10 Mistakes People Make When Booking Cheap Umrah Packages Online

1. Booking Too Late and Paying Higher Prices

Too many pilgrims assume they can snag cheap last-minute Umrah deals by waiting to book right before leaving for Saudi. However, they fail to realise that prices usually go up the closer they get to their travel dates. Everything from flights to hotels, transfers, visa, and Ziyarat tours to Madinah and Makkah can become expensive. Consequently, they miss out on exceptional 5-star Umrah packages they would have enjoyed for less had they booked earlier.

How to Avoid:

• Plan Ahead: Book your Umrah at least 3 to 6 months in advance for the best rates and discounts.

• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons:  Look for affordable Umrah deals outside Ramadan and school holidays for a budget trip.

2. Selecting the Cheapest Umrah Package Without Knowing What’s Included

While a phenomenally cheap Umrah package from the UK might look good, it may come with hidden costs for visa, airport transfers, and other expenses. Some may also feature low-quality accommodations located very far from the Haram. So, while certain Umrah packages all inclusive deals may fit well within your budget, neglecting to check the inclusions and what exactly you're paying for can be a costly mistake.

How to Avoid:

• Browse Package Details: Always check what an Umrah package includes, how much it costs, possible additional expenses, and other details before you book.

• Prioritise Needs: What do you need the package for your Umrah trip to cover? Confirm that it includes visa, flights, hotels, transfers, Ziyarat tours, and other essentials.
• Compare Prices: Gauge package costs, Umrah agency competency, and other vital factors to decide on a deal that perfectly fits your requirements.

3. Not Checking the Distance of the Hotel to Haram

Choosing the right hotel for your stay is as important as finding the cheapest time to go Umrah. Some cheap Umrah packages offer low-cost accommodations that are often far from Haram, requiring daily taxi rides or private transfers that add up in cost. Additionally, the excess travel time may leave you exhausted and affect your Umrah experience. Moreover, some of these accommodations may be located in areas that have nothing much to offer in terms of mosques, shops, food, and more nearby.

How to Avoid:

• Check the Distance to Haram: If the hotel is too far from the Masjid al-Haram, inquire if there is public transport in the vicinity or if the hotel provides a shuttle service.

• Find Out What's Nearby: Browse the map and reviews online to see what's around the hotel. Ideally, there should be mosques, restaurants, shops, hospitals, and other essentials within walking distance.

4. Ignoring Umrah Visa Processing Time

In addition to overlooking the current prices for Umrah visa, many pilgrims forget to factor in the time it takes for the entire visa process. Instead, they book Umrah packages with flights and hotel deals prematurely before getting their visa approval, which may lead to cancellations, delays, and additional fees. This is particularly possible when performing Umrah during Ramadan, as it can be a frantic time to plan a trip.

How to Avoid:

• Book with an Agency: Find a reliable Umrah booking agency that processes visas at a reasonable cost as part of their Umrah services.

• Apply in Advance: Make sure to submit all essential documents for your Umrah visa to be approved well in advance of your travel to Makkah.

5. Choosing Indirect Flights to Save Money Without Checking Layover Times

Picking the cheapest Umrah packages with budget flights just to save a few pounds might not be wise. Many deals have super-long layovers in multiple countries, clocking in well over 10 hours and leaving you worn out from jet lag. Also, there may be transit visas or extra hotel stays required in some cases, adding to the overall Umrah cost. As such, these schedules are often inflexible, leading to logistical mishaps and inflated travel costs.

How to Avoid:

• Confirm Flight Details: Carefully check how many layovers a flight has and how long each is. Go ahead with the booking only once you’re satisfied the journey is quick and easy.

• Be Flexible with Payment: Consider paying a bit extra for direct flights for Umrah from London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and other UK cities.

6. Not Confirming Umrah Package Details with the Travel Agency

Unfortunately, there are a few unreliable Umrah travel agencies that advertise deals that don't exist or simply change the final price after booking, whether for an Umrah itinerary 7 days or longer. Alternatively, sometimes pilgrims rush to book a deal without fully confirming what it entails, leading to confusion and disappointment later on. For instance, they may omit to inquire about meals, laundry, and transfer details when booking an Umrah itinerary 10 days, which can be crucial for long trips.

How to Avoid:

• Verify Agency Credentials: Ensure the Umrah agency you book with has the proper license and registration from relevant authorities, authenticating their genuinity.

• Read Reviews: Browse reviews and testimonials online from vetted Umrah travellers who've booked with the agency, as real praise can testify to an agency's legitimacy.
• Get Details in Writing: Ask the Umrah travel agents to email you a copy of everything from flights to the hotel name, transfer costs, Ziyarat tours, visa price, and more.

7. Overpacking and Paying Extra Baggage Fees

Many pilgrims figure out what to do in Madinah (Medina) and Makkah, but they fail to prepare for Umrah journey’s important aspects, such as packing right. Several budget airlines charge exorbitantly for extra luggage, which can be a trap for many first-time Umrah travellers who unknowingly pack more than they need. Avoidable excess baggage fees can end up being costly, quickly transforming affordable travel into an expensive trip.

How to Avoid:

• Check Baggage Allowance: Each airline has varied excess baggage fees, with some allowing only 1 piece of luggage per person. It's crucial to confirm these details before booking the flight.

• Pack Only Essentials: Travel with what's essential to your Umrah trip and avoid everything else. These include Ihram clothing, a prayer mat, passport and travel documents, unscented toiletries, and sun protection.

8. Overlooking the Cancellation & Refund Policy

Most pilgrims prefer booking Umrah packages including flights and hotels as they're convenient and cost-effective. However, there may be unforeseen circumstances due to which one may have to cancel the Umrah trip. When this happens, you may have to incur huge losses in cancellation fees, particularly if you haven't checked the refund and cancellation charges and policies beforehand, as certain cheap Umrah packages are non-refundable.

How to Avoid:

• Check Policies Beforehand: Always read the fine print and ensure the deal has flexible cancellation and refund policies, understanding all associated fees carefully.

• Invest in Travel Insurance: Be financially prepared to handle any kind of emergency, such as trip cancellations, medical urgency, baggage loss, unforeseen travel delays, etc.

9. Not Budgeting for Food, Transport & Add-On Costs

Some cheap Umrah packages don't include transport, laundry, or meals, and food costs near the Haram can be expensive for many Umrah pilgrims. Moreover, whether you're booking an Umrah itinerary 5 days or longer, there may be additional costs, such as souvenirs, tips, and extra meals, for which you need to have a special budget as added financial security. Failing to prepare for these surplus expenses can be catastrophic on your wallet, especially if you're on a budget.

How to Avoid:

• Pick Board Basis Wisely: Choose an Umrah package with half board or full board meals, making meal planning simpler and less expensive.

• Self-Catering Hotels: Secure accommodations with a fully-equipped kitchenette, allowing you to make your own meals without overspending on eating outside.

10. Not Comparing Seasonal Umrah Price Differences

Learning how to book Umrah from UK correctly involves knowing about the high and low seasons to offset travel costs. Many pilgrims erroneously assume Umrah prices are the same year-round, failing to understand that travel costs typically increase during Ramadan and peak pilgrimage seasons. So, while performing Umrah during Ramadan can bring greater blessings, not comparing seasonal costs to plan the journey can lead to higher expenses.

How to Avoid:

• Travel Off-Peak: Book your Umrah during the off-season months of Muharram and Safar post-Hajj, and other cheaper months like April, May, September, and December.

• Plan and Book Early: Booking your Umrah well in advance can help avoid peak-season price hikes, allowing you to budget well for the sacred trip to Saudi Arabia.

Final Thoughts

Booking the right deal is more important than just finding a super-cheap Umrah package from the UK, as it can transform your spiritual journey into one you'll remember for a lifetime. It can make the process hassle-free, smooth, convenient, and without worry, allowing you to travel to Makkah and return with peace of mind.

Therefore, keep the above in mind and learn how to plan Umrah trips like a pro, asking questions, verifying the agency’s credentials, and picking packages that perfectly fit into your budget and match all your expectations.

Spend some time comparing various Umrah prices and deals, and if you’d like help finding a reliable one, let us know. Our Umrah experts can guide you to the best options, ensuring you have an unparalleled and rewarding Umrah experience.

May you be blessed in your journey and may Allah (SWT) accept your Umrah!