If you are getting ready to book your next trip or travel, we have prepared our top useful travel tips for your pilgrimage with Joe Walsh Tours:
CHECK LEVEL OF ACTIVITY
When booking your pilgrimage, consider the level of activity involved in each particular trip, particularly if you have mobility issues.
For instance, our pilgrimages to Italy have a comprehensive programme of activities and generally involve a certain amount of physical activity, such as standing for extended periods and walking on uneven surfaces; particularly when visiting historical and religious sites.
Other pilgrimages such as Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje enjoy a more relaxed pace, as they are centre-based meaning you will be staying in the same hotel for the duration of your pilgrimage and can take a break from any of the activities organised. The Pilgrimage and Coast collection, particularly in Portugal, is perfect if you are looking to combine your pilgrimage with a couple of days relaxing by the coast.
If you are joining a Camino de Santiago guided tour, check the level of walking required for each day, to make sure you are comfortable joining. Our Camino Coach and Walking tours are the easiest option and they include a daily 2-hour walk (approximately) as well as sightseeing.
If you have any mobility concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team to discuss.
READ ABOUT THE DESTINATION
If this is your first time travelling on pilgrimage to the destination, we highly recommend reading about the shrines and places you will be visiting to find out about their history as well as customs, traditions and other interesting details about region.
You might also discover places of interest that are not be included in the itinerary that you’d like to see on your spare time or book as a day trip. Day trips can be booked with our local teams at the destinations so you will be able to decide if you’d like to add them to your activities for the week.
Our blog has plenty of information about the different pilgrimage destinations and special places that could be useful ahead of your trip.
BE WEATHER READY
Rain or shine, make sure you are weather ready before you travel. The best way to know is to check the weather forecast before you go so you can pack accordingly. Packing sun protection including sun hat, sunglasses and sun screen is nearly always a must if you are travelling to Fatima for instance any time of the year; or if you are travelling to any of the destinations in the late Spring and Summer months.
Spring and Autumn weather can be unpredictable but checking the forecast a few days before travelling will help you prepare. A raincoat is always handy any time of the year in Lourdes and Medjugorje for instance.
ESSENTIAL MEDICATION
Pack enough essential medication for the duration of your trip. We recommend you pack it in your hand luggage and bring a copy of your prescription in case you need it at the destination.
UK HEALTH CARD
After checking your passport is in date, the next document you should check is your UK Health card to make sure it is up to date. This is a great document to have as it will give you access to medical treatment and assistance across Europe, as if you were a local citizen.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
In addition to having your UK Health Card, always make sure you have appropriate travel insurance booked for your travels for peace of mind. The right travel insurance booked will cover costs in the case of unexpected travel hiccups such as cancellations, delays or medical emergencies before travelling.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have special dietary requirements, always communicate this in advance to the travel team at Joe Walsh Tours so the information can be relayed to the hotels and local reps. Writing a little list to bring with you can also be a helpful reminder for hotel staff.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Make sure you change currency from pounds to euro before arriving in Italy so you are ready to enjoy your pilgrimage.
TRAVEL LIGHT
We would recommend traveling light, aiming to pack for a 10kg suitcase rather than 20kg.
Small pavements and cobblestones pushing a heavy bag can be challenging. In addition some hotels particularly in Old Towns across Italy are located in beautiful historic buildings that unfortunately can’t accommodate lifts.
We hope you find these travel tips for your pilgrimage useful. You might also like to read:
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION FOR YOUR PILGRIMAGE
You can find our upcoming pilgrimage dates here: PILGRIMAGE TOURS.
Talk to our experts for more advice and travel tips for your pilgrimage; and to book your trip.
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