According to the Oxford dictionary, a pilgrim tour is a trip that involves a person/people journeying to a sacred place for religious reasons. Pilgrims mostly travel long journeys. Most people prefer to travel as a group for example there are tours and travel companies that organize group tours for the Pilgrimage to Mecca or the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The following are some travel tips when going on a pilgrimage: –
- Prepare your passport/visa early in advance.
- Check immunization requirements and receive your vaccinations early in advance.
- Research on what items are allowed in that country e.g. when travelling to Rwanda, no plastic bags are allowed.
- In some instances, when travelling on pilgrimage, you may be required to share rooms if the rooms are not enough so take care of your luggage.
- Carry only essential items, minimize your luggage, if possible only one suitcase and one hand luggage. Leave space in your bag for the spiritual items you may want to buy.
- Take care of your luggage especially your travel documents when you are visiting various places. You may consider carrying a small and portable cross body bag.
- Some people travel with a group organized by the religious institution they attend, while others with a travel agent. If using a travel agent for a spiritual mission, ask if they can connect you to a spiritual leader in order to accomplish your pilgrim purpose.
Lastly, remember what made you decide to go for the pilgrim. Take time to pray, reflect and make the best of your pilgrim.
Pilgrims at Ugandan Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo