Budget is the main issue for most pilgrims. They try their best to have a meaningful experience as they perform Umrah with minimal expense. This is why travel packages are the best way to perform the minor pilgrimage, as it not only costs less but also is quite convenient. The agency plans every little detail of the trip, while pilgrims focus on their prayers and rituals.
Even an Umrah package can be a bit costly for some. However, there are ways to further lower the cost of the bundle if pilgrims are smart about it. In this article, we will dive deep into some tips and tricks that will help travellers find the best Cheap Umrah Packages for 2024 without any compromise on quality and services.
Tips to Find Cheap Umrah Packages in 2024
Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage revered by Muslims all over the world. While it isn’t compulsory, Muslims still try to perform it at least once with their loved ones. It renews one’s faith in Allah and rejuvenates the soul. Umrah packages make it easy for pilgrims to travel to Mecca and Medina and perform the pilgrimage with peace of mind.
These packages are quite affordable compared to going privately to Saudi Arabia. Even then, the cost can be a bit out of reach for some. However, there are plenty of travel agencies that offer cheap Umrah deals. The following are some tips that will help pilgrims find a package that suits their budget and does not compromise the experience:
Book Early
One way to ensure the cost of the package is affordable is to book it early. If you book in advance, the cost of flights and accommodations is quite low and it is reflected in the overall price of the package. However, if you try to book on a day and date, then the deal can be costly. To give an example, if you plan to perform the pilgrimage during Ramadan 2025, then try to book the Ramadan Umrah Package 2025 in November, and you will get a good price for it. As the months go by and the holy month comes closer, the price for the accommodations will increase, which will be mirrored in the price of the package.
Travel During Off-Peak Season
During the peak season, the prices for flights, hotel rooms, and other accommodations skyrocket. This is due to the increased demand that airlines and hotels increase the price of their services. This is why we recommend that you plan your Umrah during the off-peak season, as during this time the demand for accommodation drops significantly. This results in airlines and hotels lowering their prices, which allows the travel agencies to price their packages accordingly. However, pilgrims will be hard-pressed to find an off-peak time in Mecca as the city is crowded for most of the year.
Choose Accommodations Based on Your Budget
Umrah packages are a bundle of services that are required for a good pilgrimage experience. On top of that, there are different tiers of them, and each is priced as per the quality of the services provided. However, that doesn’t mean there is no room for flexibility, as these packages can be customised in any way a pilgrim wishes. This means that the travellers have agency over what accommodations are booked for them.
For example, they can opt for a 3-star hotel, which costs less than a 4-star room. However, they can opt for 4-star accommodations with a low price tag, but the hotel will be at a distance from the Haram. In the end, it all comes down to the pilgrim to choose their living arrangement wisely to bring down the cost of the Umrah package.
Use Public Transport
Transport is necessary for pilgrims if they have opted for a hotel that is at a distance from the Kaaba. To get to Haram, they can either add transportation services to the package or use the local option. However, the former will impact the cost of the Umrah deal, and using a taxi is very expensive.
To keep the cost of the package low and expenses at a minimum, pilgrims can use public transport services like the metro or buses. They are significantly cheaper than a taxi and won’t burden your pocket. This will ensure that pilgrims don’t spend more than their budget, and they might end up saving some. However, using public transport has its drawbacks too. It is crowded and takes a lot of time to get to the destination.
Consider Group Package
The best way to get a cheap package without degrading the services is to opt for a group Umrah deal. There are multiple reasons why group bundles are cheap compared to the private ones. First, the cost of the entire trip is divided among all group members, which lowers the amount an individual has to pay. Second, the travel agency has contact with airlines and hotels, and they can negotiate bulk deals for flights and rooms, which lowers the price of the package even more.
Aside from the low upfront cost of the Umrah bundle, there are other benefits to choosing group deals. There is a sense of security and community when travelling with a group. Pilgrims can share their experiences and stories and rely on other group members for support in case of an emergency. Also, the entire trip is organised and scheduled, which is ideal for pilgrims who prefer to follow a structure. However, there are drawbacks too, as pilgrims will have to move around with a crowd and there is little privacy.
Tips Before You Leave for Umrah
Now that you know the tips and tricks to find cheap Umrah packages, let’s take a look at points that will be helpful during your pilgrimage. These are additional tips that pilgrims must keep in mind to ensure their journey goes smoothly:
- Pack Smartly: The climate of Saudi Arabia is hot for the most part of the year. The heat can be a bit much for Muslims from the UK. This is why pilgrims need to pack according to the weather and only bring clothes that will be favourable for hot weather. Also pack a pair of comfortable footwear, as pilgrims will be walking a lot and a cosy pair of footwear will go a long way.
- Ensure your documents are complete: Before pilgrims leave for the airport, they must check their documents are complete and ensure they have the required vaccinations and the papers to prove it. This will save them a lot of trouble at the airport when they arrive.
- Keep local currency with you: In today’s world, all transactions can be done digitally, and Saudi Arabia is no different. However, it is wise to keep some local currency in cash with you in case of an emergency or if you come across a vendor that does not accept online or card payments.
- Beware of pickpockets: Even the holy cities of Mecca and Medina aren’t free of pickpockets. This is why pilgrims must be careful of their belongings and should only keep enough cash with them for a day. This way, if they get pickpocketed, they will only lose a small amount.
To Wrap up
Embarking on the sacred journey of Umrah doesn’t have to strain your finances. These points we have discussed will ensure that pilgrims find the most affordable Umrah package. However, a cheap deal does not mean the pilgrimage has to be compromised. Balancing cost with quality ensures a fulfilling pilgrimage that remains within financial reach. Pilgrims will have to put in some effort, but if they would rather not, then Muslims Holy Travel can help them. They offer affordable and customisable Umrah deals that can be adjusted to suit your needs and budget. Visit our website and get a quote for your ideal cheap Umrah bundle.