Muslims all over the world do their best to plan Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a month of blessing in which Muslims fast from sunrise until dawn, observe special events like Itikaf and Laylat al-Qadr, and there is a serene aura overall. Since there is a demand, travel agencies in the UK offer personalised deals to make it easy for Muslims to fulfil their desire to perform Umrah during the holy month. Many are already planning their pilgrimage for Ramadan. With that in mind, here are some useful pointers that will help plan your Ramadan Umrah 2025.
How to make the most of your Ramadan Umrah?
Umrah is a sacred journey, and given the hot climate and the crowds of pilgrims in Mecca, it can be a bit difficult for some who aren’t prepared for it. There are other things that they also need to consider before leaving for the pilgrimage, like what to pack, health and hygiene, and more. The following are important tips that will ensure pilgrims make the most of their Umrah during Ramadan:
1- Plan Ahead
Pilgrims need to plan the details of their pilgrimage ahead of time unless they feel confident that they can manage it after they arrive in Mecca. There are several things to take care of before they leave for the airport, like a hotel stay, transport, memorizing Umrah rituals, and more. It will be very difficult for pilgrims to do all these things after they land in Saudi Arabia. But if they book an Umrah deal, the travel agency will organise everything for them.
2- Pack Smartly
Saudi Arabia's weather is hot for most of the year, but that doesn’t mean the climate is never bearable. Since Ramadan will arrive in late February 2025, Mecca’s climate will be bearable, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 41°C. However, pilgrims need to be prepared, as the weather can get hot at a whim. So, check the weather forecast in advance and pack accordingly.
Also, pack two comfortable pairs of footwear. Pilgrims have to walk long distances, and it takes a toll on their feet. That is why it is essential to pack a pair of cosy footwear. Aside from that, if the pilgrim requires any medication, they should make sure it is packed in their luggage. Overall, the luggage must be lightweight and manageable; pilgrims don’t need to overburden themselves with things that they might not need.
3- Keep Local Currency with You
We live in a digital world where every transaction can be done online or payments can be made through debit or credit cards. Mecca and Medina are no different, and pilgrims can pay through their cards for almost everything.
However, there will be situations where they will need local currency in cash. Sometimes the network is down and payments can’t be made through debit or credit cards, or some vendors don’t have the facility to accept payments digitally. In such cases, pilgrims will avoid the hassle by having some local currency with them. That is why they must keep some cash with them in case of emergencies.
4- Be Patient
As stated, Muslims do their best to perform Umrah in Ramadan to make the most of the blessings of the holy month. Mecca is already crowded for most of the year, and even more so during Ramadan. Huge crowds combined with hot weather can become overwhelming. That is why it is advised that pilgrims mentally prepare themselves and stay calm through the journey.
It is important to be patient since Umrah itself is an exercise in self-control. They gain nothing by losing their cool; the only thing they’ll be doing by losing patience is compromising their pilgrimage. After all, it is a Sunnah, and it must be performed with the purest of intentions and by being calm.
5- Beware of Pickpockets
Even holy places like Kaaba and Masjid e Nabawi aren’t free of pickpockets, and travellers need to be careful. They must only have enough cash with them that they need for the day. This ensures that pilgrims don’t lose all their cash, even if they are pickpocketed.
6- Take Care of Yourself
Pilgrims must prioritise their health and hygiene. If they can afford it, pay a little extra and stay at a reputable hotel to ensure the rooms are clean and hygienic. Water bottles must be with them at all times during Umrah to stay hydrated. As stated, Mecca’s weather is hot most of the year, and pilgrims will sweat a lot. Furthermore, they don’t need to exhaust themselves and should get enough rest; otherwise, they might get sick due to tiredness. Maintaining a balanced diet is important to keep oneself fit and active.
7- Book an Umrah Package Instead of Going Privately
Muslims can perform Umrah either privately or with a travel agency. However, booking a travel package with an agency is recommended for several reasons. The agency has contacts with hotels and airlines and can negotiate better prices for their clients. They organise the entire journey so that pilgrims can focus on their prayers. The overall cost of travel is cheap compared to going privately. The cost of the package can be further reduced if they opt for a group deal.
How to Find the Best Ramadan Packages for Umrah 2025?
Since there are many travel agencies in the UK offering personalised Umrah packages, it can be a bit difficult to decide which is the best option. People can end up paying more for Umrah if they opt to travel with the wrong agency. The following tips will help discern the best travel agency and Umrah deals:
Compare Packages from Multiple Agencies
Don’t settle for the first package; people can always find a better deal. Doing thorough research is vital to find the package that best suits the budget. Compare packages from multiple agencies; some offer better services for the same price, while others charge a lower premium for the same services.
However, a cheap deal isn’t always good, as it can potentially compromise the pilgrimage. Pay a little extra to travel with a reputable agency. Ensure that it’s ATOL and IATA-certified and recognised by relevant authorities.
Check for Hidden Costs
Pilgrims must ensure the package has no hidden costs that they have to pay during Umrah. Read through the cancellation and payment policies, as they will be useful for emergencies. A reputable agency will provide a complete cost breakdown without any excuses.
Communicate Special Requests and Preferences
If travellers have a special request or preference, they should communicate it with their travel agent. If the pilgrim or their partner has any special needs, like a wheelchair or dietary restrictions, it must be communicated before booking the package.
The Wrap up
Performing Umrah during Ramadan is a privilege that not many get. The blessings of the pilgrimage are doubled, and the rewards increase tenfold. These tips will help you plan your Ramadan Umrah 2025. Muslims Holy Travel is one of the leading travel agencies in the UK, offering affordable all-inclusive deals. Visit our website and get a quote for your personalised package.
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