An Umrah trip is the most divine and holy journey for Muslims. The mere site of the House of Allah, the Ka’aba, fills a Muslim with utmost joy. Every month, millions of Muslims from different corners of the world travel to Mecca to perform Umrah. However, some months are preferred for Umrah due to pleasant weather or double rewards. The best months for performing Umrah are Ramadan, November, December, January, and February. December is an ideal month to perform Umrah due to a nice weather. Hence, you’ll see a flurry of December Umrah packages UK on the market.
This guide explains why December is the right time to perform Umrah, the different types of packages, and how to select the best deal as per your preferences and budget.
Why December is the Best Month to Perform Umrah?
There are a few things to consider before you make travel plans. Let’s analyze how Umrah in December relates to these factors.
Firstly, the weather of the host country. Saudi Arabia is known for its simmering heat and dry conditions. The temperature in Mecca can reach up to 45°C in the summer. Combined with the physical toll of Umrah, this can make things hard for pilgrims. December, on the other hand, is the coldest month of the year, with mercury falling as low as 30°C, making it easier for pilgrims to perform Umrah rituals.
Secondly, there is the added benefit of winter holidays. Most parts of the world, especially Europe and North America, have Christmas and New Year breaks during this month. This window makes it easier for Muslims living there to travel and perform Umrah along with their families.
Another reason December Umrah packages are a hit among pilgrims is the high quality of the services. A high demand for Umrah deals due to the above reasons prompts travel agencies to offer better services at low prices. Since most of these packages are group-based with shared rooms, you can get an overall cheaper plan than booking everything separately. Some well-reputed travel agencies, like Muslims Holy Travel, also allow users to modify their Umrah deals.
Different Types of December Umrah Packages
The Umrah deals are generally divided into three types listed below. The classification is based on cost and services. One should not feel bad while picking a cheaper option. Remember, Allah values effort and intention, not the way you travel to his home.
3-star Umrah Plans
The cheapest of the lot, these packages are best for people on a budget. They include basic services like visa and document handling, hotel bookings, and flight bookings. 3-star Umrah deals typically include one meal, usually breakfast. Some may include ziyarats (guided tours) to the holy places in Mecca and Medina.
4-star Umrah Plans
They are an upgrade of the above deal. 4-star packages come with hotels located around 500 meters and direct flights. The pilgrims get two meals with the option of selecting from breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These packages also include guided tours, transfers from the airport to the hotel, Mecca to Medina, and back to Mecca.
5-star Umrah Plans
These are the best and most luxurious option, with all-inclusive amenities. The hotels are generally located less than 100 meters away from the holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. The deals include all three meals, drinks, luxury transportation, and guide services. 5-star packages are like getting VIP services. The packages are best for people who want to spend maximum time praying and seeking Allah’s blessings rather than worrying about where to eat their next meal.
Tips to Select the Best Tour Company and Umrah Package
Find the Right Company
The search for an Umrah package begins with finding a good travel company. You can do this by asking your friends or family for references. If not available, simply search for the best Umrah packages with particular details like month, type of package, and departure city.
Select at least 4-5 companies, then look for their pages on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Check their social media handles, as this will help you assess how active these companies are.
Check Reviews and Ratings
Go through reviews and ratings for these companies on platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Instagram. These are actual reviews from people who used the services, but you still need to check them in detail. If the majority of the reviews look like they are trying to sell you packages, there could be something fishy, as the reviews could be paid or fake.
Look for Certifications and Legal Status
Check that the company is listed on Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj website and has no legal problems in the local country. The operator must be ATOL-protected for additional peace of mind. A slight issue in these things must be a no-go when selecting the tour operator, no matter how cheap their package is.
Check Services and Compare Prices
The operators offer excellent services under the December Umrah packages due to increased demand. However, you must carefully check all the services offered, like flights, hotels, meals, and guided tours. Don’t forget to look up the mentioned hotels on Google to confirm that they exist and offer the mentioned services.
Sometimes you can get a way better deal with a minor price difference. You may not get a chance to perform Umrah too often, so make sure you get the best deal even if you have to spend a few extra bucks. Moreover, avoid packages that are too cheap, as they may be below par with inadequate services.
Discuss Package Dates, Departure, and Travel Itinerary
One issue that many pilgrims have reported is the change in itinerary after booking the package. The tour operators do this to increase the size of the group. Make sure you double-check this and confirm the package dates, duration, and departure venue before agreeing to the deal. This will help you plan your personal activities conveniently before leaving for Umrah.
Double Check Contract’s Terms and Conditions
Before making a deposit, double-check all the terms and conditions. This will avoid any trouble during your trip.
Clear Doubts about Hidden Costs
Some packages may include hidden costs in terms of transportation, guided tours, or the inclusion of drinks. Such costs are mentioned with an asterisk in the package details. Many people ignore such details at the time of booking, but they are forced to pay later. Make sure you clearly ask your travel agent about all these charges before paying in advance.
Discuss Refund Policies
You may not be able to travel due to some unfortunate or unexpected events. Ask your service providers about their refund policies. The refund rules usually vary with respect to how close you cancel your booking. Some offer to choose a plan in the upcoming months with minor adjustments.
Wrapping Up the Discussion
The different Umrah deals and plans facilitate maximum people for performing Umrah. Remember, Umrah is not an obligation like Hajj but holds great importance in Islam. Allah says in the second surah of the Quran that Muslims have to complete Hajj and Umrah for Him.
Muslims Holy Travel, one of the leading tour operators in the UK, offers the best December Umrah packages. They have the lowest prices with top hotels, direct flights, and experienced guide services. Contact them today and get the best deals for your next Umrah.
