Many Muslims spend their lives saving up for the Umrah journey. This pilgrimage is the dream of every Muslim, but not everyone can afford to perform it. Muslims are always looking for budget-friendly tips to plan Umrah and experience the spiritual renewal this pilgrimage promises. So, if you also yearn to be at the sacred house of Allah Almighty but are worried about your budget, it is time to stop stressing out.
We are here with some exceptional tips to help make your pilgrimage dreams a reality without breaking the bank. Every year, thousands of US Muslims like yourself embark on this spiritual retreat on a budget. You can do it too if you carefully plan and prepare for your journey. Let’s talk about some essential things that will enable you to have a budget-friendly Umrah from the USA soon.
Helpful Tips for an Affordable Umrah
Let’s go through some helpful tips that will help you perform an Umrah without worrying about your budget.
Choose the Right Time for the Pilgrimage
The time that you choose to perform your Umrah will decide how much money you will be spending on the pilgrimage. The costs of everything from Umrah deals to flights and accommodations vary significantly throughout the year. You can expect a drastic increase in costs due to the surge in demand for the pilgrimage.
Millions of Muslims embark on the Umrah pilgrimage during Ramadan, making it the peak season for the voluntary pilgrimage. During this time, everything is overpriced, so it is not ideal for you to plan your pilgrimage on a budget. Other busy times include the holidays. So, if you are looking for an Umrah deal from Seattle, make sure that you choose the time during the off-season. Typically, you will encounter fewer pilgrim crowds immediately after the Hajj season and during Rajab and Safar.
Book Umrah Deals or Flights Early
If you have decided to avail of an Umrah package from a reliable travel agency in your area, you will not have to worry about the basic bookings like flights and hotels. However, you must still book the Umrah deal a few months in advance to enjoy a more affordable cost.
Also, if you plan to book everything separately, you should start looking for flights early. Flights usually take up the most significant chunk of your budget, and last-minute flights cost a lot more than those booked in advance. So, once you have decided on a time to perform the pilgrimage, start looking for the perfect Umrah deals or flights. It is suggested to book everything at least three to four months in advance.
Look for Budget-Friendly Services
Whether you are looking for an Umrah deal, a flight, or an accommodation, you must keep your budget in mind. Browse the market to get familiar with the most budget-friendly services. You will find numerous local travel agencies in the USA offering budget-friendly Umrah deals. Group Umrah packages are another great option for those with a tight budget.
Moreover, look for flights through budget airlines and book more affordable hotels. You have no idea how these small things can help save you a significant amount of money on your pilgrimage. So, make sure that you are vigilant and do your research properly before availing of any services.
Make a Meals Budget
It is easy to exceed the meal budget if you don’t plan everything. There are endless restaurants and food options all over the country. You will also find many luxurious restaurants in Makkah and Madinah. If you plan to eat around the Haramain, be aware that the restaurants here can be pricey. So, make sure that you keep it all in mind while planning your meals.
It is suggested that you indulge in street food or buy meals at the local supermarkets. If you have a kitchen facility, you can also prepare simple meals without spending too much money. Also, carry energizing snacks like dates and biscuits, along with water, at all times.
Use Public Transport
Public transport is the only way to travel around the two sacred cities on a budget. Even though taxis are convenient, they are also costly. Therefore, opt for public transport introduced by the Saudi authorities to facilitate pilgrims in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Numerous hotels also offer free shuttle buses to Haramain, which you can travel through.
Other options include local buses and app-based rides. You can also walk to the pilgrimage sites if your hotel is nearby, and also use the public train that provides services from Makkah to Madinah and vice versa.
Final Words
Umrah is the most spiritually rewarding journey every Muslim yearns for, but not everyone can afford it. If you want to perform it too, but are worried about the budget, it is time that you take help from budget-friendly tips for planning Umrah and apply for the Umrah visa as soon as possible. Make sure not to waste any time planning for your pilgrimage and booking everything in advance.