Umrah is one of the special journeys that many Muslims love to take every year. Many pilgrims who take this journey for the first time seek a perfectly smooth journey. While it is a spiritually transforming journey but there are some realities that surprise pilgrims. These realities include intense crowds and hotel distance along with weather and travel fatigue. These challenges can affect this entire journey for pilgrims. There are companies that offer brilliant London Umrah packages that can make this journey comfortable. But pilgrims need to have realistic expectations from this journey. Still, there are pilgrims who need an Umrah reality check to prepare themselves physically and emotionally for these challenges. The following article will give you a comparison between 5 common assumptions and the real experience of Umrah from London.
- Price Fluctuation vs. Cheaper Options
This is the most common expectation among pilgrims from London. Umrah packages cost fluctuates a lot throughout the years. But many pilgrims expect that they will get cheaper options over the years. The reality is that you may be able to afford Umrah deals throughout the year but they depend on the season as well. Booking your journey during peak season will cost you a lot more compared to off-peak season. Also, many pilgrims do not consider other costs that are not included in these packages.
You have to pay for a visa application and baggage fee along with hotel upgrades and sometimes meals. These expenses can increase the entire cost of your journey. There are many pilgrims who assume that the package they have booked for their journey will cover all these costs. You have to make sure with your travel agency what services you will get with your package before booking.
- Comfortable Journey vs. Travel Exhaustion
It is another common expectation of almost all the pilgrims from London about this journey. They think a comfortable flight and hotel will never make them tired or fatigued. And most of them get a reality check when they reach Saudi Arabia. The weather in this country also disappoints them when they arrive. The difference between climate and travelling can cause sleep disruption and fatigue. The long flight and waiting at the airport for checking and immigration can be physically draining especially for first-timers. If you are taking this journey with elderly members or kids, then there are additional challenges that you might face. The pilgrims need to accept these realities and plan their journey accordingly. You need to keep yourself hydrated and take complete rest after arrival. And while performing rituals, you should not push yourself harder and take breaks when necessary.
- Peaceful Haram vs. Crowd Experience
Many pilgrims do not understand the fact that there will always be crowds in the Haram. It does not matter how much time you put into planning, you have to deal with crowds. Tawaf crowd is a reality and no matter which time you decide to perform, there will be crowds in the Haram. Some pilgrims expect that if they schedule their ritual at night, they might not have to deal with crowds. That is another wrong expectation because there will be many pilgrims who plan their rituals at night. It is the same reason experienced pilgrims advise observing patience during Umrah. And that’s what Umrah teaches Muslims that they have to be patient in everything. You need to be respectful towards your fellow pilgrims while performing rituals. Learning how to manage crowds is also part of your spiritual experience. It will help you deal with the crowds peacefully.
- Nearest Hotel vs. Walking Distance
You should be careful about this when booking a hotel. There are many travel agencies that claim in their London Umrah packages that their hotels are near the Haram. But in reality, the pilgrims have to walk a longer distance to reach the Haram. You need to look at the wording these agencies use in their advertisements. Some agencies use the word “closer to Haram” when they mention their hotels in Umrah packages. The best way to find out the distance is to search for these hotels on the internet.
You will know how far away the hotel is and if the distance is long then don’t book that hotel. Also, you should book those hotels that come with a free shuttle service. Another expectation that most pilgrims develop is that they will get transportation with their packages. But when they are in the city, they have to walk to the mosque which can ruin their health. That is why you need to make sure that you are getting pick and drop service.
- Emotional Ease vs. Overwhelming Experience
This is another that you should keep in mind and prepare yourself for this feeling. You will have to perform some physically challenging rituals that will test your strength. There is a language barrier that you will have to endure and navigating unfamiliar places. All these new things can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious. It is natural but many pilgrims expect that their whole journey will be easy. They think they will not have to deal with emotions while in reality, it is different. You have to be sincere about your intention rather than making your actions perfect. It will help you deal with the overwhelming experience. The best way is to make a plan about how to perform your rituals. Make a plan in such a way that you can take plenty of rest so you don’t get exhausted.
Final Word
These are some of the expectations that London pilgrims have on their first Umrah journey. These are not very high expectations but you need to compare them with reality as well. To find the best London Umrah packages for your journey, book your plan with Muslims Holy Travel. This is one of the best companies when it comes to booking your Umrah journey. Also, they are masters of curating travel packages according to your needs and requirements.
