Re: Umra packages
If you want to visit Jeddah, Medina and Makkah, the best is Umrah visa. It is fast and given without any hassle. No sponsor required. Couple of years ago even no hotel bookings (arranged tours) were needed. just an application form. Nowadays, Saudi Embassy wants you to book trip through appointed travel companies who will arrange your visa, ticket, hotel, inland travel, etc. Services of these agents vary greatly. For instance in Pakistan, they would deceive u so much that u end up waiting for someone at Jeddah airport and then have to arrange van for yourself to go to Makkah and won't even like the living place. I recommend to book only through reputed agents like Waljis, Gerrys, etc.
Remember if you travel during extremely busy days like Ramadan, reserve your return seat BEFORE YOU TRAVEL. Offcourse, travel agent will tell you its reserved but in fact it is not. Many people end up staying there for weeks and cannot get a seat in airplane. Saudi govt does not charge anything or put penalties for overstay due to this reason. It is a real problem. Double check it with airline before you depart.