All pilgrims have a Medical Travel Protection Plan included.
Trip cancellation insurance is optional. Learn more at www.nativitypilgrimage.com/travel-protection-form
Payments may be made to your balance at any time before the full payment is due.
Full payment is due 100 days before your departure date.
Each payment with a credit card will have an additional 3% fee.
The total cost of the trip includes airline tickets, tour transportation, and allotted meals.
Passports
All travelers must have a valid passport. Your passport must be valid within six months of your return date.
The name on your registration form must match the name on your passport exactly. You are responsible for any fees airline carriers impose due to incorrect tickets with a name discrepancy.
For an up-to-date listing of passport requirements worldwide, please visit the Foreign Entry Requirements page here.
If you do not have a passport, please visit the U.S. State Department’s website here.
Visas
For U.S. citizens, no Visa is required.
For a list of all travel requirements, please check the U.S. Travel Advisories here.
Discover if you need a visa, and how to apply here.
Visas must be valid within 3 months of departure.
Tipping
Tips are an important portion of the earnings for escorts, guides, and bus drivers.
Recommeded Tips
$7 - $9 $70 - $90 Driver $5 - $7
- $70
$1 - $2 $10 - $20
$1 - $2 $14 - $20
- $20
- $200
https://de.usembassy.gov/
U.S. citizens are encouraged to obtain updated information on travel and security issues and register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in person or through the State Department’s travel registration website. easier for the U S Embassy or
Preparing For Your Pilgrimage
Physical & Spiritual Preparation
Physical
If you are not accustomed to physical activity, begin walking 1-2 times a day, building up to 1-2 miles.
Tip: Start a walking group with fellow pilgrims and meet regularly.
Spiritual
Attend daily Mass if possible. Spend quiet time in church to reflect upon your upcoming journey.
Pray to Jesus and His Blessed Mother to open your hearts and minds to new perspectives that you all will be sharing in spiritual togetherness.
Security Procedures
All liquids, gels and aerosols carried in your personal carry-on bag onto the plane must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers.
Pack all these items in clear plastic pouches inside your carry-on bag to make it easier to remove them for the screening process.
For more information on any other security measures per airline policies, visit the TSA website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel
Final Documents
Your final documents will be available four weeks before your departure date. Most of them (hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, general trip information, travel tour badge, international phone connections, etc.) will be included. Airline E-Tickets will be sent to you electronically, and a copy will be available. Late payment/bookings can cause delay in coordinating everyone’s final documents.
Ticketing
Nativity Pilgrimage purchases tickets at a group rate, which is factored into the total price of your pilgrimage. They are issued to us approximately 1525 days before your departure date. Some airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. Nativity Pilgrimage is not responsible for any upgrade and cannot guarantee any upgrade or changes in your seating arrangements.
Changing Your Ticket
If you would like to change your ticket for any reason once issued, you must work directly with the airlines. You will incur additional costs (minimum of $200 per person) for such changes.
Airline Mileage Accounts
If you would like to obtain credit for miles flown on your pilgrimage, directly contact the airline to open a mileage account. Each airline will have their own rules and regulations and it is your responsibility to contact the airline directly for obtaining credit.
Airline Connections
Nativity Pilgrimage books airline reservations based on information provided by the airlines. This includes connection time, connection cities, and partner carriers. Airlines determine the standard for the required minimum connecting time to transfer from one gate to another for each specific airport At times, the connection times provided by the airlines may be tight and require passengers to make haste during their connections. There are also times when the connections are long due to flight availability at the time of booking. We are subject to the rules, regulations, and availability of the carriers we work with We also must ensure that all reservations correspond so that each pilgrim is able to meet the group transfer to/from the airport to the hotel and vise versa.
Luggage
Luggage must be personally checked in by passengers Inform the airline representative of your final destination so that you will not need to claim and recheck your baggage during flight connections. We suggest one checked bag and one carry-on bag per passenger.
Size and weight limitations vary from airline to airline
International Flights
Other Travelers
Your tour guide will not be traveling with you. They will meet you at your final destination. Nativity Pilgrimage attempts to centralize as many pilgrims as possible on the same flights so that you may arrive/depart together
Check-in
Please check-in for your flight 3-4 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Some airlines offer seating upgrades based on availability for additional fees or Mileage Plus Points upon check-in.
In-Flight Meals
Nativity Pilgrimage is not responsible for your special in-flight meal requirements. If you have dietary restrictions and need special in-flight meals, contact the airlines prior to your designated departure.
Jet Lag & Adjusting
Jet lag is among the most common health ailments that people experience, even seasoned travelers.
Upon arrival, spend the first 24 hours adjusting your internal clock to the new time zone. By eating and sleeping according to the local time, your body will quickly adapt to the change.
Health Precautions
Vaccinations
While visiting certain countries, vaccinations are necessary for tourists. However, trips to most European countries do not require vaccinations.
To see which countries require vaccinations, please check the U.S. Travel Advisories website
Consult your health care provider if you have any concerns. Consider getting a flu vaccine, as long flights may expose you to the virus, especially during the late Fall and early Spring.
Lost or Stolen Items
Nativity Pilgrimage is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Contact the airline carrier immediately if you have lost items. They will provide you with the proper paperwork to register your claim. Make sure they know your traveling itinerary so they can contact you if your lost items are located. We are not able to follow-up on your claim. Contact a family member or friend to handle any inquiries by the airlines until you return home.
Prevention
& Safety
Carry all documents and money on you, but not all in the same place. This limits inconvenience in case of loss.
Money belts worn inside clothing are recommended to prevent theft. Keep all medications in your carry-on bag during your trip in case your checked luggage gets lost.
Keep a separate list of important numbers (passport, traveler’s checks, credit cards) in your handbag or personal carry-on bag with photocopies of airline tickets and the relevant pages of your passport/visa. Avoid excessive display of jewelry or cash.
Use room safes or leave items with the hotel manager. If possible, make sure any valuable are insured against theft. Avoid exploration on your own and be cautious on unfamiliar streets and unfamiliar individuals.
Contact your local bank and credit card companies before departing on your trip to inform them of your travel.
Cancel your credit cards as soon as possible if they get lost.
Protect Your Trip
Be prepared for unforeseen events that may force you to cancel your trip, or worse, with out-of-pocket expenses! We have partnered with Travel Insured International to offer you coverage for the unexpected.
Investing in travel insurance ensures a stress-free experience, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying their journey rather than worrying about potential risks.
For more information, please call our office, visit our website, or scan the QR code below. http://www.nativitypilgrimage.com/travel-protection-form
Money
Credit cards / Traveler's Checks
Major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard) are accepted. AMEX fees are higher for merchants and may be declined. Traveler's checks may also be declined. Use your credit cards only at secure merchants.
Currency exchange
The basic monetary unit in Germany is the Euro.
For updated exchange rates, please visit https://www.xe.com/
How much money should I bring?
Every person is different. As for money, it's important to consider lunches and souvenirs. For added security, we recommend bringing a minimum of $50 00 per day, plus tips
Banks and ATMs
Ask your hotel for the nearest international bank branches and their hours. Your tour guide will tell you which branches offer the best exchange rates. Avoid exchanging money at local exchange offices or at your hotel, as fees are high.
Banks charge a fee when you withdraw money internationally.
There are ATMs in most bank branches, post offices, train stations, airports, shopping malls, etc. A fee generally applies to each withdrawal. Please check your cash and withdrawal limits before your trip.
Electricity & Technology
Communication
The telephone code for Germany is +49
Adapters
Germany operates with a supply voltage of 230 V and uses type F
Check with your cell phone provider for information on international use of your cell phone.
For free communication over data or WiFi, we recommend apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber.
Feel free to bring a camera and/or use your cell phone to take photographs during your pilgrimage, but be aware of signs indicating whether photography is permitted in some museums and churches
Before you leave, purchase an international adapter to connect your devices to European outlets. Make sure this adapter has enough power for your device. You can also purchase a converter to convert different voltages. Adapter/converter kits that include the full range of plugs can be purchased at electrical supply stores.
It is not recommended to purchase electronic devices from abroad unless you are sure that the power supply used is compatible with the power supply in your country of origin
You can find an adapter with a quick search on Amazon
Photograph
During Your Pilgrimage
Language & Climate
Language
In Switzerland, they speak Italian, German, and French.
Climate
Germany has a temperate seasonal climate influenced by both maritime and continental weather patterns. Winters are generally cold, with average temperatures between 30°F to 39°F. We suggest checking out the weather online prior to packing for your trip.
Itinerary Changes
Although every effort will be made to follow the original itinerary, it serves primarily as a general outline of the tour rather than a contract of places to visit. Occasionally, local religious festivals, national holidays, traffic conditions, and other events may cause changes to the sequence of visits (or the elimination of sites). We will celebrate daily Masses at the locations indicated in the itinerary, unless we are forced to change it. In this case, an alternative church will be arranged.
Our intention is to carry out all the pilgrimages as outlined in the itinerary.
General Packing List
Here is a list of things you may want to bring on your trip. Anything except items under “Important Items & Documents” are optional. Travel sizes are recommended.
Important Items/ Documents
Passport
Copy of Passport
Personal Care Items
Deodorant
Soap/Body Wash
Second form of identification
Flight documents
Name tag
Money
Medicine
Dramamine (for motion sickness)
OTC pain medicine (Aspirin, Tylenol)
Stomach relief medicine
Laxatives
Sleep-aids
Allergy medicine
Cold/flu medicine
Bandages
Spiritual Items
Bible
Rosary
Catholic Mass Missal
Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Chapstick
Comb/Brush
Lotion/Moisturizer
Nail Clippers
Feminine items
Wet wipes
Plastic bags for laundry
Electronics
Power converter/Adapter
Cell phone
Camera
Chargers
Extra batteries
General Clothing Guidelines
No formal clothing
Avoid tank tops or any type of sleeveless clothing
No shorts, sleeveless tops, sleeveless dresses, short skirts, or short dresses are permitted in the churches.
Frequently asked questions
Hello Pilgrims!
"We're thrilled that you will be joining us on this journey. We assure you that it will be an incredible spiritual experience that you will never forget. Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information to put your mind at ease.
Rest assured, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. We are always available to answer any questions you may have about taking a pilgrimage with Nativity. Therefore, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions from past travelers.”
