provides full board service. And private transport is also included for a comfortable journey. And if you want to perform Umrah in a luxurious style, then there is no other preference than this.
Group Packages:
These are especially good for families and groups as they come with discounts. There are many benefits to travelling in a group, such as cheap flights, shared guides & accommodation, transport, etc. And each package has the same goal, which is to make your trip peaceful, spiritually fulfilling, and supportive.
Best Time to Go for Umrah
There is no fixed time for Umrah, but some seasons are more suitable. The winter months (November to February) are best because of the cooler weather. You can walk easily between places and spend more time in prayers. The Ramadan season is also very special, but it’s usually more crowded and expensive.
If you want to save money, you can travel during off-peak months, such as between May and August. During this time, you’ll find more affordable cheap Umrah packages from the UK and hotels with better availability.
There is no fixed time for Umrah due to time, seasons, and months. Now it’s all upon what is the best for you. Mostly select the Ramadan because of gaining rewards but it is an expensive time to perform Umrah especially if one selects the last 10 days of Ramadan.
If someone has budget is limited or wants to save his money choose the time traveling during the off-peak months (May – August). Attaining Cheap Umrah Packages from UK with closest accommodations is absolutely right. November to February are also the best but for them who wants to join Umrah travel under the pleasant weather.
How to Prepare for Your Umrah Journey
Preparation makes everything easier, whether it is travelling or anything else. In the list of preparations for Umrah, if one is planning to go for Umrah from the UK, first comes the visa and then the flights. Never skip validating the passport for at least 6 months, otherwise the first step will be blocked.
Never forget proper packing, as this will make your Umrah trip from the UK a success.
Let’s see what you should have to prepare for your Umrah trip:
Completing all the documentation means getting the valid visa, Umrah flight, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and ground transportation.
Packing your travel bag properly should include two Ihram clothes, seasonal clothes, first aid kit, essential toiletries, and comfortable slippers. Knowledge of the Umrah rituals comes first in preparation because aware what is allowed or not. If Umrah is performed without following the hadith, the Umrah journey from Britain will be incomplete.
The goal of every preparation is to enjoy the blessings of Allah with peace, tranquillity, and ensuring a stress-free Umrah acceptance.
Learn the rituals of Umrah, how to put on Ihram, perform Tawaf and Sa’i, and what principles to follow for cutting or shaving hair.
Confirm these three steps, your Umrah journey from the UK is safe and secure. But if someone is planning this trip with a travel agency, he will get a suitable Umrah package. This package secures his trip with all the legal requirements.
What’s Included in Most Umrah Packages from the UK
Most Umrah packages from the UK include a range of services that make your trip easy and stress-free.
Let’s find out what’s included:
- Return flights (direct and indirect)
- Hotels for stay in Makkah and Madinah
- Ground transportation
- Visa processing (Umrah visa, tourist visa, and waiver visa)
- Ziyarats to Makkah and Madinah (optional)
Not all packages usually include half and full board, but breakfast is also not included in all packages. Confirm whether your accommodation provides any meals before booking. Most premium packages include breakfast for families and seniors.
Why You Should Book with a Trusted UK Travel Agency
Booking with a trusted UK travel agency will definitely save you time and secure your trip, all of which will be successful. This agency does not come overnight, but has the experience to provide insightful travel duration from departure to return. So, book your Umrah trip with confidence with an ATOL-protected agency that ensures that the entire trip is financially secure.
There are several active agencies providing Umrah services, one of which is Labbaik Hajj Umrah. Why travel with a trusted agency because its services are professional and provide flexible packages with good customer service.
After the implementation of the updated rules, no one can get an Umrah visa without an approved agency, and it is necessary to show a hotel and transportation reservation voucher. Therefore, it is possible to complete these recommendations only with a trusted Umrah agency.
Final Thoughts
Performing Umrah is a Sunnah, and it is every Muslim’s dream to complete it. Therefore, this special journey demands some special planning, whether you are going for the first time or again. Learning the Umrah rituals, packing your travel bag, and completing all the documents are all essential. But choosing a trusted UK travel agency is another single tip to focus on the worship and achieve the real purpose of Umrah.
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