Umrah, the shorter version of Hajj, is highly valued among Muslims. They eagerly wish to perform Umrah at least once in their lives. But have you ever wondered why pilgrims have different Umrah stories? There are countless Muslims whose journey was not as smooth as expected.
But what makes the difference? Careful trip planning and selecting the right Umrah Package are the answers to this question. If you are planning to embark on the revered Umrah trip in the future, then this guide is for you. It provides 10 essential tips for you to consider before you start your Umrah trip.
1. Learn about Umrah
Understanding Umrah and its rituals is the first step to avoiding Umrah mistakes. Unlike Hajj, it is an optional pilgrimage with no specific timings and dates. You are advised to consult an expert scholar or attend the seminars in your local mosque. Many online resources also exist to teach you about Umrah and its rites. The following websites can provide step-by-step instructions for each ritual:
- Hajj and Umrah Planner
- Islamic Finder
YouTube is also a great platform for pilgrims to learn about Umrah. You can visit famous channels, such as Visualizing Islam and Januslog, for detailed information on Umrah. Mobile apps, such as Umrah Guide, are also designed to help you learn about the basics of your spiritual trip.
2. Prepare your Documents
Like other developed states, Saudi Arabia has some tourism and pilgrimage laws. Without a valid Umrah visa, no one can enter the country and perform sacred rituals. Visa processing is a daunting process that requires the verification of the applicants.
That is why travel agencies demand certain documents from pilgrims. You are advised to prepare all the paperwork in advance. For example, if you want December Umrah packages, be ready with your documents. Here is a list of documents that you must have while applying for Umrah:
- A valid passport.
- A national ID card.
- Vaccination certificates.
- A completed visa application form.
- Two passport-size photographs.
- A printed copy of the hotel booking.
- Flight ticket.
- Financial documents.
- Travel insurance.
- Medical prescriptions.
3. Choose the Right Bag
Be conscious while selecting the suitcase or bag for the Umrah trip. It must be spacious and safe enough to accommodate all the packed items. With a top-quality bag, you can easily move across different locations without worrying about the safety of your luggage. An ideal bag usually comes with the following features:
- Made from durable materials, strong enough to withstand the rigors and jolts of the path.
- Have a built-in locking system to protect against theft.
- Equipped with trolleys and handles for easy movement.
- Have multiple sections for better-organizing items.
4. Pack Wisely and Lightly
Once you are done with the checklist of essential items and have bought a reliable bag, ensure that you pack the luggage wisely and lightly. Since the trip is entirely spiritual, prefer packing simple and religious items. Don’t forget to carry the daily use stuff. The reason is that many of the items that are present in your parent country may not be available in Saudi Arabia. Be sure to pack light to save on traveling costs. Airlines usually weigh the luggage and charge prices according to the bag’s weight. Therefore, just focus on the essentials, such as:
- Ihram clothing.
- Modest dresses for females.
- A few comfortable and breathable clothes according to the climate of Saudi Arabia.
- Comfortable footwear and necessary toiletries.
- Prescribed medicines and first aid box.
- Prayer mat, a portable Quran, and a dua book.
- Water bottle.
- Charger and a power bank.
5. Stay Informed about Global Health Protocols
Umrah is a social act where millions of people contact each other. The Saudi state strictly follows the global health protocols the World Health Organization sets. Therefore, you are highly advised to properly understand contagious diseases to make informed decisions. Learning about COVID-19 protocols is a must for pilgrims, as it is one of the latest pandemic diseases in the world. Measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus are other diseases whose vaccination is often demanded by the country. You are advised to:
- Monitor the symptoms of these diseases in your body.
- Have proper medical testing.
- Get vaccinated and provide the certificate to the Saudi state.
- Maintain the required distance as fixed by the management and continuously sanitize your hands.
- Must have an eye on the recent updates from Saudi officials.
- Learn about the safety procedures in the holy sites, such as the emergency exits and medical services.
6. Look for a Reliable Travel Agency
The travel sector brims with countless options. It is hard for pilgrims to find a reliable company in such a situation. Choosing a professional agency can streamline your journey, whether you are a first-time pilgrim or an experienced one.
You don’t need to worry about the trip’s logistics and can easily focus on your spiritual well-being. From hotels to transport and visa processing to guided tours, a reliable travel agency arranges everything for you. The following are some of the major features that you must look for when searching for a reliable firm:
- ATOL certification.
- IATA protection.
- Strong portfolio in the travel field.
- Positive customer feedback on Google Reviews or the official website.
- Transparent pricing.
- Humble and professional staff.
- Wide range of services.
7. Book Flights and Hotels in Advance
You are advised to book the flights and hotels in advance. This provides ample time to research various options and get the best out of them. Moreover, early booking is cost-effective as well. For example, if you Book December Umrah packages Now, you can enjoy a huge discount. Hotels have spare rooms that they want to fill. Therefore, they take the payment in advance and book lodging for you. The last-minute booking, in contrast, can cause stress and lead to financial burden. To ensure an early booking, you just have to follow the steps given below:
- Plan the Umrah trip early.
- Start researching the hotels and airlines at least 6 months before the travel date.
- You can book the accommodation or flights directly or via a travel agency.
8. Plan a Trip to Mecca and Medina
Umrah is usually of short duration. Therefore, you are suggested to plan the trip carefully. Besides performing Tawaf, Sai, and other rites, you can visit many historic and religious places to make the most of your holy trip. Both Mecca and Medina have countless sites that can add to your knowledge. Indeed, spending some time in these places can strengthen your faith. Thus, if you are going on a 7-day Umrah trip, stay in Mecca for 4 days and spend the remaining 3 days in Medina. In Mecca, you can explore the following places besides the Grand Mosque:
- Cave of Hira
- Mount Arafat
- Cave of Thawr
- Masjid al-Jinn
Whereas in Medina, you can visit:
- Majid Quba
- Mount Uhud
- Jannat al-Baqi
- Al-Shajarah Mosque
9. Physically Prepare Yourself
Umrah is a physically demanding journey. Pilgrims have to move around the Holy Kaaba seven times. Moreover, the climate of Saudi Arabia is also hot on average. Circumambulating the Kaaba under scorching sun rays can lead to dehydration, fainting, and other health issues.
Sai, another major ritual of Umrah, demands more physical effort. During this rite, Muslim men have to run fast between the mountains of Safa and Marwah. Whereas women have to walk briskly. Indeed, healthy pilgrims can easily accomplish these rites. Therefore, before leaving for Umrah, you should follow a healthy routine, such as:
- Eat nutritious meals, especially the ones rich in proteins.
- Drink sufficient water daily to keep your body hydrated. Have at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- Exercise frequently to prepare your body for the Umrah rites. Walk briskly or run for approximately 30 minutes a day.
- Maintain good health by avoiding junk or spoiled food.
10. Prepare Yourself Emotionally and Spiritually
The Haram’s yard is one of the most crowded places in the world. You are advised to be patient while performing the Umrah rituals in such a massive rush. Learn to calm your mind in any emergency. Being in a foreign land, many things will be hard for you.
Therefore, be prepared emotionally. Umrah is a spiritual journey. Therefore, remain focused on purifying your soul and earning divine rewards. Prepare yourself spiritually, even before commencing your trip. Here are some pieces of advice for you:
- Be punctual in saying your daily prayers.
- Remain indulged in Dhikr throughout the day.
- Perform Nafl prayers.
- Listen to the religious scholars and learn from them.
- Give more charity.
By following the above tips, you can have a more fulfilling and rewarding Umrah trip. Muslims Holy Travel, a leading travel agency, offers Umrah packages and comprehensive services. Whether you want November deals or December Umrah packages, they offer all-inclusive Umrah plans at competitive prices. Contact them today and make your trip hassle-free.
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