Planning Your Umrah Trip: A Guide
Planning Your Umrah Trip: A Guide
With Ramadan fast approaching, many will be planning to spend some, if not all, of Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah, alongside completing their Umrah. Here at Book & Go, we understand how stressful this can be, whether this is your first Umrah or you are returning. That's why we have created a guide to help you plan your next Umrah and book flights with us at Book & Go to get you there.
Researching and Understanding Umrah
We recommend starting by researching the significance of Umrah and why millions of Muslims annually make this trip. This journey, along with Hajj, will be the most important trip of your life. As a result, you'll want to ensure you are well prepared for this journey by understanding its importance and purpose, making it a much more valuable experience.
What Do You Need to Take with You?
A crucial item you will need is your Ihram clothing. For men, this consists of two pieces of white cloth without any buttons, seams, or hems. For women, it can be any loose dress/abaya without adornments or patterns, though it is recommended for the dress/abaya to be black or white, alongside the head covering. We recommend men order their Ihram in advance as it might not be easily accessible depending on where you reside.
We also recommend taking comfortable footwear, a small, light, and compact prayer mat, a printed-out Umrah guide, a small backpack for your valuable items, a water bottle for Zamzam water, a tasbih, and a list of duas you would like to make.
It is important to note that Saudi Arabia stays hot all year round, and the other items of clothing you take should be light and breathable. You will find many shops selling abayas and thobes in Makkah and Madinah, so do not worry about taking too many items of clothing with you.
Choosing the Right Time to Go
Prices of flights and accommodation fluctuate throughout the year. During Ramadan, and especially the last 10 nights, prices are especially heightened due to a large number of individuals traveling. You will also find that during the summer peak season, prices will be higher, while during the winter off-season, prices drop. This is the best time to travel for those looking to save or on a strict budget. We recommend booking your flights directly through Book & Go as soon as you have chosen your designated travel dates, followed by booking your accommodation, as flights and accommodation can sell out fast.
Ensuring You Have the Necessary Documentation
Ensure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months of expiry left from the date you will be traveling. Also, make sure to check relevant visa requirements, which can vary depending on your nationality. Many nations can now apply for a visa upon arrival when entering Saudi Arabia, but ensure to check if this rule applies to you. If you opt for the visa on arrival, you will need to pay for your visa by card only. We recommend having more than one card with you in case one happens to not be valid for any reason.
Plan Your Itinerary
Most individuals enter Saudi Arabia through two international airports. The most commonly used airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah for those heading directly to Makkah to perform their Umrah straight away. The Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah is the second option for those traveling to Madinah first before traveling to Makkah to perform their Umrah.
It is essential you choose whether you would like to travel to Makkah or Madinah first to book your flights to the designated location. Most commonly, pilgrims choose to fly to and from Jeddah, using the Haramain train to travel between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah.
Book Your Flights and Accommodation
Book your flights directly through us at Book & Go. We only work with approved airlines, providing you with tailored flight and luggage packages. This ensures you save time when searching for the best deal for you. We also have clear guidelines when it comes to cancellation policies and an excellent customer service team on hand, ready to assist you with all relevant inquiries to ensure your experience with us is as seamless as possible. Customer satisfaction is a key value of ours.
You should book your accommodation in Madinah and Makkah. We also provide a full Umrah package which includes: flights, hotel, visa and transportation. Contact us at info@bookandgo.io if you would like to book a full umrah package tailored to your needs. It is important to consider the proximity of your hotel to the holy sites. Some hotels, which are further away, provide shuttle bus services. Keep in mind this can be time-consuming, taking away from this precious experience, and something you should consider.
Make a Travel Packing List
We know the excitement of traveling, especially on an important trip like this, can mean you forget essential items or remember them on your way to the airport. Ensure you create a list. The simplest way to create your list is by dividing it into sections, which stops it from becoming overwhelming. We recommend dividing your list into categories such as documentation, clothing, toiletries, electronics, and Umrah essentials. After you have created your list, go back over it at a later date to ensure you have not missed anything out. It is also a good idea to go over your list before you head off to the airport, to ensure you have not forgotten anything essential.
Final Preparations
Lastly, Plan and Prepare Spiritually and Mentally.
In the months, weeks, or days leading up to your trip, try focusing on preparing spiritually and mentally. Ensure you are familiar with the steps you will need to take during Umrah, learn the relevant duas, be prepared to be challenged emotionally and physically throughout this journey, and increase your prayer and recitation of the Quran to enter this journey with a strong Iman.
Ready to Explore Saudi?
Planning your umrah trip is easy with Book & Go. Discover the wonders of these historic places with our expert guidance, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience.