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(800) 715-6670 Support@catholicjourneys.com
(800) 715-6670 Support@catholicjourneys.com

FAQ

FAQ for all Catholic Journeys Pilgrimage Tours

 

Will a priest be on our trip?

All pilgrimage tours have a Catholic priest as the spiritual director, and there is daily mass.

Are your guides Catholic?

Our guides are Catholic, have perfect English, are professional, and are knowledgeable about the Faith and the destination.

How many pilgrims are on each tour?  What is the maximum number of pilgrims on your tours?

Our pilgrimage tours average about 15-25 pilgrims.  You can find more specific tour group sizes on each pilgrimage tour page.  Our private tours can go up to 44, filling one full deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach.  If you would like an estimated number for a specific tour date, contact Marcelle, and she can tell you what to expect.  You can email, chat, or call Marcelle.

Do you have a clergy discount if I purchase a trip for clergy or consecrated religious?

Yes, we will discount the fare by 20% if the priest travels as a pilgrim and not as a spiritual director.   The discount is valid on any regularly scheduled pilgrimage and is limited to 2 discounts per pilgrimage tour date.  We must receive the Priest or deacon’s full name and a Letter of Good Standing.  The discount will be applied once the aforementioned is received and verified.  The 20% discount is available to all Catholic Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Nuns, Friars, Monks, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, and Cardinals.  His Holiness the Holy Father goes for free!  It cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

Do you have any deals, discounts, or promotions?

Yes!  Please go to our hot deals page for limited-time offers on pilgrimage tours.

Can I use airline points?  What if I want to make my own flight arrangements?

Yes!  You can use airline points.  Almost all tours have “land-only” prices posted.  Make your deposit online.  Instead of selecting a departure airport, select land only, and Marcelle will adjust your invoice/statement to the “land-only” price.  Note that arrival times vary between dates and within pilgrimages.

If you make your own flight arrangements, we cannot advise you in advance which airport we will use or the arrival time.  Also, arrival times vary between dates and within pilgrimages.  We will make final flight arrangements approximately 60 days before the pilgrimage tour start date.  Consequently, make your flight arrangements well to obtain a reasonable rate or use airline points.

If you make your own flight arrangements, we can arrange a private transfer from your arrival airport to the group hotel for an additional fee, which varies per pilgrimage tour and is listed in the trip-specific FAQ.  Or you can make your own arrangements to travel from the airport to the hotel.  We recommend using our transfer service because they are known and trusted drivers.  As soon as you have your flight information, email Marcelle.

What are the types of airfare classes?  Can I upgrade my airline seat?

All of our prices are for economy-class travel, but upgrades are possible.  The terms used today can be confusing, so here is a link that explains the different classes of service offered by the airlines.  See the airline descriptions of flight classifications: United, Delta, and American.

Transcontinental flights typically have five classes of tickets that can be booked:

  • Business class – you must pay in full in advance of ticketing
  • Premium Plus, also known as Premium Economy or Premium Select, is much more expensive and subject to availability.  You must pay in full before ticketing.  This cabin class is not typically found on domestic flights.
  • Economy Plus – is found on domestic flights as well.  Sometimes available on transcontinental flights.
  • Economy – This is our default ticket and is included in the quoted price with airfare.
  • Basic Economy – the cheapest possible ticket.  We never book basic economy.

Business class has fully reclining seats, pending availability, and seats are limited.  An upgrade to the business class cabin is available for $5,400 per person roundtrip with the following conditions:  the pilgrimage tour must be 1) paid in full more than 90 days before departure and 2) Guest Information Completed to guarantee the price and schedule.  Call for a quote if less than 90 days before departure for an expected higher price.

Premium Plus is pending availability, and seats are limited – available on transcontinental flights only.  An upgrade to the premium plus cabin is available for $1,850 per person roundtrip with the following conditions:  the pilgrimage tour must be 1) paid in full more than 90 days before departure and 2) Guest Information Completed to guarantee the price and schedule.  Call for a quote if less than 90 days before departure for an expected higher price.  Premium Plus or Premium Economy is only on longer Transcontinental flights and is a separate section of the plane between Economy and Business Class Sections.  Not ALL Aircraft offers a Premium Economy section, but most international carriers and newer aircraft will have it.  Like Business Class, this is a special fare and must be booked as such from the beginning.  This is not the same as “Economy Plus” on United or “Comfort+” on Delta, which can be booked when making seat assignments on whichever flights you choose.  These seats are in front of the Economy Class section and usually have an additional 3″-5″ of space between your seat and the one in front of you. “Premium Economy” seats tend to recline more, usually have a footrest, and have an armrest for each passenger sitting next to each other.  They also typically include drinks and other amenities not included in regular Economy Class.  For United Airlines, it is called Premium Plus, and for American Airlines, it is called Premium Economy, and for Delta Airlines, it’s called Premium Select.

Economy Plus, called Main Cabin Extra on American Airlines and Comfort+ on Delta Airlines, is not always offered on transcontinental flights.

Economy is included in your booking, allowing one checked bag on transcontinental flights.

Basic Economy— we never issue Basic Economy tickets.  It is the cheapest option, but you must pay extra for checked baggage.

If you want to upgrade your booking, please chat or email Marcelle.  She can offer you a quote that is valid for seven days.

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe? — ETIAS information
  • Starting sometime in the future, Americans, Canadians, and Australians must apply online for travel authorization for Europe.
  • This applies to all travelers of all ages.
  • Fee 7 Euros or circa USD 8 per person.
  • The program is called ETIAS.  Some refer to it as a “visa for Europe.  “It is not a traditional visa, but it requires basic details about the traveler and their trip.
  • Approval will be emailed within one (1) hour but could be up to four (4) days.
  • Once granted, it is valid for many trips over three (3) years or until the passport expires.
  • The length of European stay for US tourists (90 days within 180 days) remains unchanged.
  • The application will be simple, and it must be done online.
  • You must have an email address.
  • The start date is still unknown.  This program has been delayed many times!  Maybe 2026!
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel? — ETA-IL information.
  • As of June 1st, 2024, Israel launched a Program known as ETA-IL. It is an Electronic Travel Authorization System designed to simplify and speed up the process of going through customs in Israel before your arrival.
  • This applies to travelers of all ages.
  • Fee approx.  $7 per person.
  • Once granted, you will be provided an E-Ticket that you must bring and present during Passport Control.
  • The travel authorization will be valid for two (2) years or until the passport expires.
  • The length of stay per visit in Israel can be up to 90 days.
  • Only the passenger can log in and apply; Catholic Journeys cannot assist you.
Do you require travelers to be vaccinated?

No!  Catholic Journeys has no policy or requirements for vaccinations of any kind.  However, the airlines we use and the countries you visit may have requirements.  These requirements are constantly changing!!!!  Please check the requirements of the country you plan to visit.  Here is a link to the Centers for Disease Control for international travelers.  Here is a link to the US Department of State for travel to different countries.

Should I get travel insurance?

We recommend travel insurance for all of our pilgrimage tours, and we recommend that you purchase it as soon as possible.

Are there helpful pages from the airlines you use?  What should I expect when I fly?

We use various airlines.  However, we use the following the most.  Here are some helpful links.

United Airlines.  As we often fly United to Europe, check out this helpful page for restrictions, COVID-19, etc.

Traveling with children – United Airlines.

American Airlines, on this page, answers questions about International Travel.  

Delta also has a page for international travel.

Can I organize a pilgrimage tour for my parish, school, family, or group of friends?

Yes!  Click here for information on how to put together your own pilgrimage tour.

Gift shops at a shrine, church, or basilica: cash-only

Some holy sites have small gift shops.  Since credit cards are often not accepted, having local currency on hand is essential.

Tipping & Gratuities

Tips are generally not included in your package unless specified.  You may wish to leave a gratuity for your driver and tour guide at the end of the pilgrimage.  Gratuities are an essential part of earnings for your driver and guide and can be paid in local currency or US Dollars.  The recommended amount for the Driver is USD 5.00 per person per day and USD 10.00 per person for the Tour Guide.  You can have two envelopes ready before you leave the USA, one for the driver and the other for the guide.  Pro tip: If you exchange too much cash for foreign currency, this is a good time to spend it.  You may also want to bring a few extra dollars or local currency to leave in the Catholic churches where you will celebrate Mass.  They often need funds and ask for donations at mass.

For our Holy Land Pilgrimage Tours only, we suggest $8 for the driver and $15 for the guide per person daily.  You can pay in USD or Shekels.  Also, you may need to have tip money for special city tours or museums.

When staying at Marija’s Magnificat Center in Medjugorje, they ask for $1 or $2 per day for the house staff.

What should I pack?  Do you have a travel checklist?  Is an electrical adapter needed?

Please pack one checked bag and a carry-on bag if needed.  Note that the airlines charge for all checked bags to Mexico.   Click here for a packing checklist, important reminders, and suggestions.  You will need an electrical adapter for every destination we serve except Mexico.

How do I meet up with the other pilgrims in the tour group?

Please wear your nametag upon arriving at the airport.  This will assist the Catholic Journeys driver or guide in identifying you and your fellow pilgrims.  The driver or tour guide will hold a Catholic Journeys sign and provide updates regarding your flight status.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes.  When you complete the guest details form online, please indicate your dietary needs and allergies.  We will notify the airlines and the tour guide.  The local guide will inform the hotel’s restaurants and others on the pilgrimage tour.

Does the deluxe motor coach have a bathroom?  If not, will there be restroom stops?

Motor coaches rarely have bathrooms.  However, they have bathroom breaks, usually after 2 hours of driving.

Are prices in United States Dollars? 

Yes.  All prices posted on this website are in US dollars.

What is the payment plan?  How do we pay our balance?

Please book your reservation by placing a $500 deposit for your spot on the pilgrimage tour.  You can pay in full when booking or at any time.  When you are ready to pay after depositing, click the Pay Now button on your Tour Statement.  Full payment is due 90 days before departure.  We will send you an automatic reminder notification approximately one week before the final payment is due with a link for you to pay via credit card.  We accept all major credit cards.  We can accept payment in multiple installments and on different cards by contacting customer service.

Do we charge credit card fees? 

No.  We do not charge additional fees for the use of a credit card.

How do we submit our guest details, such as our passport name and number?

After booking your reservation with a deposit or full payment, you will receive a link to the forms to be filled out.  The airlines require most of the information; we cannot ticket you without it.

I am thinking of flying with a baby.  What should I know?

Everyone needs a passport, and there is a charge for everyone flying.  The article below explains:

Flying Internationally with an Infant: The Complete Guide

I am a diabetic.  How do I travel with insulin?

Tips when traveling with insulin

What pilgrimage tours are the easiest in terms of walking?

Pilgrimage tours involving the least walking include Medjugorje, Lourdes, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The tours mentioned above would be the easiest for those concerned about physical exertion and walking.  While all our tours require walking, these would be the most manageable.  If you’re considering a pilgrimage tour with someone with limited mobility, we recommend looking into these travel scooters or portable folding mobility scooters.

Is help available for someone with limited mobility?

Yes!  If you have difficulty walking long distances, we can request wheelchair assistance to help you maneuver through the airports.  If you need assistance while on pilgrimage, you can bring a collapsible wheelchair.  If wheelchair assistance is required, you will need a travel companion, as the pilgrimage tour guide or priest cannot perform those tasks.  You might also consider these powered travel scooters or these folding mobility scooters.

Why are pilgrimages important?

A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place for a religious purpose: to seek a favor, fulfill an obligation, or express gratitude.  Why do people go on pilgrimages?  The theologian Lagrange suggests it is an instinctive movement of the human heart.  Man’s quest for God seeks something spiritual.  Keep reading...

Do you offer discounts after going on a pilgrimage?  How do we obtain the discount?

Please email us your review at support@catholicjourneys.com, and you will be eligible for $100 off your next pilgrimage with Catholic Journeys.  The offer applies to any of the pilgrimage tours we offer.  One review per passenger.  The review must be submitted within 90 days of the pilgrimage.  Reviews must contain original content.  The review discount is applied via the staff by contacting us at support@catholicjourneys.com.

Do any of your pilgrimages visit places of eucharistic miracles?

Yes!  We go to several places on this list of eucharistic miracles, including Lanciano, Loreto, Santarem, and Siena.

I have questions about passports.

Answers to passport frequently asked questions.  Always pay to expedite your passport application. 

IMPORTANT: Your passport must remain valid for 6 months beyond your scheduled return date.  If your passport expires within 6 months of the conclusion of your pilgrimage, you will need to renew it before departure. 

Your passport must have enough BLANK pages for ALL the countries you will be visiting.

A visa may be required if your passport was issued by a country other than the US or Canada.  When you are ready to update your information, contact us at support@catholicjourneys.com.
Here are some helpful guidelines posted by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State:
http://travel.state.gov/passport

In case you need an expedited passport procedure at an additional fee, you may contact the National Passport Information Center by phone at 1-877-487-2778 or email NPIC@state.gov
Or make an appointment with a Passport Agency in your area:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_913.html

I need to renew my passport.  What do I do?  Do I have enough time?

Here is a link to the webpage that outlines how to renew your passport.

Always pay to expedite your passport application. If you are traveling within 5-7 weeks, then you should be able to pay the Expedited fee for the passport book, send your completed application, old passport, new pictures, and payment via USPS Priority EXPRESS Mail, and include the additional charge for them to send it back via the same.

Within 2 weeks of departure, you can contact the Passport Office to make an in-person appointment.

  • Special Issuance Agency – Located in Washington, DC, this agency issues diplomatic, official, service, and no-fee regular passports and facilitates visa processing for those traveling on behalf of the U.S. government.  You cannot access this webpage if you’re not browsing the web on a U.S. government-issued computer or mobile device.

You can still register for the pilgrimage tour if you apply for a new passport.  Before sending it, please take a picture of your current passport and enter your name exactly as it appears: Given Name, Surname.  If you have gotten married or changed your name since receiving your last passport, you must include the new name when applying for the new passport.

 

Catholic Journeys – The only pilgrimage tour company 100% Catholic owned and operated with a priest on staff.