Performing an Umrah on a budget is truly a dream of millions of Muslims around the globe. Every Muslim wants to get a chance to stand in front of the sacred house of Allah Almighty and pour their hearts out. However, many of us fail to travel to the Holy Kaaba for this incredible spiritual retreat due to the associated expenses. This is why everyone wants to learn about performing a budget-friendly Umrah to ensure they have the faith-reviving journey without compromising their worldly responsibilities.
Every year, thousands of US Muslims travel to Makkah for their pilgrimage, but there are still thousands who are left behind because of the budget. So, if you don’t want to wait anymore and want to have the faith-reviving journey this year, it is time that you learn how to perform the pilgrimage without overspending. This will enable you to have your dream spiritual retreat without worrying about your pocket. Here is the perfect guide for you.
Essential Tips for a Budget-Friendly Umrah
Set a Realistic Budget
Every trip starts with setting a realistic budget. You must understand the basic costs of Umrah and how you can minimise them. Learn how much Umrah packages from Chicago or your hometown cost and the expense of staying at the holy cities, and set realistic expectations for all the expenses.
Start by breaking down the major expenses, such as Umrah packages, flights, accommodations, transportation, food, and shopping. Then, start researching the basic costs of all these services and plan your budget accordingly.
Start Saving and Planning Early
Starting your planning and preparing as early as possible is the key to having a budget-friendly Umrah. You must also set a goal to save a specific amount each month to afford this spiritual retreat.
If your heart yearns to perform the pilgrimage, but you think you won’t be able to accomplish it anytime soon, the first thing you can do is start saving. Once you start saving for the Umrah and praying to the Almighty to open the doors for you, you will be surprised by the blessings, and you will be performing your pilgrimage in no time.
Plan Your Umrah During Off-Season
As you might already know, you can perform Umrah at any time of the year except for the Hajj days. But there are some times when you are busier than others, and as budget travellers, these are the times that you must avoid. The prices of everything, particularly flights and hotels, skyrocket during the peak season, making it impossible not to overspend.
So, if you have a tight budget, you must plan your Umrah during the off-season. Some ideal times for budget travellers include the months of Muharram, Safar, and Rabi-ul-Awwal. You can also have a more affordable Umrah during the shoulder season, like before Ramadan or after Hajj.
Opt for Affordable Umrah Packages
As a U.S. citizen, you will likely encounter numerous local Islamic travel agencies that offer Hajj and Umrah packages. You must first look for a reliable travel agency in your hometown that the local Saudi Embassy has authorised.
After that, you can compare the services of various travel agencies to check which one offers the most affordable Umrah deals. You will undoubtedly find numerous Umrah packages with varying prices and services. You can look for options that provide flights through budget airlines and offer affordable accommodation. Ensure you select the best option at the most competitive price.
Plan Transport in Advance
Another significant expense of your Umrah journey will be transportation. Therefore, research various transportation options and select the most affordable one before embarking on your spiritual retreat. There are numerous public transportation options, including trains and shuttle buses.
You will also have to travel between Makkah and Madinah. The most affordable and convenient option between these two holy cities is the Haramain train. Undoubtedly, the Saudi authorities have introduced countless reliable services to facilitate the guests of Allah Almighty. Therefore, explore and compare various options before selecting the most affordable one.
Eat Like a Local
You can never avoid overspending during your Umrah if you eat at fancy hotels and restaurants. Eating like a local is the best way to save some money. There are numerous affordable food options available in the region that you can explore.
From delicious street food and affordable restaurants to local supermarkets, there are numerous options for budget-friendly meals nationwide. You can purchase affordable snacks and fresh fruits from supermarkets to keep you full and energised throughout the day.
Embrace Simplicity and Limit Shopping
Understand that you are in the holy cities to perform the pilgrimage and get closer to the Almighty. Therefore, your focus should be on indulging in acts of worship rather than wasting time in malls and shopping at bustling markets. Even if you want to travel, you can explore the sacred and historical sites around the holy cities, enabling you to connect with your religion and avoid overspending.
Final Words
Do you want to perform a budget-friendly Umrah soon? Hopefully, this blog inspired you to stop overtly planning your spiritual retreat. So, it is time to apply for an Umrah visa, plan everything into your budget, and pray to the Almighty to add Barakah to your journey.
