Umrah packages ensure everything that pilgrims need during the pilgrimage to make the best out of the journey. They take care of an Umrah visa, flight tickets, hotel reservation, airport transfers, and Ziyarat tours all in one place. However, what about packing the essential items you need during the journey?
Packing the right things makes a big difference in contributing to the overall comfort. It’s especially important for first-time pilgrims to carry all the necessary items before departure. Therefore, here’s a complete checklist of all what pilgrims need during this holy trip to Saudi Arabia. So, let’s explore in detail.
Umrah preparation before packing
People who want to plan the Umrah trip for the first time need to make preparations for the spiritual journey from the beginning. For instance, finding the best type of Umrah packages is the first step to get started with an umrah planning before packing.
These all-in-one pilgrimage solutions are created to serve pilgrims as they provide all umrah-friendly services and guidance without breaking the bank. These packages also save time in which people can pack the essentials easily making sure they have packed everything they consider necessary. So, it ultimately saves money and also avoids buying essentials in Saudi Arabia at higher prices.
Umrah Travel Checklist
Follow this provided checklist to add only things that matter to you while cutting on unnecessary weights. It’s also important to keep everything essential to the pilgrimage to avoid expensive things from Saudi Arabia. Here’s what exactly you need for an umrah journey.
Essential documents
Pilgrims carry all the essential documents with them to avoid travel eligibility issues of the journey. So, keep a valid passport, an umrah visa through a travel agency, a vaccination certificate, travel insurance, and currency in Riyals with you.
It’s also better to carry both original and copied documents together to be on the safe side. Also, keep all the documents in a handy bag or personal file for easy access when needed.
Ihram garments
Ihram is a special dress code that pilgrims wear to perform Umrah and Hajj to express humility and submission to Allah. Men need to pack two seamless unstitched white sheets to cover their body while there are no specific Ihram guidelines for women.
As a recommended practice, ladies used to wear full length abayas or loose-fitting clothes during the pilgrimage. Instead of abaya, you can also wear simple, full sleeve, and ankle-length clothes to cover the whole body except hands. Similarly, use a headscarf to cover hair and a mask to hide face while performing Umrah rituals.
Clothing essentials
In addition to packing Ihram clothes, pack routine wearables with you according to the weather conditions in Mecca. As the climate in Mecca is scorching and dry, pack breathable and loose fitting clothes to wear in routine.
On the other hand, the climate in Medina is moderate during the day while lower temperature at nights. So, pack a pair of shawls, jackets or sweaters to ensure layers in a cooler environment. Also, keep comfy shoes and modest slippers to walk comfortably while performing Tawaf and Sa’i.
Toiletries and medications
The basic toiletries include toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, tissues and soap that everyone carry during travel. Yet you can also pack your routine skincare products e.g. sunblock, lip balm or insect repellent for added comfort. Although some hotels also provide you with basic toiletries, keep your own to stay on the safe side.
Moreover, pack your routine medications or a prescription from a doctor in case of any health condition. It’s better to keep a first-aid kit with you to deal with any accidental issue on the spot. However, some Umrah packages also offer health safety during the pilgrimage as part of the plan.
Double checking all the essential items
Once you have done with the hajj umrah packages, take time and consider what you have carried and what else should also be ensured. In addition to carrying basic items, also carry prayer essentials such as an Umrah guidebook, a prayer mat, a pocket Quran, or a supplication book to stay on the track. It’s better to keep a shoulder bag containing all the basic items and documents with you all time.
Other essential items that you can also pack include an umbrella, reusable water bottle, ready to eat snacks, a pen and notebook, a compass, and cash in a pouch to ensure comfort and safety hand in hand.
Packing Essentials for Kids
When kids go for Umrah, they need to pack some special things for their journey. For example , a small backpack should be there to keep their own items to make them feel grown-up and responsible. This bag should have comfortable clothes according to the current weather conditions of Makkah and Madinah.
Also, pack a refillable water bottle that kids can carry everywhere with them. Similarly, simple shoes that are easy to wear are perfect for mosque visits. In this regard, small colorful prayer mat and beads are the best options to engage kids in holy rituals.
Add some snacks like dates or biscuits to their bag to beat cravings between meals. The journey becomes more special when children have a small notebook to draw or write about all the amazing things they see.
Since kids feel tired often, pack small toys and a travel-sized pillow to keep them busy during travel. For younger kids, carry extra hygiene products to avoid hassle during pilgrimage. Also, pack a small first-aid kit having band-aids and basic medicines for kids. In short, keep things simple to make their journey smooth and enjoyable all in one place.
Packing Essentials for Elders
Elderly pilgrims heading for Umrah need thoughtful packing for added comfort throughout their spiritual journey. In this case, comfortable walking shoes with good support are essential anyway. A lightweight folding cane should also be there to provide stability when needed, while compression socks are optional to deal with circulation during long flights and standing prayers.
Also, pack their medicines in their original containers along with prescriptions from a doctor. Since the climate in Saudi Arabia demands light clothing that breathes well, yet a light jacket remains necessary for air-conditioned spaces. Also pack cushioned prayer mats that are gentle on aging knees for seniors.
Moreover, reading glasses, hearing aid batteries and any mobility aids deserve special attention when packing. A small backpack also keeps important items accessible without the strain of heavy bags.
Tips for Packing Umrah Essentials Smartly
An umrah travel checklist makes the whole packing an easy and quick task for everyone. For even better results, here are a few tips to follow while packing.
1. Light packing is always better since pilgrims have to move between places during their journey.
2. Rolling clothes instead of folding saves space and reduces wrinkles in the luggage.
3. A small first-aid kit with basic medicines should be in an easily accessible pocket of your bag.
4. Your prayer mat doesn’t need to be large as travel-sized prayer mats are available that take up less space.
5. Plastic bags are helpful for storing dirty clothes during the trip.
6. Since the weather in Saudi Arabia is usually hot, take breathable fabrics for added comfort.
7. Comfortable shoes matter as your feet will thank you after long hours of walking and standing.
8. Important documents should be in a separate pouch that you can keep close to your body at all times.
9. Sample-sized toiletries take less space than full bottles and are enough for the duration of Umrah.
10. Snacks in your carry-on bag are lifesaving while you’re craving between meals.
Final Words
As you see packing for an umrah journey is a simple task when you know exactly what to pack. This is where an umrah travel checklist comes in to save efforts. Though packing umrah essentials is important for the journey, getting prepared for the journey both mentally and spiritually matters the most. In short, pack light and quick to save time while working on your connection with Allah.