Umrah travel requires extensive financial planning and expenses. To travel with Umrah tours packages is just like traveling for any other foreign trip i.e. you have to arrange all of your travel and accommodation demands. However, the cost of Umrah travel varies for every individual depending upon;
Type of services opted for.
Season of travel.
Time of booking.
Extent of services and exclusivity; i.e. 3-star economy to 7-star luxury.
However, on average, the economy Umrah cost starts at $900, going up to $3,000 or more for luxury packages.
Here’s what you need to know about the Umrah costs and how to budget for it efficiently.
Fixed Costs – Visa and Flight Ticket:
Some of the Umrahs costs are fixed, you cannot compromise on them. Such as the visa fee, travel agency fee and flight ticket expenses are among the fixed costs for Umrah travel.
While the Flight prices may vary based on factors like travel time and airline choice, the duration of stay in Makkah and Madinah does not affect these costs. That’s why when booking a flight, it’s advised to explore a variety of options and then opt for a particular one.
Varied Costs – Accommodations, Food, Souvenirs, and Tours:
Expenses related to hotels, meals, shopping, and tours can easily change based on the number of days you are planning to spend in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as well as individual preferences.
That’s why you must always look for a reputable travel agency offering comprehensive Umrah packages that have extensive partnerships with top airline and hospitality service providers. All in all, getting you the best deals for your pilgrimage.
Budgeting Tips:
Financial buffer for emergencies:
Pilgrims should ensure sufficient savings for their pilgrimage travel despite the necessary expenses. In other words, you must have a financial buffer to assist you in case of any medical emergency or other unforeseen incidents in the kingdom.
The overall cost for Umrah travel ranges from $900 to $3,000 for a majority of Umrah pilgrims. Therefore, you must spare at least $500 to $1,000 and keep them for any unexcepted situations separately.
Preferably carry this type of amount in cash (Saudi Riylas) before you depart for the holy journey.
Understand the type of Packages you want:
While travelers can arrange for their accommodations and transport separately, booking with a travel agency offers you more options in terms of the Umrah packages you can hire based on your affordability and demand.
With customizable options for group Umrah travel and private Umrah travel, you can leave all the management hassles to your travel agent. You can offer the holy rotulas easily while your travel agents take care of all the pilgrimage services for you. such as;
Air transportation.
Ground transportation.
Hotel accommodations.
Insurance.
Visas.
On-ground support.
Budgeting for Food and Drinks:
Plan a reasonable amount for your daily meals, because only premium travel packages offer complimentary breakfast at the hotel premises.
Choosing Travel Times:
Choose an off-peak travel season for a budget-friendly Umrah experience.
Prebook your travel and accommodation for the best deals.
Buy flights during the less busy times of the day i.e. late night or early morning.
Travel during weekdays, rather than weekends.
Individual vs. Group Packages:
Group Packages are a cost-effective choice but fixed schedules and accommodations on a sharing basis are what you have to compromise on with them. Therefore, making them suitable for those comfortable with group travel.
Individual Packages, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility in scheduling and hotel/travel choices, making it ideal for travellers with specific needs or preferences.
Additional Travel Costs:
SIM Cards: Pilgrims can obtain prepaid SIM cards at the airport upon their arrival in Makkah for communication. It is also mandatory for app registration with Tawakalna and Eatmarna.
Souvenirs and Shopping: Specify a fixed budget for your shopping and souvenir purchases in the kingdom and stay within it.
Travel Insurance: Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers your accidental injuries/illnesses, tips cancellations and delays. Â
Visa assistance:
Get your Umrah visas managed through the channel of a Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah-certified travel agent to avoid visa refusals and save costs.
That’s how you must budget and expect to spend with your December Umrah Packages.
