Going for Umrah is no ordinary trip for Muslims. Most of them are emotionally overwhelmed even before starting their journey because they know that their biggest dream of seeing the Kaaba is about to come true. To fulfill their dream of visiting Kaaba and Roza e Rasool, many Muslims save for years to gather the funds needed for the journey.
However, you can easily go out of your budget if you are not conscious while planning and during the trip. The pre-trip phase consists of shopping for supplies, booking Affordable Umrah Packages, selecting the duration of the trip and other different things. If you are not careful, you can easily go out of budget and end up spending more than you anticipated prior to your flight. Mostly first-time pilgrims make such mistakes.
If you are worried about your expenditure for your Umrah trip, here are some practical tips to ensure that you don’t end up breaking your bank.
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Practical Tips to Balance Umrah Costs and Spirituality
We have divided these tips into two different sections: pre-Umrah and during-Umrah. Let’s explore the pre-Umrah tips first.
Choose the Right Package
If you are using Umrah packages 2025 for your pilgrimage then you must select the deal very carefully. These all inclusive Umrah packages come with all the essential services required for a smooth and hassle-free Umrah. You can expect a deal to come with visa assistance, flights, accommodation and on-ground transportation.
These deals come in various tiers such as 3-star, 4 star and 5 star. As the names imply, the level of services you get in each deal varies as per the price point. The 3-star packages are cheapest while the 5-star ones are the costliest.
So, it is recommended to go for a deal as per your budget that balances cost and keeps your mind relaxed. In this regard, 4-star packages are an excellent option.
Choose Off-Peak Season
If you really want to keep your Umrah expenses under control, then travel during the off-peak season. The peak Umrah season includes the holy month of Ramadan and the winter months whereas the summer months are relatively less crowded and less pricey.
As the number of pilgrims is on the lower side, airlines and hotels reduce their fares, making it easier for pilgrims to afford these expenses. Another benefit of off-peak travel is that you can perform Umrah rituals very easily without being pushed or pulled by the pilgrims.
Opt for Group Travel
Another excellent way to cut your Umrah cost is to opt for a group Umrah. In this, on-ground transportation and hotels are shared among the pilgrims, which reduces the cost substantially. As a result, pilgrims don’t have to pay too much and they end up saving a lot. For example, they can get a shared room in a high-end hotel at the same price at which they will get a separate room in a basic hotel.
For group Umrah pilgrims, a shared bus is also arranged by the tour operator, which is a much more pocket-friendly way to travel than solo cars. Shared transport is also available for Makkah to Madinah transfers.
Pack Wisely
The first-time pilgrims often end up packing things that they never use on their trip. Hence, it is very important to pack your stuff as per the requirements. Suppose you are traveling in the summer season; then you need an umbrella, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Umbrellas are not required in the winter season. Pilgrims going with the kids must only keep things that they will need during the trip specifically. This will help keep their luggage under the allowed capacity and they will not end up paying more.
Now that we know about all the pre-trip ways to keep a check on the Umrah cost, let’s explore some tips that will help you cut costs during your time in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Use Shuttle Services and Local Transport
If the Umrah packages you booked come with transport, then use it to save your money. But if you have to manage it on your own, prefer using the shuttle service provided by the hotel. These buses usually leave every 30 minutes or so and are quite reliable as well.
To travel between Makkah and Madinah, use public buses as they are quite cheap and highly comfortable at the same time. SAPTCO is the best option as they are always on time and there is no risk of being overcharged as they are owned by the government.
For ziyarat tours, using local transport and shared taxis is best if you are traveling solo or with friends. Families can also find a cheap way to travel in the form of minivans. They are much cheaper than the sedan taxis.
Eat Local Food
The food is very tasty in Saudi Arabia and can make a big dent in your budget if you eat at fancy or high-end places. Many umrah deals come with a breakfast buffet, making it feasible for pilgrims to start their day with a full and healthy meal. For example, if you are planning to go for Umrah in the next Ramadan and booking March Umrah Packages 2026, check that they come with a free breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, eating at small shops is the best option if you want to save more and also enjoy the authentic Saudi taste. The price of a full meal at a roadside stall is around 20 SAR but that at a top-tier place is around 60 SAR. You can see that you will end up saving around 70-80 SAR if you eat local.
Final Words
If you are looking for a reliable Umrah tour operator, then contact Muslims Holy Travel right now. They offer amazing Umrah packages at highly affordable prices with all the essential facilities.
