Are you looking for a cheap Umrah Tour from UK? You’re not alone. Every year thousands of UK Muslims undertake this pilgrimage visiting Makkah and Madinah in order to find some spiritual solace. But a many pilgrims find that the cost of flights, hotels and other expenses can really add up. The good news is that with savvy planning, research and strategic booking, you can save a whole lot of money. So here are tips and resources for travelling financially responsibly, for how to save on flights and accommodation (but not comfort or convenience).
Best Time to Book Flights for an Affordable Umrah Tour from UK
Flying to Saudi Arabia can cost thousands of dollars depending on the season. Here’s how to score the best deals:
1. Book in Advance
Airfare often rises as the departure date approaches. Booking your flight at least 3 to 6 months in advance may make it easier for you to lock in lower prices.
2. Avoid Peak Seasons
Flights are suddenly very pricey during Ramadan, school breaks, and December. It is best, if possible, to conduct your Umrah at off-peak times (mid-January to March or September to November) in order to save a considerable amount of money.
3. Use Fare Comparison Websites
Websites such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak are helpful, as they allow you to compare prices from various airlines, so you can find the cheapest option available.
4. Opt for Connecting Flights
Direct flights from the UK to Jeddah or Madinah are usually pricier. Sometimes flying to Istanbul, Dubai or Doha as a layover is cheaper than a direct flight.
5. Subscribe to Airlines Newsletters and Alerts
Many airlines give exclusive discounts to subscribers. You can sign up for newsletters also from British Airways, Saudi Airlines, and Qatar Airways, which will give you a head start on fares before they are released to the general public.
6. Leverage Frequent Flyer Miles and Credit Card Points
For frequent travelers, you can use your air miles or credit card points to get a discounted flight or even a free one for Umrah.
How to Save on Accommodation for Your Umrah Tour
After the cost of your inexpensive flight, the biggest expense is your accommodations. Here’s a way to get a discount on your hotel stay:
1. Stay in Budget Hotels or Apartments
Luxury hotels are close to the Haram and can be quite expensive. Or, stay in low-cost hotels or serviced apartments with kitchen facilities where you can prepare your own meals for savings.
2. Book Early
Like flights, booking accommodation well in advance helps you find the best rates. Many hotels in Makkah and Madinah offer early bird discounts.
3. Use Hotel Comparison Sites
Websites like Booking. and Trivago let you compare hotel prices and read guest reviews before you book a decision.
4. Consider Staying Slightly Farther from the Haram
Rooms near the Haram are pricier. Staying a little farther away and utilizing hotel shuttle services can be an enormous money saver.
5. Look for Package Deals
Most travel agencies provide package for Umrah Tour from UK for flights, hotels, and transportation at a significantly lower rate than booking individually.
6. Use Loyalty Programs
If you stay at a certain hotel chain often, see if they have a loyalty program that you can join that will give you a certain percentage off or get you free nights or free breakfast.
Additional Cost-Saving Tips
1. Travel in a Group
Family or group travel: Traveling with family or a group can reduce costs, as some accommodation, transportation, and in some cases food costs are shared.
2. Book Through a Trusted Umrah Agent
UK-registered Umrah agents have a wide range of special discounts and package deals that cover everything from processing your visa to transportation.
3. Opt for Public Transport or Shared Taxis
Makkah and Madinah Travels: Instead of using Private taxis, travel on shared taxis and public transport to save on travel costs.
4. Eat at Local Restaurants
Eating at five-star hotels carries a hefty price tag. Eating in at local restaurants or self-catering can dramatically reduce your food bill.
Conclusion
Umrah is a highly spiritual journey, but money should not come in your way. And you can make the Umrah Tour from UK more affordable by planning flights and hotels in good time, cross-checking comparison sites, etc. Whether you’re going solo or bringing along family, these budget-friendly tips will allow you to concentrate on the spiritual parts of your journey rather than stressing over the numbers. With careful preparation, you can make this holy pilgrimage without spending tons of money.
