After Hajj, Umrah is the second most sacred act of worship. Millions of Muslims go to Mecca throughout the year to perform this religious duty. Umrah pilgrimage can be performed in a few hours. However, no Umrah visa facilitates a few hours of pilgrimage, Umrah visa range starts from seven days and goes up to thirty 30 days. To perform Umrah, one needs to book 7-day, 14-day, 21-day and 28-day cheap Umrah packages. Many things are to consider, and a lot of preparations are required to make Umrah stress-free. If it's your first Umrah pilgrimage, you must be very careful before booking cheap Umrah packages. Carefully plan your Umrah, and do some thorough research to ensure your Umrah journey ends well.

Before travelling to Mecca for Umrah, one might get overwhelmed with excitement and loads of preparation. We've compiled ten pieces of advice to ensure a smooth and enriching spiritual experience.

1.   Do your Homework Before Setting Foot in the Holy Land

Before leaving for Mecca for Umrah pilgrimage, do some homework and learn about what you are about to experience before you go on this sacred journey. Read books and articles on the internet before booking cheap Umrah packages. You will find many books and resources that will guide you about Umrah preparations and How to perform Umrah correctly. Understand the steps involved in performing Tawaf, Sa'I, and what are the limitations and rules of Ihram before leaving for Makkah.

These books and resources will also help you learn about the places to visit in Makkah and Madinah and their importance. The knowledge from books and resources will help you prepare mentally to visit all the historical sites and sacred places once you finish your Umrah.

Include a short trip to Madinah in your cheap Umrah packages, many cheap Umrah packages offer stays in Madinah ranging from 1 to several days. Doing complete research before you set foot in the Holy Land is essential.

2.   Complete Umrah Documentation and Visa Requirements

To minimize the chances of any glitch in your visa application process, it is necessary to complete the required documentation accurately and follow the visa application process. If you are going on this journey independently, you need to submit a visa application directly to the Saudi consulate. However, if you are going to Mecca by booking a cheap Umrah package provider, you don't need to worry about anything; your cheap Umrah package provider will handle everything seamlessly, from Visa application to ground transportation in Makkah and Madinah.

Millions of Muslims aspire to perform Umrah, which holds great significance in the lives of Muslims around the world. Getting an Umrah visa to perform Umrah is no longer challenging if you are booking a cheap Umrah packages agent. Remember, only a licensed Umrah travel agent can arrange an Umrah visa. Once you fill out the Umrah visa application, your cheap Umrah packages provider will send your visa to the Saudi Consulate.

3.   Know the Rules of Ihram

Umrah rituals begin by wearing two white unsewn sheets. You become a pilgrim once you wear those clothes and make an Umrah intention. Before embarking on this sacred pilgrimage, it is important to learn and understand the various rules of Ihram. There are specific rules that must need to be followed once you enter the state of Ihram, which is the first step in the Umrah rituals. Before embarking on this sacred pilgrimage, it is important to learn and understand the various rules of Ihram. There are specific rules that must need to be followed once you enter the state of Ihram, these rules include, Male pilgrims cannot wear stitched clothes, women can wear their regular clothes or an Abaya, Men must walk barefoot and are not allowed to cover their heads, whereas women cannot cover their faces and use gloves, pilgrims cannot cut nails or hair in Ihram, and use of scented soap or perfume is not allowed in Ihram. Ask your cheap Umrah packages agent to provide you with a book of Ihram rules.

4.   Prepare yourself Mentally and Spiritually

Umrah is a non-obligatory yet sacred act of worship, so it must be performed with full devotion. Preparing oneself spiritually and mentally is important before leaving for Makkah. Begin preparing yourself for this journey by engaging yourself in regular prayers, daily recitation of the Quran, and seeking Allha's forgiveness. Make clear and pure intentions for your sacred journey. Align your actions with devotion to strengthen your spiritual connection.

Prepare yourself mentally by thinking positively about your Umrah pilgrimage. Umrah journey comes with many challenges, so gear up to face those challenges with a strong and flexible mindset, seeing those challenges as chances to learn and become stronger.

5.   Search Before you Choose a Travel Agent

Search well before choosing a cheap Umrah packages provider. Conduct online research, check reviews and ratings of the travel agency and compare prices. Choose an Umrah travel agency with expertise in crafting well-organized Umrah packages and is committed to providing 24/7 customer support throughout your Umrah journey. Ask your cheap Umrah packages provider to arrange accommodations near Haram in Makkah and Masjid e Nabwi in Madinah. This accommodation preference may be expensive but will reduce travel time between accommodations to Holy sites.

6.   Umrah Essentials Packing List

Aside from being physically fit, you need to be mentally relaxed for an Umrah pilgrimage. Therefore, it is best to make a list of items before packing and organize things before going to Makkah for a sacred journey. Pack clothes according to weather conditions in Makkah and Madina, you should also put an extra Ihram in your bag. In any case, if your Ihram becomes dirty and torn during the pilgrimage, you change it before things get worse.

Pack travel documents in a separate carry bag. Put other items of use such as regular clothing, extra Ihram, socks, first-aid kit, towels, tissues, hand sanitizers, toothbrush, toothpaste (fragrance-free), unscented shampoo, fragrance-free soap, unscented wipes, small mirror, and other things you feel necessary to carry.

Due to security purposes, metallic items are banned, so do not pack any item made of metal. If you pack such items, airport security may take those items from you. Get guidance from cheap Umrah packages travel agents to learn more about packing.

7.   Give Charity and Pay Zakat

Pay charity and give Zakat before leaving for Makkah to perform Umrah. Being Muslims, we believe that charity lessens calamity. Thus, ensure that charity is given before departure. Charity can be given in various ways, such as in the form of food, clothes, and money to people in need. Give charity with pure intentions so that Allah may accept them.

Paying debt and Zakat is important before going for Umrah. It is important to fulfill all obligations before embarking on the Umrah pilgrimage.

8.   Know Your Company

When you opt for a cheap Umrah package, you must ensure that the group you will be travelling with comprises good people. You can ask your Umrah packages provider about the character and nobility of the group members. Having virtuous and righteous company can have a profound and long-lasting impact on your spiritual journey.

9.   Practice Controlling Your Anger

Islam teaches patience and thankfulness. Having patience in difficult situations and troubles comes with many benefits and rewards. It is recommended not to spoil your Umrah with things you can control just by doing some practice. Avoid using bad words, as bad language is strictly prohibited there. If you get easily provoked or a short-tempered person, then it is better to practice controlling your anger. Try to engage yourself more in religious acts that bring blessings and make your journey sacred and purposeful. 

10.   Keep a Good Amount of Cash with You

Keeping a decent amount of money with you during the pilgrimage can save you from many things. You may want to buy things for your relatives at home or buy some dates to take back home. You need money for this. Additionally, your cheap Umrah packages may not include meals, you may need to buy food from the market. It is also important to note that you must keep cash in Riyals, US dollars or Euros. It will be hard for you to exchange your currency over there, or you may get much lower rates than your home country.