Peloquin Pilgrimages

​Know Before You Travel!

 

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A pilgrimage can be a fun and rewarding experience with the help of preparation. Before you consider a travel experience, please review the following information.

 

1. FAQ

   • How do payments work?

     • Payments are typically due 120 and 90 days prior to departure. Full payment must be received 90 days prior to departure via ACH direct deposit or by mail (you must notify us by email if you do this option) . Payments can be made online on our "Sign Up!" page or through the invoices received via email.

   • What is your cancellation policy?

     • If your trip cancellation notification is received closer to departure; in addition to the non-refundable deposit, additional fees are applied as a percentage of total trip costs as follows:
       61 - 90 days prior to departure-- 25%.
       31 - 60 days prior to departure-- 50%.
       30 days prior to departure or less-- no refund.

     • ADDITIONAL CANCELLATION CHARGES MAY APPLY

       • All tickets, including special airfares and upgraded airline tickets, issued as well as any internal air are 100% non-refundable at the time of final payment (some exceptions may apply).​​​​​

   • How should I raise questions/concerns during my pilgrimage?

     • ​If you need help during your pilgrimage, your guide is there to assist you at any time! Please communicate any problems, concerns, or complaints directly to your pilgrimage escort immediately so that we can best address your needs. Your guide is at your disposal for any issues, such as hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, etc. There is very little that can be done to rectify a concern once you return home – most concerns can be dealt with swiftly once brought to your guide’s attention​.​

   • Why does my plane reservation say one airline, but the plane reads another?

     • ​Many airlines participate in special agreements to share aircrafts. For example, your ticket may show one United Airlines as your carrier even though you are actually seated on a Lufthansa plane. These are called “Code Share” flights and your itinerary will show this with the message: “Flight Operated by (Airline)”.​

2. Travel Documentation Requirements

   • A valid passport is required and must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate travel documents when necessary. We advise all guests to check with the relevant authorities in each country they visit for required documents. In some cases, hotels may require you to present your passport. If a visa or visa waiver is necessary, it is your responsibility to obtain it. Peloquin Pilgrimages, its owner, agents, and employees are not liable for any issues arising from missing or invalid documents. Cancellations due to improper documentation will incur standard penalties. Please note, a passport card is not valid for international air travel. Attempting to use one will result in denial of boarding and entry.

   • If you hold a passport from a foreign country, it is your responsibility to confirm whether a visa is required for your destination. Please find embassy information on the country you will be visiting.

   • If you haven't yet obtained a passport or if yours will expire within six months of your return, please contact your local passport office immediately to apply for an expedited passport or renewal.

   • Starting in mid-2025 (according to the latest update from ETIAS) U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens will need to apply online for a travel authorization to visit Europe. This applies to all travelers, regardless of age, and will cost approximately $9.00 per person. The program, called ETIAS, is not a traditional visa. The process is done online and requires basic information about the traveler, their email address and trip details. Approval is typically granted within 1-4 days. Once approved, the travel authorization is valid for unlimited trips over three years or until it expires. Please click this link to access the site.

3. Safety & Security

   • Your guide is here to support you! If there are any questions or safety concerns, please notify your guide immediately.

   • It is important to be aware of safety information in the event of an emergency. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency, such as natural disaster, civil unrest and family emergencies. If you would like to enroll in this service, please click this link and it will guide you through a quick form. 

   • Please save emergency information in your contacts before traveling abroad. We are happy to supplement you with this information. 

   • Because we will be doing a lot of walking and moving between different places in large crowds, it is important that you only bring what is necessary and safely secure your valuables. Most sites only allow a small bag, such as a purse or fanny pack.

   • You are welcome to purchase travel insurance for coverage of unexpected events (e.g., cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage).

4. Understanding Flight Procedures

   • Your pilgrimage includes one carry-on and one personal item. All liquids must be kept in 3 oz bottles or less and fit into one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag.

   • We recommend avoiding extra checked luggage as it can lead to delays, transportation issues, and the risk of it getting lost. If you choose to check luggage for an additional fee, allowances will depend on the airline and destination. Please note, if you are unable to lift your luggage it is too heavy!

   • Please arrive at the airport three hours before your boarding time for a smooth check-in process. At the selected airline counter, present your passport and luggage. The agent will check your reservation, issue your boarding pass and possibly a luggage slip. If you have extra luggage, be sure to ask them to check it through to your final destination to avoid claiming and re-checking it between flights.

   • Peloquin Pilgrimages will send your flight itinerary via email and include it in your final document package. It contains your airline, flight number, departure/arrival times, and meal/seat info. Save a copy on your phone or print it for easy reference.

   • After deplaning, you will go through customs and proceed to baggage claim– the location will be displayed on a screen noting your flight number. If needed, retrieve your luggage from the conveyor carousel and follow signs that say “Exit” or “Arrivals”. You will be greeted by a representative holding a “Peloquin Pilgrimages” sign then escorted to your hotel. Wearing your branded name tag will assist with this process.

   • We book flights according to TSA regulations and aim to provide the most convenient and affordable schedule. After check-in, we can no longer make changes to your flight; any adjustments must be made through the airline. Changes will incur additional costs, starting at $400 per person.

5. Airport Issues

   • In case of delays or cancellations, work directly with the airline to arrange alternate flights. Stay calm, be persistent with the airline agents, and they will assist you. While airlines are not obligated to reimburse personal expenses, they may offer vouchers or other assistance. If you're not getting sufficient help, contact your guide for further support.

   • If rebooked, notify your guide of your new arrival time so transfer arrangements can be adjusted. Your guide’s contact details are in the confirmation email.

   • If you miss your group transfer due to delays or missed connections, contact your guide to arrange a private transfer for an additional cost.

   • If your luggage goes missing, go to the Airport Baggage Office and complete a 'Missing Luggage Form.' Keep all paperwork and tracking details from the airline. Provide them with your hotel address, dates, phone number, and your guide’s contact info so they can deliver your luggage once found. If your luggage is delayed for more than 24 hours and you have insurance, you can submit a claim upon returning to the US. Taking a photo of your luggage beforehand helps assess the value of lost items. We recommend packing a change of clothes and essentials, like medications, in your carry-on. For added security, consider using Apple AirTags to track your luggage.

6. Money & Budgeting

   • There are several ways to pay for goods and services abroad. We recommend withdrawing local currency from a bank beforehand or using an ATM upon arrival. If you plan to use a credit card, prepaid travel card, or ATM, be sure to check for any associated fees.

   • At Peloquin Pilgrimages, we aim to make your journey affordable without compromising comfort. We know where to get the best value for dining, tours, and shopping, and will provide recommendations tailored to your needs.

7. Health & Wellness

   • Spiritually preparing for the journey will help you engage in a better experience. Please go to confession at least 48 hours before the journey and attend daily mass that week if you can. Learning to pray Lectio Divina will be very helpful for our pilgrimages. Great resources for Lectio Divina can be found on the "Amen" app.

   • We will be walking or taking city transportation for a majority of our inland journey. Taxis or personal ride services are at the consumers expense. If you are not accustomed to physical activity, please add walking into your daily routine. We ask that pilgrims can walk up to 2 – 3 miles with no discomfort.

   • Going to bed and waking up earlier for a few days before take off will assist with time change adjustments. Finishing necessary tasks, such as packing and printing off documents, will help you avoid extra anxieties that may impede sleep.

   • When on the plane, stretch beforehand and get up and walk occasionally during the flight. Try to get as much rest as possible and use night masks or medical sleep aids as necessary.

   • Flying causes dehydration, so be sure to keep a refillable water bottle on hand. Liquid IV, Gatorade, or Emergen-C can help with receiving needed electrolytes.

   • While on our pilgrimage, it is better to choose local, healthier foods to keep your energy up. Produce, carbs and protein will be necessary for walking long distances. Try to avoid greasy foods and large meals.

8. Local Culture & Etiquette

   • Several places require a dress code for entry. We ask that you pack modest but practical clothing. For tips on how to dress, please visit this link. 

   • For our tour guides, it is expected that you give a tip between 10-20 Euros. Several restaurants already include gratuity, so leaving a tip is not common practice in Italy.

   • As a basic courtesy, it is recommended you learn how to say basic greetings, ask for the check, and say “please” and “thank you” in the language of the country you are traveling to.