Preparing for a Holy Pilgrimage to Lourdes: A Guide for First-Time and Returning Pilgrims

Preparing for a Holy Pilgrimage to Lourdes: A Guide for First-Time and Returning Pilgrims

“Come to the spring, drink of it, and wash there.” — Our Lady of Lourdes

A pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, is much more than a vacation. It is an invitation to step away from the distractions of daily life and enter a sacred place of prayer, healing, and encounter with God. While spiritual preparation is essential, practical preparation can greatly enhance your pilgrimage experience and help you remain healthy, comfortable, and focused on prayer throughout your journey.

Here are some important recommendations to help you prepare for a fruitful pilgrimage to Lourdes.

First, pray.

Before all else, ask Our Lady to help prepare you for the journey. She will provide insight and guidance and as you plan your pilgrimage.

Second, when you’ve packed all your “necessary” clothing and gear, go back and remove 20% of it. You won’t need it. I promise.

Prepare Your Body Before You Travel

Pilgrimages are physically demanding. Long flights, walking, changing time zones, and busy schedules can place stress on the body. Begin preparing several days before departure.

• If you’re not used to walking every day, several months before the pilgrimage, take walks and increase your steps little by little each day.
• Find comfortable walking shoes.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your health while traveling. Start drinking extra water one to two days before departure and continue throughout your journey. Long flights can be especially dehydrating.

If possible, reduce caffeine intake in the days before travel, as coffee, tea, and energy drinks can contribute to dehydration. Good hydration helps combat fatigue, improves circulation, and supports your body’s adjustment to travel.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep is one of your greatest allies during pilgrimage. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to illness. Prioritize quality rest before departure and make time for adequate sleep each evening while in Lourdes.

Reduce jet lag by utilizing a smart phone app such as TimeShifter:

• This involves the only solution to reduce your jet lag: adjusting your circadian rhythm.
• One week before departing, begin going to sleep one hour earlier and waking one hour earlier and increasing this schedule each night before departure.
• Take melatonin before sleeping, adjust your exposure to light before sleep and after waking. The app explains more.
• Several of our volunteers and pilgrims swear by this practice.

Eat Wisely

Travel often tempts us to indulge excessively, but maintaining healthy eating habits will help sustain your energy. Enjoy French cuisine in moderation while focusing on balanced meals, hydration, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

Protect Your Health During Travel

Prevent Blood Clots During Long Flights

Extended periods of sitting can increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). During your flight:

• Walk and stretch every few hours when possible.
• Move your feet and ankles frequently while seated.
• Consider wearing compression socks if recommended by your physician.
• Stay hydrated throughout the flight.

Bring Your Medications

Pack all prescription medications and essential over-the-counter remedies in your carry-on luggage. Never place important medications in checked baggage.

Bring:

• Prescription medications
• A list of medications and dosages
• Health insurance information
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Any specialized medical equipment you require

Adjust Quickly to French Time

France operates six hours ahead of the U.S. Eastern Time Zone. See TimeShifter recommendation above.

One of the best ways to minimize jet lag is to begin thinking in local time immediately. Set your watch to Lourdes time when your journey begins. Upon arrival, stay active, eat meals according to local schedules, and resist the temptation to sleep for extended periods during the day.

Patience is important. Pilgrims often discover that travel fatigue affects concentration and energy during the first day or two.

Pack Light but Pack Smart

Experienced pilgrims often learn that less luggage creates a more enjoyable pilgrimage.

Essential Clothing

Remember that Lourdes is a holy place. Dress modestly and respectfully when attending Mass and participating in Sanctuary activities.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A second pair of shoes
• Layered clothing
• A warm sweater or jacket
• Rain gear and umbrella
• Comfortable evening clothing
• Modest attire appropriate for church

Weather in Lourdes can vary significantly, and rain is always a possibility.

Footwear Matters

Many surfaces around Lourdes and within accommodations may become slippery when wet. Non-slip, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Your feet will carry you through processions, Masses, and visits throughout the Sanctuary.

Bring two pairs of shoes in case one pair gets soaked.

Leave Room for Lourdes Water and Souvenirs

Many pilgrims bring home Lourdes water, rosaries, medals, and religious gifts. Pack with extra space in your luggage so these treasured reminders of your pilgrimage can travel home safely.

• After arriving in Lourdes, purchase small Lourdes water bottles to fill for family and friends back home. Yes, Lourdes water is potable.

Safeguard Important Documents

Protecting your travel documents provides peace of mind throughout your pilgrimage.

Keep:

• Passport
• Boarding passes
• Credit cards
• Emergency contacts
• Medication lists

Create an emergency packet that includes photocopies of your passport, important phone numbers, and a small reserve of cash. Store it separately from your primary documents.

Be Ready for Europe

Money Matters

Notify your bank before traveling internationally.

Many pilgrims find that:

• Credit cards work well for larger purchases.
• Apple Pay is utilized in many European shops and restaurants.
• Debit cards provide convenient access to Euros through ATMs.
• Small amounts of Euro cash are useful for cafés, markets, and small purchases.

Traveler’s checks are generally no longer accepted.

Electrical Needs

France uses a 220-volt electrical system, different from the United States.

Bring appropriate electrical adapters and confirm whether your devices are dual-voltage compatible.

Pack a 6’ extension cord. Some rooms have only one outlet per wall.

Stay Connected

Before departure:

• Contact your cellular provider regarding international service.
• Update emergency contact information.
• Ensure family members know how to reach you while abroad.

Practice Good Hygiene

Pilgrimages bring together travelers from many places around the world.

Simple preventive measures include:

• Frequent hand washing
• Carrying hand sanitizer
• Avoiding touching your face unnecessarily
• Getting adequate sleep
• Staying hydrated: once you’ve arrived in Lourdes, purchase a water bottle at one of the many Lourdes shops and keep filled with Lourdes water. Yes, it’s potable.

These habits significantly reduce the likelihood of illness during travel.

Prepare Spiritually, Not Just Practically

While packing lists and travel arrangements are important, the most meaningful preparation occurs within the heart.

Before arriving in Lourdes:

• Inform your family, friends and fellow parishioners about your pilgrimage. Ask them for prayer requests, write them down, and offer to place them in the prayer request box in the Lourdes, Grotto.
• Pray daily.
• Reflect on your intentions.
• Consider whom you are bringing spiritually on pilgrimage.
• Spend time with Scripture.
• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation if possible.
• Ask Our Lady of Lourdes to prepare your heart for the graces God wishes to give you.
• Read this FAQ about Lourdes water and this prayer for when using or giving away the Lourdes water.

Lourdes is a place where millions have encountered healing, peace, conversion, and renewed faith. Arriving physically prepared allows you to focus more fully on prayer, service, and the sacred experience awaiting you.

May Our Lady of Lourdes accompany you on every step of your pilgrimage journey and lead you ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Additional items to consider packing:

• Printed copy of Travel Insurance policy
• Bar soap
• Book(s)
• Mini 1st aid kit (bandages, etc.)
• Reading glasses
• Sunglasses (the less expensive, the better, in case they’re lost)
• Smart phone charger
• European charger converter
• light weight ski cap for cold nights (Easter and October pilgrimages)
• Lightweight sweater (especially for Easter and October pilgrimages)
• Neck gator in case of sunny weather
• Printed copy of passport and another for spouse or family member back home.
• Email copy of passport to your email account in case it needs to be accessed.
• Debit card (some places don’t take Visa/AMEX and you may have to use an Get PIN and notify bank beforehand about trip)
• Journal (consider these Field Notes which take up little room. You’ll want to capture spiritual insights, observations, inspirations, etc while in Lourdes)
• Tide stain stick
• Plastic hanger
• (3) Tide One Load single packet detergent for emergency washing in bathroom sink
• Shower shoes
• Ear plugs
• Battery backup brick
• Rain jacket (check weather before traveling)
• Lightweight jacket(s) check weather before traveling
• 6’ extension cord
• Passport
• Drivers license
• A kitchen trash bag to keep dirty laundry in
• Large Zip lock bag(s) for transporting Lourdes water back home. If the bottle leaks in transit, your luggage won’t get wet.
• Credit card printed account numbers and phone numbers
• Printed copy of hotel confirmation
• Small binoculars
• Apple AirTag attached to your Dopp kit or make-up kit in luggage
• Print Travel Guard Policy Insurance
• Purchase phone international plan. Available to purchase for 30-days.