Who doesn’t want to get a chance to get closer to the Almighty and fix all their worldly affairs? The dream of every Muslim is to stand in front of the sacred cubic structure, the Holy Kaabah, and pour our hearts out. However, many of us cannot make our wishes come true because of financial issues. But once you know how to travel on a budget for Umrah, you will feel unstoppable and want to go for the spiritual retreat as soon as possible.
No doubt Umrah does require money as it involves travelling to another country and staying there for a few days. But it shouldn’t be too heavy in your pocket. This is why we are here to help you plan your dream spiritual retreat without worrying about your budget. We will tell you everything in this guide, from getting the cheapest Umrah packages to saving money during your time in the holy cities.
Tips to Travel for Umrah on a Budget
Travel During the Cheapest Time
The wisest thing you could do for an affordable Umrah is plan it during the off-season or the shoulder season. This is the best way to have cheap deals on everything while travelling. You cannot expect cheap flights and hotel prices if you go to any destination worldwide during its peak season. It’s just a simple rule. With an increase in demand, the prices increase, too.
The peak season for performing an Umrah is Ramadan. This makes it the most costly, but no other time in the year is as rewarding as performing an Umrah as this month. Therefore, people who don’t want to miss out on the additional rewards and blessings that come with Umrah in Ramadan plan their trip even if it is expensive. The cheapest time to perform an Umrah is right after the Hajj or before Ramadan’s peak season. However, you can perform ummrah, memorize Quran and other good deeds.
Make Advance Bookings
After you have chosen what suits you and your budget the best, you can start making the bookings. Booking everything in advance makes you stress-free and ensures you get the best price. Last-minute bookings usually come with extra costs that you should avoid if you have a tight budget. Even though it is the peak season for performing minor pilgrimages, you can get affordable Ramadan Umrah packages if you book in advance.
You can start browsing your options beforehand. This way, you will also have the time to compare prices and choose those that meet your requirements. You can also secure a discount or a deal if you book a few months in advance. So, keep all these things in mind and start making your bookings as soon as possible. Whether you want to avail yourself of the Umrah packages, quran courses or want to book everything individually on your own, making bookings is the perfect way to save money.
Group packages are one of the cheapest deals that most travel agencies offer. This is because the expenses get split between the groups. Therefore, it is perfect for budget travellers. You can also book shared accommodation with other pilgrims to save money.
This is also the case with group packages, in which you share accommodation and transportation with other pilgrims, who ideally travel from your hometown with you. Group trips are a great way to bond with your Muslim brothers and sisters from your area and indulge in group prayers and Ibadah.
You might be unable to pay for extra luggage if you plan to have an affordable Umrah. Additional luggage costs can create a big dent in your wallet. So, it is essential to avoid it at all costs. Look for the luggage allowance of the airline you will be travelling with and pack accordingly.
Making a list of your essentials helps you pack properly; it tells you about the items you cannot miss and what is unnecessary. You can also create priorities in your list. Pack all the most prioritised items first; if you have space left, add the less prioritised items, too.
Use Public Transport and Eat Simple Meals
This is a great tip for saving money in the holy cities. Public transport is cheap and comfortable in Makkah, and Madinah trains are explicitly introduced here to accommodate Almighty guests. The public transport is air-conditioned and well-maintained, making it easier for pilgrims to travel around the cities without spending too much money.
Moreover, you will also have to create a budget for your meals. This budget can easily exceed the limit if you start eating costly meals during your time in the country. So, make sure to eat simpler meals that align with your budget. There is a lot of delicious street food that you can try, and some international fast-food chains offer affordable meals.
Final Words
After reading this blog, you might know how to travel on a budget for Umrah. It is not as difficult as you might think. Travelling at the right time and choosing the right services is possible. So, stop thinking and apply for an Umrah visa immediately so that you can start planning your life-altering spiritual retreat.