Umrah travel is often once in a lifetime opportunity for a majority of pilgrims arriving in the region with Umrah packages from London and from across the globe. Since it is a kind of Ibadah (pilgrimage) that a Muslim doesn’t observe on a regular basis, there are many aspects of pilgrimage travel that one might neglect unknowingly. Among them, packing your luggage efficiently tops the list.

As you know you can only take a limited amount of luggage along i.e. as specified on your ticket type. Yet at the same time, you need to carry all of your essentials. So, here’s a brief guide for you to keep in mind while packing your essentials, especially for first-time Umrah travellers.

1. Travel Documents:

Travel documents are a must-have if you want a hassle-free pilgrimage experience. These documents consist of your;

·         Passport.

·         Visa details.

·         Return flight ticket.

·         Vaccination and/or medical certificates.

·         Personal IDs.

·         Hotel booking confirmation.

·         Travel itinerary.

·         Payment receipts for Umrah.

·         Passport-size photographs of the pilgrim.

·         Relationship certificate (if travelling with a spouse).

·         Saudi Riyals and debit/credit card.

·         A list of emergency contact numbers.

2. Prayer Essentials:

Prayer essentials consist of the following;

·         Ihram attire for men and women.

·         Pocket-sized copy of the Holy Quran and Dua/guide books.

·         Tasbih beads.

·         Prayer mat.

·         Compass for finding Qibla direction.

·         Prayer hat.

3. Clothing and Accessories:

·         It’s always advisable to choose light, airy and comfortable clothes suitable for long travel during your pilgrimage stay in the region.

·         Considering the weather conditions in Makkah and Madinah, opt for breathable fabrics. For this reason, cotton-blended clothes are the best option.

·         Dress conservatively in Saudi Arabia by respecting all of the local norms and traditions.

·         Opt for lighter colours but make sure that your clothes don’t reveal any part of your body under bright sunlight.

·         Carry at least two sets of your Ihram, two sets of regular clothing and two pairs of shoes.

·         Other accessories that you must carry along include;

o   Comfortable shoes.

o   Waist pouch or a string bag.

o   Light jumper.

o   Sunglasses.

o   Safety pins.

o   Blister patches.

4. Basic First-Aid Kit:

Carry a first aid kit along with your essential medicines consisting of;

·         Cold and flu relief drugs.

·         Pain-relief tablets.

·         Travel sickness medications.

·         Cough syrups and/or throat lozenges.

·         Diarrhoea tablets.

·         Bandages.

·         Fragrance-free sunblock.

·         Cotton.

·         Antiseptic cream.

·         Muscle pain relief creams.

·         Oral rehydration salts.

·         Antibiotics.

·         Masks.

·         Sanitizers.

5. Self-Care Essentials:

Your self-care items are personal, avoid sharing them with fellow pilgrims. These include;

·         Large and small towels.

·         Toothbrush.

·         Unscented toothpaste.

·         Shampoo.

·         Conditioner.

·         Fragrance-free soap.

·         Pocket tissues.

·         Fragrance-free wet wipes.

·         Hand sanitizer.

·         Hairbrush/comb.

·         Anti-perspirant.

·         Small mirror.

·         Nail cutter.

·         Small scissors.

·         Razors and/or shaving machine.

·         Sanitary pads.

·         Unscented moisturizer.

·         Toiletries bag.

·         Sleeping accessories i.e. pillow, bedsheet, sleeping bag, etc.

·         Snacks.

·         Juice packets.

6. Electronics:

It is an intelligent move to only carry the necessary electronic items during your pilgrimage. Such as;

·         Smartphone (unlocked).

·         Local SIM cards.

·         Universal travel adaptor.

·         Mobile phone charger.

·         Power bank.

·         Laptop (if necessary).

·         Headphones/earphones.

·         Wristwatch.

·         Flashlight.

Tips to consider:

1.      Keep your luggage organized by using packing cubes and small bags for every single one of your items. So that you can easily access whatever is required without making a mess.

2.      It is not advisable to carry your original travel documents during the holy rituals because they might get lost or misplaced. Instead, make copies and carry them while storing the original ones in a safe place in your hotel room.

3.      Travel light and be mindful of the baggage size and weight restrictions to avoid any hassle of denied boarding or extra fees at the airport.

4.      Invest in good-quality travel bags and/or suitcases so that you can avoid breakage of items while in transit.

5.      Utilize packing wraps to further enhance the strength of your bags as well as squeeze the extra air out of them.

6.      Keep your liquid items in a resealable but transparent plastic bag to avoid spilling.

7.      Educate yourself on the restricted/prohibited items to carry as well as permissible goods to carry in the relevant luggage by reading about the international aviation safety standards.

So, that’s how you can pack efficiently for the Umrah trip when departing for the holy rituals with all-inclusive halal holidays UK.