9 Travel Tips Muslim Women Must Know before Umrah

If you are intending for the holy pilgrimage with all inclusive Umrah packages, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with all the technicalities to have a hassle free trip. Especially for women, travelling for Umrah is little different and require more care.

Previously Muslim women were not able to travel for Umrah alone. However, under the Saudi Vison 20203 plan, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah permitted women to offer holy rituals on their own as well i.e. they no longer have the necessary requirement of a Mahram along for their holy trip. Many travellers from the United States book Umrah Packages for the performance of Umrah. Booking individual services can be more complicated. Since the policies changed, more and more women are arriving in Makkah or the holy rituals.

So if you are also one of them arriving soon for the Umrah rituals, here are 9 travel tips that you should consider before Umrah.

Prebook Your Trip:

Muslim women travelling for Umrah should buy an all-inclusive Umrah travel plan for their trip. The benefit it gives is that you don’t have to worry about the logistical aspects. You can devote all of your time to the holy rituals while the travel agency arranges for your flights, hotels, travel, visas, etc.

Whether you are travelling for the first time or remain a frequent traveller, Umrah packages have the capability to save you from unnecessary travel delays and booking cancellations. So, only arrive in Makkah after pre-booking your entire Umrah trip. It includes everything from your visa approval to your return flight home.

Get Accommodation Near Haram:

As a woman, you wouldn’t want the hassle of travelling long distances for your daily commute especially if you are travelling alone. Therefore. It is best that you get accommodation near Haramain in Makkah and Madinah. Though the hotels near these holy places are a bit pricey but worth every single penny because of the luxury amenities, comfortable stay and accessibility they bring to your trip.

Travel Light:

Always travel light for the Umrah pilgrimage to avoid baggage handling issues. Don’t over pack and only carry your essentials like;

• Ihram clothing.
• Necessary electronics.
• Travel documents.
• Toiletries.
• Comfortable footwear.
• Headwear and Abaya.
• Saudi Riyals and a credit/debit card.

Anything else you require is easily available in the kingdom as well. These travel light baggage are not only for the Umrah but should be considered with the Cheap Hajj Packages as well. While performing the Pilgrimages through Umrah or Cheap Hajj Packages from the United States, you should consider these baggage items and policies. You can buy items from local markets (also known as Souks) or go to the shopping malls.

Pray In The Designated Areas:

Women pilgrims have designated praying areas available in Haramain for their daily Salah. Therefore, be mindful of such places and pray inside them. However, when performing Tawaf and Sayee rituals, there isn’t any restriction of the sort. Yet, try to stay in female groups.

Haramain even has areas dedicated for women pilgrims only during specific times of the day. So, know for these times to visit sacred places with an all-women crowd only.

Learn The Rules And Regulations:

As an international traveller to the kingdom, you must abide by all the rules and regulations that are imposed on the foreign pilgrims. Learn the local laws and follow the guidelines shared by your travel agent. Otherwise you may face fines, legal prosecutions and even deportation with a lifetime ban for severe cases.

Avoid Travelling At Night:

Avoid travelling or staying outside of your hotel unnecessarily during the night time. This is specially advised for women to avoid any unforeseen circumstance. Try to complete the holy rituals during daytime and then stay the night inside for a safe pilgrimage experience.

Health And Safety:

As a female pilgrim travelling for Umrah with Halal Holidays, health and safety should be your priority.

• You must take great care of your health by relying on a healthy and organic diet.
• Get necessary vaccinations before travelling for Umrah.
• Prepare an emergency contact list to help others contact your relatives during any emergency.
• Know for the nearby police stations and health facilities.

Stay Connected Back Home:

Always stay connected with your friends and family back home and keep them updated of your whereabouts. Doing so will help them locate you better if any unexpected thing happens.

Be Very Considerate Of Your Hygiene And Clothing:

• Take great care of your personal and oral hygiene.
• Wear neat and clean clothes. Change your ihram clothes if they get dirty.
• Don’t share your toiletries with fellow pilgrims in order to prevent the spread of any viral or bacterial diseases.
• Bring weather appropriate clothes.
• Opt for lighter colour for your clothing but make sure that they don’t reveal any part of your body.
• Prefer wearing light weight, airy and loose fit clothes.

So, these are the 9 essential tips Muslim women must know before Umrah.