7 Common Mistakes When Travelling for Umrah

Booking a trip for Umrah whether it's for yourself or for a larger group can be a daunting task with what seems like endless offerings and research to scavenge your way through. Travelling for Umrah is different from any other vacation and requires additional research and planning so you can avoid any headaches that can put a damper on your overall experience. With the added restrictions and safety protocol put in place in the past couple years it is especially important for travellers to do their research and make sure they are well prepared prior to departure. 

With Umrah Companions we pride ourselves in our brand’s honesty and transparency. We want to ensure our travellers know exactly what they are getting with our Umrah packages and that is why we introduced Umrah Academy. Umrah Academy is a comprehensive course covering all aspects of the Umrah travel industry so you can become an Umrah expert and ensure a perfect experience for yourself and your loved ones. Once you complete UmrahAcademy, you will be certified as an Umrah Consultant and can guide people in your community to make the right choices for their next Umrah booking!. Visit UmrahAcademy.com today to sign up. Whether it is your first time or you are returning to the holy cities, we want to help ensure you always have a superior experience, everytime. 

Below we have outlined some common mistakes people make when selecting an Umrah package. 

Not doing your Research

Prior to booking your Umrah package it is important to do a sufficient amount of research to make sure you are getting good value for the price you are paying. Although it is unfortunate there are a lot of scams out there so if it sounds too good to be true make sure you do research before providing any personal or payment information. There are plenty of reputable companies out there so there’s no need to take any unnecessary risk. Compare prices, read reviews, check out the brand’s social media, speak directly to a representative so you can make sure you know exactly what you are getting with your Umrah package. 

Research and make a list of everything you want to do and see while visiting the holy cities so you can select an Umrah package that allows you to fit in everything you want to do. 

Not knowing everything that is included in your Umrah package

When booking an Umrah package people commonly fail to thoroughly understand everything that is included in the package and the price they are paying. To avoid hidden fees and unexpected costs make sure to read the fine print and ask questions prior to giving your payment. Compare prices and offerings amongst several companies to ensure you are getting a good price for what is included in the Umrah package you have selected. Umrah Companions offers DIY Umrah packages allowing you to customize your experience including the hotel, transport, excursion options and more so you can ensure you are getting everything you want and not sacrificing price. 

Not being organized

In order for your trip to run smoothly you must make sure you are organised and well informed of the rules and restrictions in place at your time of travel. All your documents for each traveller in your group should be in order and ready to go whenever you need them. 

Also to alleviate unnecessary stress, ensure you are well aware of the policies in place in the holy cities and you have what you need upon arrival including passports for each traveller, up to date vaccination records, Umrah visa documentation, money etc.  

Paying too much for your Umrah package

There are endless affordable Umrah packages out there so take some time to compare prices and find the best value for what you are looking for. Umrah Companions wants to ensure Umrah is accessible to everyone no matter their budget which is why we offer our packages at three different price options: VIP, economy and budget. 

Also prices of Umrah packages can fluctuate depending on when you travel so having flexibility in your travel dates can help you find the best deal. Check out a few dates and do research on when the best times to visit the holy cities are so you can find the Umrah package right for you.

Booking your Umrah package in advance could also help you secure the best deal. The sooner you book you also allow yourself more time to prepare and budget so you don’t spend unnecessary money. Plus, if something comes up you have more time to rectify the situation prior to travelling. 

Not getting travel insurance

Another common mistake when travelling for Umrah is not getting travel insurance. To avoid added stress and costs surrounding the unknown it is wise to make sure you obtain travel insurance prior to your departure so you are covered against medical expenses and cancellations in the case of an emergency. It is important to note that travel insurance must be purchased prior to departing your country of residence. 

Not being prepared for your Umrah journey

Travelling for Umrah is far different than travelling for leisure. Do research so you know what to expect, what to pack and how to get the most out of your spiritual journey. Be sure to check the weather prior to departure so you can pack appropriate attire and supplies. Visit umrahcompanions.com/blog where you will find a comprehensive packing list to help prepare you as well as tips when visiting the holy cities. 

To make the most of your journey, ensure every member, especially children in your group is familiar with the importance and purpose of performing Umrah so they can fully appreciate the experience. 

Not following the rules and policies 

While visiting the holy cities for Umrah travellers must follow the rules and regulations that are in place in Saudi Arabia. Familiarize yourself and your party with the customs and laws upon arrival into the country as well as once you are in Makkah and Madinah to avoid any problems. Failing to do so could lead to you getting kicked out of the country or worse. If you are travelling with a group, your guide should be well versed in these rules and can help educate you on these during your pilgrimage; however, if you have any additional questions prior to travelling you are welcomed to email us at support@umrahcompanions.com and we will be happy to clarify anything for you. 

Not choosing accommodations in safe areas

Especially when travelling with children, elders or alone, choosing accommodation in safe areas is important. Do some research before you book your Umrah package so you can select the hotel right for you. Umrah Companions offers accommodations that are within walking distance to the sites or hotels that require vehicle transportation on the ground transportation to provide added safety for our travellers no matter how far of a distance you need to travel. 

Conclusion

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes when booking your Umrah package you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Do your research, plan ahead and ask questions so you can have the Umrah experience you dreamed of. Visit UmrahAcademy.com today to become an Umrah Consultant and create the perfect Umrah trip for you and your friends and family!

At Umrah Companions our 24/7 support team is eager to answer any of your queries prior to booking, during and also throughout your journey. Our Umrah packages, prices and offerings are hard to beat so you can have peace of mind knowing you are getting a good deal and an even better experience. 

About the Author

Lindsay has been with Funadiq since 2021 as a part of our digital marketing team. After studying marketing at the University of Guelph in Canada, Lindsay joined our Canadian team and has shed her expertise and knowledge over the course of several months with the company.