FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PILGRIMAGE

1. Why use a Tour Company to plan your pilgrimage?

We understand that a pilgrimage is a work to honor God and find peace in the chaos of everyday life, and your group is working hard to plan something deeply important and spiritual to them. Using a tour company allows your group to focus on the spiritual matters while we focus on the practical matters. With our knowledge of other countries and the opportunities there, and our established relationships with cathedrals and churches, we can help you find more programs and places to further your spiritual goals. Additionally, we already know the details; who to contact, distances and times between places, accommodations, and other things that may be difficult for your group to find out. Also, since we are accustomed to working with European sites, we have knowledge of local events that may affect your travel or accommodation prices.
At BEST, we will set up a pilgrimage to your group’s specifications, keeping in mind all the true purpose of your trip.

2. Why use BEST?

BEST is a unique company. BEST was founded by David Searles, the first American lay clerk (professional choir member) at Canterbury Cathedral. We have worked with churches for over 25 years, setting up tours for choirs. Over the years, BEST professionals have made connections with churches and religious groups all over Europe, making contacts with those organizations easier for us than for the average person. Additionally, with our experience in travel, we frequently know of resources or places to visit that may be less known, but fit your group’s needs perfectly.
BEST prides itself on always creating a customized tour package. When we plan your pilgrimage, our goal is to have you visit the places important to your group. We may offer suggestions to maximize your time or that may enhance the choices you have already made, but we will not ask you to go on a pre-packaged, pre-planned pilgrimage.
Additionally, we have a tour consultant who is a teacher, with a strong understanding of youth and their distinctive needs. She also has been a youth leader in the Journey to Adulthood program, teaching both Rite-13 and J2A. She has been on a J2A pilgrimage herself, and has a unique perspective of what is needed for a successful pilgrimage. Our objective is to plan a Journey to Adulthood pilgrimage with appropriate goals in mind.

3. What parts of pilgrimage will BEST plan?

A consultant at BEST will plan as much or as little of your itinerary as your group would like. Typically, we plan your air, your travel within the country or countries you stay in, your lodging, your pilgrimage destinations, speakers and tours of religious sites, any “tourist” events, and with your guidance, create the detailed schedule of your days. Each group has different preferences, and we will collaborate with you to make sure your needs are met.

4. What will be included in what each person pays?

At BEST, we would like for you to have as few worries as possible. When your group travels with us, your contract and itinerary will tell you exactly what is included in the price. Generally, lodging, travel within the countries, and entrance fees to planned tour events are included. We would also be glad to plan a group banquet or other extras as you request.

5. How much will it cost?

Cost depends solely on your group. As we plan your pilgrimage, a budget for your group allows us to plan a pilgrimage that is appropriate to your needs. Although an overseas pilgrimage may be more expensive than a domestic trip, it can be more meaningful and also be very reasonably priced.

6. Where could we be staying on our pilgrimage?

There are many options for accommodation while you are on your pilgrimage. Hotels are always a possibility, but we understand that a hotel may not have the sort of atmosphere that would be appropriate to your group’s needs. As a result, we have many other choices. Some sites, like pilgrimage centers, have housing designed for pilgrims and pilgrimage groups. Sometimes we are able to secure conference centers that may fit your needs, such as ensuite rooms and kitchens in the facilities. If you are traveling when school is not in session, we can often make arrangements at boarding schools with inexpensive facilities. We also are sometimes able to make connections with local churches and use their resources.
Should all of these options fail, we may consider a bed and breakfast, since they allow for some group space and frequently have a kitchen you may be able to use.

7. What schedule information will BEST supply about our pilgrimage?

With your help, we will create a day by day itinerary for you to inspect while your group is in your discernment process. We will gladly supply as many copies of this as you need. Then, shortly before you leave for your pilgrimage, we will supply you copies of an hour by hour itinerary. Once you are on pilgrimage, you will have a tour manager who will continue to help you with your schedule, and if needed, make any adjustments.

8. Why do we have a tour manager?

At BEST, every group that travels with us has a BEST tour manager/escort. This person is not intended to be a religious leader; however, an escort is an invaluable part of an overseas trip. Your tour manager speaks the local language, and knows the customs and polite behavior of the country you are visiting. Sometimes, even when you speak the same language, it is difficult to communicate your needs to someone with a different dialect. Your tour manager can handle any emergencies that come up related to your trip, such as problems with accommodation. Your tour manager knows the best directions for travel, thereby maximizing the time you have. Overall, your tour manager handles the minutia of your trip, so that all of the members of your group can focus on the spiritual goals of your pilgrimage. Your youth leaders will be able to concentrate their energies on working with youth, instead of trying to figure out details of the trip.