Umrah is a faith-reviving journey that promises extensive rewards. This makes it a dream of every Muslim. As it is a voluntary pilgrimage, those who can afford it can perform it. But even those who have a tight budget yearn to stand beside the Holy Kaabah to pour their hearts out. Therefore, you will need the ultimate guide to planning a budget-friendly Umrah to have a budget-friendly pilgrimage.
Travelling at the Cheapest Time
Before planning or booking your Umrah, you must choose a time for your journey. This dramatically affects your budget. During the peak season, having a budget-friendly Umrah journey is impossible. So, here is an overview of the times to avoid and the best times for an affordable Umrah journey.
Time to Avoid for a Budget-Friendly Umrah
As mentioned above, peak season is never a good option if you have a tight budget. The peak season for performing Umrah is Ramadan. You get rewards equal to Hajj if you perform Umrah in this month. We all know the blessings of Ramadan. And these blessings get doubled at the house of the Almighty. But the increase in demand increases the cost of flights and hotels. So, this is not a good option for budget travellers.
Perfect Time for a Budget-Friendly Umrah
You can travel soon after the Hajj season if you want the most budget-friendly Umrah. This is when the pilgrimage sites are quieter. The lesser demand also makes the flights and accommodations cheaper. Other times for Umrah that can give you an affordable journey include April, May, September, and December.
Booking the Most Budget-Friendly Umrah Packages
Getting an Umrah package becomes more crucial if you have a tight budget. Umrah packages offer various services at different costs, so you must be vigilant when choosing them.
Look for Reliable Travel Agencies
You can start by narrowing down the reliable travel agencies offering Umrah 2025 packages. After that, you can explore the services and costs they provide in these packages. Every travel agency has different services. Most standard Umrah packages consist of an Umrah visa, flight and accommodation. There can be other services in the packages as well. Therefore, you must look for a package with all the needed services within your budget.
Compare the Prices
Browsing various travel agencies and their services can help you get the most affordable Umrah package. You can compare which travel agency offers similar services at the cheapest cost.
Book the Cheapest Umrah Package
The comparison will give you an idea of which package will suit your budget the best. You can book the cheapest if various companies offer the same services at different costs. Otherwise, you can look for the services you want and which travel agency provides the best price. You can get the cheapest Umrah packages.
Consider Getting the Group Package
One of the most budget-friendly options is the group Umrah package. These packages are for people travelling in groups, but anyone can also arrange for them to travel with other groups. The expenses are divided among the group, so these packages are much cheaper.
How to Save Money During the Umrah Journey?
Pack Essentials Only
Extra baggage costs a lot. So, save as much money as possible by packing the essentials only. You might know that this spiritual journey is about getting lost in the remembrance of Allah Almighty. So, you must not worry about carrying a maximum of your belongings. Just pack the items that you know you won’t be able to compromise on during your pilgrimage. Carry your comfortable clothes and shoes and any other essentials. Don’t forget your basic toiletry and medication if you have any.
Choose an Affordable Hotel
Accommodation options in the holy cities are limitless. There are options for pilgrims with all kinds of budgets. There are numerous luxurious hotels near the Grand Mosque. But these are not the ideal option for someone with a tight budget. If you have a tight budget, you can look for a hotel some distance from the primary pilgrimage sites.
Use Public Transport in the Region
Public transport is the most budget-friendly option for travel within the region. Many shuttle buses operate in Makkah and Madinah. These buses were introduced to facilitate pilgrims. They are not only affordable but also comfortable. Moreover, a fast train also operates from Makkah to Madinah.
Summing Up
Now that you’ve explored the ultimate guide to planning a budget-friendly Umrah journey, it’s time to turn your plans into action and embark on this sacred experience. The right tips and suggestions can make your dream pilgrimage a reality without straining your finances. Travel during off-peak seasons, book cost-effective services, and carefully budget for meals and transportation. Minimise souvenir shopping to save even more. With these strategies, your Umrah journey can be both fulfilling and affordable. Let go of financial worries and start planning this meaningful faith journey today.
