Dear 206 Tours Family,
Selling international tours during the past two years has mostly been about dealing with unknowns and suffering.
Together, with my incredible staff, we have been dealing with a sealed-off world - we've rebooked thousands, had many postponements, and each day adjust to new government regulations which are implemented and changed, often just at a moment’s notice.
Of course, the health of our family and loved ones maintain our priority, but so is the health of our souls. Explaining the unknown is impossible. Offering a product to our client was always based on our promise for future services. We would clearly spell out all we were to deliver - the inclusions, terms and conditions, as well as the itinerary, schedule, and timing associated. Now the timing is “subject to change” and rebooking clients' reservations has become most of what we do. Some clients have been rebooked 5 or 6 times. Imagine doing the same work, paying for it, and then not having any profits. It’s like owning a restaurant, keeping all the overhead, staff, purchasing ingredients, preparing a meal, but the customer can never eat it and you cannot get paid for it.
I’m blessed to work with so many understanding and faithful clients who “get it”, but not all do. Some are very frustrated with it all and then take it out on us, like we caused any of it. I have felt their pain, as well as the pain of our partners, suppliers, guides, and competitors, most of whom have been without a job for the past 18 months. The suffering that the international travel operators had to endure is beyond all measures. I think about them and their families day-to-day, not knowing how they will put the food on their table, or when they will see the light at the end of the longest tunnel. I do not know of another industry that has been as affected.
206 Tours continues to be blessed with loyal clients. But, unfortunately, and for the first time ever, I have experienced pain by losing some group leaders, who have gone to our very desperate and hungry competitors. The hope is always present, this summer we sent several groups to Medjugorje, and God willing, this Fall we will operate groups in Europe, and Israel, however, such movements will materialize at a pathetic 5% of what we did in 2019.
But, never give up on me! I’m a fearless woman of God, who has been, and is on a great mission!
There is some good news too. Because of my solid and conservative focus on finances, 206 Tours continues to be in good financial condition. Even if the world was to be sealed off for another 3 years, we will be fine, after that, we might not be fine, but 206 Tours will still be here and the mission will go on! Since, 1985, when I founded 206 Tours, my focus has always been on arranging Catholic Pilgrimages, and since then, I have made the promise to God, that I will endure hard times, will always trust and follow His lead.
So, with that trust, I made some drastic moves lately, including the move of my home, and 206 Tours headquarter to (the outskirts of) Nashville, Tennessee. Our staff was offered an option to move, or, to stay in New York, some have opted to move with me. I sold my home and 206 Tours building in New York. This move, like all moves, was physically and emotionally hard, to say the least. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of my husband, Charlie. Leaving the rest of my family and lifelong friends is gut-wrenching, and I pray that they will forgive me. Those close to me know that I’ve often said: “If it was easy, everyone would do it” this sentence was never more relevant than during this period.
So far, Tennessee has exceeded all of my expectations. This is a business-friendly state, its people are kinder than any that I’ve ever met, they love God and their country, they respect the nature and beauty of their land. The scenery from my home to the office is like an artist painted a picture just for me.
The good news is that pilgrimage bookings for 2022 are incredible! 2022 looks on books to be better than ever, after all, it will be 3 years of travel packed into 1! Most groups are sold out. If you intend to travel but have not booked, I suggest you do it ASAP. To book a pilgrimage, all it takes is a $400 deposit and a dream (balance is due 60 days prior, exception Oberammergau).
The good news is that this Fall we will be operating pilgrimages to Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Croatia, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Mexico.
The good news is that just yesterday, Israel announced they will be allowed travel, so, our groups to the Holy Land will be able to operate again.
I am not going to sugarcoat it, and I think that all of you know, with certainty, travel is not what it used to be! I’m not talking back in the day when getting on a plane was no different than getting on a bus or metro, or when one used to be able to arrive at the airport just 30 minutes prior to departure. A generation has passed since 9/11 when we had to take off our shoes, stripping our belts, and be touched and endlessly screened. Travel has been part of my everyday life ever since 1978 when I first joined an airline, so it’s been jarring to watch not only how abruptly the sprawling is created, but how quickly all measures, some permanent, are accepted, and almost always without any resistance. The way it’s going, the clampdown may not have an end? What is worse, is that now it’s not only the airports. The generations to come will never know how easy and free we used to feel.
As you all know, these days, in order to travel, many countries require the vaccine, but not all do. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Medjugorje), Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, Portugal, and Mexico do not currently require a vaccine. There will be variations, for example; Italy does not require a vaccine but the Vatican does. As far as our other destinations that do require a vaccine, some clients have expressed anger towards us. Please do not shoot the messenger, as it’s not 206 Tours setting these requirements. In all cases, a negative PCR Test prior to departure is a must.
If intending to travel to Israel, the requirements include another PCR Test and a Serological test upon arrival at Tel Aviv airport – both tests are done at the airport and cost $65 with results within 20 minutes. In addition to proof of Vaccine and validity of the vaccine within 6 months of travel, or else, if the 2nd dose was received prior a booster shot is required. Travel insurance is required of all traveling which would cover Covid-19.
I’m blessed to be involved with a segment of travelers who are faithful and who respond to God’s calling, and who know with certainty, that we are not just tourists, that pilgrimages are worth all the hardships.
I have promised all from the very beginning of this misery, that I will be transparent and honest always. I promise to continue to keep you posted if and as conditions change, or if more information becomes available. I thank you for your incredible support, patience, understanding, and for reading my periodic rants. I especially thank you for your prayers, as they have sustained us during these difficult times, be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones.
Selling international tours during the past two years has mostly been about dealing with unknowns and suffering.
Together, with my incredible staff, we have been dealing with a sealed-off world - we've rebooked thousands, had many postponements, and each day adjust to new government regulations which are implemented and changed, often just at a moment’s notice.
Of course, the health of our family and loved ones maintain our priority, but so is the health of our souls. Explaining the unknown is impossible. Offering a product to our client was always based on our promise for future services. We would clearly spell out all we were to deliver - the inclusions, terms and conditions, as well as the itinerary, schedule, and timing associated. Now the timing is “subject to change” and rebooking clients' reservations has become most of what we do. Some clients have been rebooked 5 or 6 times. Imagine doing the same work, paying for it, and then not having any profits. It’s like owning a restaurant, keeping all the overhead, staff, purchasing ingredients, preparing a meal, but the customer can never eat it and you cannot get paid for it.
I’m blessed to work with so many understanding and faithful clients who “get it”, but not all do. Some are very frustrated with it all and then take it out on us, like we caused any of it. I have felt their pain, as well as the pain of our partners, suppliers, guides, and competitors, most of whom have been without a job for the past 18 months. The suffering that the international travel operators had to endure is beyond all measures. I think about them and their families day-to-day, not knowing how they will put the food on their table, or when they will see the light at the end of the longest tunnel. I do not know of another industry that has been as affected.
206 Tours continues to be blessed with loyal clients. But, unfortunately, and for the first time ever, I have experienced pain by losing some group leaders, who have gone to our very desperate and hungry competitors. The hope is always present, this summer we sent several groups to Medjugorje, and God willing, this Fall we will operate groups in Europe, and Israel, however, such movements will materialize at a pathetic 5% of what we did in 2019.
But, never give up on me! I’m a fearless woman of God, who has been, and is on a great mission!
There is some good news too. Because of my solid and conservative focus on finances, 206 Tours continues to be in good financial condition. Even if the world was to be sealed off for another 3 years, we will be fine, after that, we might not be fine, but 206 Tours will still be here and the mission will go on! Since, 1985, when I founded 206 Tours, my focus has always been on arranging Catholic Pilgrimages, and since then, I have made the promise to God, that I will endure hard times, will always trust and follow His lead.
So, with that trust, I made some drastic moves lately, including the move of my home, and 206 Tours headquarter to (the outskirts of) Nashville, Tennessee. Our staff was offered an option to move, or, to stay in New York, some have opted to move with me. I sold my home and 206 Tours building in New York. This move, like all moves, was physically and emotionally hard, to say the least. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of my husband, Charlie. Leaving the rest of my family and lifelong friends is gut-wrenching, and I pray that they will forgive me. Those close to me know that I’ve often said: “If it was easy, everyone would do it” this sentence was never more relevant than during this period.
So far, Tennessee has exceeded all of my expectations. This is a business-friendly state, its people are kinder than any that I’ve ever met, they love God and their country, they respect the nature and beauty of their land. The scenery from my home to the office is like an artist painted a picture just for me.
The good news is that pilgrimage bookings for 2022 are incredible! 2022 looks on books to be better than ever, after all, it will be 3 years of travel packed into 1! Most groups are sold out. If you intend to travel but have not booked, I suggest you do it ASAP. To book a pilgrimage, all it takes is a $400 deposit and a dream (balance is due 60 days prior, exception Oberammergau).
The good news is that this Fall we will be operating pilgrimages to Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Croatia, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Mexico.
The good news is that just yesterday, Israel announced they will be allowed travel, so, our groups to the Holy Land will be able to operate again.
I am not going to sugarcoat it, and I think that all of you know, with certainty, travel is not what it used to be! I’m not talking back in the day when getting on a plane was no different than getting on a bus or metro, or when one used to be able to arrive at the airport just 30 minutes prior to departure. A generation has passed since 9/11 when we had to take off our shoes, stripping our belts, and be touched and endlessly screened. Travel has been part of my everyday life ever since 1978 when I first joined an airline, so it’s been jarring to watch not only how abruptly the sprawling is created, but how quickly all measures, some permanent, are accepted, and almost always without any resistance. The way it’s going, the clampdown may not have an end? What is worse, is that now it’s not only the airports. The generations to come will never know how easy and free we used to feel.
As you all know, these days, in order to travel, many countries require the vaccine, but not all do. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Medjugorje), Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, Portugal, and Mexico do not currently require a vaccine. There will be variations, for example; Italy does not require a vaccine but the Vatican does. As far as our other destinations that do require a vaccine, some clients have expressed anger towards us. Please do not shoot the messenger, as it’s not 206 Tours setting these requirements. In all cases, a negative PCR Test prior to departure is a must.
If intending to travel to Israel, the requirements include another PCR Test and a Serological test upon arrival at Tel Aviv airport – both tests are done at the airport and cost $65 with results within 20 minutes. In addition to proof of Vaccine and validity of the vaccine within 6 months of travel, or else, if the 2nd dose was received prior a booster shot is required. Travel insurance is required of all traveling which would cover Covid-19.
I’m blessed to be involved with a segment of travelers who are faithful and who respond to God’s calling, and who know with certainty, that we are not just tourists, that pilgrimages are worth all the hardships.
I have promised all from the very beginning of this misery, that I will be transparent and honest always. I promise to continue to keep you posted if and as conditions change, or if more information becomes available. I thank you for your incredible support, patience, understanding, and for reading my periodic rants. I especially thank you for your prayers, as they have sustained us during these difficult times, be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones.
With gratitude and blessings,
Milanka Lachman, DGCHS
President & Founder
1000 Health Park Dr Brentwood TN 37027
milanka@206tours.com
www.206tours.com
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How 206 Tours is Preparing for Post-Pandemic Pilgrimages
We are prepared to cultivate an enjoyable spiritual experience that is safe and comfortable. Here are a few pillars of our business that support the safety of our clients:
Book with Confidence
Cancel for Any Reason Policy:
Pilgrims can book with confidence with our new Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy. In addition to purchasing travel insurance, our clients have the option to add CFAR for $299 at the time of booking, or at a later date any time until 60 days prior to departure for $349. Learn more about our Cancel for Any Reason offering, here.
Travel Insurance:
All pilgrims are offered Travel Insurance upon booking and encouraged to add it to their orders. 206 Tours offers Travel Insurance through Travel Insured International. All details on coverage can be found, here.
Health & Safety
Travel Restrictions:
We expect to see changing governmental procedures around health and travel in the months and years to come. While it is too soon to know what these measures may be, we are actively investigating and prepared to react in accordance with any changes. Please continue to check our website for updates.
Health Services:
Health services are always available to our Pilgrims, regardless of if they have purchased insurance. Our guides and drivers are fully trained for emergency situations, and procedures are in place to help pilgrims get medical care if necessary.
Travel Safety:
Our itineraries are strategically cultivated and all locations visited carefully considered. We would never lead pilgrims to or through a known dangerous or unsafe area. We do not visit high risk locations. In the event a location becomes unsafe, changes to avoid the area would be immediately made to the itinerary to preserve our Pilgrim’s safety.
Healthy Staff:
Our suppliers will need to meet our health and safety standards. We plan to arrange for our guides and our Priests to be test ahead of travel, only those with a clean bill of health will be allowed to participate.
Emergencies and Evacuations
We provide a 24/7 emergency phone line to all clients within their travel documents. Should a client ever encounter an emergency, miss a flight, or need to be extracted from a location, we are prepared to do everything in our power to provide immediate assistance. Our online “Know Before You Go” guides detail all one needs to know ahead of travel, including what to do in case of an emergency. Read more, here.
Changes to Group Travel
In the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are considering adjusting our average group size to allow for more space on buses and at meals, as well as less exposure to each individual Pilgrim. This will enable proper spacing (ex. Assigned every-other-row seating on the bus) we are working with restaurants to ensure seats are spaced out too. Larger groups (ex. 200 people) can still be accommodated, but will also be spaced more evenly on busses, and at masses and restaurants. There will always be a Catholic priest and Mass daily, if more than one bus, the Priest may share his time between buses.
Private Travel
206 Tours has always offered custom and private pilgrimage services. Travel individually, with your family, or with a small group of friends. Learn all about our Private Pilgrimage Services, here.
Cleanliness & Sanitation
Protection:
Masks may be required to be worn in certain places. We have made these available to all our guides, drivers, and staff. If needed, masks will always be available for Pilgrims to use on the bus. Hand sanitizer will also be available to all pilgrims.
Cleanings Increased:
We have instructed all our supplier to increase their daily cleaning to provide safe and sanitary environments.
Read Milanka's Previous Letter
