Month: August 2025
You Just Booked a Pilgrimage! What Happens Next?
You finally booked the Pilgrimage you’ve been dreaming of for years. After discerning the locations you want to visit and choosing an itinerary, you now have a date on the calendar and the countdown has begun. So, what happens next? What can you expect from the 206 Tours team? How can you begin to prepare? Here are a few ways you can get ready:
- Read our Know Before You Go Pages
We understand that pilgrims have many questions before they depart on their Pilgrimage. It is good to be prepared, and we want to help you feel as equipped as possible prior to your departure so that you know exactly what to expect. That is why we have put together detailed information pages on our website addressing FAQ’s that we call our “Know Before You Go” pages. The pages are broken down by country so that you can read information that is geared specifically to your Pilgrimage. We encourage you to thoroughly read the pages relating to the countries you will be visiting. They address a variety of topics including local customs, what to pack, flight information, and much more.
This screenshot shows a sample of the topics addressed on our Know Before You Go pages:
- Prepare Physically
We recommend that all pilgrims be able to walk 3 – 4 miles without discomfort prior to traveling on a Pilgrimage. This is not as intimidating as it sounds! Start small and work your way up. The important thing is to stay consistent and begin walking every day. Please note that your Pilgrimage destinations may also include hilly or uneven terrains. Be sure to invest in good shoes and break them in prior to your departure. For more information as to how to prepare physically for your Pilgrimage, read our previous Blog Post by clicking HERE.
- Prepare Spiritually
The ultimate goal of every Pilgrimage is to grow closer to God. It’s important to take time to prepare your heart to receive the graces the Lord wants to grant you during this spiritual journey. There are a number of practices you can integrate into your day prior to your departure such as attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, journaling about what you feel God is speaking to you, and fostering a pilgrim mentality by caring for the needs of those around you and offering up small inconveniences. Vacations are primarily focused on comfort and self-indulgence. A Pilgrimage is about growing in holiness and accepting everything God chooses to send as part of His Divine Providence, both the joys and sufferings.
- Review Your Final Instructions and Travel Package
Approximately three weeks prior to your departure, 206 Tours will send you what we call your “Travel Package”. It will be delivered via either FedEx, UPS, or USPS. Please be aware that the Delivery Dates vary depending on pick-up date, address, routing, weather etc. When your package is on its way, you will receive an email from Grayland Distribution (notifications@secure-wms.com) with the tracking info for your package.
Within this package you will find the following:
-An exclusive 206 Tours Backpack
-Your Nametag & Lanyard (this should be worn daily while on your Pilgrimage)
-Luggage tag
-Envelopes for tips
-Magnificat Booklet
Three weeks before your Pilgrimage departs, 206 Tours will also upload the following into your 206 Tours Account and Email you the following:
- E-Ticket(s) / Flight Itinerary
- This PDF contains your Flight Routing, Flight Numbers, and E-Ticket Number (this is not your Boarding Pass)
- Check-In 24 Hours prior to Departure via the Airline Website or App – OR – using the Kiosk at the Airport.
- If a “Seat” or “Flight Segment” is missing from your E-Ticket, rest assured an updated E-Ticket will be sent to you within 7-10 Days reflecting that Seat or Flight Segment.
*Please note that seats can only be selected when the Airline has assigned an Aircraft – which will vary from airline to airline.
- Final Confirmations
- Contact Information for your Guide/Escort, Emergency Team, and Hotels.
- Links to the Tour Website (Itinerary and Inclusions), Travel Insurance (Full List of Coverage), and Know Before You Go pages (Answering every question about – Packing, Currency, TSA Regulations, Weather, FAQ etc.)
- Questions? Your Account Manager is Here to Help!
If at any point you have additional questions prior to your Pilgrimage, our dedicated team of travel professionals are happy to assist you. At 206 Tours, we prioritize customer service and that is why you will always be connected with a live representative rather than a computer. Whether you are sending an email (sales@206tours.com), sending an online chat message (www.206tours.com), or calling our office (800-206-8687) , one of our professional team members will assist you as soon as possible.
The most important thing prior to any Pilgrimage is to open your heart to Christ. 206 Tours will handle all of the logistics so that you can focus on growing in faith and getting the most out of your Pilgrimage experience. We look forward to traveling with you!
View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages