If you are a Manchester Muslim and planning to travel for Umrah, there are some things that you must know. Manchester is the biggest Muslim hub in the UK, where a lot of Muslims travel to Umrah each year. According to estimations, 22.5% of the city’s total population is the Muslim community. So, it’s impossible; they never plan to depart for the Umrah pilgrimage.
Umrah, which requires no introduction and every single Muslim aware of it. Umrah is also known as a lesser pilgrimage, which can be performed at any time of the year. As a Manchester pilgrim, you can plan whenever you intend to travel and have enough finances to cover the pilgrimage cost. However, here we will see the five most important tips that every Manchester pilgrim should know before travelling for Umrah. Let’s go inside and see more deeply!
Umrah Flight and Layovers Matter from Manchester
For Umrah travel, you need a flight from Manchester. Not only flights, but you should also be aware of their schedules and layovers. There are limited flights that are direct to Jeddah or Madinah. If you found the direct flight, it would be a boon for you, and you can travel smoothly to Saudi Arabia. Direct flight usually takes around 6.5 hours to reach KSA. The main airport of Manchester is Manchester Airport (MAN), from where many international flights take off for Umrah.
Typically, when you book the Manchester Umrah package from any trusted agency, chances are you will get a connecting flight. Layovers are set in the Middle East, like Istanbul, Doha, etc. The total travel time it will take via connecting flight to reach Saudi Arabia is around 12 hours. Contact an Umrah travel agency, and they will find the most suitable flights according to your concerns.
Keep Digital Copies for Convenient Access
Digital copies seem to be very simple, but when we talk about Umrah, keeping digital copies is more than important. Every Manchester traveller who is going to Umrah must have digital copies of their passport, visa, essential certificates, flight tickets, boarding pass, hotel vouchers, insurance, and contact list. Make sure all these are clearly readable and in high-quality form.
It’s better to keep these electronic copies in cloud storage, notes app, or email backup. All other sources or software require the internet, except notes or an offline gallery. So, use offline apps if you can’t connect to the internet while travelling. Moreover, keeping copies of essential documents in electronic form not only provides you with convenient access during Umrah travel. Even these will be advantageous for you in case you lose documents in hard form, need quick verification, or emergency support.
Pack Light for Umrah Travel
Why do we always talk about packing light for Umrah travel? Does packing light really matter for the Umrah pilgrimage? The simple answer is yes, it’s mandatory and inconvenient backpacks can create a lot of problems. Normally, you are allowed to carry 23 kg of checked baggage and 7 to 8 kg of hand-carry bags. Each airline has different regulations about baggage weight; make sure to check them out. You can also consult with your Umrah agent regarding weightage allowance.
This is not just limited to Manchester pilgrims. If you are travelling from any part of the UK, like Umrah from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and so on, you must adhere to the guidelines when booking your package. The Umrah agency will guide you about everything.
If you prefer a backpack, don’t use one larger than 10-15 litres in size. It will be easy to carry in the shoulders. Hand-carry can be of any size, but follow the given dimensions of the airline. Water-resistant nylon and polyester are lightweight and durable, as compared to cotton or leather, which absorbs moisture. However, you must pack these items for your Umrah journey:
Your Ihram attire or Abaya
Comfortable dresses for daily wear
Sandals, slippers, shoes, and cotton socks
Sunglasses and an umbrella (recommended if you are going in summer)
Medications
Some snacks and a refillable water bottle (if you feel dehydration frequently)
Keep documents physically inside the zipper of the bag or use a cross-body bag
Portable items for toiletries (recommended during travelling)
Install Mobile Applications for Navigation and Duas
To experience the best of your Umrah, download and install the helpful mobile applications on your devices for easy navigation at the holy cities. Navigation and map applications should be in every traveller’s mobile phone or any other device. When we depart our country and go to a new destination, we don’t know the correct paths and directions. Thanks to the internet, which makes the world a global village, and you can navigate anywhere and anything.
Applications will help to navigate the crowds inside holy Mosques, Qibla direction, prayer times, nearby hotels and landmarks, city maps, architecture of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi. Even now, Manchester pilgrims must book the permit on mobile to enter the Rawdah Shareef.
Now, Duas and Dhikr apps are also available over the internet. Consider them the most important asset for your Umrah journey. These Islamic apps can help you learn knowledge about the Umrah pilgrimage. You can learn a step-by-step Umrah guide, a Dua library, a visual Umrah guide, the pronunciation of Arabic words, and other reminders.
Finally, Travel for Umrah in Comfortable Season
We know that Umrah is performed in Makkah. This holy city is located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. So, the weather in KSA is usually hot because of its desert climate and location in the Middle East. In Makkah, the temperature during May to September remains above 40°C, and during October to February, it’s between 20°C-30°C. So, according to temperature, the best season to travel is during winter or autumn.
As you are going to travel from Manchester, which is cooler than KSA. Hence, winter in KSA is comfortable, cooler, ideal, and has a moderate temperature to perform Umrah. You can avoid travelling in summer, but it all depends on your personal preferences. Extreme heat and crowds in Makkah can lead to fatigue, dehydration, and an increased risk. Umrah includes walking rituals, so you need more energy.
At the end, this ultimate Manchester Umrah guide will be helpful for you if you take the steps carefully. This post will make your pilgrimage experience as best as possible from the UK to Saudi Arabia. Travel for Umrah and make it memorable!
