u/Ice_Black

I’ve booked Conrad Jabal Omar Makkah for my family and just realised their child policy says children can stay in the room for free, but for meals only children aged 5 and under eat free. Children aged 6–11 are charged 50%.

My son is exactly 6 years old.

Has anyone stayed at this hotel, or a similar hotel in Makkah, with a 6-year-old? Did they actually charge you for the child’s breakfast, or did they just allow the child to eat with the parents?

I already have breakfast included for the adults and would rather not have to pay an extra breakfast charge for a 6-year-old.

Would this likely be an issue at the breakfast restaurant? Any recent experiences would be appreciated.

I’m a British passport holder planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

I understand that UK passport holders can now apply for the new Saudi ETA Visa, which is valid for 2 years.

Do I need to book my hotels before applying for the ETA?

I’m asking because I’m not sure whether the visa application requires details of where I’ll be staying in Saudi Arabia.

Thanks!

I’m trying to work out the minimum layover time I should allow before travelling onward to Jeddah for Umrah.

I need to take into account the time needed to get off the plane, go through any required security/transit procedures, find a prayer room or other suitable airport facilities, make wudu, change into ihram, and pray before the flight to Jeddah.

Would a 2-hour layover realistically be enough, especially when travelling with family?

For example, if the layover is at Abu Dhabi or Istanbul Airport, how much time would you recommend allowing? Would 2 hours be too risky, and would 3–4 hours be more sensible?

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done a similar journey.

Salaam everyone,

I am planning to book an Umrah trip Inshallah from the UK for 2 adults and 1 school-age child.

I am thinking of booking the hotels through Booking dot com and the flights through Skyscanner. Is there anything important I should watch out for when booking?

I also have a few questions:

• Where did you apply for your Umrah visa? Should I do this first before purchasing tickets and hotel?
• How did you book transport?
• For travelling from Makkah to Madinah, I am thinking of booking the train, good option?
• For airport transfers and other journeys, I am thinking of using private taxis. Is this a good option too?

I would like to stay at Swissotel Makkah. Which room type would you normally book for 2 adults and 1 school-age child? Would a standard room (1 large double bed) be enough, or should I book a larger room (3 beds)?

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

I have a lot of family photos from the 80s–2000s stored in thick paper envelopes (~35 photos each), all kept in a cardboard box in a wardrobe. [I have already digitally scanned them)

These are the actual envelopes I've been using: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0049QKQSC

I'm wondering if I should move them into something like these clear plastic 4x6 cases (Lifewit, with individual inner boxes per stack) or what do you suggest? I want something compact that doesn't take up too much space.

Not looking for museum-grade - just want to avoid slowly damaging them without realising.

Any thoughts?

I am making a large family tree with around 230 people and want to frame it on the wall. I’d like to include all siblings and married relationships, not just direct ancestors.

Looking for inspiration from people who’ve printed big trees before:

• What paper size did you use?
• What layout worked best?
• Did it still stay readable when framed?

Would love to see examples or hear what worked well for you.