How to Travel for Umrah from Birmingham with Family?

Umrah is a minor/lesser pilgrimage that every Muslim wants to embark on at least once in their lifetime. This sacred journey becomes more fulfilling when you go with your family. People from different countries gather in the Haram to perform the rituals of this sunnah. Are you someone residing in Birmingham who wishes to visit the House of Allah Almighty with your family? If your answer is yes, then you are at the right place. We have written a complete guide that will help you have an optimum spiritual experience with your loved ones. Let’s dive right in without waiting anymore!

Plan the Best Time for Travel

Planning the right time of your travel is important as you can bypass unfavourable circumstances to a large extent. We suggest avoiding the months with extreme weather conditions, such as June and July, as these are super hot in Saudi Arabia. It can be quite challenging, especially for elderly members of the family and kids. You can consider holidays when children are free from school and can enjoy a religious trip to the fullest without worrying about the pending homework. Check peak pilgrimage times and crowd levels before booking your flight. This saves a lot of time and energy that you can invest in your spiritual preparation.

Choose a Reliable Travel Agency in Birmingham

The next step is to choose a reliable travel agency in your city after you decide on a suitable time of departure. Make sure that these are licensed and reputable companies for Umrah deals. You can also head to social platforms like Travel Advisor to check if these also deal with families who want to go for Umrah. This will help you spot those offers that are authentic and provide value for money. A point worth mentioning here is about checking the price transparency. We recommend diving deep into the details of your respective Umrah packages from Birmingham to go through every tiny detail. This will save you from future surprises in the form of hidden charges.

Select the family package that offers enough support in case of emergencies. There are various types of Umrah deals that offer different amenities at different price ranges. If you want such a deal that allows you to pay for all services at once, go for the all inclusive ones. These include hotels, flights and meals all in one cost. Families can put all their attention on the rituals after arriving in Makkah.

Book Flights from Birmingham Airport

The good news is that residents of Birmingham have access to direct flights from Birmingham to Jeddah or Madinah. Those who want to cut short their expenses can also consider flight durations with shorter layover times to add ease to their journey. The next thing that you need to keep in mind is the baggage allowance. Many people ignore this, but you should select a suitable airline that allows you to conveniently carry items such as Zamzam and dates on return.

Arrange Airport and Local Transportation

Figuring out the transportation in a foreign country can be quite challenging. It is thus crucial to book your airport transfers early to stay away from anxiety at the eleventh hour. You do not need to worry about going to your residence on your own after landing in the holy cities. Moreover, many travel agencies also provide a shuttle service that takes you from the hotel to Haram and vice versa. The vehicles are air-conditioned and also have some seats specified for those having mobility issues.

Many packages also provide transfers from one city to another. You can benefit from this service to do ziyarat tours in Madinah. Not only this, but pilgrims can also consider private transfers for safety and convenience.

Secure Umrah Visas and Travel Documents

A visa is a very important document that one needs to prepare before their departure to Saudi Arabia. We recommend applying for it at least 2 or 3 weeks before flying. This is because you can have sufficient time for correction in case of any mistake in filling out the form. But, doing this process at the eleventh hour can cause you serious problems due to delays or cancellations.

It is suggested to start preparing the right documents from now. Make sure that your passport has 6 or more months’ expiry. Check the passports of every member and send them for renewal in case they are not valid. Not only this, but also keep digital and printed copies of these documents for future use. Do not forget to check the requirements of vaccination documents and prepare the medical record to upload to the visa application form.

Many tour operators also apply for the visa on your behalf. They upload the right documents and keep a track of your application for a smooth and error-free process.

Choose a Suitable Hotel

The next thing is selecting the right accommodation for your stay in the holy cities. You will find many hotels suitable for families near the Haram. It is smart to look for those that are within walking distance of Masjid al Haram and Masjid an Nabawi. This is beneficial for elderly members of the family and kids, as it saves them from fatigue caused by travelling.

Look for the family-friendly amenities such as connecting rooms and an extra bed that ensure a convenient stay. See if the hotel has emergency exits and elevators for safety measures.  Always book those hotels that are clean and hygienic and designed by keeping kids in mind.

Spiritual Preparation of Family

Teach your kids about the Umrah rituals and also inform them about the meaning behind each of them. Take out some time and watch online videos of religious scholars to know the accurate way of fulfilling each ritual. Although it is better to remember each dua by heart, you can also keep a diary with written surahs and supplications to recite at particular stages of tawaf and sa’i.

Males and females of the family should know about the rules of Ihram, which are different for both genders. Men should wear two white unstitched pieces of clothing, while women should pack any modest attire that covers their bodies properly, except the face and hands. Set spiritual goals with your family so you can make the most out of your Umrah journey.

Pack Smartly for Family Travel

Many people ignore this part and pack almost everything that they think might be needed during their stay in Saudi Arabia. You should adapt the strategy of packing light and simple. Keep in mind to fill a bag with comfortable shoes and clothes for kids and the elderly. It makes it easy to spend longer times in the Haram while praying. Furthermore, keep unscented hygiene products such as soaps or wipes. This is only mandatory if your hotel does not offer these items.

Moving forward, you should carefully put prescribed medicines as well as regular tablets to treat an allergy. These things should go in a small first-aid kit that stays with you whenever you are outside. Last but not least, a refillable water bottle, a power bank to charge your phone, and a prayer mat also deserve a space in a small bag that you will take to Haram.

Wrap Up

Travelling to the most sacred place on this globe with your family is no less than a dream come true. Umrah is such a pilgrimage that offers immense rewards and unmatched spirituality. We have described some of the tips in the above article that can help you embark on a fulfilling Umrah with your loved ones. Wait no more and choose the best Umrah packages Birmingham by Muslims Holy Travel for a carefree and memorable Umrah journey.