- Security
- Passports & Visas
- Group Travel
- Punctuality
- Health
- What to Take
- Electrical
- Customs
Airport / Airline Security: For passenger protection and basic security,
passengers and luggage are subject to inspection. Procedures differ
somewhat between airlines, airports and in accordance with the regulations of each
country. Sometimes at intermediate stops, you may be asked to disembark and take
all hand luggage and parcels with you. Everyone should accept any
requests as the entire procedure is to assure passenger comfort and
security.
TSA -
Permitted and Prohibited Items
Due to heightened security in these times, Passport information and status is
critical. Your passport must be valid and cannot expire within 6 months of
the return date for your tour. It is recommended that you memorize your passport number.
You will be required to write it numerous times—in the airplane prior to
embarkation in each country, when cashing travelers checks, etc. Keep your
passport with you at all times UNLESS hotel or government officials
request temporary custody in the process of a routine procedure. DO NOT PACK YOUR
PASSPORT IN SUITCASE. PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOUR PASSPORT IS SIGNED. It is also
recommended to keep a copy in your luggage in case it is lost
Visas: For U.S. citizens,
any necessary visas
will processed for you. Visa requirements vary for non-US. citizens.
Non-US
citizens must contact their consulate for visa requirements & secure
any necessary visa(s) on their own for all countries on
their trip. If you obtain your own
visa, be sure it is
in order. The Catholic Pilgrim Office accepts no responsibility for inconvenience or
extra expense you may incur as a result of insufficient or inaccurate
documentation.
An important thing to know
about group travel is that it is sometimes
necessary to compromise an individuals' desires and
idiosyncrasies for the overall comfort, convenience and pleasure of the group.
Everyone will have a great trip, but please remember it takes longer to move
large groups of people than a single person, so be patient, relax and
enjoy your experience.
Please be reminded that all scheduled activities must move on time. You are
responsible for keeping your own individual time schedule. If you are not on
time, you may be left behind.
Be sure to take a supply of all medicines you are taking as well as an extra
prescription for the same. Please keep all medications in their original
containers to avoid possible problems. Also, bring an extra pair of eyeglasses
or prescription. A personal medical kit containing aspirin, personal pills and
medicines, entro-vioform (protection against diarrhea), motion sickness pills,
allergy pills (if necessary), light bandages, tape and small bar of soap. Also, take a
small flashlight. It is good to have a physical and dental check-up before
leaving for your journey.
Two words say it best—TRAVEL LIGHT. Even though your luggage will be handled
for you most of the time, you’ll enjoy your Pilgrimage more with a suitcase that
isn’t too heavy. Consider one that’s flexible so you can fit in a few souvenirs
along the way. The security procedures allow only one carry-on bag which will
fit in the overhead compartment. Please be sure NOT to pack scissors, knives,
nail clippers or any other sharp item which could be considered (by whatever
stretch of the imagination) a weapon. Otherwise, it may be confiscated. Ladies
bags, camera cases or briefcases are not typically counted as carry on bags. A
large quantity of
clothes are not needed
for the average tour. Here’s a hint: Stay with one color scheme of coordinated
colors. Most of your clothes should be wash and wear. Laundry and dry cleaning
services are usually expensive. It’s a good idea to take a plastic raincoat or
collapsible umbrella and at least one warm sweater or coat (if you are traveling
in the winter.) Above all, give your feet a vacation. Make sure you have a pair
of comfortable walking shoes, already broken in. For special occasion dinners,
men usually wear coats and ties, and women dresses.
 Spain
uses the
Europlug at 220v.
It is a flat, two-pole domestic AC power plug that is generally supplied
molded on the end of an appliance's flex or a power cord, designed for voltages
up to 250 V and currents up to 2.5 A. It was designed such that it can safely be
used in the domestic power sockets of all European countries
Compact converter kits are available in department and
electronic stores. If you’re
planning to buy a travel size hairdryer or electric shaver for your trip, you
still need the proper plug fitting. Most of the upper level hotels will provide
hairdryers in the rooms for you.
Customs regulations permit $800 duty free merchandise per person to be
brought back to the USA. Additionally, you may mail a $50 gift package to the
USA each day and this is exclusive of your normal $800 allowance and need not be
declared. If you take expensive jewelry, foreign cameras, furs or other such
items abroad, be sure to declare them to the US Customs before leaving so that
their return to the USA will not be questioned.
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