Exploring UK-Based Umrah Packages: Services, Costs & Tips for Pilgrims
There are around 4 million Muslims living in the UK, and most of them have a desire to go for Umrah whenever they can. To accommodate such a large number of pilgrims, there exist numerous travel agencies that offer different types of Umrah Packages UK.
Due to the ease and Umrah package UK provides, many Muslims prefer booking one to perform Umrah smoothly and conveniently. When a pilgrim searches for the best Umrah packages UK, he or she gets countless options. In such a situation, it often becomes a little difficult to find the right one as per a pilgrim’s specific needs. This is why it is very important to know about the services included, average costs, and tips for finding the best Umrah deal. This post is based on this scenario, and it is quite a useful read, especially for first-time pilgrims.
Services Included in Umrah Packages
As the word “package” implies, these deals are a holistic bundle that includes almost everything that you need for a smooth and stress-free experience. Let’s explore what is included in a typical Umrah package.
Visa Assistance
These are a part and parcel of all the deals, whether you book cheap Umrah packages UK or luxury ones. The tour operator can help you apply for the visa in the right way by explaining all the terms and conditions, technical terms, requirements, and other things. In such a way, the chances of rejection reduce significantly, and you get your Umrah visa approved in one go.
Flights
Flights are also included in all the types of Umrah packages from the UK. However, the nature of flights varies depending on the price of the package. High-end packages usually come with direct flights or ones with short stopovers, whereas budget deals include connecting flights with large groups.
Accommodations
All packages include hotel stays unless you specifically ask your tour operator to remove them from your deal. Unless you have a friend or family member living in Makkah or Madina, we suggest you don’t exclude hotels from your deal. The difference in the price will be negligible in case you book the hotels on your own. And if you are traveling in a peak season, you might face some problems while booking a hotel. Some travel agencies offer their customers the option to switch hotels as per their preferences. Please note that it will change the total price of the deal.
On-Ground Transportation
The above three services are included in almost every deal, but the transportation services vary from one package to another. A private taxi or minivan is provided to pilgrims for airport-to-hotel transfer and vice versa in most of the packages. However, when it comes to going for ziyarats, the transport is only included in 4-star or 5-star deals.
Meals
Breakfast buffet is complimentary in almost all packages, which is a great way to start your day. Some plans also come with a lunch or dinner buffet, but they are very costly. The best way out here is to go with breakfast and manage lunch and dinner on your own. There are plenty of good restaurants and street food options around both cities.
Services of a Guide
This one is also an exclusive inclusion in top-tier packages and group deals. Having a guide at your side while performing Umrah is great because it ensures that you don’t perform any ritual in the wrong way. Moreover, these guides are well-versed in the history of the mosques, holy sites, and other places. They explain all the things a pilgrim needs to know for a spiritually engaging Umrah trip.
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The Average Cost of UK-Based Umrah Packages
When it comes to the cost of Umrah packages, these deals are generally divided into three different types. Whether you are booking Family Umrah Packages UK or group deals, you will have to select one from the three types given below.
3-Star Deals
They are the most basic ones and offer standard facilities such as visa assistance, connecting flights, and accommodations in modest hotels. Shuttle services and breakfast are also included, but the quality of these hotels is not something that you will boast about after returning home. The price of these deals varies from £700 to £1100, depending on the duration of the package you select.
4-Star Deals
If you want the perfect value for your money, then this is the deal that you must book. With a price ranging between £800 and £1250, they come with mid-grade hotels that have all the essential amenities. The food is also of good quality, and the tour operator offers comfortable vehicles for pilgrims to travel from one place to another, including Makkah to Madinah.
5-Star Deals
For pilgrims that are looking for a more relaxed and VIP Umrah experience, these deals are suggested. Their prices are on the higher side, with an average deal costing £1200. Some of the best hotels in both holy cities are included in the deals. You get luxury sedans or minivans to go for ziyarats. In short, all your needs are taken care of in the best way.
Tips for Booking Umrah Packages
- Always look for at least 5 to 6 different packages before booking one.
- Check the company’s legal status and customer feedback in detail prior to paying in advance.
- Make sure you bargain properly to cut costs.
- Ensure that the deal you are booking is ATOL protected and IATA certified.
- Confirm hidden charges and cancellation policies as well.
The travel agency you select for your Umrah trip can make or break your trip. So, be careful while doing so. In the recent decade, Muslims Holy Travel has gained immense popularity among UK Muslims. Contact them to book a deal as per your preferences.
