Umrah with children requires a bit more planning than when travelling without, but is by no means impossible. Each year, thousands of Muslim families travel from London to complete this necessary pilgrimage together, and with the proper preparation, it will not be a stressful experience, but rather a memorable one. Starting from the selection of the right London Umrah packages to the day-to-day routine of Makkah and Madinah, this guide covers all the essentials a family needs to know.

Motivation of family to perform Umrah together

Not only can adults do Umrah. Many parents wish to have their children experience the Kaaba, learn the rituals first-hand, and have a connection to their faith from early childhood. Also, doing Umrah as a family helps to distribute the responsibility. Parents rotate the duty of watching over younger children, and see everyone through the rituals as they do, which makes the whole trip run more smoothly for everyone.

Choosing the Right Umrah Package from London for Your Family

Not all packages are for all families. Solo tours, or older tourists, might not be ideal for a family with kids. Several factors need to be considered when comparing  Umrah packages from London.

• The layout of the rooms, such as family rooms or adjoining rooms, helps lower the stress of having children in different rooms;

• Being close to the Haram, as shorter walks are more important when you have tired toddlers or restless children,

• Smaller groups, however, are typically more attentive to their clients, which can be beneficial.

• A reputable London Umrah travel agency will ask about children's ages before recommending a package, not after booking is confirmed.

There are key questions to ask before making a booking

Before checking in, parents should always directly enquire from the agency about the availability of baby cots, access to a stroller in the Haram section and whether a lift can be arranged near the room at the hotel.

How Families Can Save on Umrah Packages from London

All families have a budget, and it's not a compromise on service quality to find affordable Umrah packages  London. To keep costs affordable, there are a few tips that families must follow: travelling in non-rush-hour months, booking several weeks beforehand, and looking for hotels within walking distance of the Haram, and not directly opposite.

Families can also benefit from special family rates. Agencies are often able to provide a discount if several family members are travelling together, as it makes things easier for them too.

It is better to consider several Umrah deals from London side by side, rather than taking the first package. The differences between the two packages, even when the cost is the same, can be very wide, depending on what it includes, such as transport between the two holy cities, visa processing or airport transfers.

Preparing Children Before Travel

To explain the Rituals in Simple Terms

Children respond better to simple and plain explanations rather than long religious sermons! Explain Tawaf in terms of walking around the House of Allah seven times and Sai as the recourse of Hajar's path between Safa and Marwah. Brief explanations work better than long theological discussions.

How to Manage Ihram when Accompanied by Young Children

It is permissible for girls to wear modest clothing without covering their face, and boys in Ihram must wear two pieces of clothing, which are unstitched white ones. In case it is difficult for a younger boy, it is possible to wear Ihram for a short time, for instance, only during rituals.

Practical Tips for Travelling with Children in Makkah and Madinah

Health and Safety Considerations

Check in at the hotel's front desk, and have a picture of each child on your cell phone daily of what they are wearing. If a child becomes separated from the group, this is a little habit that can make a big difference.

Whether you are a family with young children or older ones, Etihad Travels caters to the needs of families in London to arrange their Umrah travel in a manner suitable for the age of each child and the family's pace, allowing parents to concentrate on what is most important in the family: experiencing this holy journey together.

FAQs

Q1: Can children do Umrah without doing all the rituals?

Yes. Young children are able to be carried or pushed in a stroller if they are unable to walk the full Tawaf or Sa'i, and parents can do the rituals for them if necessary.

Q2: At what age should a child do Umrah?

There's really no set age, although many families wait until their child is at least 5 or 6 to understand the basic instructions and to be able to handle the walking.

Q3: Do London umrah travel agents have family discounts?

When comparing quotes, just ask several agencies if they can offer a better price for a family travelling more than one person in their package, because they will. Many companies like Etihad Travels will have a better price if you are travelling as a family; you can ask them directly to compare quotes.