Pre-Trip Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Your DIY Umrah Journey
Before diving into your DIY Umrah, there are a few essential preparations you need to take care of to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Applying for the Saudi eVisa:
The first step in your journey is applying for a Saudi eVisa. This can be done online through the official Saudi visa portal. Be sure to check the latest travel requirements and allow enough time for visa processing. It's always best to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. - Choosing Your Mode of Intercity Transportation:
Once you’ve booked your flight to Jeddah, you’ll need to decide how to travel between Jeddah and Makkah/Madinah. You can either choose the Haramain Train or take an intercity bus. Both options are affordable and reliable, with the train offering a faster and more comfortable experience. You can easily book tickets for both modes online, and it’s recommended to plan your travel times accordingly to allow for a smooth transfer. - Accommodation: Choosing Hotels in Makkah and Madinah:
The next step is selecting the best hotels in Makkah and Madinah that fit your budget and needs. You can either book through Qatar Airways Holidays for a luxurious and convenient stay or consider using Halalbooking for halal-friendly accommodations. Make sure your hotels are close to the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah or Al Masjid an Nabawi in Madinah for easy access to prayers. - Budgeting for Your Trip:
Setting a budget for your Umrah trip is crucial. You’ll want to factor in your flight, hotel, transportation, food, and any additional costs for sightseeing or shopping. With Qatar Airways Holidays, you can save up to 30% on flight + hotel packages, helping you keep your expenses in check. It’s also a good idea to budget for any extras like gifts or donations you may want to make during your trip.
For more detailed guidance on these pre-trip preparations, we recommend browsing other blog posts at AaraStories to plan your Umrah journey. This can help you get a clearer idea of what to expect and help you stay organized.
Day 1: Departure from Home Country – Booking the Flight and Hotel
Your adventure starts when you begin searching for flights. With Qatar Airways, you can expect comfort and convenience. Opting for a Qatar Airways Holidays Stopover Package not only includes a flight to Doha but also offers the opportunity to spend a few days in the city before heading to Makkah. This stopover makes for a perfect way to rest and explore before diving into the spiritual part of your journey.
As a Privilege Club member, you’ll also be able to earn Avios and Qpoints with your booking, which can make your journey even more rewarding. And the best part? Qatar Airways Holidays’ package also covers your hotel stay in Doha, ensuring that you have everything taken care of.
Arinara Homestay
Your Gateway to IOI City Mall and Putrajaya
Day 2-3: Exploring Doha (Stopover)
Upon arriving in Doha, everything is made easy for you. Qatar Airways Holidays will arrange your airport transfer to one of their carefully selected hotels based on your chosen package. Whether you opt for a Standard Stopover at a 4-star hotel, a Premium Stopover at a 5-star hotel, a Premium Beach Stopover with beach access, or a Luxury Stopover at one of Qatar’s iconic 5-star luxury hotels, you’ll have the perfect place to relax and recharge after your flight.
During your two-day stopover, take full advantage of Doha’s blend of modernity and tradition. Suggested activities in Doha:
- Visit the Museum of Islamic Art to admire priceless artifacts and exhibitions that reflect the rich history and culture of the region.
- Explore Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace where you can buy spices, textiles, perfumes, and souvenirs. Perfect for a cultural immersion.
- Relax by the Corniche, enjoying the scenic views of Doha’s skyline.
- Shopping and Dining: Qatar’s luxury malls, like Villaggio Mall, offer high-end shops, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy some free time at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay at a 5-star hotel in Doha as part of the Qatar Airways Holidays Stopover Package. Enjoy added benefits like exclusive discounts and free airport transfers.
Day 3-9: Perform Umrah in Makkah
After your stopover, you’ll fly from Doha to Jeddah and then take a short trip to Makkah. Before arriving in Makkah, it’s important to wear Ihram if you intend to visit the Holy city. The pilot will make an announcement before reaching the Miqat (the designated boundary for entering Makkah), reminding passengers to make the Niyyah (intention) and prepare for the rituals of Umrah.
Upon arriving in Makkah, your spiritual journey will truly begin. You’ll stay in a hotel conveniently located near Masjid al-Haram, making it easy to perform your prayers.
As you don your Ihram (the sacred attire) and approach the Kaabah, you will begin the sacred rituals of Umrah, starting with the Tawaf (the act of walking around the Kaabah seven times), then the Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), and finally, the act of shaving/cutting your hair. The experience is deeply moving and spiritually fulfilling.
- Accommodation in Makkah: Stay at one of the luxury hotels in Makkah, such as the Makkah Clock Royal Tower or Hilton Suites Makkah, for easy access to the Haram Mosque. You can book these hotels through Qatar Airways Holidays.
- Accommodation Tip: In addition to Qatar Airways Holidays hotels, Halalbooking offers excellent halal-friendly hotels in Makkah, making it another great option for your stopover.
Day 9-14: Travel to Madinah – A Peaceful Pause
After completing your Umrah in Makkah, it’s time to head to Madinah. The city of peace will be a beautiful complement to your journey. From Makkah, you can take an intercity bus or the Haramain Train to Madinah, where you’ll stay in hotels like the Dar Al Taqwa Hotel Madinah or Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel, which are both conveniently located close to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque).
Madinah’s tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect environment for prayer and reflection. You can visit the Prophet Muhammad’s grave and engage in prayer at the mosque, completing your spiritual experience.
- Accommodation Tip: For halal-friendly accommodations in Madinah, check out Halalbooking, which offers a variety of options to fit your preferences.
Day 14: Return to Jeddah – Final Departure
Once you’ve completed your time in Madinah, it’s time to return to Jeddah for your flight back home. You can travel by train or bus, but if you choose the bus, be sure to allow ample time to reach Jeddah airport—at least 3 hours before your departure. Qatar Airways will ensure a smooth journey back with excellent service and comfort.
Optional Extension: Enjoy More of Doha
If you have extra time, why not extend your stay in Doha? Qatar Airways Holidays offers flexible extension packages that give you more time to explore the city at your own pace. Visit more cultural sites, enjoy the local food, or simply relax before your return journey.
Benefits of Booking DIY Umrah through Qatar Airways Holidays:
- Save up to 30%: Enjoy significant discounts on flight and hotel packages, giving you the best value for your trip.
- Seamless Travel: With airport transfers, flexible cancellation policies, and continuous support from Qatar Airways Holidays, your journey will be smooth and worry-free.
- Exclusive Offers for Privilege Club Members: As a Privilege Club member, you can earn and use Avios and Qpoints for your holiday packages, making your trip even more rewarding.
- Hassle-Free Stopover: The Doha stopover provides a relaxing break before diving into the spiritual side of your journey, ensuring you're refreshed for your Umrah.
How to Book:
Booking your DIY Umrah journey with Qatar Airways Holidays is simple. Visit Qatar Airways Holidays (holidays.qatarairways.com), choose the perfect package, and customize your trip to fit your needs. Whether it’s your flights, hotels, or transfers, you can easily take care of everything in one place.
By choosing Qatar Airways Holidays, you ensure not just a spiritual journey, but a comfortable, enriching experience filled with convenience, luxury, and peace of mind. Embark on your DIY Umrah trip with Qatar Airways Holidays and let them take care of the details while you focus on your faith.
Ready to book your DIY Umrah? Head to Qatar Airways Holidays and start planning your unforgettable journey today!
Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links, including those for Qatar Airways, Qatar Airways Holidays, Halalbooking, Expedia and other partners. We may earn a commission if you make a booking through these links, at no extra cost to you. Please note that we are not authorized to sell Umrah packages; all bookings are made directly with the respective providers.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
