CASH MONEY

Consider taking some EURO on your trip.  Maybe around 300 € per person

Meals that you will have to pay for include:  8 Lunches &   5 Dinners

Souvenirs, Religious articles and incidentals

CREDIT CARDS

Automatic exchange rate for transactions.   Give prior Notice of your travel, if necessary, to your credit card company.  

-- Take Visa & Master Card only

Watch out for International Usage fee of 3% or more.  Consider getting a card that has no fee.

Some love to use the available ATMs.  Debit Cards work well.

WEATHER

     •     Generally, Temperatures are in the 60-70s when out and about.

Mornings  - a medium weight jacket, during the day a light jacket or sweater will do.    Bring a good range of generally somewhat warmer clothes.

Umbrella may be needed for some of the days.  Fair chance it could rain once or twice while we are in Rome.

DRESS CODE

     •     Pious and Modest

     •     shoulders covered

     •     comfortable shoes

     •     need not be dressy.

     •     NO SHORTS in any church - probably not a concern in October.

No outer wear that has Political writing or a Religious message that might be offensive to non-Catholics.   We want to be joyful with a Pilgrim's spirit that does not seek to attract attention to ourselves

Layered as you would in October in California

PICKPOCKETS

     •     Pickpockets exist in crowded areas but the concern is somewhat overblown.

Beware of "gypsies" who have children or babies in their arms.

     •     Keep purses closed and draped across the chest, generally in front.

Men's Wallets should be in front pocket.

     •     Leave valuables and expensive jewelry at home.  Don't flash wads of cash.

     •     Backpacks can be vulnerable.  Consider a lock.

     •     Always BE AWARE of your sorroundings

TRAVEL INSURANCE

     •     Travel Insurance is a common way to protect an investment to go on a Pilgrimage.   Some people purchase it, others do not.  Each must decide the risk they wish to bear on this issue.  

Travel Insurance can be purchased any time, including just before flight time - however, pre-existing medical conditions are only covered when purchased near the time of tendering the first deposit (usually around 10 days).  Even the medical condition of a close relative not travelling with you, can be the basis for a refund from insurance.  Also, Medicare will not cover you when you travel outside of the country.

Travel Insurance premiums are never refundable, even if when Pilgrimage deposits are refundable, because coverage begins when you tender the premium.  In our case since $500 per person is not refundable, affordable insurance might nonetheless reimburse you for most or all of the $500 amount, in addition to any other payments made for this pilgrimage.

I have never encountered someone who was disappointed for having purchased Travel Insurance that was not utilized, but I have certainly seen travellers who wish they had  purchased it.

Selma Evans at Altour (559) 625-1333 can assist you and answer your specific questions.   Strongly urge you at least make the phone call and inquire.