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A Comprehensive Guide on How to Find Best Umrah Packages Online

25 July 2024

Umrah is a non-mandatory holy journey to the Islamic cities of Mecca and Medina. It is a search for the soul, something far beyond the ritual practice of the faith. In the past year alone more than 13 million people have been the recipients of this divine blessing as testified by the statistics of the Saudi Arabian government. Such figures testify to a powerful recognition of the Umrah journey which indeed is an important call for Muslims all over the world.
However, while the endeavor is pious and holy, there are many frauds there. For example, Malaysian users lost as much as RM14 million to Umrah-related scams in 2023. It is for this reason that you have to select the right package to avoid any sort of fraud.

While getting ready to perform this holy trip, you might wonder about How to find best Umrah packages online. As with most things in our connected world, the answer lies somewhere in between research, individual humility, and getting reliable agency. This blog is the map, which gives directions on choosing an Umrah package for those who have no idea about it. This not only serves to meet one’s spiritual needs but also defends against a sinister foe known as fraud.

Tips to Find the Best Umrah Package Online

The following are the tips that you should consider while choosing an online Umrah package:

1. Specify Your Preferences

First of all, you need to understand what you are looking for in an online Umrah package. You need to ensure that it covers all the basic amenities. And if you are looking for premium packages, what are they offering?

  • Accommodations: First up, let's discuss your home away from home – your hotel accommodations. Ask yourself questions like are you looking to bask in luxury near the holy Haram? Or do you want a more budget-savvy option to suit you better? Let the travel agency know your preferred room type, amenities, and star ratings.
  • Flight options: Next, let's tackle the travel logistics. Your choice of flight can really make or break your Umrah experience. Does the airline offer in-board Haram changes? Do they allow Salah al-Ihram during flights? More importantly, what are the facilities they are offering? Comfort and convenience are key during travel.
  • Meals and board options: Decide whether you want the full-board experience (all meals included), a half-board option (breakfast and dinner), or if you'd rather keep it flexible with a room-only deal. Don't forget to mention any dietary restrictions or preferences – no one wants to be “hangry” during their Umrah.
  • Domestic transportation: Traveling in Saudi Arabia is another crucial factor. Do you want airport pick-up and drop-off? Local transportation within the holy cities? Or maybe a private car service to go to your desired Ziyarat places? Your online package should be clear about these things.
  • Travel preferences: Last but not least, decide whether you'd like to travel with a group or go solo. Group packages can be a blast, offering camaraderie and shared experiences. In contrast, individual packages give you the freedom to set your own pace and schedule. But they can be expensive.

2. Research and Compare

The next step is to do your research about online available packages. These are the points that can help you in doing a better research:

  • Explore online options: First things first, you'll want to explore various online platforms. Travel agency websites, specialized Umrah portals, and reputable tour operator platforms are your go-to sources. They often offer a smorgasbord of packages, ranging from economy to premium.
  • Budget: Now, let's talk about the budget. Umrah packages come in all shapes and sizes, price-wise. Determine your budget and explore packages that fit your financial comfort zone. Look for options that give you a bang for your buck while ticking all your requirement boxes.
  • Dates and duration: You have to choose the dates and number of days you want to spend in each holy city. Then, compare prices based on your stay.
  • Hotel reviews and location: The most important thing is that you should know whether your hotel provider is trustworthy or not. Read online reviews, star-rating, and from your relatives. Also, ensure that the location is suitable for you or not. Being a stone's throw away can seriously enhance your Umrah experience.

3. Search for Packages

Once you have done your research, it is time to lock the package. If you get a bundle of your own needs, that would be better as a custom deal resonates with your needs. For example:

  • If you need something on a budget, economy packages would be your shot. On the other hand, if you are willing to spend some more, go with the premium package.
  • Further, the type of package is also really important. For instance, Easter Umrah packages come with different amenities other than Ramadan bundles. Know your type before you choose one.
  • Similarly, prices of the packages also vary by bundle. The months of Hajj/Ramadan may have higher prices as more people are looking to go for pilgrimage, compared to other months.
  • Lastly, some people may need a package that can resonate with their holiday/trip. For instance, a person may need a bundle for 3-4 days, if he is going on a business trip.

Comparing all your needs, you may select a favorable deal now. For this, you can search online or go to any brick-and-mortar agency.

4. Book Securely

After finalizing your package, it’s time to book your ticket. However, you need to be assured that your booking process is secure. Therefore, you need to understand the following points while choosing an online package:

  • Secure payment methods: Keep an eye out for platforms that offer secure payment gateways. Your credit card information should be encrypted and protected with protocols such as SSL or TLS.
  • ATOL protection: Next up, ensure the travel agency provides ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) protection. This certification ensures that your package is financially protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Pricing: Transparency is key. Confirm that the package price includes all taxes, fees, and surcharges upfront. There shouldn’t be any hidden charges or costs.
  • Book your flight: Once you are fully satisfied, it's time to book securely. After that, the company will send you a confirmation email with all the necessary details. These include flight tickets, hotel vouchers, and an itinerary.
  • Save emergency contacts: Last but not least, don't forget to save the emergency contact numbers provided by the travel agency. These may help you in case of any emergency during your pilgrimage.

What are the Best Umrah Packages Online?

There are various online companies that offer Umrah packages. However, you need to choose one that offers the best deal for money. One such company is Muslims Holy Travel. Their bundles are made while keeping in mind your requirements. Let’s have a look at some of their available packages:

  • Umrah Packages: These range from 3-star to 5-star with up to 14 nights option. The price for a 3-star bundle will start from £725. In contrast, a 5-star bundle may cost you £999 for starters. 
  • Easter Umrah packages: These Umrah bundles cater to the people who want to visit Holy Places during Easter. You can get a 3-star Easter package for as low as £799. On the other hand, a 5-star Easter bundle comes around at £1099.
  • Ramadan Umrah packages: If you need to get the blessings of Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan, they have the best Ramadan packages for you. For instance, you may get a cheap package for as low as £850, while a premium bundle comes at £1150.

Apart from the above bundles, Muslims Holy Travel also has month-wise Umrah deals. Just select your preferred month, enter the details like persons/transport/amenities, and you’ll get the best value-for-money deals in the market. And that’s not even the best part. The following are some perks that make their packages the best in the market:

  • A reputable service with a 4.6/5 rating over the internet,
  • Approved by the Saudi Ministry,
  • ATOL and IATA-accredited services,
  • Customized packages as per your plan.

Additional Considerations

If you have successfully selected the right Umrah packages, you are on the verge of performing the minor pilgrimage. The following are some key additional considerations for your Umrah journey. These will help you enhance your Umrah experience:

Visa Requirements

Obtain an Umrah visa before traveling. The residents of countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, or Qatar are exempted from such requirements. Moreover, if you are from Schengen, the US, or the UK, you also don’t need a separate visa to perform Umrah. However, people from other countries need to apply for an Umrah visa. You have to register through an approved travel agency and have all the required documents ready.

Travel Insurance

You have to get travel insurance that is specifically designed for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. These will cover medical emergencies, accidents, and delays. Some notable travel insurance companies in the UK are Allianz Travel, Hajj & Umrah Experts, and Insure And Go.

Pre-Departure Preparations

Before going to Umrah, you need to complete your preparations. This is necessary so that you may not face any issues later. Pre-departure preparations include:

  • Learn the Umrah rituals like Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa'i to ensure a proper pilgrimage. 
  • Pack light with weather-appropriate clothing and essentials. If you are traveling during Easter, you may have to ensure that you have relevant clothes. 
  • Stay hydrated, as Saudi Arabia's climate can be challenging. Pack a water bottle with you during your Ibadat.

Family Travel

If you are traveling with your family or with relatives, you have to ensure extra protection. Look after your children as they can easily get lost in the crowd. Choose a suitable time considering school holidays, weather, and your child's readiness. Also, it is very important that you budget accordingly. Keep extra cash in hand for unexpected expenses and souvenirs.

Trust and Safety

With vast crowds congregating for Umrah, safety becomes a paramount concern. Pilgrims must exercise caution as others may inadvertently push or attempt to bypass you in their eagerness to complete rituals. Therefore, it is necessary that you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Follow strict health measures enforced by Saudi authorities before and during Umrah rituals. Lastly, adhere to the Prophet's (PBUH) sunnah and fulfill every obligation so that you may get the most reward out of your prayer.

Conclusion

In summary, if you want to find best Umrah package online, you need to take care of a few things. First and foremost, you need to be sure of your needs and preferences. Specify the type of accommodation you need, flight options, types of meals, as well as transportation facility. After that, do your online as well as offline research. Find out the best agency that provides the best Umrah packages. Once you are assured, place your Umrah booking order.

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