Frequently Asked Questions about Group Travel
Security
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
Passport
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: BRAZIL REQUIRES A VISA FOR U.S. CITIZENS. For information on visas for U.S. citizens see Counsulate General of Brazil. Visa requirements vary for non-US. citizens, if you obtain your visa, be sure it is in order. The Catholic Pilgrim Office accepts no responsibility for inconvenience or extra expense that may incur as a result of insufficient or inaccurate documentation.
Group Travel
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 in mind that group travel is different from individual travel. Some circumstances allow groups to proceed more quickly & conveniently than individuals, other circumstances may be less so. So be patient, relax and enjoy your experience.
Punctuality
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, with all that incurs.
What to take
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.
Customs
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.