Performing the Umrah pilgrimage is a dream for every Muslim. However, many of them have not been able to make it happen due to several reasons. One of them is due to insufficient finances.
Umrah is different from the Hajj pilgrimage, because it can be performed at any time of the year, except during the Hajj season. However, not many people know that we can perform Umrah without going travel agent or tourist bureau.
For some people, this is another way to perform Umrah flexibly, at a lower cost, and to get a more personalized experience. So, how to prepare for worship Umrah without travel agent? Pay close attention to the following information, OK!
1. Determine the Umrah schedule
Umrah illustration (unsplash.com/alswedi07)Even though Umrah can be done at any time, choosing the right time can give you a more comfortable worship experience. The best time to go for Umrah is between March-April, because the weather in Arabia is neither too hot nor too cold.
Apart from that, you can go for Umrah at the end of the year, to be precise in December or early January. The reason is, these months enter the beginning of winter, so it can be easier to adapt.
2. Prepare important documents
document illustration (unsplash.com/Van Tay Media)Make sure you have important documents such as passport, visa, health book and other documents needed to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
3. Book plane tickets
airplane ticket illustration (pexels.com/Torsten Dettlaff)Buy plane tickets according to your Umrah schedule, and compare ticket prices at various locations travel platform Trusted. You can choose a direct flight route to Jeddah or a route with transit.
Transit flight ticket prices are usually cheaper than direct flights. However, choose the flight route that you think is most comfortable.
4. Rent accommodation
hotel illustration (pexels.com/Pixabay)Continue reading the article below
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When choosing accommodation, you should look for a location that is not far from the city center. For example, around the Grand Mosque in Mecca or the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. There are many three star hotels with quite affordable prices.
5. Look for travel route information
illustration of searching for information (unsplash.com/Glenn Carstens-Peters)Apart from that, make sure you have looked for information about the travel route before leaving, including information about public transportation or vehicle rental, as well as travel times.
Also Read: 10 Religious Tours You Can Visit During Umrah, Will Give You Goosebumps
6. Visa registration
visa illustration (pexels.com/Nataliya Vaitkevitch)If you don’t have a visa, you need to prepare several documents and requirements for applying for an Umrah visa, including the following:
- Passport that is valid for at least 6 months,
- KTP, marriage book, family card or birth certificate,
- 10 color passport size 4×6 photos,
- Proof of meningitis vaccination,
- Return and return plane tickets,
- Proof of hotel reservations while in Saudi Arabia.
7. Prepare foreign currency
Illustration of Saudi Arabian riyals (IDN Times/Sunariyah)Don’t forget to bring currency for your needs during Umrah. You must check the currency exchange rate before leaving, and prepare cash as needed.
8. Look for information on local tourist attractions
Hira Cave at Jabal Nur Peak, Makkah City (IDN Times/Sunariyah)Performing Umrah is incomplete if you don’t visit several tourist attractions there, especially historical and religious tourism. At least, there are several popular tourist attractions during Umrah, such as Hira Cave, Jabal Nur, Jabal Rahmah, Jabal, Jabal Uhud, and others.
That’s how to do Umrah without travel agent which is flexible and cheaper. Make sure you have made thorough preparations and plans. I hope your Umrah pilgrimage goes smoothly and safely.
Also Read: 5 Best Times to Visit Saudi Arabia Apart from Hajj and Umrah