It is the most deep-rooted desire of every Muslim to see the holy lands of Mecca and Medina. Millions of Muslims from every nook and corner of the world travel to these places to perform Umrah or Hajj. While Hajj is a financially intensive trip, Umrah is a convenient option for many. One way to perform Umrah without any hassle is to book all-inclusive Umrah packages.
These packages make your Umrah trip easy by providing all the services such as visa processing, flights and hotels, transportation, meals, and Ziyarats (guided tours).
There are hundreds of tour companies providing different Umrah deals. This guide walks you through 7 tips to select the best Umrah package and some benefits of an all-inclusive Umrah plan.
7 Tips to Select All-Inclusive Umrah Packages
1. Locate the Best Travel Agency
The first step in selecting a good Umrah package is to find a well-reputed travel agency. There are a few ways to do it. You can ask your friends or relatives, especially those who have performed Umrah recently. Then there is Google search. A simple search with the words all-inclusive Umrah packages with your requirements like month of travel, budget, or home city gives the best options to consider. Shortlist at least 4–5 agencies, and then proceed to the next step.
2. Check Reviews, Ratings, and Certifications
Read the reviews for these agencies on Google, Facebook, Trustpilot, or Yelp. These platforms contain genuine reviews that you can trust. The other important step is to check for certifications. Make sure the company is ATOL protected and certified in your country. Also, ensure that it is approved by Saudi ministries. This information may look trivial, but it reveals the agency’s commitment to its work and helps build trust between the business and its customers.
Another thing to consider while checking reviews is the reviewer’s authenticity. Many businesses engage in fake customer reviews to show a good rating. One way you can confirm this is by checking the reviewer’s profile. Moreover, if the majority of reviews sound like a marketing campaign trying to sell you packages, be careful and stay away from such companies.
3. Compare Packages and Services
The next step is to thoroughly browse all the all-inclusive Umrah packages. It will help you compare the services that different packages include. The things to consider here are hotels, flights, transportation, and guided tours. By now, most things will be clear to you. You can call the shortlisted companies or drop them a message, and they’ll get back to you.
4. Check the Umrah Guide Experience
Most high-end or all-inclusive Umrah packages include the services of an Umrah guide. An Umrah guide is a person who stays with you while performing Umrah and guided tours. The experience and personality of the guide can greatly impact the quality of your trip. The guide should be caring, supportive, and understanding. Moreover, make sure that the guide speaks your language.
5. Ask About Hidden Costs
Some travel agencies include hidden costs in their packages. These costs are usually highlighted with a small asterisk and are commonly linked to things like guided tours, transportation, drinks, and other complimentary services. So make sure you confirm any hidden charges. The companies that charge such costs usually ask about them once you agree to the deal.
6. Don’t Fall for Cheap Umrah Packages
A lot of travel agencies trap pilgrims in the gimmick of cheap all-inclusive Umrah packages. While getting a good bargain is everyone’s right, a huge price drop than other packages usually shows a customer-grabbing tactic. These packages include flights with layovers, low-quality hotels with substandard meals, and poor services. You need peace of mind and good health during Umrah, so select a deal accordingly.
7. Duration and Flexibility
Last but not least, check the package’s duration and flexibility according to your schedule. Pilgrims have to manage a lot of things before leaving for Umrah. So selecting a package that doesn’t affect your worldly responsibilities is better.
Benefits of All-Inclusive Umrah Packages
Comfort and Convenience
All-inclusive Umrah deals come with added peace of mind. As a pilgrim, you don’t have to worry about anything. Once you finalize the deal, everything is the service provider’s responsibility. The agency will take care of visa processing, flight and hotel bookings, pick-ups and drop-offs, and guided tours. It allows you to focus on the important part of the journey: praying and seeking Allah’s blessings.
Hotels and Meals
All-inclusive Umrah offers include hotel rooms, all three meals, and drinks. If you don’t buy an Umrah package, you’ll have to book these services yourself. It can be a hassle, especially for first-time travelers. Moreover, looking for hotels and flights can be a bit challenging, especially during the peak season. So, it is better to make these arrangements beforehand.
A chance to Customize Packages
Many tour companies offer flexible and customizable packages. Pilgrims can modify these packages as per their preferences. You can upgrade hotels and flights or change the travel dates. These services come with additional costs, so choose wisely.
Guidance
All-inclusive Umrah packages include guidance for performing Umrah rituals. This is an excellent add-on feature for first-time travelers. It removes the fear of performing Umrah rituals in the wrong way and ensures that the most important worship of your life is accepted by Allah Almighty.
Additional Services and Perks
These packages provide Ihram clothing, prayer mats, and Umrah handbooks. Some high-end Umrah packages offer additional services like hotel spa and fitness center. These things help make your journey more pleasant.
Final Words
All-inclusive Umrah packages can change the way you perform Umrah. They allow pilgrims to focus entirely on connecting with Allah, seeking His forgiveness, blessings, and rewards. We hope that all your doubts about Umrah packages are now clear click here for more info.
