Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage that millions of Muslims perform in the city of Mecca. Muslims from all over the world come here to worship one Allah (SWT). The Kaaba and the Masjid al-Haram are the only sacred sites where pilgrims meet their fellow brothers from diverse backgrounds.
It's a non-mandatory and recommended act of devotion and pilgrims can perform as often as they want. Because there are no restrictions. Umrah trips can only be done by package booking whether you choose 3, 4, or 5-star Umrah packages. The Umrah holds great significance for all Muslims as it's an act of worship and a spiritual journey that supports them to get closer to their creator Allah (SWT).
But the question arises is that: How much in advance a person should book an Umrah trip? Let's dive into the depth of this in detail.
How early should you Book the Umrah Trip?
Booking your Umrah journey early provides various benefits. Firstly, it allows you to secure demanded lodging at selected sites near the Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet's (PBUH) Mosque in Medina. Also, early booking provides better flight opportunities and budget-friendly prices.
Now we will discuss various categories of advance booking.
Early Booking (6-12 Months in Advance):
Booking your Umrah trip six to twelve months in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons or prefer specific accommodations. Early booking gives you a chance to preserve budget-friendly prices but also guarantees availability and allows adequate time for visa arrangements.
Mid-Range Booking (3-6 Months in Advance):
If you're comfortable with your travel dates and residence, booking your Umrah trip three to six months early can still offer decent choices while possibly choosing some budget-friendly options. On the other hand, accessibility may be more restricted, particularly during peak seasons, and costs may begin to get more expensive as the travelling date gets closer.
Last-Minute Booking (Less Than 3 Months in Advance):
The preparations of booking a personal Umrah trip at the last minute will likely come with uncertainties such as
- Higher prices
- Limited availability
- Potential visa processing delays
Last-minute bookings are best suited for those with affordable expensive travel plans or those seeking last-minute packages. However, for a hassle-free and carefully planned pilgrimage experience, early booking is great.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR EARLY UMRAH BOOKING:
Cost:
One of the key factors to take into consideration for many pilgrims before booking is the cost of their journey for the Pilgrimage. Unlike other travel initiatives, the costs of Umrah packages can oscillate based on needs, wants and time of year. Commonly, booking your trip well early can help you secure budget-friendly packages which will save a lot of your money.
Availability:
Another vital aspect is the availability of flights, accommodations, and other necessary services. As the number of Umrah pilgrims keeps on growing each year, especially during rush/busy seasons such as Ramadan, securing preferred lodging and transportation becomes more difficult. Booking early assures that you have a wider selection of opportunities and can preserve desired dates and accommodations without last-minute trouble.
Visa Processing:
According to your nationality, acquiring an Umrah visa can be a lengthy procedure. Booking your trip early allows adequate time for visa processing, preventing delays during the procedure. Also, early booking promotes adjustability in case of any unwanted obstruction stands during the visa application procedure.
Peak Seasons:
Ramadan and the months surrounding Hajj, witness an enormous increase of pilgrims to the sacred places of Mecca and Medina. During these rush seasons, the desire for Umrah packages skyrockets, resulting in expensive prices and limited access. Booking early becomes possibly more important if you are planning to undertake Umrah during these busy periods.
Personal Preferences:
Your desires and preferences also play a vital role in suggesting when to book your Umrah trip. If you have already decided on accommodations or travel dates in mind, booking in advance raises the likelihood of satisfying your decision.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, booking an Umrah trip in advance or early is necessary as you may face difficulties with late bookings. Your early must be done at least six to eight months before travelling for Umrah. No matter, in which country you are living booking through a reputable travel agency is crucial. For example, you are travelling from the UK, so you must find the best Umrah travel agency UK to have a smooth and memorable experience.
