|
|
|
|
Can I use frequent flyer miles or book my own airfare? [top]
|
|
|
You are welcome to use frequent flyer miles or book your own airfare. Before doing so, please check with MissionaryPickup to make sure you have chosen the same airline that your missionary will be required to use.
We have contracts with several international and regional carriers. Our contracts can often help you save money. They always help you save time. |
|
|
Can I visit the temple while traveling? [top]
|
|
|
With the recent wave of temple building, more and more foreign mission areas are within reach of a temple.
We strongly recommend visiting a temple with your missionary. Please check the LDS.org website for locations and hours of operation. We can arrange for private transportation to and from the temple. |
|
|
Do I need a passport? [top]
|
|
|
All US Citizens traveling outside of the United States will need a valid US passport. You can apply for a passport at most major post offices. Allow at least one month for processing. Some countries will only issue visas for passports with at least six months of remaining validity. |
|
|
Do I need a tourist visa? [top]
|
|
|
Contact us for information on visa requirements and fees. We can help with your visa application and expedite the visa process if necessary. |
|
|
How can MissionaryPickup help me? [top]
|
|
Arranging to pick up a missionary in a foreign country can be an overwhelming process. In order to plan a successful trip, several factors must be considered. These include:
- Flight arrangements;
- Hotel choices;
- Ground transportation options;
- Tour opportunities and guides;
- Immunization requirements;
- Visa and passport requirements; and
- Mission rules.
Do-it-yourself travelers sometimes make mistakes that detract from their vacation experiences. At best, these mistakes can be expensive, time consuming and frustrating. In extreme cases, they can prove dangerous.
Over the years, we've helped hundreds of clients enjoy safe, memorable, thoughtfully-planned missionary pickup trips. Let our experienced staff take care of the details, while you focus on what matters most: enjoying this special reunion with your missionary. |
|
|
How do I get around within the country? [top]
|
|
|
In some countries language barriers, insurance problems, road conditions and other factors make renting a car unadvisable. We generally recommend a private vehicle service for transportation to hotels, temples, major sightseeing venues, hotels and airports. As an option, some countries within Latin America have excellent transportation systems within their major metropolitan areas. |
|
|
Should I be concerned about safety while traveling? [top]
|
|
|
Most destinations that are safe enough for missionaries are safe enough for you to visit.
We carefully select our recommended properties, airlines, guides and ground transportation services. We are happy to advise you on safety issues relating to your specific destination. |
|
|
What can I do to start planning? [top]
|
|
- Research the countries where your missionary is serving.
We will be happy to send you a complimentary report on the countries you plan to visit. While you are doing your research, you should also consider what neighboring countries have to offer. Many missionaries develop long lists of the things they would like to see at the end of their missions.
- Avoid relying on your missionary.
Although your missionary has undoubtedly mastered the language and developed local knowledge, his or her time is very precious; of course, they have been called to preach the gospel, not to inspect hotel rooms. It is also unlikely that they can obtain the type of price breaks that are available to MissionaryPickup's travel counselors.
- Contact the mission president.
It is important to speak with the president early to notify him of your travel plans. You will need to ask for your missionary's release date. This information is usually available ten months before the release. Also, you will want to make sure you understand the mission president's recommendations for travel to the mission area.
- Fill out the Start Planning form.
This form will help us know more about your plans. It also allows us to gather information specific to the mission area prior to contacting you.
|
|
|
What is a MissionaryPickup? [top]
|
|
|
Each year, thousands of young men and women complete voluntary missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the end of their service, these missionaries can be visited by family members who come to show support and learn more about the regions where their sons and daughters have served. MissionaryPickup is a full-service travel company assisting families in arranging these missionary pickup trips. |
|
|
What is your process? [top]
|
|
|
First, MissionaryPickup will arrange your flight schedule. We will coordinate with the Church's travel department, making sure that you and your missionary return home together. We will examine the possibilities of using special air passes and bulk rates to get the best rates.
Next, we will discuss itinerary options with you. If you live in the Salt Lake area, we'd be happy to make an appointment and meet with you in person. We'll ask a number of questions to make sure we design a trip that is right for you. Which places would you and your missionary like to visit? What type of hotels do you enjoy? Would you like us to arrange any special tours? May we arrange ground transportation for you?
Once we understand your vision for the trip, we'll provide you with a draft itinerary. We'll work with you to make sure the travel plan fits your schedule, budget and wishes. With your approval, we then take a deposit of $50 per person. The deposit is non-refundable, but is applied toward your purchase of land services (i.e. hotel, transfers, tours).
Upon receipt of full payment (usually 90 days before the travel date), we send your travel documents and make sure you understand the travel plan.
During your trip, you'll have hotline numbers you can reach, just in case you need assistance. |
|
|
What services does MissionaryPickup provide? [top]
|
|
- Air tickets
- Ground transportation
- Tours
- Guide services
- Hotel accommodations
- Restaurant recommendations
- Visa services
|
|
|
When should I start planning to pick up my missionary? [top]
|
|
|
Planning can start as soon as your missionary receives his or her mission call. Advance planning allows you to schedule time off from work, consult school schedules, save for the trip, and make a wish list of places to visit. Travel arrangements can be booked one year in advance. |
|
|
Which mission areas does MissionaryPickup serve? [top]
|
|
|
We specialize in pickups to Latin America and Mexico. Call today and we'll provide a sketch itinerary for your missionary pickup. |
|
|
Why pick up my missionary? [top]
|
|
Most returning LDS missionaries comment on the deep feelings they have developed for the lands in which they've served. Often, they wish they could share their mission experiences with family members.
Visiting your missionary at the end of his or her service can be once-in-a-lifetime bonding experience. Families who pick up their missionaries report several benefits, including opportunities to:
- Gain a greater understanding of their son or daughter's service;
- Visit with families who have been helped by their missionary;
- Meet the mission president;
- Witness their missionary's language skills and local knowledge in action;
- Visit LDS temples and churches in other lands; and
- Tour the landmarks and highlights of the surrounding regions.
|
|
