What to know before you go to.... Medjugorje

Special COVID Information - 06/12/2022
There are currently no Covid testing or vaccination requirements to travel to Medjugorje. There are also no mask mandates on flights, in airports, or in Medjugorje

We do recommend travel insurance. We represent Travel Guard AIG and can provide you with a quote if desired. Coverage can be limited or exempt if COVID-19 related. Flights by all the airlines are constantly being changed, cancelled, re-booked, and there are always potential weather and mechanical issues. It is important to know that once you check in for your first flight, the airlines are in complete control of your destiny. Only the airlines can make changes to your flights/e-tickets, or re-book flights for you.

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How to Prepare for Your Pilgrimage:

A couple of weeks before your pilgrimage, you should begin preparing physically and spiritually to get the most out of your experience.

1 - If not accustomed to physical activity begin walking 1-2 times a day to build up to 2-3 miles. You can take taxis around Medjugorje if walking is a problem, but part of the experience is walking through the fields and climbing Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain.

2 - If possible attend daily Mass or try to spend some quiet time in church during lunch or after work.

3 - Pray to Jesus and Our Lady to open your heart and mind to be responsive to the amazing graces that will be available to you during your pilgrimage.

4 - Begin praying the rosary daily ( Learn How to Pray the Rosary ) or at least the Apostle's Creed, 7 Our Father's, 7 Hail Mary's & 7 Glory Be's as Our Lady has requested; this takes about 5-7 minutes.

Security Procedures:
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.

All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items. Visit the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for more details.

General Info About Your Documents, Flights, Arrival & Travel:

Documents:
Medjugorje Web will ship your backpack/nametag package to the address provided on your reservation form approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your scheduled departure date. The package will be delivered by Priority Mail. Your final documents will include a copy of your e-tickets (if we arranged your flights), backpack, nametag, receipt for your pilgrimage, and any other necessary information. Carefully review your e-tickets to ensure that your name on the tickets are an exact match to your passport. Please note that the name field on your tickets is only 19 characters long, so names exceeding this length will be cut off (this is not a problem, as your actual reservation contains your full name). Please also carefully review the itinerary provided to ensure that all departure and destination cities, as well as dates, are correct. Please contact Medjugorje Web immediately should any discrepancies be found. *Please note that late payment/bookings can cause delay in the shipment of your final documents.

International Flights:
We recommend that you check in for your international flight at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers must personally check their luggage at the airline counter. Please advise the airline representative of your final destination upon check in so that you will not need to claim your baggage and recheck it during flight connections. You will be traveling independently for some or all flights until your arrival at your final destination. You will not have a tour escort with you during your flights. We try to centralize as many pilgrims as possible on the same flights, so you may arrive/depart on the same flights as many of your co-pilgrims. (for additional information see "Arrival Procedure" below).

Airline Connections:
Our booking agent will do their best to arrange the most direct flights for the best price. Sometimes due to airline schedules the connection times can be tighter than we would like. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes. Our agent tries to find flights with a couple of hours connection time, but it is not always possible.

Airline Tickets:
For quite a few years now, the airlines have changed from printed to electronic tickets (a.k.a. "e-tickets"). At check-in, you should be ready to provide your passport and a printed copy of your e-tickets, which we send in your backpack package (if you booked your flights through us). The airline agent will then check you in for your flight(s), check your luggage, and provide you with a boarding pass(s) for your flights.

Code-share Flights:
Many airlines participate in agreements/alliances with other airlines, which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: United), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Lufthansa). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." You should check-in for your flight with the agent the plane is "operated by." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Medjugorje Web for clarification.

Airline Mileage Accounts:
Please contact the airline directly to open a mileage account and to obtain credit for the miles flown on your trip. Please be sure to save all boarding pass stubs from your trip as you may need them for proof of travel when obtaining milage credit upon your return. To use miles for flights you must work directly with the airline.

Passports and Visas:
All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Croatia and BIH (Bosnia & Hercegovina). Please note that for most travel abroad your passport MUST be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return date. For additional information on obtaining a US passport please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. A visa is not required for citizens of the USA and Canada. Please be advised that it is the passengers responsibility to confirm if any visa's are required for their trip itinerary.

Arrival Procedure:
After disembarking from the plane at your final destination, you will clear passport control, and proceed to the baggage claim area to locate your luggage. You will exit the baggage claim area into the "arrival hall." Look for the Medjugorje Web representative who will be holding a sign with your name and/or "Medjugorje Web." Medjugorje is about 2 hours from Split, 2.5 hours from Dubrovnik and 3 hours from Sarajevo.

If your plane arrives late, or you are re-routed, you will probably miss the group transfer, which is included in your package. If we need to arrange a special driver to pick you up at the airport and take you to Medjugorje, the current cost is $200. You will need to pay the driver in cash. You can submit a claim to the airlines or your travel insurance company for reimbursement upon your return. Please contact your local guide (contact information is in your final documents) by phone, Viber, or Whatsapp at least 4 hours before your arrival into Split or Dubrovnik so they can arrange a driver to meet you outside baggage claim. We recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance for this reason (Click Here For Quote).

Luggage:
For your international flight you are permitted a maximum of one piece of checked luggage. International air carriers are becoming stricter about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. Most airlines will charge extra fees if your checked luggage is oversized or overweight.

Size allowances for Checked Bags:
Dimensions: Length + Width + Height = 158cm./62in.
Economy Class: 1 piece at 23kg. / 50lb.
Business Class: 2 pieces at 32kg. / 70lb. each
First Class: 3 pieces at 32kg. / 70lb. each

Size allowances for Carry-on Bags:
Dimensions: Length + Width + Height = 106cm./42in.
Weight: 1 piece at 8kg. / 18 lbs.

Personal Item:
You are also permitted one personal item to carry onto the plane such as a purse, laptop, briefcase, etc.

Important Items & Valuables:
Carry your passport, trip documents and money on your person. Do not keep money, important documents, medicines or jewelry in your suitcase. Please leave valuable jewelry at home. Please be vigilant at all times as you would in any major city, especially in crowded places. Never leave your bag unattended or out of sight in public areas, including airports, hotel lobbies, or dining rooms.

Be sure to keep ALL medications in your carry-on bag during your trip in case your suit case should be delayed/lost. Keep a separate list of important numbers (i.e. credit cards) in your luggage, together with a photo copy of your passport.

** LOST LUGGAGE: In the event your luggage was delayed or lost during your travels, please see the office outside Baggage Claim to fill out a report. They will ask you for your flight information, description of your luggage, your contact information (Name, accommodations you will be staying at, contact phone number, etc. All can be found in your e-tickets and "last minute details" email we send out a few weeks before departure.

On departure from your hotel, remember to double check that you have your passport and all of your belongings

Never leave your hand luggage unattended or out of sight in public areas.

Be sure to keep ALL medications in your carry-on bag during your trip in case your suit case should be delayed/lost.

Keep a separate list of important numbers, i.e. passport, and credit cards, in your luggage, together with a copy of your airline e-tickets and relevant pages of your passport.

Pack a change of clothes (one pair of pants, one shirt, underwear etc.), in case of delay/loss of luggage.

How to Overcome Jet Lag:
Rapid travel through multiple time zones can take its toll on your physical and mental well-being. "Jet Lag" is the phrase used to describe the condition when an individual's internal body clock is out of sync with the actual time in the region to which you have traveled. It is important to try to adjust your internal body clock to receive the most out of your tour. Here are some tips on how to adjust your body to local time.

On the day of the flight/arrival:
1. Get out of bed earlier than usual.
2. Drink plenty of water to compensate for the dehydration that is common on long flights.
3. Shortly after your evening meal on your flight, set your watch ahead to Medjugorje time (+9 hours PST, +7 CST, +6 EST).
4. Try to rest or sleep as soon as possible on your eastbound flight.
6. When you arrive try to keep active, and go to bed around 10:00 PM local time.

Insurance:
Please note that travel insurance is recommended for all our pilgrims. Click Here For Quote

Money:
In Medjugorje, the official currency is the Kovertible Mark (KM), however, most almost all restaurants and shops accept American Dollars and Euros. Not all shops or restaurants accept Credit Cards. So bring along your Visa or Mastercard for back up, and for "just in case". There is an ATM in Medjugorje but you will get local currency.

If traveling through other European destinations in conjunction with Medjugorje, make sure to bring and use your Visa or MasterCard. Other cards like Discover, American Express, Diners Club, etc. are not accepted. It is HIGHLY recommended that you contact your local bank and credit card companies before departing on your trip to advise them of the countries you will be visiting, and the dates that you will be there. By doing this, it helps eliminate the risk of having your credit card, or debit card, locked due to fraud/theft concerns.

We are frequently asked, "How much money should I bring with me?"
It can differ with each person. The type of lunches you prefer can make a big difference (pizza vs fresh fish). Are you planning on purchasing religious items for yourself or loved ones? We recommend that you bring at least $300, to cover lunches, taxi's etc. Be sure the bills don't have any tears or missing corners or they will not accepted by the shops and restaurants.
1. We suggest carrying no higher denomination than $20.
2. Taxi rides anywhere within Medjugorje are $6 (1-4 people).

For those spending time in Dubrovnik or Split:
The national currency there is the: Croatian Kuna
Do not exchange more money than needed, as Kuna's are useless outside their country and the exchange rate is poor to convert back to U.S. dollars.

Taxi Service in Medjugorje:
Taxis cost $6 dollars anywhere within Medjugorje for 1-4 people. So you can split the fare with others that ride with you, or take turns paying. Your accommodations are about a 20 minute walk from the church. If you plan on using taxis in Medjugorje bring $20-$50 in small bills ($5's and $1's).

Currency Exchange:
For up to date currency exchange rates please visit http://xe.com, but US dollars and a backup Visa card are really all yu need.

ATM Machines:
You should ask your bank for information about where you can use your card and what commissions are charged for withdrawing money. Note: You need a four-digit personal identification number, or PIN (six digits won't work), to use ATMs in Europe. If you have a six-digit code, you have to get a new code for your trip. Be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit for a debit card before you depart. Also keep in mind that many banks impose a fee every time a card is used at a different bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones. The bank from which you withdraw cash may also charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank before you go. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM. Credit card companies try to protect themselves from theft by limiting the funds someone can withdraw outside their home country, so call your credit card company before you leave home.

Weights and Measures:
The metric system is used exclusively throughout Europe. A kilometer is a bit over 1/2 mile (.62 miles). A kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.

Time:
Most of Europe operates on a 24 hour clock. This means that 6:00 pm is 18:00, etc.
Medjugorje is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time, 7 hours ahead of Central Time, and 9 hours ahead of West coast time. So when it is 2:00 PM in New York, it will be 8:00 PM in Medjugorje).

Tipping:
Tips are an important part of earnings for your tour guide, accommodations, and bus drivers. Tip envelopes are enclosed in your backpack package for your convenience.

Your local guide should be tipped $30 per person (or depending on your level of the satisfaction).

Your bus driver $2-$5 per person per transfer.

It is also customary to tip your accommodations $25 per person.

Restaurants you usually tip at 15%.

Hotels / Accommodations:
Rooms in Medjugorje are basic. There is a twin bed, night stand and a small cabinet for your clothes. Several towels can be found on your bed. Rooms are smaller than you are used to. Every room does have a modest bathroom. In the bathroom you will find a sink, toilet and shower stall. Some showers you may need to hold the shower head while taking a shower. Fixtures in bathrooms and bedrooms are not standardized. Most places do NOT offer a hair dryer in the bathroom, we recommend bring one if it is essential to you. Most hotels do NOT offer toiletries (shampoo, lotion), we strongly recommend that you bring an adequate supply with you.

A daily schedule for the following day is discussed each evening at dinner. A written copy is also posted in the dining room for you to refer to.

Electricity:
The voltage used is 220 volts AC, single phase 50 cycles (the U.S. uses 110/120 volts). Before leaving home, you should purchase an international voltage converter and plug adapter set. Adapter/converter kits that include the entire range of plugs can be purchased at various stores like Amazon, Walmart, K-Mart, Target, etc.

Note: Laptops usually have a voltage converter built into it. You will only need to purchase an adapter to plug it in.

Telephones in Medjugorje:
The telephone country code is +387. From the US you would dial 011 plus 387 followed by the rest of the number. When calling back home you would dial 001 plus the area code and number in the US.

Cellphones:
In Europe they use GSM for cellphones. Currently only AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. They do have WiFi in many locations in Medjugorje, including your host home (hotel) so you can use apps like Viber, or Whatsapp. Be sure to check with your carrier to see if your phone and plan will work in Bosnia & Hercegovina. Also check the rate as some carriers charge quite a bit more for international use.

We strongly recommend you install the free app called "Viber" and/or "WhatsApp". They work over Wi-Fi and allow you to be in contact with your local guide as well as family at home. It is available for free for both Apple and Android devices.

Hotel Telephones:
Please note, most accommodations do not have phones available in the room.

Public Telephones are located at the end of the Information Center gift shop next to the church. The rate is approx $1 per minute to call the US.

Public Toilets:
They are also known as WC, and they are available next to the church. Be prepared with tissues in your pocket at all times just in case.

Photography:
If you are bringing a digital camera, make sure to bring a charger and memory card(s).

Terrain:
Medjugorje terrain is very rocky. Expect uneven surfaces everywhere. Rain causes muddy and slippery surfaces, so be extra careful. Access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general are limited. Many areas are Pedestrian ONLY, and have rocky terrain, muddy surface or cobblestones. High-heeled shoes are not suitable for Medjugorje; rubber-soled walking shoes / tennis shoes are recommended.

Taxis:
Please be prepared to walk. Transfers are not included for your daily activities. If you have difficulty walking or are tired, its raining, etc., taxis are available. The taxis will go anywhere in Medjugorje for $6 per ride, 1-4 people. So if there are two of you then if would cost $3ea.

You can walk almost anywhere in Medjugorje within 20-25 minutes. But taxis are almost always available if you prefer.

Capital:
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Other major cities are Banja Luka, Tuzla, Bijeljina, Zenica and Mostar. Medjugorje is bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south. Serbia is to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. Bosnia and Herzegovina (also: Bosnia-Herzegovina) is almost landlocked, except for 26 kilometres of Adriatic Sea coastline, centered on the town of Neum, which you will drive through if you arrive or depart from Dubrovnik.

Shopping:
There are a couple of hundred shops in Medjugorje. You can ask your local guide for recommendations. One of the more popular shops is the parish gift shop next to the church. If you purchase a DVD, please check that it is compatible with your country. DVD's are encoded differently for different regions around the world.

Meals / Food:
Breakfast and dinner are included, and are served family style. Depending upon scheduled activities, and preference of the group, breakfast and dinner times can change. They will always be posted on the daily schedule. Your accommodations will do their best to accommodate a special diet, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, but there is no way to guarantee this. There are several markets that you can get snacks if needed, and many good restaurants as well.

Tap Water:
The local water is safe to drink. But we usually recommend bottled water just to be safe. Bottled water is available at the markets and restaurants.

Physical Condition:
We recommend to everyone to only do what they feel they are able to do regarding walking and climbing. Climbing either apparition hill or cross mountain can be difficult or impossible for some people. Your local guide can advise you more about this when you are in Medjugorje.

General Information About Your Pilgrimage Destination(s):

Medjugorje Climate:

City		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Medjugorje	Low	30	38	45	55	65	68	76	75	68	55	45	35
	High	45	50	60	70	86	95	95	95	85	70	55	47

Language:
The language in Medjugorje is Croatian, but English is widely spoken in Medjugorje, and most signs appear in English.

Population:
The population of Medjugorje currently numbers about 4500 inhabitants. Virtually all are of Croatian nationality, speak the Croatian language, write with the Latin alphabet and are Catholic. Medjugorje is a part of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Passports:
All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Europe. Please note that for most European travel your passport MUST be valid for 6 months after your scheduled return date.

Visas:
U.S., Canada, Australia, and EU (European Union) citizens do not need a visa to stay in Medjugorje as either tourists or on a business trip for a period of up to three months.

What To Pack:

Clothing:
There are no laundry facilities in Medjugorje so please pack for the duration of your pilgrimage. Typically pants and shirts can be worn more than once to help cut down on the amount of clothes to pack. Dress is casual. There is no need to bring dress clothes with you.

For Winter, Early Spring, and Late Fall: Be sure to pack a warm jacket, a hat, scarf and gloves, just in case.

For Summer, Late Spring, and Late Summer: Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and loose-fitting clothing. Don't forget a lightweight sweater/jacket just in case mornings or evenings are cool.

A note about summer attire: shorts (or mini skirts) and bare shoulders are considered inappropriate in Medjugorje. Shorts can be worn but should be near knee length.

Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes. If new, make sure you walk in them for a couple of weeks to break them in. On the plane you will want to wear loose-fitting clothes.

General Clothing for Men:
Jeans, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve shirts, socks, undergarments, and light jacket or coat.

General Clothing for Women:
Jeans, long skirts, casual dresses, casual slacks, short and/or long sleeve shirts, socks, stockings, undergarments, and a light jacket or sweater is suggested.

Other Items to Consider Bringing:

__ Inflatable head & neck rest, eye mask, foam earplugs (for flight)
__ Portable alarm clock
__ Flashlight with extra batteries: take batteries out while traveling
__ Handy wipes: freshening up during the day
__ Travel pack size Kleenex.
__ Travel size poncho, in camping section of Wal-Mart
__ Optional trash bag(s) for dirty clothes or extra pir of shoes
__ Soap-small bar travel size
__ Shampoo/body wash-travel size
__ Toothbrush & Toothpaste-travel size
__ Deodorant-travel size
__ Chap stick
__ Hand lotion travel size
__ Comb/Brush
__ Aspirin/Advil, Etc.
__ Feminine protection
__ Laxative/Imodium
__ Band-aids
__ Dramamine or Bonine - if subject to motion sickness
__ Pepto Bismol tablets
__ Sominex
__ Allergy/cold medicine; tablets (put medicines in a sandwich bag)

What If...& Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
If your flight is cancelled or delayed it is imperative that you work DIRECTLY with the airlines at the airport to arrange alternate flights. Please note that once your tickets have been issued or you have checked in for your flights, we can no longer make any changes to your flight itinerary. This can only be done by the airlines. It is important to remember that it is not the airline agents fault, so try your best to remain calm and courteous with them, as you may find that you receive more assistance this way. Please be advised that the airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for personal expense or overnights when delays/cancellations occur due to weather. We strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance for this reason (Click Here For Quote).

What happens if I miss my group transfer upon arrival?
If your plane arrives late, or you are re-routed, you will probably miss the group transfer which is included in your package. First, contact your local guide via phone, Viber or WhatsApp to let her know your new arrival time. She will arrange a driver to pick you up outside baggage claim at your arrival airport. You will need to pay the driver for your transfer, which is currently $200. You can submit a claim to the airlines or your travel insurance upon your return home. We strongly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance for this reason.
(Click Here For Quote").

What happens if I have a problem or complaint during my trip?
If you have any problems, concerns, or complaints during your trip, please communicate them immediately to your local guide. Remember, there is very little that can be done to undo a problem once you have returned home, but, most of the time your local guide can address any concerns you may have swiftly.

For more on our general terms and conditions visit https://medjugorje.org/tconditions.htm

Please share with us your feedback upon your return!

Medjugorje Web 772 N Peace Rd. DeKalb, IL 60115

877.Web.Medj (932-6335)

815.333.2338 Fax

Email: sshawl@medjweb.com