Devout Muslims always look for the ideal time to perform Umrah with ease. During the Easter holidays, which usually fall in Spring, they seek budget-friendly Easter Umrah packages. During this season, the weather in Saudi Arabia gets a bit mild. Therefore, this is considered a good time to embark on the spiritual journey.
Pilgrims, while choosing between cost-effective Umrah packages and 5-star Easter Umrah packages, come across various factors. These include hotel stays, Umrah tickets, travelling between holy cities and Ziyarah sites, and visa services. So, making an informed decision is necessary when choosing any Umrah package. This blog post will highlight the key differences between cheap and 5-star Umrah packages that align with budget and comfort.
- Cost Factor
The key point of difference between cheap Umrah packages and 5-star Umrah packages is the Umrah price. Services are provided depending on the value of the package. The packages cover Umrah flight tickets, accommodation, and transport. In cheap packages, the services are basic with a little compromise on comfort. Whereas, in 5-star packages, services are of premium quality. From hotel stays to inter and intra-city transport, every service is personalized and comes with special attention to comfort.
People who book cheap Umrah packages, have their flights booked in economy class. On the other hand, in 5-star Easter Umrah packages, tickets are booked in business class. KSA has premium airlines like Saudi Airlines that provide top-notch services to its passengers. Their layover time is short, have business class options, and make long journeys comfortable.
- Accommodation Standard
Accommodation difference is another factor between the services of the two packages. Those who choose cheap packages usually stay in 2 or 3-star hotels that are located at a large distance from Haram in Mecca and Prophet’s mosque in Medina. These hotels do provide basic amenities but being at a distance requires long walks or wait times for shuttle services.
On the other hand, 5-star Easter Umrah packages book nearby and top-class hotels. In Mecca and Medina, luxury hotels are chosen with high-end services. All the chosen hotels are close to Haram and Prophet’s mosque in respective holy cities. Pilgrims will find spacious and luxurious rooms, fine dining areas, and world-class room service. These facilities enhance the spiritual journey and relieve the pilgrim from the logistical stress.
- Umrah Tickets and Flight Options
When pilgrims book a cheap Umrah package with flights, they will often get economy-class tickets. These tickets are although easily available at the desired time but include indirect routes. That means, airlines will not carry them directly to KSA but will make them wait at different stops or they might need to change the plane on the way.
Luxury 5-star Umrah packages, however, include premium flights, priority booking and boarding, and short intervals. The flight routes are short with better in-flight services. The Umrah flight ticket price in luxury packages is higher than the others but the facilities are worth it.
- Visa Processing and Documentation
The most crucial steps before beginning Umrah are visa processing and documentation procedures. In cheap Umrah packages, visa processing is handled by the travel agency. But, other related paperwork has to be done by the pilgrim on his own. It is hectic and drains his energy before travel.
On the other hand, in luxury Umrah packages, visa processing and documentation are both managed by the agency. This makes pilgrims stress-free and lets them focus on their spiritual preparation and journey. The whole process becomes smooth and in the end, pilgrims receive their tickets and visas in their hands without any problem. The whole process includes proper guidance on Saudi passport requirements, the Saudi visa price breakdown, and how to manage it.
- Transport Facilities
Just like other services, the quality of transportation services also differs. In budget-friendly Easter Umrah packages, pilgrims will have to share the shuttle service with others. This can be time-consuming due to multiple stops at various points for picking up and dropping off pilgrims. Moreover, pilgrims will have to wait for their turn due to large crowds and even feel suffocation on shared transport. Such a situation tires body and soul, thus, draining energy.
In contrast, luxury Umrah packages offer private and luxury transport. It ensures a smooth and easy journey from the airport to hotels and then to holy sites. Many premium packages even include chauffeured services that reduce stress and maximize the comfort of pilgrims. These are the perks of getting luxury packages; they are stress-free and comfortable. Pilgrims do not feel overwhelmed on their trip and remain spiritually boosted.
- Extra Services and Guidance
An Umrah guide is needed for first-time pilgrims. Budget Umrah packages do not have a guide in their services to assist. Pilgrims will have to self-direct themselves through various sites. They may also need to get help from their group members if they are travelling on a group Umrah package. Being a non-native and first-timer in a foreign land can be hard and challenging.
In the luxury Umrah package, a religious guide always assists the pilgrims. He not only guides them through various sites and rituals but also makes their spiritual journey enriching and smooth. Moreover, in these packages, there are some extra perks too. Pilgrims can get access to private prayer areas, guided tours of historical sites, and world-class dining services. These features are available to those who want to not only perform Umrah as a ritual but also enjoy the vibes of the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Wrap Up
When a pilgrim decides between cheap Easter Umrah packages and 5-star Umrah packages, he must consider budget and personal needs. A lot of Muslims avail of budget-friendly Umrah packages depending on their budget. These packages also provide the same services but with fewer frills.
On the other hand, those who want to have luxury stays, premium transport services, A-class tickets, and fine dining can look for luxury Umrah packages. These packages promise ease and comfort and ensure an enriching Umrah trip.
Out of the two, the most recommended option is the luxury Umrah package. It provides more facilities with a better service. However, if you are tight on budget, then a 3-star package can also meet your needs with a convenient stay at your affordable hotels in both Makkah and Madinah.
Muslims Holy Travel deals in all types of Umrah packages from cheap to 5-star. Contact us today to book Easter Umrah packages this year at the best prices.