The ATOL Thing — Why It Actually Matters
Look, most people skim past this part. Don’t.
ATOL protection is a UK government scheme. If something goes wrong — a company collapses, a trip gets cancelled — your money doesn’t just disappear. You get it back, or you get brought home. Simple as that.
Aqdas Travel carries ATOL number 12834. When you book with us, you receive an official ATOL certificate. Keep it. It’s your proof, your protection, your peace of mind sitting in your email inbox before you’ve even packed a bag.
We’re also fully insured and compliant across the board. Some agencies aren’t. That’s a risk nobody going on a spiritual journey should have to take.
How Much Should You Realistically Expect to Pay?
Honestly? It depends. And anyone who gives you a flat number without asking questions first is probably cutting corners somewhere.
A 7-night economy package — 3-star hotel, return flights from a major UK airport, ground transport included — tends to sit somewhere between £650 and £800 per person. That’s a reasonable ballpark for off-peak travel.
Stretch to 10 or 14 nights, step up to a 4-star hotel closer to Masjid al-Haram, travel during Ramadan — costs go up. That’s just the reality.
The biggest factors are honestly these three: how long you’re staying, what time of year you’re going, and how close to the Haram you want to be. Everything else flows from those decisions.
What we’d say — call us before you commit to anything. We’ll give you a proper, honest quote based on your actual situation. No pressure. No sales tactics. Just real numbers.
What the Package Covers Day to Day
Flights are sorted. That’s obvious. But what about everything else?
Your hotel in Makkah is chosen based on your budget tier — and yes, even our economy options are walkable to the Haram. Nobody wants to be doing a 40-minute commute to prayer. Same approach in Madinah, where we place you close to Masjid al-Nabawi.
Transport between the two cities is included — comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, not whatever happens to be available. Ziyarat tours of the historical sites can be added if you want them. A lot of pilgrims do, especially first-timers. There’s so much to see beyond the main mosques, and having a knowledgeable guide makes a genuine difference.
And throughout all of it, our support team is reachable. Not just during UK office hours — actually reachable, day or night, if something comes up while you’re out there.
Who Are These Packages Actually For?
Everyone, honestly. But let’s be specific.
- Solo travellers appreciate the simplicity — everything is handled, you just focus on why you’re going.
- Couples often go for the 10-night option; it feels less rushed, more meaningful.
- Families with children need flexibility and space, so we configure rooms accordingly and make sure the whole trip isn’t unnecessarily stressful.
- Groups — community groups, friends travelling together — get the best per-person value. Larger bookings allow us to negotiate better rates on both flights and accommodation. If you’re organising a group, talk to us early. The earlier, the better.
A Genuine Word on Choosing the Right Agency
This part matters more than any price comparison.
There are agencies operating in the UK with no ATOL protection, minimal customer support, and a habit of going quiet once they’ve taken your deposit. That’s not cynicism — it’s just something that happens, and it happens to people who were just trying to perform Umrah on a budget.
What to Check Before You Book
- Check the ATOL number.
- Check the company registration.
- Ask what happens if your flight gets cancelled.
- Ask who you call at 2am if something goes wrong in Makkah.
A good agency should answer those questions without hesitation.
We do.
Aqdas Travel — ATOL 12834, Company Reg 16187110, Civil Aviation Authority licensed, fully insured. Those aren’t just credentials on a footer. They’re a commitment to every single person who trusts us with one of the most important journeys of their life.
When you’re ready, we’re here. No pressure. Just reach out.
Aqdas Travel | ATOL: 12834 | Reg No: 16187110 | UK Civil Aviation Authority Licensed | Fully Insured & Compliant
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