How to Save Money While Travelling in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has recently started welcoming tourists. And you may not be aware of this, but this is undoubtedly not a budget-friendly county. However, one thing to keep in mind is that Saudi Arabia may not be a typical budget-friendly destination, but that doesn’t mean you cannot explore it on a budget. You just need the right tips and tricks to save money while travelling in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, if you have always been curious about this exciting destination or want to experience the spirituality of its pilgrimage sites, it is time to do it without worrying about your pocket. 

People have recently come to know that Saudi Arabia is a diverse country with something for everyone. In the past, only religious tourists visited the country for their religious obligations or to revive their faith. However, futuristic cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as untouched archaeological gems like Al Ula, and the islands of the Red Sea, now attract tourists to this glorious destination. UK citizens like yourself now visit the country not only for the pilgrimage but also to explore its other exceptional offerings. If you want to see it soon, too, but are worried about the budget, here is the perfect guide for you. 

Tips to Save Money While Travelling to Saudi Arabia

Here are some tips for people travelling to Saudi Arabia soon on a budget. Whether you want to visit the country for a pilgrimage or to explore its tourist attractions, these tips will be helpful. 

Plan Your Trip During the Off-Season

Travelling during the off-season has its perks. Even though you might not get the ideal weather conditions and the destination in its prime, there is no better way to save money than by travelling during the less in-demand season. This is the time when fewer tourists are travelling to the country, significantly reducing flight and accommodation costs. 

If you want to perform Umrah, consider travelling right after the Hajj season or in Muharram and Safar. These are the lesser in-demand seasons. However, it would not be cost-effective for you to travel during Ramadan, which is the peak season.

For tourists, May to September may be considered the off-season in Saudi Arabia, as it is the summer season. As Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, summer weather is not exceptionally comfortable, which is why tourists tend to avoid this time of year. 

Book Everything in Advance 

Booking everything in advance is another great way to save money while travelling to Saudi Arabia. If you plan to visit the country for religious purposes, it is advisable to book an Umrah package from Manchester a few months in advance to secure the best deals. Additionally, booking flights, accommodations, and other services in advance will help you secure the best deals. 

Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive. From flights to hotels, you will have to pay a lot more if you wait till the last minute to book. So, start looking for deals and services as soon as you have planned to travel to Saudi Arabia. Compare the prices of various service providers and choose the most affordable ones. 

Use Budget Airlines and Public Transport

Domestic flights within Saudi Arabia are standard. You can easily fly between cities like Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh without spending a lot of money. However, to get the cheapest flights, consider flying with budget airlines. Airlines such as Flynas and Flyadeal offer affordable domestic flights within Saudi Arabia, particularly when booked in advance. 

Using public transport to commute within the cities is the most affordable option. You can use buses, trains, shared taxis, and even ride-hailing apps to go around the cities. These are the perfect options for travelling short distances within cities and are significantly cheaper than renting a car.

Use the Couchsurfing Website or Book Affordable Accommodation

If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia on a budget but haven’t explored couchsurfing yet, it is time to do so. This website connects you with locals who are looking to host tourists for free. Yes, you heard it right. It’s all for free. You can stay with them, hang out with them, and go on group excursions together. Isn’t it exciting? This experience not only saves you money but also provides an opportunity for a more immersive cultural retreat. 

However, if you are not a fan of couchsurfing, you can look for affordable accommodation options around the country. Looking for budget-friendly hotels will surely do wonders for your budget. Therefore, ensure that you select the ideal hotel or accommodation option that won’t compromise your budget.

Enjoy Free Attractions and Activities 

There are many free attractions and activities to explore in the country without worrying about your budget. Many historic attractions, ancient forts, mosques, museums, and even modern marvels, such as world-class malls, are all free to visit. And exploring them all is the perfect way to experience the most authentic Saudi vibes without spending a lot of money. 

There are many natural landscapes in the country, too, that you can explore for free. From beaches and mountains to coastal towns, every place here has its own unique charm, making for an unforgettable experience in the country. 

Summing Up

You don’t have to worry about draining your wallet while visiting Saudi Arabia. With the right tips and tricks up your sleeve, you will have the most budget-friendly retreat to this diverse destination. Whether you want to perform the pilgrimage or explore other experiences in the country, you can do it all within a tight budget. You just have to plan everything wisely and book all the services in advance to save money while travelling in Saudi Arabia.