By Eric 
Umrah, a lesser/minor pilgrimage, is a highly rewarding journey in Islam. It is an act of worship in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah that gives Muslims a chance to get closer to Allah Almighty in a more immersive way. Every eligible believer should carry out this religious activity at least once in a lifetime to strengthen their faith to the brim. If you’re about to perform a pilgrimage from the UK in the coming year, book the right Umrah packages London to get your itinerary planned perfectly. However, you may have to travel long routes for such a type of trip.
Many flights from London are not direct and may require a stopover in another city, which can be challenging. In case you’re thinking about how to handle long layovers efficiently, read ahead.
How to Handle Long Layovers from London to Saudi Arabia?
Performing Umrah is a wish of every Muslim in the world. If you’ve also set your mind on a pilgrimage from London, it’s great. You need to be well-prepared for long layovers on the way too. Below are some of the travel hacks that can help you easily cope with these long-haul flights.
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Book Flights With Free Hotel Transit Stops
There are many ways you can make your long-haul flights for Umrah from the UK smooth. One of the most effective ones is to book flights with free hotel transit stops. This is because it provides an immediate, free accommodation and allows for a stopover visa application. Not only this, but it also includes a potential hotel stay for layovers of up to 96 hours. Well, that sounds amazing. No matter when you plan your trip, it is recommended to book your flights with care.
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Pre-Purchase Lounge Access
In case you’ve no idea of how to cope with long layovers from London to Saudi Arabia, we’ve got you covered here. We urge you to pre-purchase your lounge access for that purpose. This is how you will get a comfortable space with the necessary amenities such as food, drinks, and WiFi. By booking a quiet retreat from the busy airport during your long-haul flight, you can effectively recharge yourself for the pilgrimage rituals. Ensure to follow this tip for your long Umrah travel.
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Locate Airport Rooms Early
If you’re travelling from London to Saudi Arabia to carry out the activity of Umrah and there is a long layover, try to locate airport rooms early. It can provide you with a comfortable resting point during long-haul journeys and makes the transit even more manageable. Ensure to book early, particularly if you’re not eligible for the Saudi stopover visa or plan to use facilities that are accessible only with a membership. It lets you have rest and change, which is really amazing.
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Keep a Mini-Umrah Prep Kit in Your Hand Luggage
No matter if you’re travelling for the purpose of Umrah alone or with your loved ones, it is a great choice to always keep a mini-Umrah prep kit in your hand luggage. This will help you a lot during long layovers, for instance, you can have quick access to essentials such as toiletries, snacks, and electronics in case of any kind of emergency. Moreover, the kit should include a small first-aid kit, travel-sized unscented hygiene items, and prayer essentials for supplications.
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Use Airport Sleep Pods
Using airport sleep pods can also make your long layovers super comfortable and convenient at the same time. They offer a tranquil space so that you can rest during long-haul flights to develop more focus on worship. It is a great solution to the discomfort of sleeping in public airport terminals. This is what makes it a must-have on your flight. If a pod is unavailable, you should check with your airline for complimentary hotel stopovers or else opt for a day-use hotel.
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Consider Packing Strategically
What you pack for your Umrah pilgrimage has a big impact on your whole journey. It is a smart decision to pack strategically. This is because it will really help you a lot during long layovers. First, pack your essential documents like a valid passport, an Umrah visa, confirmation of your flights and hotels, and proof of your relationship if travelling with your spouse. You can then go for packing your clothing items. Make use of packing cubes to maximise space in your suitcase.
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Always Stay Hydrated
In case you’re going for an Umrah trip from the UK, it is the best decision you could make in your life as a Muslim. Make sure to stay hydrated and fulfil the water content needs of your body to make your long layovers super convenient. This way, you won’t have to deal with dehydration. You can also avoid fatigue in an efficient manner. Aside from this, it also helps prepare your body for the heat and strenuous rituals ahead. So, you have to act upon this travel hack, for sure.
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Charging Everything Before Boarding Your Next Flight
Another important hack to end up with smooth long layovers is to keep all your electronic devices charged before boarding your next flight. It lets you stay connected, entertained, and informed during long-haul flights. Most pilgrims forget to follow this travel tip, but you shouldn’t. Even if your devices are charged, it doesn’t mean you’re not going to need a charger along the way. That is why it is highly suggested to have a portable charger in your hand luggage.
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Bring Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you want a seamless long layover experience from London to Saudi Arabia, you need to plan everything ahead. One of the most crucial things to act upon is to bring noise-cancelling headphones. It helps with long-haul flights by blocking out engine and cabin sounds. This makes it easier to sleep and focus on prayers during your travel. Other than this, they can also assist with aeroplane pressure by creating a consistent sound environment, ensuring a smooth travel.
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Download Islamic Lectures and Umrah Guides
Downloading Islamic lectures and Umrah guides can help you manage long layovers too. Make certain to immerse yourself in religious activities during your long-haul flight. This is how you can make your spiritual journey even more meaningful. Remember that you’re about to visit the House of Allah. Having these resources lets you make the most of your travel time productively rather than just waiting. That is the leading way to turn your layover into a spiritual preparation.
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Don’t Forget to Have a Local Currency
No matter when you begin your Umrah travel from London to Saudi Arabia, it is recommended to have local currency. You might not know, but it is really useful in handling your long layovers. It provides pilgrims like you with easier access to essential services. Not only this, but it also covers incidental expenses not easily covered by cards or other currencies. Make sure to follow this travel hack because this is how you can make your long-haul Umrah trip more meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Last but not least, Umrah is a spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah and has immense significance in Islam. It gives Muslims a chance to get spiritual renewal by asking Allah Almighty to forgive all their past sins. If you’re also planning such a dreamy trip to Saudi Arabia, get all-inclusive Umrah packages London from Muslims Holy Travel to get the most out of your pilgrimage. In case you’re about to take long-haul flights, follow the travel hacks discussed above in this article. This way, you will be able to easily manage your long layovers while ensuring a smooth experience. May your Umrah be a source of enlightenment for you and your loved ones!