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Struggling to Plan Umrah with Family Requests – Need Advice (UK)

As-salamu alaykum everyone, I'm part of a family of five living in the Midlands, UK. My parents have been wanting to go for Umrah for a while, but only recently started seriously planning for the Christmas break. We're facing some challenges though. Our flight budget is about £750 per person max. The issue is my parents don’t want my brother to miss 3-4 days of school even if it means cheaper flights. I also can’t stay in Saudi after the 30th because of exams coming up. Another brother insists on flying only from Heathrow or Manchester, saying airports like Gatwick or Stansted are beneath him. He also only trusts airlines like Qatar, Emirates, Saudia, Etihad, or Turkish Airlines for the "experience and vibes," calling others unsafe. He keeps blaming the rest of us and thinks spending £4K on flights is "cheap." We've tried to reason with him but he’s set in his ways. My parents are quite particular about dates too. They want to include at least two Fridays in the trip but refuse to take flights departing on a Friday. Also, they want flights only to and from Madinah, and they want to stay at least 10 days, preferably 13. About hotels, they want to start in Madinah, spend 3 nights in Makkah in the middle, then return to Madinah. They prefer at least 4-star hotels but might accept 3-star if necessary. Proximity to the Haram and cleanliness are very important to them, but it’s hard to find decent options within budget. I’ve tried many flight and hotel combinations for a week, but as time goes on, places are selling out and prices keep rising because of the complaints. If the price is low, it’s considered dodgy; if it’s higher, then it’s too expensive. Our overall budget is around £6000-£8000. Jazakum Allahu khairan for any advice or suggestions you can share.

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I’d suggest booking ASAP before prices jump more! Sometimes you can snag good deals last minute if you keep checking frequently.

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Your brother’s airport rules tho 😂 Just gotta laugh sometimes! Maybe show him reviews of well-rated hotels near Haram to ease the parents’ worries?

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I feel you on wanting Fridays included but no flights on Friday - it’s a tough ask. Maybe try negotiating a bit on dates or hotels so you can all compromise?

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Omg, this sounds so stressful! Family trips are always a juggling act but with exams and school it’s extra tricky. Maybe look into slightly flexible dates or split the trip if possible?

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With the flight restrictions and hotel needs, have you tried a travel agent who specializes in Umrah? They might have access to deals you can’t find online.

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Ugh family politics during planning trips is the worst. But the budget sounds reasonable! Maybe prioritize flights from Heathrow or Manchester, then find affordable but clean hotels nearby.

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I get the vibe thing, but honestly sometimes cheaper airlines surprise you. Might be worth compromising on that to fit the budget and keep everyone happy.

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