Approximately 15% of London’s residents are Muslim. It is a dream of every single one of them to embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah to gain maximum rewards and countless blessings. If you are also planning to commence this fulfilling journey from London, this blog can help make things smoother for you. Whether it is about choosing the right time of travel or selecting reliable London Umrah packages, this blog has got it all covered for you. Hence, keep all your focus here and read till the end to gain maximum knowledge.
Pick a Suitable Travel Month
Selecting a suitable travel time is very crucial and plays a key role in elevating your overall Umrah experience. If you are someone who prioritises peace over bigger crowds, I suggest travelling outside the peak months. On the other hand, you can also select peak months like Ramadan and school holidays for your dream journey. The latter one usually allows you to manage your errands better, especially if you are a working professional or have school-going children.
The next thing you need to focus on is the weather of Makkah and Madinah. Saudi Arabia is immensely hot most time of the year; it is thus important to pick your time of departure carefully.
Choose a Suitable Package from a Trusted Travel Agency
Choosing a reliable and trusted travel agency is extremely important to plan your Umrah from London. Take plenty of time and pick a tour operator that has a good reputation in the market. It should be ATOL protected and UK licensed. Do not skip checking the reviews of your respective Umrah agency, not only on the official website of the agency but also on other social media platforms such as TripAdvisor.
Pilgrims can choose from a number of London Umrah Packages depending on their comfort demands and budget needs. All inclusive Umrah deals are good for those who want to get all the amenities without paying again and again for each element. From hotels, transfers and flights, all is covered at a single cost. Do not forget to check transparent pricing to avoid future inconveniences in the form of hidden charges.
Flights from London to Saudi Arabia
London pilgrims can either opt for direct flights or connecting flights. You can make the right choice depending on your budget. If you have sufficient money, it is better to go for the former option for a comfortable journey. This allows you to stay away from fatigue right after landing in the holy cities and you can thus start exploring the region without wasting any time. Keep in mind to check the airline baggage allowance and make sure that there is enough space in your bag to accommodate Zamzam and other souvenirs during your return.
Visa and Documentation Requirements
Prepre all the essential documents well in advance, as you are going to need them at the time of applying for the visa. Many pilgrims make a smart choice and apply for the visa almost two weeks before their intended date of travel. It thus reduces the chances of delays or cancellations at the eleventh hour. Moreover, learn about the visa process for UK residents, as there can be any annual changes in the rules.
You also need to have a vaccination certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis. Plus, your passport must be renewed in case it is about to expire in less than 6 months. Finally, do not ignore keeping copies of your documents in a separate bag or pouch for your own convenience.
Hotel Location and Quality
Choosing the right hotel for your spiritual pilgrimage is more important than you might think. Search for the hotels that are closest to Masjid al Haram and Masjid an Nabawi. This is because staying within walking distance of these sacred spots offers easy access to worship and you can indulge in prayers right after entering the Haram. Not only this, but devotees can also save a bunch of time and energy that might be consumed while travelling to reach the House of Allah Almighty from far-off places.
Check the room standards and star ratings before booking. Those coming with families should see if they can get connecting rooms to make themselves comfortable throughout their stay. Moreover, paying attention to amenities like elevators is also essential for those who are coming with elderly members. On top of that, many hotels also offer free breakfast and other meals of the day. You can also request customised food, particularly if you have any medical conditions or dietary preferences.
Transfers and Local Transport
Make sure that you figure out your transport system in Saudi Arabia. It is highly recommended to book a package that offers airport pick-up and drop-off. The best part is that there are multiple options of vehicles to choose from on the website of your respective Umrah deal. Pilgrims can either go for the public coach or a private car, as per their liking. It not only facilitates them to travel to different cities but also equips them with the ease of moving to the Haram from their hotel and vice versa. Last but not least, the vehicles are air-conditioned and also have reserved seating for the elderly and physically disabled, adding comfort to their spiritual experience.
Final Thoughts
Umrah is a way to strengthen your connection with Allah Almighty and seek forgiveness from Him for your past sins. Hundreds of Muslims travel from London to Makkah for this noble cause. However, planning this revered journey can be a bit tiring, especially if you are visiting KSA for the first time. However, choosing the appropriate one from the extensive range of London Umrah packages at the right time can facilitate your pilgrimage to a huge extent. If you have read the above blog, you can now plan your Umrah from London in a better and efficient way. Wait no more and choose Muslims Holy Travel for a smooth and fulfilling Umrah journey with your loved ones.
