When Tina and I talk with groups and individuals about doing a Holy Land pilgrimage with Faith Connections Travel, pleasant surprise often follows when we detail all that’s included in the cost. Because pricing on a pilgrimage can be structured and quoted differently from other kinds of travel, it’s important to understand what you’re getting.
Airfare
First, round-trip airfare from our destination airport (usually DFW) is included. Many people don’t get this at first because the price seems too low to include airfare when compared to other travel they may have done. This also includes all airport taxes and fuel surcharges, so there aren’t any hidden costs associated with our air travel that will sneak into your invoice later.
Accommodations & Meals
Next, all hotel accommodations and daily hot breakfast and dinner buffets are included. The hotel pricing is for double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms is usually available for a supplemental cost that is always quoted up front when our tours are scheduled. The only meals that travelers need to purchase are lunches while we are out touring each day.
Touring
The pilgrimage tour experience itself is extremely important to us. We only use licensed, English-speaking, Christian tour guides whom we or our operators know directly. No pot luck here. On the ground, we have a private, air-conditioned bus with an address system so everyone can hear the guide and the leaders when we are loading and moving. All sightseeing and admissions fees on the itinerary are included in the trip price.
Gratuities
For simplicity and convenience, we include gratuities for the guides, bus driver, and hotel dining staff in the cost of the trip. Pilgrims are always welcome to supplement these gratuities and to offer others (such as to hotel housekeeping staff) if desired. But the main tipping is taken care of and is itemized on your invoice so that you know what amounts are involved. This convenience has been extremely well received by our travelers since we began including it several years ago.
Others
A few other items that come with the base cost of your pilgrimage are a basic medical protection plan, and a series of pre-trip orientation classes to prepare us for the pilgrimage. These perks don’t usually come standard in tour packages! We also offer a cash discount of 3%. If you are not using a credit card, then the savings on fees that card companies charge gets passed back to you.
Of course, there is much more, but these are the main things that you should know are included when you sign up for a pilgrimage with Faith Connections Travel. Come step out in faith with us to the Holy Land!
