Travelling with Kids for Umrah from the UK: My Experience

Introduction

When my family decided to perform Umrah from the UK with our three children (aged 5, 8, and 11), I’ll admit I was nervous. Would they cope with the journey? How would we manage the crowds? After our blessed experience, I’m sharing everything we learned to help other UK parents plan their family Umrah trip with confidence.

Whether you’re booking through Nur-e-Haram Travels or planning independently, these insights will help make your pilgrimage smoother and more meaningful for your whole family.

Preparing for Umrah with Kids

1. Choosing the Right Time to Travel

Timing is crucial when travelling with children. We opted for mild winter months (November-February) to avoid extreme heat. Avoid:

• Peak seasons (Ramadan, school holidays) when crowds are overwhelming
• Summer months when temperatures exceed 40°C

Tip: If your child’s school is strict about absences, consider half-term breaks for shorter trips.

2. Booking Family-Friendly Accommodation

We chose a hotel within 5 minutes’ walk of the Haram – a game-changer with tired kids! Look for:

• Interconnecting rooms or family suites
• Kitchenette facilities for preparing snacks (helpful for picky eaters)
• Hotels with play areas (some in Makkah have indoor soft play)

Budget Tip: Hotels in Aziziyah area are more affordable but require shuttle buses.

Travelling from UK to Saudi Arabia with Kids

1. Flight Tips for Stress-Free Travel

• Book overnight flights so kids sleep through most of the journey
• Request bulkhead seats for extra legroom (especially with toddlers)
• Pack a “comfort bag” with snacks, colouring books, and tablets (download Islamic cartoons!)

Airport Hack: Manchester Airport has excellent family lounges where kids can play before boarding.

2. Managing Jet Lag & Adjustments

Saudi Arabia is 2-3 hours ahead of the UK. We:

• Adjusted sleep schedules gradually 3 days before departure
• Kept first-day activities light (just Tawaf and short prayers)
• Used natural melatonin (consult your GP) for older kids struggling to sleep

Performing Umrah Rituals with Children

1. Ihram & Tawaf with Kids

• Practice wearing ihram at home – my boys found it funny at first!
• Early morning Tawaf (Fajr time) was least crowded for us
• Use a baby carrier for toddlers (strollers aren’t allowed inside the Haram)

Special Moment: Seeing my 5-year-old’s awe at the Kaaba for the first time made every challenge worthwhile.

2. Sa’i Between Safa & Marwah

• Take breaks at each lap – we split it over two days
• Explain Hajar’s (RA) story beforehand to make it meaningful
• Reward small milestones (“After 4 laps, we’ll get ice cream!”)

Keeping Kids Engaged Spiritually

We turned Umrah into an interactive learning experience:

• “Dua Treasure Hunt” – Kids collected duas for different locations (Arafat, Multazam etc.)
• Journaling – Older children wrote daily reflections
• Meeting young pilgrims – Playdates with other Muslim kids in the hotel

Kid-Friendly Islamic Resources:

• “My First Umrah” picture book (available on Amazon UK)
• Nasheed apps for prayer times

Packing Checklist for Family Umrah

Essentials Often Forgotten:

• UK plug adaptors (Type G to Type C)
• Reusable water bottles (we personalised each child’s)
• Travel-sized unscented wet wipes
• Comfortable slip-on shoes (easy for mosque entries)
• Small folding prayer mats with compasses

Medication to Bring:

• UK-brand calpol (Saudi versions taste different!)
• Rehydration sachets
• Prescription copies (in case medicines are questioned)

Safety & Practical Tips

1. ID Bracelets with your Saudi hotel address and mobile number
2. Meeting Points – Agree on spots if separated in crowds
3. Local SIM Card – Zain offers affordable data packages for navigation
4. Sunscreen & Hats – Even in winter, Saudi sun is strong

Note: Many UK parents worry about lost children in Makkah – the Haram security system is excellent at reuniting families quickly.

Budgeting for Family Umrah

Our total cost for 2 adults + 3 kids was approximately £5,200:

• Flights (London-Jeddah): £1,800
• 10-night hotel (5-star near Haram): £2,100
• Visa & Vaccinations: £400
• Food & Transport: £800
• Miscellaneous (gifts, extras): £300

Savings Tip: Some UK-based agencies like Nur-e-Haram Travels offer family Umrah package discounts for groups.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Despite the challenges, taking our children for Umrah from the UK was the best decision we made. They still talk about seeing the Kaaba daily, and their connection to Islam has deepened beautifully.