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:
If you do not have a passport, please visit the U.S. State Department
Tips are an important portion of the earnings for escorts, guides, and bus drivers.
Tipping in pubs for drinks ordered at the bar is not customary. Some restaurants include a service fee, which covers the tip. If not, a 10% tip is sufficient.
Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare to the nearest Euro is acceptable if you would like to tip.
Tip hotel staff €1 for room service.
U.S. citizens traveling to Belgium 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. https://travelregistration.state.gov
By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
case of
Emergency
U.S. Embassy in Belgium https://be.usembassy.gov/
Belgium Embassy in U.S. https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
Emergency Numbers
Emergency in France: 100
How to prepare for your pilgrimage
Physical & Spiritual Preparation
Physical
Preparation
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
Preparation
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.
Please note: late payment/bookings can cause delay in coordinating everyone’s final documents.
Ticketing
Nativity Pilgrimage purchases tickets a h is factored into the total price of your pilgrimage. They are issued to us approximately 15-25 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.
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.
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 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.
Flights International
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
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
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.
Precautions Health
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 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/travela dvisories/traveladvisories.html/
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/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.
Tips for 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 can leave you to cancel your trip, or worse, with out-ofpocket expenses! We have partnered with Travel Insured International to offer you coverage for the unexpected.
Trip cancellation insurance protects the covered expenses in case of many unforeseen circumstances. For a fraction of the trip cost, you can alleviate the risk of losing money if something unforeseen gets in the way. You may have skipped this coverage before, but if you’re paying out a lot of money upfront for an organized tour or airfare if you have questionable health or if you have a loved one at home in poor health, it’s probably a good idea to get this coverage. Worldwide Trip Protector Plans cover the nonrefundable financial penalties or losses you incur when you cancel a prepaid tour or flight for an unforeseen reason.
For more information, please call our office, visit www nativitypilgrimage com/travel-protection-form, or scan the QR code below.
Money
Credit Cards / Travelers Checks
How
Each person is different Things to take into consideration regarding money include preferred lunches and souvenirs. To be on the safe side, we recommend the minimum spending money you should bring in addition to the suggested tips is $50.00 per day.
Major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard) are accepted. AMEX fees are higher for merchants and may be declined Travelers checks may also be declined Only use your credit cards at secure places of business.
Banks & ATM Machines
Currency Exchange
The basic unit of currency in Belgium is the Euro.
For up-to-date currency exchange rates, please visit: https://www.xe.com/.
Euro coins different according to country, but they can be used in any EU state Bank notes are of uniform EU design.
Ask your hotel for the nearest international banking locations and their hours Your tour guide should provide you with information on which locations offer the best rates of exchange. Refrain from exchanging money at local change booths or at the hotel since the fees will be high. Banks charge a commission fee when you withdraw money internationally ATM machines can be found at most bank branches, post offices, train stations, airports, shopping centers, etc. There is usually a fee with each withdrawal. Please be informed on your cash advance and withdrawal limits prior to departure
Technology Electricity and
Communication
The telephone code for Belgium is +32
Adapters
Belgium operates on a 230V supply voltage and uses Type C and Type E.
Please check with your cellular provider to inquire about international usage on your cell phone.
To communicate for free with data or Wi-Fi, we recommend apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber.
Before leaving, purchase an international adapter to connect your devices to European outlets Make sure this adapter is sufficiently powerful enough for your device. Also, a converter can be purchased to convert the different voltages. Adapter/converter kits that include the entire range of plugs can be purchased at electrical supply stores.
Photography
Feel free to bring a camera and/or use your cell phone to take photos during your pilgrimage, but be mindful of signs that indicate whether or not photography is allowed in some museum and churches
It is not recommended to buy electronic devices abroad unless you are sure that the current it uses is compatible with the current at home.
You can find an adapter with a quick search on Amazon
During your pilgrimage
Language & Climate
Language
Dutch, French, & German are the predominant languages in Belgium.
Climate
We suggest checking out the weather online prior to packing to get an idea of what the weather will be like during your trip See the attached charts for average temps in Brussels.
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
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Itinerary Changes
Though every effort will be made to follow the original itinerary, the itinerary serves mainly as the general idea of the tour rather than a contract of places to be visited.
Occasionally, local religious holidays, national holidays, traffic conditions, and other events may lead to changes in the sequence of visits (or the removal of sites). We will have daily Mass in the locations indicated on the itinerary unless itinerary changes are forced upon us. In this case, an alternative church will be arranged.
Our intention is to operate all pilgrimages as listed 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
Second form of identification
Flight documents
Name tag
Money
Medicine
Dramamine (for motion sickness)
Personal Care Items
Deodorant
OTC pain medicine (Aspirin, Advil, or Tylenol)
Stomach relief medicine (Pepto, Imodium, etc.)
Laxatives
Sleep-aids
Allergy medicine
Cold/flu medicine
Bandages
Spiritual Items
Bible
Rosary
Catholic Mass Missal
Soap/Body Wash
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
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.”
