Planning information

Identify Key Leaders:

15-18 Months before departure

Trips are most successful when one to three people take the lead in selecting dates, finalizing the itinerary, and promoting the trip. These should be people who are already committed to the idea of a Holy Land pilgrimage. One leader might be your pastor or ministry leader, but that is not necessary. With this group, determine a general season when you would like to travel; how long you would like to be away; and any priorities for what to see and experience.

Gauge Interest: 14-16 months before departure

The key leaders should begin having informal conversations with others in your church or organization to find out the level of interest. You might also want to hold one or more informational meetings. We find that about half of the people who express initial interest end up signing up for the trip. We often travel with groups of 16-25 travelers, so you should have at least 25-30 people with general interest. If your pastor or leader is actively involved in planning and promoting the trip, the response rate tends to be a little higher.

Select dates and activities: 12-14 months before departure

Once general interest has been established, the key leaders will work with Progressive Pilgrimage to choose exact dates for the trip and draft an itinerary that suits your interests. We will also work on choosing and reserving flights. All of the details — from guides, hotels, transportation, and meals — are taken care of by us. In order to finalize the price, we need specific dates, a rough itinerary, and an estimated number of travelers. Once those pieces are in place we will create a website and other materials to help you promote the trip.

Promote the trip: 6-12 months before departure

Once the details are finalized, Progressive Pilgrimage will create a webpage with all the information about your pilgrimage. We will also send print postcards and brochures that you can give out in your church or organization. Travelers will be able to register and pay online. At this time, you could hold additional informational meetings. If desired, a member of the Progressive Pilgrimage team can come and speak at your church or organization.

Prepare for the trip: 0-6 months before departure

As travelers begin to register, Progressive Pilgrimage will share information about your trip including educational resources to help you prepare. You may wish to use the articles we share for a series of group meetings or discussions in the months before your trip. We also recommend holding an informational meeting 2-4 weeks before departure to answer any final questions. Progressive Pilgrimage can join this meeting virtually.

Links to Location Specific Planning Information