Dear Pilgrims,

Thank you for your reservation for the Catholic Saint’s of Montreal & Quebec Pilgrimage with Father Edward Hathaway.

Your Final Travel Documents are ready for download  (Below onto your phone or computer. Printing these documents is optional; however, we kindly request that you carefully review all the essential information and FAQ’s provided at the bottom of the page.

MEETING AT REAGAN AIRPORT

Please meet me at Washington Reagan Airport as follows:

DAY: Monday, May 20, 2024
TIME:  4:00 AM
LOCATION: In front of the Air Canada counter
(Group should gather across from the counter)

Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Dan Callahan
Pilgrimage Director
dan@jmjtours.com
Office: 703-425-5400 (11 AM-5 AM – M-F)

Please see the final trip documents below. They are PDF format and now available for you to download and print if you wish. (printing is optional)

• NOTE: You only need your Passport to check-in for the flight. Ticket is a group eticket. No paper ticket is issued.
• Final Flight Info
  (Tickets are e-tickets, not paper. So you just need your passport for check-in)
• Hotel / Lodging information
• Travel Check-List (important)

Note: Final Day to Day detailed Itinerary with times etc is provided on your badge and booklet at the airport meeting prior to departure on May 20, 2024.

Date: Monday May 20, 2024
Time: 4:00AM
Location: Reagan Airport (DCA )
In front of Air Canada Desk

We will distribute the final packet at the airport meeting:

• Special Luggage Tags
• Trip Badge
• Final Itinerary Booklet
• Check into flights

Father Hathaway will lead us in a pilgrimage prayer before check-in.

Montréal: SpringHill Suites Old Montréal

• Offering a prime location in the heart of Montréal’s old town.
• Modern rooms and suites with luxury bedding, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and Mini-refrigerators and microwave.

Québec City: Le Monastère des Augustines

• Contemporary rooms in the heart of Quebec City.
• Live an unforgettable experience within the historic walls of Le Monastère des Augustines, site of the continent’s first hospital north of Mexico.
  Sensitively restored and redesigned, Le Monastère offers its guests a unique, peaceful experience with a rare opportunity to connect directly with the Augustinian Sisters’ remarkable heritage.

Here is the link from our webpage with details:
jmjtours.com/quebec/lodging

IF I CHECK A BAG, SHOULD I PACK A CHANGE OF CLOTHES IN MY CARRY ON?

Certainly! It’s highly recommended to include at least one set of clothes, along with spare socks, undergarments, and your essential medications in your carry-on bag. This preparation ensures you’re equipped in case your checked baggage encounters delays or goes missing. Additionally, consider packing toothpaste, a toothbrush, and deodorant for your comfort and convenience during travel.

SEATING ON THE FLIGHTS. CAN I REQUEST A SPECIFIC SEAT? OR REQUEST TO SIT WITH ANOTHER PERSON?

Aircraft is a Regional Jet. Two seats on the left and right of the aisle.

Our reservation on the flights is a group reservation. Group reservations are made 6-11 months in advance.

• With a group reservation the airline computer blocks seats in advance at that time. (Note: The seats are not always together in one section or area of the plane).
• 35 days prior to the trip departure date, we provide the final names. The computer assigns the names to the pre-assigned seats in the group reservation.
• 30 Days prior the airline requests verification of Passport and any final name changes and processes the group electronic reservation as a whole.
• Once the names are officially assigned to the flights in the group reservation.
• It is the airline policy that those requests are for the seats within the pre-assigned original group seats.
• Thus, we have a limited number of specific aisle seats, window etc within the group reservation.
• We first request couples or roommates traveling together be seated together. Then we request any special requests for an aisle or window etc.
• Due to the nature of the group reservation with the computer generated blocked seats, those requests are not always granted.
• Finally, once the group is at the airport checking-in we advise couples, those traveling together or those with special needs (window, aisle etc) check their seats with the agent at the counter.
• Typically, if your request is available they will make the change.
• We also work together as a group to assist those who may want to sit together as much as possible.

WHAT DO I NEED TO CHECK IN FOR MY FLIGHT?

• Valid U.S. Passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration.
• (Optional) Frequent flyer membership.

TYPE OF AIRCRAFT /  SERVICE ON THE FLIGHTS

The aircraft is a Bombardier CRJ Regional Jet. Two seats to the left and right of the main aisle. The flight is short. Drink service and small snack is typically provided.

IS THERE A RESTROOM ON THE BUS?

Yes, the bus is equipped with a restroom.

TIPPING FOR MEALS ON THE PILGRIMAGE

Tips for meals provided on the itinerary are included.

Tipping for meals on your own in Québec for is expected. Same custom as in the U.S. (15-20%)

TIP GUIDE FOR BUS DRIVER AND GUIDES
(Not included in the cost of the pilgrimage)

Tips are not compulsory.

Local Guides (Short tours-1-2 Hours)
$ 5 U.S. / PER PERSON PER SHORT TOUR

Notes: Feel free to give your tips directly to the local guide as a token of your appreciation depending on the level of satisfaction for the services provided.
Some guides at churches do not accept tips.

Main Guide (Guides who are with the group for full days or multi days)
$ 8-10 U.S. / PER PERSON / PER DAY MULTIPLIED BY THE NUMBER OF DAYS THE GUIDE IS WITH THE GROUP

Total Tip suggested for Deacon Simon Main Guide $ 32-40 U.S. Dollars (Per person)

Bus Driver
$ 5-7 U.S. PER DAY / PER PERSON for BUS DRIVER

Total Tip suggested for the Bus Driver $ 20-28 U.S. Dollars (Per person)

HOW ARE THE TIPS COLLECTED AND PRESENTED?

We will typically pass around a separate envelope for the bus driver and the main guide tip at the end of the pilgrimage on the way to the airport. We will then present the envelope as a thank you from the group.

CASH AT AN ATM IN QUEBEC, CANADA?

We recommend using only ATM machines at official BANKS only. Not private ATM’s at stores, airport, restaurants, exchange kiosks etc.

The cash you receive from the ATM will be in Canadian currency.

VERY IMPORTANT TRAVEL ALERT | NOTIFY YOUR BANK

For your credit card & debit card. Please be sure to notify your bank you will be traveling MAY 20-23, 2024 in Québec, Canada.

HOLY MASS DONATIONS

It is customary as a Catholic pilgrimage group to pass a basket or leave a donation at each church where we celebrate Holy Mass. This is a kind gesture supporting these local churches that welcome our pilgrims. A suggested donation is $5 per person for each Holy Mass. More if you desire

HOW CAN I EFFECTIVELY VOICE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DURING THE PILGRIMAGE?

While on your pilgrimage, your Trip Director and Guide is available round the clock to support you. Feel free to express any issues, worries, or grievances directly to your tour guide promptly for the best resolution of your needs. Your Trip Director and Guide is dedicated to assisting you with hotel stays, meals, transportation, local area advice any other assistance required.

Addressing concerns during the pilgrimage ensures timely solutions as rectifying problems once you’ve returned home becomes challenging. Most issues can be swiftly resolved when communicated to your guide without delay.

WILL THERE BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHOPPING?

Yes! We’ve set aside specific, free time for shopping and other activity during your pilgrimage. This scheduling is essential to maintain the pace needed to cover all the planned sites. Feel free to consult your Trip Director or tour guide for recommendations on local specialty items. Small and lightweight items that are easy to carry make fantastic souvenirs and gifts. Don’t forget to treat yourself to something special too!

Tip: When shopping, consider using your credit card / debit card for added security. This helps protect your purchase, and if any issues arise, you can address them accordingly.

For gift shops situated at shrines, churches, or basilicas: Cash only? Most shrines accept the credit and debit cards. U.S. Cash is also OK.

Concerned about purchasing big, heavy, or fragile items? Arrangements can often be made at the shop or hotel to have these items shipped directly to your home for your convenience.

WHEN DO WE GO THROUGH IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS?

We go through Passport Control for entry into Canada in Montréal.

On return we go through U.S. Customs and Immigration in Montréal as well. Conveniently avoiding the long line at Dulles Airport on return to the U.S.

U.S. CUSTOMS INFORMATION

For U.S. citizens returning from Canada after a stay of more than two days, you can bring back up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. Beyond that, a flat rate of 3% duty applies to the next $1,000 worth of purchases. It’s advisable to keep receipts handy in case a customs inspector requests them upon your return to the United States. For more detailed guidelines, please refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel.

CELL PHONES

You can use your smartphone throughout the pilgrimage. Before departure, it’s advisable to contact your service provider and notify them about your travel plans to Canada. Most providers now include coverage in Canada. Additionally, some other providers offer a “passport plan” where you pay a fixed daily fee, allowing normal phone usage without incurring roaming or data charges. This plan typically covers calling, texting, and the use of certain apps (like WhatsApp) that enable free calls over WiFi, offering an efficient way to stay connected with home.

Tip: It’s recommended to avoid using hotel phones as they often incur significantly higher costs compared to using a cellphone for communication purposes.

IS IT SAFE TO DRINK THE LOCAL TAP WATER?

Yes, absolutely. Canada is just as safe as the U.S.A.

Tip: Utilize travel and meal times as opportunities to stay hydrated.