Living in the UK, it must not come as a surprise that Muslims are the third-largest group in the country. Ask any adult Muslim about Umrah, and they will tell you that going for Umrah is their first priority and they’ll grab any chance to embark on this holy journey as soon as they can.
However, going for Umrah is not as simple as it appears. They have to consider a lot of factors before planning an Umrah trip and one of them is the cost and selecting the right package. For most of the Muslims, whether rich or poor, Umrah group packages are an excellent option as they offer all the amenities and still come at an affordable price.
In order to find the best group Umrah deals from the UK, you have to put some effort into it. If this is your first time performing Umrah, this guide is here to help.
Step-by-Step Guide to Select a Perfect Group Umrah Deal
The process is slightly technical but not that difficult. And we are sure that you will be able to find an affordable group Umrah deal in a couple of hours.
If you have searched for Umrah packages, we suggest you perform the following steps after clearing the cookies in your web browser. It will help you start afresh and look for the best deals.
Search for the Best Umrah Deals
The process begins with looking for Umrah packages for groups in your city. If you live in London, you would want the flight to leave from London and land at the same airport. The same goes for people living in other big cities like Birmingham and Manchester. If you live in a small town or a city without an airport, look for deals with flights departing from your nearest airport.
Once you have searched for the best deals, open at least 6 packages. Check out the different variations of group packages such as 3 star, 4 star, or 5 star deals. Pick one that is as per your budget.
After you find some good deals, don’t close the other one. You might need to go back to them after knowing about the next steps.
Verify the Travel Agencies
Some pilgrims usually ask their friends and family members for a credible travel agency. While this is a great option, not everyone has it. Hence, they have to search the agency on their own and verify it as well. Here are some pointers that will lead you in the right direction while finding an Umrah tour operator.
ATOL Protection
The first thing to look for is ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing). It is a UK-based financial scheme that ensures travelers won’t lose money or get stuck in case their travel agency fails.
Ministry of Hajj Approved
In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah certifies different tour operators from all over the world. The list is available on their official website. Go through it and look for the companies that you have shortlisted.
Reviews and Testimonials
After the above two steps, find the reviews and customer feedback of these companies so you can know what their services are actually like. While doing so, read the detailed reviews as well. It will tell you about the company in more depth and how they treated their customers till the end of their journey. Don’t fall for companies that have flashy reviews; it is probably a marketing stunt.
If a company fails at one of the steps above, don’t consider them anymore. There are plenty of options and you will be able to find a good one within no time.
Check What Is Included in the Deals
Now that you have shortlisted some deals and agencies, it is time to get into the details of these best group Umrah deals. Here is how you can ensure that you are selecting a good deal.
Visa Processing
Almost every Umrah package comes with a visa processing facility. Double-check with the service provider to ensure that it is included in your deal as well.
Accommodation
Look for the hotels that are included in these deals. Economy packages usually have basic hotels that are around one to two kilometers away from Masjid al Haram. Mid-range deals come with hotels usually within an 800-meter radius of the mosque, while premium deals offer VIP properties that are around 300 meters away from the mosque.
Apart from this information, you must also check out the level of services and amenities in the rooms. In group deals, pilgrims are offered shared rooms. If you are going with your family or friends, you will probably share a room with them.
Flights
Your flights are booked when you confirm the travel dates. As these deals are cheaper than the other packages, it is understandable that you will get connecting flights. However, do ask about the airlines and the average layover duration.
Meals
Group Umrah packages from the UK usually come with breakfast buffets. It is an excellent feature, as you can start your day with a fulfilling meal. Some premium deals may also include lunch and dinner, but they are very costly. We would suggest you don’t add such options to your package. There are plenty of food spots around both holy cities where you can find quality local and international cuisine without breaking the bank.
Transport and Ziyarat Tours
You are going to need transport the moment you land in Jeddah to reach your hotel in Makkah. Hotel to airport and vice versa commuting is typically added to all packages. Many also offer Makkah to Madinah bus tickets. Some premium group deals come with shared transport for ziyarat services as well. Check what your deal is offering and how it impacts the overall cost of doing Umrah from the UK.
Duration of the Package
Group Umrah is available for various durations starting from five to thirty days. As you increase the number of days, the cost of the package also goes up. This is where you have to select the right duration of the package. Typically a seven-day itinerary is good enough as you can not only perform Umrah a couple of times but also explore the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah without rushing things.
Customer Service & Support
Ask your tour operator what kind of customer support and service they offer. Do they have any on-ground support mechanism in case of an unfortunate event like theft or robbery? Or will they only guide you on the phone? Most deals come with the services of a group leader that also acts as a guide while performing Umrah rituals.
Bargain the Final Price
The last and most important thing is to bargain the total price. Tour operators usually have high profit margins in group deals. If you know how to strike a deal with them, you might end up saving 100-200 pounds per person.
Final Words
There is another option for selecting the best group Umrah deals from the UK and that is connecting with Muslims Holy Travel. They are a leading Umrah tour planner in the country and come with decades of experience. Reach out to them and secure your seat in the next group Umrah.
