The Way. The Truth. The Life.

Preparing for the Unexpected While on a Pilgrimage

A Pilgrimage is an exciting time as you embark on a life-changing spiritual journey. For many pilgrims, it may be the first time they have ever travelled internationally. Journeying far from home is both thrilling and full of unknowns. It is good to prepare in advance so that you will not be caught by surprise if any difficulties arise. Here are four of the oftentimes unanticipated situations we have seen pilgrims encounter while traveling and how you can prepare in advance:

1. Inclement Weather & Flight Cancellations

Traveling on a Pilgrimage means accepting all the gifts that God wants to give you, including the possibility of bad weather. If the weather affects your flight(s), our staff will be happy to assist you with any delays or cancellations. We will do our best to help you arrive on time, but we are at the mercy of the airline. Remember that neither 206 Tours nor the airline is in control of the weather, so please be patient. If the customer service agent at the airport is not able to help rebook you, please contact 206 Tours and we will help rearrange your flight(s) as well as notify your tour guide of your new arrival time. We highly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance prior to your departure as it will cover cancellations, delays, and any medical emergencies that may arise before or during your Pilgrimage.

2. Lost Luggage

While it is unlikely to happen, 206 Tours highly recommends that all pilgrims mentally and physically prepare for the possibility of checked luggage being lost in transit. As a precaution, we always recommend that you pack at least 2 days’ worth of clothes and all essentials in your carry-on luggage. In order to find your luggage, it is important that you speak with a customer service representative at the airport as they are best able to help in this situation. If you cannot find a representative in-person, we recommend that you call the airline. You can fill out a missing luggage form at the airport and file a complaint. Make sure that you save any paperwork the airline gives you and provide proper contact information as well as a preferred delivery destination. If you’ve just arrived for your Pilgrimage, give them the name of your hotel and if you are travelling home, your home address.

3. Illness

When you arrive at your destination, it is a good idea to save local emergency numbers and healthcare options at your destination. Pack necessary proof of medications and have a plan for accessing medical care if needed. Please remember to pack any essential medications you may have in your carry-on so that it stays with you throughout the entirety of the trip. You can also bring some basic medications such as Tylenol or Advil to have on hand just in case. If you fall ill while on your Pilgrimage, we encourage you to immediately contact your tour guide and tell them right away. They will be best able to assist you with finding proper medical care in the local area. Our guides are fully equipped to make sure that you receive proper medical attention and will be able to reunite you with your tour group once you have recovered. If you need to return home, the 206 Tours team will help you to book a flight and arrange your transportation to the nearest airport.

4. Death of a Family Member

In the unfortunate situation that you have a family member pass away while you are traveling abroad, our team will immediately mobilize to help you to the best of our ability. Please tell your tour guide immediately so that they are aware of the situation. Contact the 206 Tours team, and we will be able to assist you with booking a flight back home as soon as possible. If you purchased travel insurance prior to your departure, you may be eligible to apply for compensation upon your return.

How can you prepare in advance to make your travel experience as smooth as possible in the event of situations like these? Here are some of our team’s pro packing tips:

• Bring versatile clothing for sudden weather changes and a small emergency kit with essentials like medications, a compact first aid kit, and a universal power adapter.
• We also strongly recommend that you make digital and / or physical copies of all critical documents (passport, visas, itinerary, etc.) so that you have them in the event of loss or theft. Keep these with you on your phone or your carry-on in case your checked luggage happens to get lost.
• Be financially prepared by bringing a mix of payment options with you. This can include a small amount of local currency, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and a backup credit card that you have stored separately in case you lose your wallet / purse. It is important to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks if they see that international purchases are being made on your card. Be ready for unexpected fees or cash-only situations in smaller locales.
• Research the countries’ customs and be familiar with local gestures. A polite gesture in one country might offend in another, so researching in advance or observing locals when you arrive can help to prevent awkward interactions. 

Remember, a Pilgrimage is a time to allow God’s providence to lead and guide you. The goal of every Pilgrimage is to grow in holiness! Embrace unexpected delays or detours throughout your tour as they are opportunities for growth in virtue and for God to reveal His goodness. They also often turn out to be some of the tour’s most memorable moments.

By expecting the unexpected, whether it’s a missed connection, a language barrier, or an impromptu cultural experience, you’ll be better equipped to handle any unexpected twists that your international Pilgrimage may encounter. 

With over 40 years of experience, our team is fully equipped to handle any unexpected situation with professionalism and compassion. When you are traveling on a 206 Tours Pilgrimage, rest assured that you are in good hands. We look forward to serving you on your next spiritual journey.

Pray, hope, and know that your entire Pilgrimage experience is full of graces that you will be unpacking for the rest of your life if you are open to receiving them.

Looking for more information about how to prepare for your upcoming Pilgrimage? Visit our Know Before You Go pages for a complete overview of what to expect in the countries you will be visiting. If you have any additional questions, you can also contact your 206 Tours Account Manager for assistance.

View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages