FAQs

General FAQs

A pilgrimage offers an opportunity to travel with intention. You might prepare for your pilgrimage by reflecting on what your intentions or hopes are for the trip, whether educational, spiritual, relational, or physical. We’ll send you a printed journal about 30 days before your departure that has some reflection questions to help you prepare. We suggest you do these before your departure.

You can also prepare by reading more about your destination. We’ll send a series of short articles about two months before your trip. Some groups get together for discussion; others read the articles and reflect independently. We also offer reading lists for a variety of destinations at http://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepilgrimage. In addition to these, you might check out videos or podcasts related to your destination or pilgrimage themes.

Finally, you can prepare for your pilgrimage by walking! Even if your trip is a bus pilgrimage, most of our journeys include lots of time on your feet. To be well prepared, we recommend that you be able to walk 12,000 steps per day for multiple days in a row. As you walk to prepare, you’ll build your stamina and learn what kind of footwear is most comfortable and supportive.

Yes! We value diversity of belief and welcome many forms of spiritual expression. Our journeys are designed to help people explore spiritual questions and connect with their religious forbears. Most of our pilgrimages are rooted in the Christian tradition with opportunities for Christian worship. If a pilgrimage is organized by a particular congregation, worship and reflection will follow the patterns of that congregation and/or denomination. On nearly every pilgrimage, we have participants from a diversity of congregations and traditions that enrich the experience of the whole group.

This varies for each journey. Many of our pilgrimages are bus journeys, but even these include a good amount of daily walking, often on uneven surfaces like Europe’s cobblestone streets. In many places, the coach parking is ¼ to ½ mile away from the entrance to a site. There are also periods of standing while a guide gives information about a site. On a typical day, you can expect to be out and about with the group from 9am – 5pm. We recommend that you be able to walk 10,000 steps per day for multiple days in a row. Many travelers find they are assisted by trekking poles that are collapsible and easy to pack. We also encourage travelers to know their limits and to take a rest day (or afternoon) by opting out of activities if needed.

Accordion Content

Our groups always include people of diverse physical abilities. And we often quip that the person at the back of the group is not the least mobile person but the most avid photographer! Still, to participate fully in our pilgrimages, a traveler must be able to board and ride a coach without wheelchair accessibility. Often coach parking is ¼ to ½ mile from the entrance to sites and travelers should expect to walk and climb stairs. Many sites have only limited availability on elevators. Pilgrimages often include walking for up to ½ mile at a time and periods of standing while a guide gives an explanation. Because we travel as a community of pilgrims, we work together to care for those with lower levels of mobility. If you’re not sure whether a particular pilgrimage is a good fit for you, please reach out to us for further discussion.

Accordion Content

Yes. On your registration form there is a place to indicate any dietary restrictions. We frequently have travelers who are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and/or lactose-free and most of the time these diets can be accommodated in our group meals. It is especially helpful for us if you indicate any severe allergies that might require medical intervention.

Accordion Content

Payment & Booking

WeTravel is our booking platform. It allows you to manage all your pilgrimage information in one place including personal information and payments. WeTravel provides secure data management and payment gateways.

You can log-in to your WeTravel account at http://progressivepilgrimage.wetravel.com to manage your booking. You’ll need to log-in with the email address of the person who originally registered for the trip. Once inside, click the green “Manage Booking” button beside your trip. Scroll down the page to find the “Update Information” button. From here you can update your passport number, mailing address, dietary requirements, and more.

For most pilgrimages, there is a $500 deposit due at the time of booking. An additional payment of $1,000 is due about six months before the departure date. The balance is due about 75 days prior to departure. Please check your individual pilgrimage information page for specific due dates. All payments can be made in the WeTravel platform. You can find the full cancellation policy and timeline on our terms and conditions page.

Our payments are processed through the WeTravel booking platform. We accept payment by ACH transfer with no transaction fee. You can make an ACH payment with your checking account number and routing number. We also accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover Card with a 3% processing fee. We can also accept payment by check mailed to Progressive Pilgrimage at 27 Mort Ave., Lowell, MA 01850.

You can log-in to your WeTravel account at http://progressivepilgrimage.wetravel.com to make payments at any time. You’ll need to log-in with the email address of the person who originally registered for the trip. Once inside, click the green “Manage Booking” button beside your trip. There you’ll see any upcoming due dates and a button to make a payment by credit card (3% fee) or ACH transfer (no fee).

Yes. Using the WeTravel booking platform, you can make payments any time you want. Simply log-in to the portal and make a payment at your convenience. 

We prefer to receive payments in the WeTravel platform by ACH or credit card. However, if you’d like to pay by check, you can mail your payment to Progressive Pilgrimage at 27 Mort Ave., Lowell, MA 01850. Please verify your balance due in WeTravel before mailing your payment.

If you need to cancel, please notify us in writing (email is perfect) so that we have an official record of your request. The refund schedule is related to your departure date. You can find our full cancellation policy and timeline on our terms and conditions page.

Travel Documentation

If your pilgrimage leaves the United States: Yes, you must have a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of your pilgrimage. If your passport will expire less than six months after the end of your trip, you should apply for a new passport before traveling.

If you don’t have a current passport, you can still register for a pilgrimage. Just leave that section of the registration form blank. You should start your passport application or renewal right away. Please log in to the WeTravel platform to update your passport information once you receive your passport.

The UK and Israel require visitors from the United States to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). A similar program is coming to the European Union but has not yet been launched. While technically not a visa, an ETA works similarly and is typically valid for multiple trips across several years. We’ll send out specific instructions to apply about 4 months before your trip, but you can do it anytime by using these links: UK (Including Scotland and N. Ireland) Israel

If your passport is from a country other than the United States, please contact us to confirm your visa requirements.

Flights & Baggage Allowances

Please check the trip page for your pilgrimage to see whether airfare is included.

Yes. We always work to accommodate travelers coming from other locations, though the “how” of it varies depending on where you are located and the policies of the airline serving the group. Any fare increases are the responsibility of the traveler. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in originating somewhere other than the group origin.

In most cases, yes. If your trip includes airfare, we can request a deviation for the date and/or city. However, you must fly at least one transatlantic flight with the group. The deviation policy varies among airlines, and any fare increases are the responsibility of the traveler. We can also help you add additional nights in our group hotel at the start or end of the pilgrimage, if desired. If you think you’d like to request a deviation or additional hotel nights, please let us know as early as possible since these changes are subject to availability.

You will receive your flight confirmation approximately 30 days prior to departure. The exact date depends on the airline used for your pilgrimage. You will receive the details of your flights and confirmation number via email from Progressive Pilgrimage. We encourage you to check your ticketing information when it arrives to ensure your information is correct. You will also receive information about changing your seating assignments, if desired.

Seat assignments are made at ticketing, about 30 days before departure. Group travel rules do not allow specific seat selection before ticketing. We ask for your preferred seat (aisle, middle, or window) and work with the airlines to obtain your preferred seat type. We will also instruct the airlines to seat couples, families, and traveling companions together. However, your seat preference and companion is not guaranteed. After ticketing, you may be able to pay an additional fee to select a specific seat. The process for selecting specific seats is different for every airline and will be explained when you receive your ticketing information.

That depends. With group airfare, upgraded seats (like exit row or extra leg room) are only available for purchase about 30 days before departure. You’ll be limited to what’s available at that time. To upgrade your cabin (from economy to premium economy or business class), please contact us. We will provide a custom quote based on availability.

If your pilgrimage includes group airfare, you will not be able to use points to pay for your ticket or upgrades. If you wish to use your points, you will need to request a land-only price for your pilgrimage and book your air travel individually. You may be able to book the same route as the group, however, if there are any delays or cancellations during travel, you will be responsible for managing your own rebooking as you will not be rebooked with the rest of the group. 

For most pilgrimages, travelers are permitted one checked bag (max of 50 lbs.), one carry-on bag, and one personal item. If your pilgrimage includes an internal flight (from Edinburgh to Dublin, for example) your baggage allowance includes only one checked bag and one personal item. We strongly recommend packing in just one suitcase (either checked or carry-on size) plus one day bag like a small backpack, tote bag, or purse.

Travel Insurance

No, insurance is not required, but we do recommend protecting your trip. Progressive Pilgrimage offers insurance through Allianz’s group plan. You can learn more about this policy by downloading this brochure. You may also have coverage through a credit card or wish to purchase insurance through another provider you prefer.

Through our partner Allianz, we are able to offer a discount on insurance policies purchased through Progressive Pilgrimage. If you are over 50 years old and purchase your policy through Progressive Pilgrimage, your rate will be lower than if purchased directly from Allianz. Additionally, you will be covered for pre-existing conditions, assuming you are able to travel on the day your policy comes into effect. Finally, when purchasing through Progressive Pilgrimage, you have the convenience of paying for your trip and insurance together.

Travel insurance coverage varies widely based on the insurer and the specific plan you choose. If you purchase insurance through Progressive Pilgrimage, you can view a sample policy here. Generally travel insurance covers the expenses of medical treatment  or medical evacuation from your destination. It also covers cancellation if you are unable to travel for any covered reason. Normally there is coverage for delayed or lost luggage and some policies cover rental car damage. Travel insurance purchased through Progressive Pilgrimage includes coverage for pre-existing conditions, as long as the policy is added to your booking before you make your final payment.

If you are purchasing your insurance through Progressive Pilgrimage, you can add it anytime before you make your final payment using the WeTravel dashboard. We recommend adding insurance at booking, or before your intermediate payment, to provide the most extensive coverage. If you are purchasing travel insurance through a different vendor, you normally have 15 days from making a deposit to ensure full coverage. However, you should check with your individual insurer to make sure you obtain coverage in a timely manner. 

If you didn’t add the optional insurance at the time of your registration, you can add it later by logging in to your WeTravel account at http://progressivepilgrimage.wetravel.com. You’ll need to log-in with the email address of the person who originally registered for the trip. Once inside, click the green “Manage Booking” button beside your trip. Click the button that says “Add More Options to Booking” to see available insurance plans.

If you travel more than twice a year, annual travel insurance may be a better value for you. We offer annual travel insurance plans that cover you anytime you are more than 100 miles from home. Please contact us if you would like more information and a quote.

Safety, Emergencies & Communication

Generally, the crime rate in our destinations is much lower than in the United States, especially with regard to violent and gun-related crimes. However, crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and scams are more common, particularly in areas with a high number of tourists. To reduce the risk of pickpocketing and scams: do not carry more cash than you need. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and your purse slung across your body. Avoid displaying cash in public. If you’re approached by a vendor, do not touch the items they’re selling, unless you want to buy them. If you’re approached by a vendor and you’re not interested, a simple and firm “No”, followed by walking away, is normally sufficient. 

If you have particular questions about the safety of a destination, please visit the Traveler Information Page for your destination for more detailed information.

England & Scotland  |  Greece & Turkey  |  Holy Land  |  Ireland  |  Italy  |  US Civil Rights 

We will work with you to arrange transportation to the nearest airport and your return flight home. Any expenses incurred in this transportation are your responsibility. We encourage you to consider insuring your trip, as many policies include coverage for returning early due to an emergency. The specific conditions vary based on your policy. 

Your spiritual guide will be prepared for handling emergencies that may arise. Our partners in our destinations are available to advise about appropriate hospitals or medical clinics, if needed. If necessary, we will reach out to the emergency contact indicated on your registration form.

We recommend that you verify your health insurance coverage for international travel. Travel insurance is one way to make sure your medical expenses are covered, including medical evacuation, if required. In most cases, you will be responsible to pay for any medical care or evacuation expenses and then file for reimbursement through your health insurance and/or travel insurance. Progressive Pilgrimage will provide the required documentation for any disruption to your trip.

We use WhatsApp, a cross platform messaging app, to communicate with pilgrims while we’re traveling. Your friends and family can join WhatsApp and remain in touch with you by text, voice, and video call, as long as you have Wi-Fi. All hotels and a few coaches have complimentary Wi-Fi. 

You can also discuss an international roaming plan with your mobile provider. Rates and coverage will vary. You can also purchase a local SIM card, if your phone is unlocked, to obtain a local number and low-priced data. 

We typically send out 4 to 5 emails before your trip:

  • About 120 days before departure we’ll send logistical updates about your hotels, final payment, travel insurance, etc.
  • About 90 days before departure we’ll send some educational resources and recommended reading.
  • About 60 days before departure we’ll check in again with any updates and reminders
  • About 30 days before departure we’ll send another email with last minute reminders and airline ticket information.
  • The week before your departure we’ll check in one more time with instructions and reminders.

 

We also usually offer a virtual meeting in the month before your departure to review the itinerary and answer questions.

Finally, we love to hear from our travelers, so feel free to reach out with questions!

Accommodations, Packing & More

We use a variety of accommodations, depending on the group leader’s preferences and availability. On the vast majority of pilgrimages we stay in 3- or 4-star hotels where all rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Any exceptions will be noted on the pilgrimage information page. Please consult your individual pilgrimage information page for details about your accommodations.

Most of our pilgrimages offer a “single supplement” option. Since our pilgrimages are priced based on a shared room, this is an additional charge assessed for travelers who do not desire a roommate. There are a limited number of single rooms available on each pilgrimage, so if you prefer a single room, we encourage you to reserve it at booking.

If you are a solo traveler and you do not wish to pay for a single room or single supplements have sold out, you will be matched with another traveler of the same gender. Your room will have two twin beds.

Simplicity is one pilgrimage value, so we encourage you to pack light and trust that it will be enough. In general, we always recommend comfortable walking shoes and clothing that is easy to layer. You will not need any formal or dress clothing. In most cases, you’ll be expected to move your own luggage between buses and hotels, so don’t pack more than you can manage on your own. If you opt for a carry-on bag, your liquids must be in containers of 3oz. or less and all fit into a clear quart-size bag. We always recommend packing your medications in your carry-on bag so that you’ll have them with you even if your checked baggage is delayed. 

Most of our hotels will provide basic toiletries (soap and shampoo) and hairdryers. We’ll update your trip page if that’s not the case.

For packing recommendations specific to your destination, check out our traveler information pages on:

England & Scotland  |  Greece & Turkey  |  Holy Land  |  Ireland  |  Italy  |  US Civil Rights 

Many, but not all, of our hotels offer laundry service. Once hotels have been listed on your trip page itinerary, you can check their website to see if laundry is offered. As you might expect, hotel laundry service comes at a premium price. Still, we often find it is a better option than overpacking. You can also do some laundry in your hotel sink, especially if you pack clothing that is lightweight and/or fast-drying.

CPAP machines are medical devices and can be carried on to the airplane in addition to your standard carry-on allowance.

Be sure to confirm whether your CPAP machine will run on 220 volt electricity. If not, you’ll need to bring a power converter in addition to a plug adapter.

Some CPAP machines require the use of distilled water. In our experience, distilled water is not easy to find at drug stores in the UK or Europe. Check with your CPAP manufacturer to see about using tap water for the duration of your trip. You may also be able to purchase a portable water filter (like this one) to make the tap water suitable for your CPAP machine. 

We’re so glad you asked! We’ve developed a series of pages for some of our most popular destinations. You can find the information you’re looking for there. 

England & Scotland  |  Greece & Turkey  |  Holy Land  |  Ireland  |  Italy  |  US Civil Rights 

Both, and it varies by destination. In every case, we recommend getting a little cash from a local ATM once you’re on the ground. This usually provides a better exchange rate than using a currency exchange counter. Alternatively, you can order some currency from your bank before you travel. 

In more and more places, credit cards are widely used even for small purchases. In the UK, you can tap-to-pay for a single pint in the pub. In Italy, even gelaterias accept credit cards.

You’ll want to notify your bank or credit card about your travel plans. And be sure to inquire about international transaction fees so you know what to expect.