When planning Umrah, choosing the right travel package can make a real difference to your stay in Makkah and Madinah. Hotel location, flight arrangements, transport, and the support available during your trip all matter, especially when travelling with children, older family members, or a larger group.
Umrah packages by Insha Travel are an option for pilgrims looking to organise their pilgrimage through a travel brand specialising in Hajj and Umrah. Insha Travel is the Hajj and Umrah brand of Times Travel Ltd. The business states that it is ATOL protected under number 74904 and IATA accredited, with officially rated hotels in Makkah and Madinah. These details give travellers useful starting points when researching a package and checking the arrangements before booking.
A well-planned Umrah package should help you understand what is included, where you will stay, how you will travel between destinations, and which services you need to arrange separately. Knowing these details in advance can help you compare options fairly and prepare for the religious and practical aspects of your visit.
What Can You Expect from Umrah Packages by Insha Travel?
Umrah packages by Insha Travel are designed to bring key travel arrangements together, including flights, accommodation, visa processing, and transfers, depending on the package selected. The company's published package information also describes options for different hotel categories and trip lengths.
1. Packages for Different Budgets
Every pilgrim has different priorities. Some want a practical hotel with easy access to the Haram, while others prefer a higher hotel category, additional meals, or more room for their family.
Insha Travel lists economy, three-star, four-star, five-star, and luxury options on its website. This range gives travellers a starting point for comparing accommodation and services according to their budget.
When comparing packages, look beyond the headline price. Check the hotel names, room occupancy, flight arrangements, meals, and included transport. A lower price may reflect shared accommodation or fewer included services, while a more expensive option may offer greater convenience.
2. Accommodation in Makkah and Madinah
Hotel location can affect how comfortable your pilgrimage feels. A hotel within walking distance of Masjid al-Haram may suit pilgrims who want to return to their room between prayers. In Madinah, staying near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi can make visits to the Prophet's Mosque easier to plan.
Insha Travel states that its listed hotels display official Saudi Ministry of Tourism ratings. Travellers can use this information to compare accommodation categories before requesting a quote.
It is also worth checking the actual walking distance, whether shuttle transport is available, and whether the quoted room has the view or occupancy arrangement requested. These details help set clear expectations before departure.
3. Flights and Ground Transfers
Flights and transfers are important parts of a well-organised Umrah booking. Depending on the selected package, arrangements may include return flights from the UK, airport transfers, and transport between Makkah and Madinah.
Before confirming a booking, check the departure and return airports, baggage allowance, airline, arrival time, and transfer arrangements. If travelling with older relatives or young children, ask how long transfers are expected to take and whether assistance is available for passengers with mobility needs.
4. Help with Visa Arrangements
Visa requirements depend on nationality, passport validity, and the route used to enter Saudi Arabia. Insha Travel's package information describes visa processing as part of selected package arrangements.
Before paying, ask which visa route applies to each traveller and which documents are required. Visa approval remains a decision for the relevant Saudi authorities, so travellers should not assume that an application is automatically approved simply because processing is included.
Why Do ATOL Protection and IATA Accreditation Matter?
ATOL protection and IATA accreditation are useful points to check when choosing a travel company. They relate to different aspects of travel arrangements and should not be treated as interchangeable guarantees.
Understanding ATOL Protection
Insha Travel identifies its Hajj and Umrah business with ATOL number 74904. ATOL is a UK financial protection scheme for eligible flight-inclusive package holidays and certain other covered bookings. Its purpose is to protect travellers financially in specified circumstances, such as when the relevant ATOL holder ceases trading.
Before booking, travellers should:
- Check the applicable ATOL details.
- Read the ATOL Certificate issued for the booking.
- Confirm that the flights and other relevant travel arrangements are listed.
- Understand which parts of the trip fall within the protection.
ATOL protection is not the same as travel insurance. It also does not guarantee that every service will be delivered exactly as expected, so reviewing the booking terms remains important.
What Does IATA Accreditation Mean?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) works with airlines and travel industry participants. Insha Travel's website identifies Times Travel Ltd as an IATA agent.
For a traveller, this is a useful business credential to consider alongside the company's legal identity, booking terms, payment arrangements, and ATOL documentation. It is sensible to check the relevant details independently before making a payment.
Together, these checks can help travellers make a more informed decision when comparing Umrah providers.
Which Umrah Package Is Right for Your Needs?
The right Umrah package depends on your travel dates, budget, preferred hotel location, and the amount of time you want to spend in each holy city. Comparing these factors together is more useful than choosing a package based on price alone.
Economy and Budget-Friendly Umrah Packages
Economy packages are worth considering for pilgrims who want to manage travel costs while keeping the essential arrangements organised. These options may use lower-category hotels or properties that require a shuttle ride to reach the Haram.
If you choose an economy package, check whether meals are included, how often shuttle services operate, and how far the hotel is from the mosque. These details can affect daily comfort, particularly during busy prayer times.
Insha Travel lists economy options alongside its other accommodation categories. You can review the current options on its.
Three-Star Umrah Packages
Three-star accommodation may suit solo travellers, couples, and families who want to balance comfort with cost. The most important consideration is not the star rating alone, but whether the property meets your practical needs.
Check the room size, number of beds, bathroom facilities, and distance from the Haram. If walking is difficult for anyone in your group, ask about transport rather than assuming that a hotel described as nearby will be easy to reach.
Four-Star Umrah Packages
Four-star packages may appeal to pilgrims who prefer additional hotel facilities without choosing the highest accommodation category. Depending on the property, these may offer more dining choices, room amenities, and convenient access to the holy sites.
Before booking, compare the named hotels and included services. Two packages with the same star rating may differ in location, room type, and meal arrangements.
Five-Star and Luxury Umrah Packages
Five-star and luxury options are suited to travellers who place a higher priority on hotel comfort, location, and additional services. Some packages may offer accommodation near the Haram, enhanced dining options, or upgraded transport arrangements.
For elderly pilgrims and families, a hotel close to the mosque may be particularly useful because it can reduce the time spent travelling between prayers and accommodation.
However, confirm the exact hotel and room category in writing. A five-star rating does not automatically mean that every room has a Kaaba view or that private transport is included.
How Long Should You Stay in Makkah and Madinah?
The ideal duration depends on your schedule, travel budget, and personal preferences. Insha Travel lists packages with different lengths of stay, including seven-, ten-, and fourteen-night options.
| Package duration | Who might prefer it? | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 7 nights | Travellers with limited leave or time | Allow enough time for both cities and travel transfers. |
| 10 nights | Pilgrims seeking a little more flexibility | Compare the nights allocated to Makkah and Madinah. |
| 14 nights | Families and travellers wanting a longer stay | Consider the extra accommodation, meals, and daily expenses. |
These are general planning suggestions, not fixed rules. The actual value of a package depends on the itinerary and the number of nights spent in each city.
Should You Spend More Time in Makkah or Madinah?
Your allocation depends on your priorities. Makkah is the location of the Holy Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram, where pilgrims perform Tawaf and other acts of worship. Madinah is home to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, and has its own important religious and historical sites.
When reviewing an itinerary, confirm the check-in and check-out dates for both hotels. Also, account for the time needed to travel between the cities so that the schedule does not feel unnecessarily rushed.
When Is the Best Time to Book Umrah?
The best time to book depends on your preferred travel period, available flights, hotel demand, and budget. Travelling during school holidays or Ramadan may require more advance planning because many pilgrims prefer these periods.
Ramadan Umrah
Ramadan is an important period for many Muslims who wish to perform Umrah. Travellers considering Ramadan should compare hotel locations, meal arrangements, flight timings, and the overall itinerary before booking.
Demand can be high, especially during the final ten nights. Confirm the departure date, hotel allocation, and cancellation terms rather than relying only on an advertised starting price.
Winter and School Holiday Departures
Winter departures and school holiday dates can suit families who need to coordinate travel with work or education. The weather and daily conditions differ from those during the hotter months, so check current forecasts before departure.
Popular dates may have fewer hotel and flight options available. Requesting a quote early gives you more time to compare the available arrangements.
Travelling Outside Peak Periods
If your dates are flexible, compare several departure periods. A different week may offer a more suitable combination of airfare, hotel availability, and length of stay.
Rather than assuming that a particular month is always cheapest, request current prices for comparable packages. The same hotel category and room-sharing arrangement should be used when comparing quotations.
What Should You Check Before Booking an Umrah Package?
A clear checklist can help you compare offers and avoid confusion later. Before confirming your reservation with Insha Travel, review the following points.
- Total price: Confirm the amount payable for every traveller, including children and infants.
- Flights: Check the airline, airports, baggage allowance, connections, and flight times.
- Hotels: Ask for the hotel names, official ratings, room type, and location.
- Visa arrangements: Confirm the visa route and documents required for each passport holder.
- Transfers: Check whether airport transfers and travel between Makkah and Madinah are included.
- Meals: Establish whether the booking includes breakfast, half-board, full-board, or room-only accommodation.
- Travel insurance: Ask whether insurance is included or must be purchased separately.
- Booking conditions: Read the payment schedule, amendment rules, and cancellation terms.
- ATOL documentation: Obtain and review the relevant ATOL Certificate for an eligible flight-inclusive booking.
These checks make it easier to compare packages on a like-for-like basis. They also help clarify what the quoted price covers before any payment is made.
Is Insha Travel Suitable for Families and Groups?
Insha Travel's range of package categories and tailor-made booking options may be useful for families, couples, and groups with different travel requirements. Its custom Umrah service allows travellers to submit preferences for dates, airports, hotels, room arrangements, and nights in each city.
Planning for Children
Families travelling with children should confirm the availability of suitable beds, room occupancy limits, and any age-related pricing. It is also helpful to plan flight times around the children's needs and keep essential documents accessible.
Ask whether the hotel has suitable dining facilities and whether transfers can accommodate the family's luggage and pushchairs.
Arrangements for Elderly Pilgrims
Older travellers may benefit from hotels with easier access to the mosques, suitable lifts, and manageable walking distances. If a pilgrim uses a wheelchair or needs assistance, communicate these requirements before booking.
Do not assume that a nearby hotel automatically provides wheelchair access throughout the route. Ask about the hotel entrance, transport arrangements, and accessibility at each stage of the trip.
Group and Family Room Arrangements
Group bookings require attention to room occupancy and the distribution of travellers between hotels. Request a written rooming plan if several family members or friends are travelling together.
It is also worth confirming whether everyone will be on the same flights and transfers. These details can make coordination easier during arrival, hotel check-in, and travel between cities.
Custom Umrah Packages by Insha Travel
A tailor-made package can be useful when standard departure dates or hotel arrangements do not match your requirements. Instead of selecting a fixed itinerary, you can request a quotation based on your preferred dates, accommodation, and group size.
According to its custom-package information, Insha Travel invites travellers to provide their travel requirements and receive a quote based on available flights and hotel rooms.
Customisation may be worth exploring if you:
- Need to depart from a particular UK airport.
- Prefer a specific hotel or room category.
- Want a different number of nights in each city.
- Are arranging travel for a family or larger group.
- Have accessibility requirements or particular meal preferences.
When requesting a quote, provide accurate passenger ages, passport nationalities, intended dates, and room-sharing preferences. Ask for the complete itinerary and total price so that you can compare it with other available options.
Preparing for Your Umrah Trip
Once your booking is confirmed, spend some time preparing for the practical and religious aspects of Umrah. Good preparation can help you feel more organised when you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Learn the Umrah Rituals
Before travelling, learn the main steps of Umrah, including entering Ihram at the appropriate Miqat, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, completing Sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and finishing with the required hair trimming or shaving.
If you are unsure about any religious detail, consult a trusted scholar or reliable Islamic educational resource. Understanding the rituals in advance can help you prepare questions and perform them with greater confidence.
Check Travel Documents
Check that every traveller has the necessary passport validity, visa or entry permission, and booking documents. Requirements can change, so consult the relevant Saudi authorities and your travel provider before departure.
Keep digital copies of important documents as a backup, while storing original passports securely. Save the hotel details, flight information, and emergency contact numbers somewhere accessible.
Pack for Comfort
Comfortable footwear, suitable Ihram clothing where applicable, a small bag for essentials, and a refillable water bottle can be useful. Pack regular medicines in accordance with airline and Saudi entry rules, and keep them in their original packaging when appropriate.
Saudi Arabia can experience high temperatures, particularly during warmer months. Follow local health guidance, drink sufficient water, and allow time to rest between activities.
Plan Your Daily Schedule
Build your schedule around prayer times, rest, meals, and travel between destinations. Avoid filling every hour with activities, especially if you are travelling with children or older relatives.
A realistic schedule leaves room for changes in transport timings and gives you more flexibility during your stay.
Why Choose a Travel Provider with Clear Booking Information?
Choosing an Umrah provider involves more than selecting an attractive hotel or a low starting price. Clear documentation, named accommodation, understandable payment terms, and appropriate financial protection are all relevant considerations.
Insha Travel identifies itself as the Hajj and Umrah brand of Times Travel Ltd. Its published information includes ATOL number 74904, IATA agent details, and hotel ratings for its listed packages.
For prospective pilgrims, these details provide practical points to check when assessing the company and its offer. A written quotation also makes it easier to understand the services included and identify any additional costs.
Travellers can begin by reviewing the available Umrah packages by Insha Travel and requesting a quotation for their preferred dates. Package prices, availability, hotels, and inclusions should be reconfirmed before booking because they may change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Packages by Insha Travel
1. What do Umrah packages by Insha Travel include?
The inclusions depend on the package and itinerary selected. Insha Travel's published package information describes arrangements that may include return flights from the UK, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, visa processing, airport transfers, intercity transport, and guided Ziyarat. Not every service should be assumed to apply to every booking. Before paying, request a written quotation that names the hotels, confirms the flight arrangements, specifies the room-sharing basis, and lists any services that cost extra. This will help you understand the full arrangement rather than relying only on the advertised starting price.
2. Is Insha Travel ATOL protected?
Insha Travel identifies its business with ATOL number 74904. ATOL is a UK financial protection scheme that applies to eligible flight-inclusive package holidays and certain other covered bookings. The exact protection depends on the booking and the arrangements listed on the relevant certificate. Before making a payment, check the ATOL details and obtain your ATOL Certificate where applicable. Read the certificate carefully to understand which parts of your trip are covered. ATOL is not a substitute for travel insurance, so consider separate insurance for medical expenses and other risks that fall outside its scope.
3. Can I choose my hotels in Makkah and Madinah?
Hotel preferences can be discussed when requesting a package quotation. Insha Travel's tailor-made Umrah service allows travellers to submit accommodation preferences alongside their dates, room requirements, and preferred length of stay. The final choice depends on availability and the agreed booking terms. When requesting a particular hotel, ask for the property's full name, official rating, location, room category, and distance from the relevant mosque. If you want a Kaaba-view room or a property within walking distance, obtain written confirmation of that specific requirement rather than assuming it is included in the package.
4. Does Insha Travel offer different Umrah package durations?
Yes. The company's published package options include different lengths of stay, with seven-, ten-, and fourteen-night itineraries listed among the choices. The most suitable duration depends on your available time, budget, and preferred allocation between Makkah and Madinah. A shorter trip may work for travellers with limited leave, while a longer stay can allow more time for worship, rest, and visits to religious sites. Check the actual itinerary before booking, including hotel check-in dates, transfer times, and the number of nights in each city. Confirm the total price for your chosen dates.
5. Can I request a customised Umrah package?
Yes. Insha Travel provides a tailor-made Umrah service through which travellers can submit their preferred dates, departure airport, hotel choices, room arrangements, and number of nights in each city. This may be useful for families, groups, or pilgrims with specific accommodation needs. To receive a relevant quotation, provide the number of travellers, their ages, passport nationalities, and any accessibility requirements. Ask for the complete itinerary, payment schedule, cancellation conditions, and final price before confirming. All requested arrangements remain subject to availability and the terms agreed for the booking.
6. How can I compare Umrah packages before booking?
Start by comparing packages with the same travel dates, trip duration, hotel category, and room-sharing arrangement. Then review the return flights, baggage allowance, visa arrangements, transfers, meals, and distance from the Haram. Check whether the quoted price is per person and whether children have different fares. Also review the booking conditions and relevant ATOL documentation. If one offer appears cheaper, ask which services are included and whether any extras must be purchased separately. A written quotation with named hotels and a clear breakdown of costs is a practical way to compare providers fairly.