Umrah is a spiritual pilgrimage that allows millions of people to perform this sunnah and cry their hearts out in front of Allah Almighty for all the past sins and wrongdoings. You can choose the best Umrah packages Bradford to embark on this rewarding journey, whether you intend to come alone or with a family. However, it requires careful planning, especially for those who are travelling from a different country. Sometimes, neglecting crucial things can make the journey complicated for the pilgrims. If you want to make your Umrah journey comfortable and hassle-free, then keep reading till the end to know about the mistakes that can be hurdles in the way of your peaceful pilgrimage.
- Applying too Late for Flights
Many pilgrims apply too late for the flights and wait for the last available time to book their intended flight, thinking they might be able to land the best deal. Keep in mind that there are only a few chances to get your intended flight on the planned date and time. It is always good to be early to increase your chances of getting the desired slot. If you apply late, you might also miss any discounts for solo or group travel. Moreover, there are also almost no chances of rectifying any scheduling mistake made by you during applying as last-minute flight changes are not considered due to maximum booked seats and short time.
Moreover, the limited availability of seats and higher airfare at the last minute make things more complicated for the pilgrims. Hence, many pilgrims fall prey to difficulties due to their wrong choice of flights driven by last-minute stress.
- Choosing the Wrong Travel Agent
This is another mistake that is seen commonly among first-time pilgrims. They might choose unreliable or unlicensed travel agents to facilitate their pilgrimage. Due to this, many pilgrims face scams and poor service from the travel agent. To escape such complications, verify the credentials of the travel agency you are considering. One can also see the reviews of that travel package not only on their official website but also on other social platforms like Google Reviews or Reddit, etc.
Moreover, it is also possible to check their authentication from the Saudi authorities. Another thing to do is to take recommendations from those who have previously gone for Umrah. These measures can ensure a safe and convenient Umrah from your home country to Makkah.
- Ignoring Visa Documents
Getting a visa is a very crucial step in preparing for Umrah. You need to apply timely manner before the intended date of your flight so you can avoid any on-time inconvenience. The ideal time to apply for the visa is two to three weeks before your departure. It is quite a lengthy process that involves preparing the required documents, uploading them and tracking the visa application. It is also important to check the validity of your final visa. Many people apply at the last due to which they have to face complications like delay in visa or even rejection due to incomplete or missing documents.
Remember to keep important documents like your passport with the required validity, passport-size photos and vaccination documents (for meningitis, etc). Check your passport carefully and see if it has more than six months before expiration. Also, keep checking the official Umrah website and the Saudi rules while collecting the documents.
- Booking Inconvenient Accommodation
Another important thing that you should avoid is booking inconvenient accommodation. Umrah demands extensive walking during tawaaf and sa’i, due to which it can be exhausting, especially for the elderly. Many pilgrims opt for the cheap hotels or other accommodation options, even though they are far from the House of Allah. Saudi Arabia has hot and dry weather most of the year, and the extreme heat is often intolerable during peak times of the day. Those having elderly and children with them must not overlook comfort over the cheap prices of the hotel.
When pilgrims travel long distances through public buses, they fall prey to fatigue and have low energy to complete tawaaf and sa’i. Ultimately, it decreases the overall spiritual experience of the pilgrim. To escape such hurdles, make sure that affordability and convenience go hand in hand. Do not compromise comfort for a cheap price. Book a hotel that is not more than 500 meters from the grand mosque and offers basic amenities, covering breakfast and transportation between the hotel and the Haram.
- Plan Budget Realistically
Another common mistake that many pilgrims make is solely relying on their travel agency for the whole time in Saudi Arabia. They do not consider the hidden costs that require you to take some money for such things as transportation, laundry, and shopping. While you book the Umrah packages Bradford for your pilgrimage, focus on the services they provide, whether it’s about travel, meals or accommodation. Some of them often surprise you with extra charges for meals, laundry and other services. When planning to book an Umrah package, note that there are many options, including the standard deals as well as luxury ones.
If you are tight on budget, then go for the option that promises a comfortable and convenient stay with guided transportation. Also, learn about their inclusions and exclusions to avoid future hurdles. Hence, planning the budget realistically plays a huge role in a stress-free Umrah voyage.
- Overpacking the Luggage
Do not just pack everything in your luggage, as it will just make it heavy, and you will have to pay extra at the airport for carrying it with you. Pilgrims often take restricted items without understanding the rules of the airport and the country they are visiting. This results in a delay in processing at the airport that can increase the chances of missing the flight. Hence, it is important to reach the airport on time so that any unexpected situation does not affect your journey.
Another major mistake that pilgrims make is forgetting the essentials like ihram, medicines and adaptors. This can cause many problems and you cannot concentrate on the spiritual purpose of Umrah. Before packing, make a list of the essentials that are not to miss. Put them in the luggage first, followed by the other things.
Taking into account the weather, Saudi Arabia has hot weather most time of the year.
Pack the clothes depending on the temperature during your visit. Light and breathable clothes are ideal for the summer, while you need to pack smartly for winter. While men must carry two unstitched white pieces of clothing during Umrah but women can wear any modest clothing as long as it is not revealing and covers their head and body properly.
- Neglecting Physical and Spiritual Preparation
Amidst the packing, applying for a visa and other chores, do not forget about preparing yourself physically and spiritually for this spiritual journey. Invest one to two hours of the day in exercising to stay physically fit. You need to walk long distances during tawaaf and sa’i, so build enough stamina by walking daily. Also, keep yourself hydrated and build a habit of drinking more than eight glasses of water daily. It prevents one from fatigue and fainting during the ritual.
Spiritual preparation is something not to be neglected. Understand the importance of Umrah and make yourself regular in prayers and Quran recitation. It will not only strengthen your connection to Allah but also make your pilgrimage more spiritual and rewarding.
Wrap Up
Are you planning to embark on the Umrah pilgrimage through Umrah packages Bradford? Keep the above points in mind before applying for Umrah to avoid common mistakes in visa application. Sign up for the best Umrah of your life with Muslims Holy Travel!
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