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I always wanted to witness the sight of Kaaba at least once in my life. My prayers got answered when I performed my Umrah journey two months ago. However, I had to face many problems as a first-time pilgrim, so I deided to share my experience with you all. Whether it's about selecting the right Umrah packages Manchester or avoiding problems during your Umrah, this article has got everything covered for you. So, make the coming content your centre of attention to avoid any hurdles during your Umrah pilgrimage.

Let’s get straight into it!

Planning Your Pilgrimage

The first thing you need to do is to plan your Umrah from Manchester. This includes your month of departure from your home country to Makkah. I suggest you be very vigilant while selecting any Umrah deal. Staying careful saves you from scams and fraud. If you are someone who wants to avoid crowds and fulfil the rituals in a more calm ambience, then you should avoid the peak season. This is helpful because it helps you embark on the pilgrimage at a lower price.

Choose the Right Package

Make sure to check if your desired travel agency comes under the reliable ones in Manchester. Also, see if your chosen deal also covers basic amenities such as flights, hotels and transport. There are many Umrah deals that offer different amenities depending on your budget. Pilgrims need to select the one that aligns perfectly with their comfort demands. You can select from the economy, standard, all-inclusive and other Umrah packages. I chose the last one for a seamless Umrah experience.

Make sure to check that your Umrah deal is ATOL or IATA certified. I also double-checked it to ensure a safe journey. As you will be travelling to a whole strange country where finding hotels and managing budget-friendly meals can be a challenge. I recommend that you choose a deal that covers your flights, hotel and transport in Saudi Arabia.

Learn Visa Processing

You need to apply for a visa well in advance so you can take your flight on the intended date. I did not want to encounter any troubles near the time of my flight so I applied for my visa two months before departure. If you are also planning your Umrah journey soon then start preparing your documents now. The first thing you need to see is the expiry date on your passport. Your passport should have more than 6 months of expiry at the time of applying for a visa. You should thus apply for the renewal of your passport if there is less time left.

You also need to upload your vaccination certificate to the visa portal. Those living in Manchester should have the meningitis vaccine if they want to travel to Saudi Arabia. Muslims will need to upload their ID and passport photos with a white background along with filling out the application form.

Book Flights from Manchester

Booking flights from Manchester is a key step for an easy Umrah journey. I would suggest you compare different airlines operating in the country and select the ones that align with your comfort needs and budget demands. There are many good airlines in the country like Qatar Airways and Saudia. What you need to do is select one after comparing their prices.

Many airlines offer discounts during different parts of the year. It is thus better to start your search early to grab the best discount out there. Many think that the airfares stay the same throughout the whole week. But it is not really true. The rates keep fluctuating, with the lowest rate being on midweek. Weekends are usually crowded, so you will see fewer discounts.

Make sure to check the luggage allowances to avoid any problems. This is because you will have to carry souvenirs and gifts on your return, and exceeding the luggage limit might require you to give in your time, energy and money.

Choose the Right Hotel

Choosing the right hotel plays a huge role in elevating your overall Umrah experience. First, I was chasing the cheaper option while selecting hotels. Then I realised that I need to focus on proximity to the Haram instead of just pouring all my attention on the room price.

Remember that Umrah is a physically demanding process because you need to go through an extensive walk during tawaf and sa’i. You should thus opt for a hotel that is no more than 3 to 5 minutes walking distance from the House of Allah Almighty. If your residence is a bit farther away then make sure that there is a free shuttle service to take you to the grand mosque.

I went with my family, so we selected hotels with connected rooms to keep ourselves close to the kids. You can also do the same, especially if you have children or the elderly with you. Moreover, shared rooms can help you save a significant amount by distributing it among each pilgrim. Last but not least, do not forget to check the reviews of your target hotel on different social platforms including the official website of your Umrah Packages Manchester.

Pack the Right Stuff

Many people do not focus much on packing for their pilgrimage. Let me tell you, you’re missing a lot by not packing wisely. Putting the right clothes in your luggage is very important. I went in winter, so my bag had some pairs of socks, some jackets and two shawls.

If you are planning to go in the summer, then make sure to pack light and modest clothing. Men should pack two white unstitched pieces of cloth as an Ihram. On the other hand, females need to pack any dress that must cover their entire body except their hands and face.

I was thankful to myself for keeping a pair of sandals that made my journey super comfortable. Wearing joggers or uncomfortable shoes might make your feet hurt at the end of the day. However, wearing comfy shoes can save one from getting tired early and allows them to roam more freely in the Haram or in the hotel.

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Do not forget to prepare your heart and mind for one of the best religious journeys of your life. As a person who performed Umrah for the first time, I was so immersed in packing and preparing my documents that I totally forgot the main purpose of my journey. I would strongly suggest that you take time out of your day and focus on learning the rituals of Umrah and understanding their meaning.

Listen to Islamic lectures online or head to your nearby mosque to attend religious sessions. In this way, you will not only learn about your religion but also strengthen your bond with Allah Almighty.

Wrap Up

Umrah is a dream of every Muslim that they want to embark on at least once in their lifetime. I have given my honest guide to do Umrah as a first-time pilgrim so others can learn from my spiritual journey from Manchester to Makkah. Are you also planning to fulfil this sunnah soon? Book your favourite Umrah packages Manchester and follow the above guidelines for a smooth journey. Choose Muslims Holy Travel for a memorable and hassle-free Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah.