Saudi Arabia is an ancient land with immense religious importance. It is home to the holiest sites in Islam: the Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Millions of Muslims visit these sacred sites throughout the year to perform Umrah and Hajj for their spiritual growth. While Hajj is annual affair, Umrah can be performed anytime of the year, except the days of the greater pilgrimage.
Out of all the months, Ramadan is preferred by Muslims for Umrah due to high rewards. Holy Prophet (PBUH), in one of his Hadiths, termed Umrah in Ramadan equal to Hajj. This inspires Muslims to go for Umrah, making Mecca and Medina highly crowded. This is where Ramadan Umrah packages come in; they make your trip easy by taking care of all the essential amenities like hotels, flights, intercity transfers and meals.
My Umrah story is no different. As a practicing Muslim living in the UK, I always dreamt of performing Umrah during Ramadan. The idea of experiencing sacred rites in this holy month was compelling. Fortunately, I was blessed with this holy opportunity. In 2024, I was among the 30 million pilgrims who performed Umrah in Ramadan. Overall, the trip was amazing, full of revered opportunities for spiritual growth. But the process of finding the best Ramadan Umrah package was daunting. Here is how I found the best deal for my Umrah trip in Ramadan:
1- Researched Travel Agencies
I researched online and read reviews of different agencies, offering Umrah deals. Trip Advisor and Google reviews provided me with valuable insights into the experiences of other pilgrims. I also took suggestions from experienced pilgrims in my circle. My local mosque Imam also helped me a lot in narrowing down my choices. Thanks to all these people and websites for pointing out the must-haves in the best Umrah deal:
- A well-structured plan, covering all the Umrah rites and significant sites.
- Hotels close to the Holy Kaaba and Prophet’s Mosque.
- Clean, comfy lodges with modern amenities.
- Provision of Suhoor and Iftar during Ramadan.
- Expert guides to assist with the rituals and provide historical information.
- Smooth airport transfers and local transport.
- 24/7 customer support services.
2- Picked the Right Package
After knowing what to check in a Ramadan Umrah deal, I geared up my research about the agencies and looked closely at their services. Finally, I found a reputable travel agency that met all the standards. It was none else than Muslims Holy Travel, one of the leading travel agencies of the current era.
They provided me with an array of Ramadan Umrah deals with different prices and services. It was up to me to choose either a cheap package with basic facilities or a deluxe deal with more comfortable options. Thus, I picked their 5-star Ramadan Umrah package. The deal offered return Umrah tickets from London to Jeddah, visa processing, luxury lodges close to the holy sites, hygienic meals, guided tours, and on-ground support.
How the Best Ramadan Umrah Package Benefited Me?
I am grateful that I picked the best package. We know Ramadan is the peak season for Umrah. Only careful planning and timely arrangements can make it a hassle-free trip. 5-star deals elevated my journey in many ways:
1- Ensured Smooth Traveling
The deal included round-trip flights from the London Heathrow Airport. This eliminated the stress of booking flights separately. I only bought the deal and the rest was handled by the travel agency. It covered all the logistics, including airport transfers and intercity rides. Indeed, the company fulfilled its promise of a hassle-free trip. The flight was very comfortable and the crew provided us with Halal food for Iftar.
2- Offered Top-Class Lodges
The quality of the lodges exceeded my expectations. A private car carried me from airport to the Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah. Located one-minute walk away from Kaaba, this hotel was the epitome of luxury. The spacious rooms were equipped with free Wi-Fi and air conditioners. I enjoyed healthy Suhoor and delicious Iftar at the hotel’s famous onsite eatery. Its prime location helped a lot in upscaling my Umrah trip. I could easily move between the Holy Kaaba and the hotel and spent a lot of time while praying.
When landed in Medina, a lavish room in the Anwar al Madinah Movenpick Hotel was waiting for me. It was just a 7-minute walk from the Masjid e Nabwi (PBUH), allowing me to visit the mosque without any hassle. The room was air-conditioned with a spacious seating area and a free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s 5 dining eateries provided me with nutritious and delicious Suhoor and Iftar meals throughout my stay.
3- Provided Guided Services
Being a first-time pilgrim, I was unsure of many Umrah rites. The agency’s guides helped me do Umrah in the right way and provided informative insights into each act. They also gave me prayer cards to recite during the trip.
Their knowledge about the historical and religious value of many sites enriched my spiritual experience. The deal included guided tours to the Cave of Hira and Thawr, Arafat & Uhud Mounts, and Quba mosque. Indeed, visiting these sites strengthened my faith.
4- Ensured a Smooth Pre-Departure and Arrival
Before leaving, the agency guided me on health cautions, packing, and religious practices. This ensured that I was well-prepared for the holy trip. Upon arrival in Jeddah, a private vehicle whisked me away to my hotel in Mecca. It allowed me to settle in quickly and begin my Umrah. The transport between Mecca and Medina was also a great relief for me.
All in all, finding the best Ramadan Umrah deal made my trip better and worth every penny. If you are also looking for a reliable travel agency, I highly suggest Muslims Holy Travel. Visit their website now and browse through various Umrah packages to make an informed decision.