Travel Checklist for Pilgrimage Tours

Travel Checklist and Important Reminders

for All Catholic Journey’s Pilgrimage Tours

• On Your Person:  Passport, Money, and Printed Confirmation of Travel Insurance.
• Carry-on Bag: For medicines and Valuables, hand sanitizer 3.4 oz or smaller, and one change of clothes in case of delayed luggage.
• International Flights: Because of increased security at the airport, we recommend checking in for international flights 3 hours before departure.  Early check-in is also essential, as airline issues can be detected and fixed before the scheduled departure.
• Itinerary: Leave a copy of your itinerary with family members so they know where you are each day and can reach you in an emergency.  They can also call Catholic Journeys at 800-715-6670.
• Money: We suggest you exchange US dollars for the currency of the country you visit, except Mexico, Medjugorje, and the Holy Land.  We recommend getting at least $100.00 to start, and then you can change additional money as needed.  ATMs are available at airports and larger cities and usually offer the best exchange rates.
• Name Tags: Please wear your name tags on the pilgrimage, especially at the arrival airport, so the Catholic Journeys’ driver/guide can identify you and your fellow pilgrims.
• Passports: Make sure your passport is current.  It is very valuable.  Do not pack your passport in your luggage or leave it in your hotel room anytime.  Keep a separate copy of the two front pages of your passport in case it is lost or stolen.  This should be packed separately from your actual passport.  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.
• Tipping: Tips are not generally included in your package unless specified.  You may wish to leave a gratuity for your driver and tour guide at the end of each service.  The recommended amount for the driver is USD 5.00 per person per day and USD 10.00 per person per day for the tour guide.  On our Holy Land pilgrimages, we recommend $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.  You may also want to bring a few extra dollars to leave in the churches where you will celebrate Mass.  When staying at Marija’s Magnificat Center in Medjugorje, they ask for $1 or $2 per day for the house staff.
• Baggage Fees: Your payment includes one Checked Bag with the airline for overseas or transcontinental flights.  If you check a second bag, you will need to pay an additional fee when you check in.  For flights to Mexico, the airlines charge for any checked bag.  If you check a bag in Mexico, expect to pay a baggage fee at check-in.

Travel Checklist

• One check-in bag – is included in the price except for pilgrimages to Mexico.
• One carry-on bag, if needed
• One personal item, such as your Catholic Journeys Backpack
• Name Tag on your neck so the guide will identify you at the arrival airport, usually outside the baggage claim
• Electronic Travel Authorization completed for Israel   ETA-IL.
• For Europe, it is coming soon –  ETIAS.

Before You Leave…

___Advise family of the itinerary, Leave the key

___Advise bank and credit card company of your travel plans

___Contact cell phone provider for available International Travel Plans or fees

___Copy the Information Page of the Passport with your picture to carry with you

___Get together addresses and stamps, Phone numbers

• Please note that this is just a suggestion of things to pack; depending on the time of year and your destination, you may not need or want all items.  You can check the weather before you leave at:

http://www.worldweather.org/europe.htm

Mexico City weather

 

Personal Care Items:

___Band-aids

___Chap stick

___Comb/brush

___Cosmetic supplies

___Deodorant

___Feminine Hygiene Products

___Glasses/contact lenses and cleaning supplies

___Handy wipes to freshen up during the day

­­­­___Insect repellent

___Nail clippers/nail file

___Razor/shaving cream

___Shampoo/conditioner and styling supplies

___Sunscreen

___Toothbrush & Toothpaste

___Travel pack size Kleenex

Medicines/vitamins:

___Allergy/cold medicine – tablets

___Aspirin/Advil, Etc.

___Dramamine or Bonine – if subject to motion sickness
___Laxative/Imodium
___Pepto Bismol- tablets

___Prescriptions

___Vitamins

General Packing:

___Beach attire, bathing trunks/suit

___Binoculars

___Camera /batteries

___Cell phone/battery charger/ adapter

___Coat, jacket

___Dress /skirt that covers knees esp. for Holy Sites run by the Vatican and basilicas.

___Electrical adapter for Europe, Asia, South America, or the Holy Land.  You do not need one for Mexico.

___Extra plastic baggies – for dirty clothes or items you purchase

___Scarves

___Hats, gloves

___Inflatable head & neck rest, eye mask, foam earplugs (for flight)

___Laptop/batteries/power adapter

___Pajamas

___Pen and paper

___Raincoat/umbrella/ poncho

___Reading material

___Sewing kit

___Slacks/ Pants

___Socks, underwear

___Sunglasses

___Sweaters, shirts

___Walking shoes

Carry-On Items:

___Credit/ATM cards

___Travel Insurance  Confirmation Page, if purchased

___Passport/visa

___Neck Wallet / Purse

 

Questions?  See our FAQ.

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