Umrah Health and Safety - Stay Safe During Your Journey
Going for an Umrah is a journey of spirituality and peace of mind. It's a voluntary effort Muslims make to please Allah and ask for his forgiveness. However, traveling from the UK to Saudi Arabia is also a change of environment, weather, and food in addition to large crowds. For instance, the weather in Makkah is more harsh and scorching than the normal weather conditions in the UK. Similarly, the gathering of pilgrims from different regions increases the chances of getting infected. In this case, following simple steps like maintaining hygiene or knowing local medical services make a difference. This is the reason Cheap Umrah Packages Travel Agency serves pilgrims to the best and guides all about health, safety, and what to prepare. The purpose is to make this holy journey of UK Muslims fulfilling and rewarding without worries.
Health Tips Before Traveling to Umrah
Pilgrims have to be physically and mentally fit to perform Umrah and they should ensure their health before departure for sure. For instance, it's important to go for a regular check-up, especially in case of any previous health conditions. Carrying the first-aid box and following the precautions of a doctor is also an important step. Here are a few other tips to follow to get the most out of your journey.
Required Vaccinations for Umrah
UK pilgrims should take the following vaccines before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities set these requirements that every pilgrim has to follow. The main vaccines are:
- Meningitis ACWY vaccine
- Seasonal flu vaccine (valid for certain vulnerable regions)
- Polio vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Carry the proof of these vaccines along with your travel documents to avoid complications upon arrival.
Medical Checkups Before Your Trip
A general health checkup is a great idea before traveling to Umrah. It's important as the journey involves heavy walking and gatherings. However, it's mandatory to go for a checkup if you have any existing health conditions. This way, you can ask for relevant medications and precautions. Also, you can confirm your fitness level and be able to prepare for the journey both physically and mentally.
Travel Insurance for Umrah - Why you Need it?
Cheapumrahpackages offers travel insurance as part of affordable Umrah packages as it:
- Covers medical emergencies during pilgrimage
- Deals with lost luggage or any misplaced document
- Provides refunds in case of trip cancellations
- Secures your travel insurance as an added service especially if you are traveling with a family, kids, or oldsters.
Staying Healthy During Umrah
An umrah is a journey of financial, spiritual, physical, and mental preparation as it involves all the aspects of life. Understandably, Umrah reflects spiritual growth but it also comes up with its own challenges. For example, large crowds, long distances, and hot climates are there to manage. So, it becomes important to stay healthy during a pilgrimage to adjust to the new environment and focus on ibadah. The weather conditions of the UK are mild while the high temperatures of Saudi Arabia are challenging to bear at first. The large crowds in Haramain are another challenge that requires patience and physical fitness. Thereby, it's natural for someone to experience tiredness, dehydration, or a slight cold. These are part of being among large groups, and pilgrims often adjust within a few days. Meanwhile, some find the routine of prayers and spiritual connection gives them strength. So, it's important to understand your limits, and is good to remember that the Umrah journey is not a race. Listening to your body and finding a balance between worship and rest is key to completing your spiritual duties without feeling overburdened.
At Cheap Umrah Packages, we often hear from UK travelers that the first few days of Umrah are about adjusting. So, we guide pilgrims about all the necessary health and safety tips to follow during the journey. As a result, they can perform rituals at their best and enhance their pilgrimage just with the right information.
Medical Help in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers modern healthcare facilities in proximity to holy sites for pilgrims. Though it's important to take health precautions and safety measures seriously, it's also good to know that medical help is available there. In this regard, we keep UK Muslims updated about healthcare services to contact in case of any health emergency.
Hospitals and Clinics Near the Holy Sites
Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah offers reliable healthcare services near the holy sites. After all, they deal with millions of pilgrims and strive for their safety. So, the cities of Makkah and Madinah are specially prepared for emergencies. The Saudi Government ensures easy access to hospitals and clinics in proximity to Haramain.
In Makkah:
- Ajyad Emergency Hospital near Masjid Al-Haram
- King Abdullah Medical City
- Al-Noor Specialist Hospital
In Madinah:
- King Fahd Hospital
- Al Ansar Hospital near Masjid an-Nabawi
These hospitals have most English-speaking employees which is an added advantage for UK pilgrims.
Emergency Contacts for Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has an organized emergency system to assist around the clock. However, you should also have emergency contacts saved in your phone to seek help quickly.
Important Numbers for Pilgrims
- Medical Emergency (ambulance) - 997
- Police - 999
- Civil Defence (Fire/rescue) - 998
Saudi sim cards also have default emergency contacts to help pilgrims throughout the journey.
What to Do if You Feel Sick?
The shift from the usual routine to heavy walking, heat, and eating habits can cause health problems evening with good health preparation. So, if you are feeling sick, ensure proper sleep and rest in the first place. In case of mild symptoms of headache or fever, over-the-counter medicines are handy to use. You can also reach out to pharmacies nearby Haram like Nahdi Pharmacy or Al-Dawaa Pharmacy Visiting a nearby clinic or hospital is important when the symptoms persist. For serious health emergencies, we offer on-ground support, thanks to our connections with health service providers in the holy cities.
Travel Safety Tips for Pilgrims
Besides health precautions and safety, personal safety is also important throughout the pilgrimage. Since a large number of pilgrims gather in Makkah and Madinah, being alert and aware of the surroundings makes a difference. In particular, minor scams or pickpocketing are the issues you have to avoid. Avoiding Scams and Pickpockets Crowded areas in Masjid Al-Haram and the markets are vulnerable to pickpockets. Sometimes, people offer fake services or shortcuts to trap pilgrims, especially first-time travelers. Similarly, some shopkeepers overcharge pilgrims for routine items.
Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Carry a money belt under your clothes.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Make mindful purchases without showing your money to anyone.
- Be cautious with strangers and say no to unusual offers politely.
- Ask for discounts when buying from local shops.
Best Practices for Women and Elderly Travelers
Be prepared for your Umrah experience in terms of all aspects to make this journey memorable. Here's how women and oldsters can plan their journey:
Women should:
- Wear modest clothes and a headscarf.
- Spend time performing Umrah rituals or making supplications in separate prayer areas.
- Stay in groups of fellow pilgrims to avoid scams.
- Respect local customs and dress codes throughout the journey.
Elderly Pilgrims should:
- Avoid crowded hours while performing Umrah rituals.
- Use wheelchair services when needed.
- Take rest breaks between Umrah rituals or long walks.
- Ask for help when needed.
Food and Diet Tips for Umrah Pilgrims
A balanced diet makes a healthy body and maintains energy levels. However, the change in eating habits is a common issue that UK pilgrims face in Saudi Arabia. In this case, it's important to understand one’s dietary requirements and choose healthy food.
Healthy Eating for Energy
Heavy walking or being outdoors most of the time is part of the Umrah journey. So, follow these tips to nourish your body daily:
- Start your day with a balanced breakfast full of protein and fruits.
- Avoid heavy meals and energy drinks while eating small portions throughout the day.
- Carry nuts or dates along with you to get instant energy.
- Choose local Arabian dishes rather than fast food to improve digestion.
Avoiding Food Poisoning
It's important to be mindful of what you are eating. For instance:
- Eat from clean food stalls rather than cheap food points.
- Choose freshly prepared meals.
- Eat fruits after washing them properly.
- Avoid drinking tap water.
Benefits of Drinking Zam Zam Water
Zam Zam water is a heavenly gift for pilgrims. It holds both spiritual and health benefits. So, consider drinking it frequently to get divine blessings.
Here are a few benefits of drinking Zam Zam:
- A naturally pure and refreshing source of hydration
- Rich in essential minerals
- A symbol of blessing and miracles
Our five-star Umrah packages from the UK include in-room dining. So, we try to provide healthy food options tailored to individual needs including kids, adults, and oldsters.
Health Tips for Elderly and Disabled Pilgrims
Oldsters and senior citizens find Umrah journey more challenging because of the physical demands and the hot weather of Saudi Arabia. However, proper planning and understanding of the right things make a real difference. Saudi authorities introduce services specifically for senior citizens to streamline their experience. Similarly, we also guide elderly or disabled UK Muslims about the relevant services in Haramain and the right guidance of the rituals.
Wheelchair and Accessibility Services
Free wheelchairs are available in Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi for elderly pilgrims. There are special counters to get wheelchairs there. The facility of rented electric chairs is also available in the upper floors of the Haram. Wheelchair helpers are also available there to hire for pushing. There are special ramps dedicated for wheelchair users to make their rituals easier.
Managing Medication and Special Needs
Here's how to manage health conditions using daily medication throughout the pilgrimage:
- Pack extra supplies of over-the-counter medications as most of the UK medicines are unavailable in Saudi Arabia.
- Keep prescriptions of medications along with you.
- Store medicines safely in a first-aid box.
- Inform your group about your health conditions in case of any emergency.
Best Ways for Seniors to Perform Umrah Comfortably
Follow the given tips to simplify your Umrah journey:
- Perform tawaf on upper floors in a wheelchair to avoid crowds.
- Avoid peak hours like the nighttime and prayer times to perform rituals comfortably.
- Ensure rest breaks between Umrah rituals to restore energy.
- Book your hotels in proximity to the holy sites for added convenience.
- Discuss your travel preferences with us to get the right package as per your needs.
Why Choose Cheap Umrah Packages for a Safe and Hassle-free Umrah?
At Cheap Umrah Packages Travel Agency, we understand the spiritual and physical aspects of the pilgrimage. So, we guide UK Muslims before departure so that they can follow health and safety measures throughout the journey. No matter if you are traveling with elders or kids, we provide personalized guidance either way.
Here's what makes our services reliable and trending out there in the UK:
24/7 Customer Support for Pilgrims
Our expert team ensures availability around the clock. Pilgrims can reach us anytime and seek guidance at each step of the way. We provide in-depth details to first-time travelers in their language to provide them with better value for money.
Medical Assistance and Travel Insurance Options
Cheapumrahpackages supports UK pilgrims in terms of medical emergencies. Besides guiding pilgrims before departure, we also ensure their health checkups in reliable clinics as part of the Umrah package. We also offer trusted travel and health insurance plans specifically for pilgrimage needs to make the overall experience comfortable.
Comfortable and Safe Travel Services
We take care of travel details throughout the journey. We start with managing flights from major UK airports with airlines of your choice. In addition, providing quality accommodations and ground transportation are also our top priorities. The purpose is to reduce the overall management burden and make you focus on Ibadah purely. So, no more looking for trusted services. Just call us to get the travel plans as per your travel needs.
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