The world is ready to welcome the new year, and numerous Muslims across the United Kingdom (UK) are intending to perform their Umrah in the year 2018. While this minor pilgrimage is not as obligatory as Hajj, it is certainly a spiritual journey that Muslims would cherish in their memories forever.
The followers of Islam living in the UK have to make a long journey from their place of residence to the holy city of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To make this journey convenient for them, many of the travel companies come up with a range of packages for Umrah every year. Not all of these packages offer the same benefits for pilgrims. It is, therefore, essential to choose such packages after considering certain key aspects:
Company
One of the most important considerations for booking Umrah packages for 2018 is choosing the right company. While there are many that claim to be the best in Hajj and Umrah tours, not all of them are truly reliable. This is especially true in case of tour operators or travel agencies that are not authorised by the Ministry of Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Only the travel agents or companies that are registered with the Hajj Ministry are authorised to organise these Islamic religious tours.
The experience of the company providing Hajj and Umrah tours must also be considered while booking the packages for Umrah. Companies that have been providing these religious tours for more than a decade can be the ideal ones to go with, as they would have the required expertise as well as experience to ensure a hassle-free Umrah.
Season
Muslims living in the UK can have the benefit of getting enough time for making all the necessary arrangements and embarking on their sacred journey of Umrah during certain holiday seasons. During the Christmas and Easter holidays, most of the offices and all the schools are closed. This would be a great opportunity for Muslim families to go for Umrah together.
Children in the family can learn more about the minor pilgrimage and all the rituals associated with it at an early age in the company of their parents. Many of the UK-based travel companies that provide Hajj and Umrah tours come up with attractive deals on Umrah packages from the UK for Christmas and Easter holidays, which can significantly reduce the overall costs involved in accomplishing the journey.
Cost
It is important to take into account one’s overall budget for the journey of Umrah before booking the Umrah packages in 2018. Generally, the cost of such packages include the costs of flights, Umrah visa, and hotel stays. Upon booking well in advance, the Muslims of the UK can get their desired packages at reduced costs. This also gives them sufficient time to prepare for the journey. The UK Muslims can also consider booking their Umrah tours around certain times of the year when the travel companies provide some great deals on the packages.
Accommodation
The holy city of Makkah has some important Islamic sites that Muslims of the UK would like to visit during their time spent in this part of Saudi Arabia after performing their Umrah. If they have been accommodated in a hotel close to the Masjid Al-Haram, they would not only have the convenience of getting to the holy mosque but also find it easier to visit all the important Islamic places in Makkah. For this reason, they must always choose packages that include stays in elegant hotels that are located close to the Masjid Al-Haram. Their stay would truly be a memorable one with all the excellent amenities provided in their hotel in addition to the pleasant environment of Makkah.
A great deal of planning made months earlier for the journey of Umrah can help the Muslims residing in the UK to get the right packages according to their budgets. Savings made from such packages can be utilised effectively while exploring different Islamic sites in the holy city of Makkah.