Over the years, we’ve learned that how you begin a pilgrimage can shape your whole experience. Planning your flights with care can ease travel stress, help you arrive rested, and give you space to enjoy the adventure that’s waiting. Here’s how we at Pilgrim Paths arrange our flights — and how you can do the same.
1. Give Yourself Time to Arrive and Adjust
Whenever possible, we plan to arrive in Europe at least one or two days before the trek begins. Those extra days make all the difference — helping you recover from jet lag, enjoy your starting city, and feel ready to walk when the journey begins.
2. Shop Early for the Best Fares
As soon as we’ve confirmed our trek dates, we start watching flight prices. The sweet spot is often 6–9 months in advance, when fares are lower and seats are plentiful. Prices rise closer to departure, especially during summer and holiday seasons.
3. Use a Flight Aggregator to Compare Options
To research flights, we use aggregators like Skyscanner or Kayak. These sites list and compare prices, times, and routes across multiple airlines without requiring a booking. Once we find a good option, we always book directly with the airline for smoother service if changes arise.
4. Prioritize What Matters Most
Decide your priorities before you book. For us, the key factors are price and flight duration, so we look for direct flights or those with the fewest layovers. You may prefer a particular airline, a favorite hub airport, or loyalty program benefits — just know what matters most before comparing options.
5. Set Fare Alerts
If you’re not ready to book, set up fare alerts with your chosen aggregator. You’ll get notified when prices rise or fall for your route and travel dates, which helps you recognize a true bargain when it appears.
6. Book Directly with the Airline
When you’ve found the right flights at a fair price, book directly with the airline. We’ve learned that when delays or cancellations occur, it’s far easier to work directly with the carrier than through an online booking site. Ideally, purchase your entire trip through one airline so you’re protected if they cause a missed connection — they’ll rebook you at no extra charge.
We also like to take advantage of Carbon Offsets when we book. Most airlines allow you to purchase these when you buy your flight so you can offset the environmental cost of your travel. We give this option for all Pilgrim Paths treks as well when booking, so you can be as earth-friendly when you travel as when you're at home.
7. Reserve Your Seats and Baggage Early
Go ahead and book your seats and baggage when you purchase your ticket. It might seem unnecessary, but buying your seat and paying bag fees are now part of flying. We prefer aisle seats near the front of the cabin to make deplaning quicker and stretching easier on long flights.
8. Download the Airline’s App
Most airlines now have excellent mobile apps that display real-time updates, including gate numbers, flight changes, and baggage tracking. Your phone can also serve as your boarding pass, but it’s wise to print a paper copy as backup in case your battery dies before security.
9. Keep Your Hiking Gear with You
We never check our hiking gear. Too many travelers arrive to find their bags lost or delayed — fine if it’s clothes for sightseeing, but disastrous if it’s your worn-in boots, socks, or backpack. Keep your trekking gear in your carry-on so you can start your pilgrimage fully equipped, no matter what happens with your luggage.
A Thoughtful Start Sets the Tone
Every pilgrimage begins with a first step — and for most of us, that step is onto a plane. Taking time to plan your flights carefully means you’ll arrive refreshed, confident, and ready for the adventure ahead.
With a calm start and your gear by your side, you can begin your walk in the right spirit — present, peaceful, and ready for whatever the path brings.
