kaaba Mecca Religious Travel

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

– Henry Miller

From mission trips to pilgrimages to holy places, religious travel or faith tourism brings millions of people to places, attractions, retreats and conventions for the faith-based traveler.  While many attractions in the Middle East and Asia appeal to millions of people the world over, nearly every country and community has a religious history to share—from historical figures to places of worship that have broad appeal to travelers.

People have their own reasons to travel. Some travel to explore the world or nature while some travel to follow their faith or religion. Religious Travel is done may be because its a part of their age old customs and traditions or just to find some peace in God’s Home.


seville tapas bar

What a snack from southern Spain tells you about religious persecution

By David Pope

I was eating my favourite sandwich in a tapas bar in Seville when my mind was blown.   Read more

Spain Religious Travel Food & Drink History
jerusalem Hasdic Jewish men at Western Wall

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem

The Western Wall, (Wailing Wall or Kotel), stands as one of the most iconic and revered sites in the world. Located in Jerusalem’s Old City, this ancient limestone wall is the last remaining remnant of the four supporting walls that surrounded the Second Temple on Temple Mount. The Temple was … Read more   Read more

Middle East Religious Travel History
Holy Man at Gangoyti river

Offbeat India: A Pilgrimage to the Source of the Ganges

By Trixie Pacis

India cradles an ancient and spiritual culture that draws visitors from around the globe. Spiritual experiences in the country range from temple visits and yoga retreats to 10-day silent Vipassana meditations. While India is best known by tourists for wonders like the Taj Mahal, our six-month sojourn brought us to … Read more   Read more

India Off the Beaten Path Religious Travel History
moors Christian

Spain As We Know It, Thanks to the Moors

By Bianka Cramblit

Strolling through the southern Spanish city of Sevilla on a sunny early spring day, the sweet smells of orange blossoms surround you as they waft through the air. These fragrant fruit trees flourish in the cobble-stoned streets and bring color to the beautiful Royal Alcázar of Seville.   Read more

Spain Religious Travel History
Soltice Bolivia

Welcoming the Return of the Sun to Lake Titicaca

By Renee Alexander

Our winter welcome to Bolivia wasn’t exactly warm. For Americans, the visa requirements are extensive.   Read more

Central and South America Religious Travel Events & Festivals
Jim Bamboulis Tsambika pic 1 scaled

Tsambika Monastery: Leave your baby dolls and leave the rest to faith

By Jim Bamboulis

Greece. A mythical country where the honey-scented sea breeze will enchant you, warm, silk-like waters will entice you, and white-washed homes that grace the countryside   Read more

Europe Religious Travel History
jerusalem

Places in Jerusalem where Easter comes alive: A photo journey

By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.

Easter Sunday is the most joyous day in the Christian calendar. On a recent trip to Israel we had the pleasure of visiting numerous sites throughout the country that really brought the Bible to life for us.   Read more

Middle East Religious Travel History
Philippines1

Climbing A Stairway to Heaven in The Philippines

By Len Cristobal

Growing up in the Philippines, an intensely Catholic country, I have seen the extremes that people sometimes go to in the name of religion. “Stairway to Heaven,” a giant, outdoor stairway leading to a breathtaking replica of heaven, or how heaven looks according to traditional beliefs.   Read more

Asia Experiences Religious Travel
Muslim prayer in Islamic country

Top 10 Things Westerners Should Do Before Travelling to an Islamic Country

By Mohammad Aamir Arafat

Islam is the second-most followed religion after Christianity. Out of the 195 countries on Earth, 56 have a Muslim majority and are governed by Muslims.   Read more

The World Insights Religious Travel History Humanity
sunrise stonehedge

Stone Circles in the UK: Beyond Stonehenge

By Ali Jennings

An ancient wonder of the world, Stonehenge is a classic example of Neolithic engineering and one of the best-preserved monuments of its kind in Europe.   Read more

United Kingdom Off the Beaten Path Religious Travel History
batak man in Sumantra

4 Things You Can Only Find During Ramadan in Sumatra

By Nayla Azmi

For Muslims around the world, and Sumatra in particular, Ramadan is a special time. It’s a holy month of fasting, introspection, and praying.   Read more

Asia Religious Travel Events & Festivals
Harmony.Ziegler Cabin

Early American History in Harmony, Pennsylvania

By Kathleen Walls

A half hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh, the tiny Western Pennsylvania town of Harmony, with a population of fewer than 1,000 people, has an unusual history that makes for a fascinating visit.   Read more

United States Religious Travel History
italy Coleseum

COVID-19 Report: Rome and the Vatican during Holy Week

For the Vatican and the City of Rome, Holy Week has been eerily quiet. The thousands who generally flock to St. Peter’s Square have stayed away because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the Pope will be celebrating all services on his own with no audience.  And the Vatican’s offices remain … Read more   Read more

Europe Health & Wellness Insights Religious Travel
City of David

City of David, Namibia, Tasting Sicily

Entrance wall to the City of David in Jerusalem, Israel.  Photo:  Tonya Fitzpatrick World Footprints will explore Biblical history at the City of David, Namibia’s political, economic and natural landscape and small town treasures that offer a taste of Sicily and more. According to Hebrew tradition, the area outside of … Read more   Read more

The World Adventure Religious Travel Architecture History
taipei taiwan

Five Reasons to Visit Taipei

By Ali Jennings

When planning a trip to Asia, not many people consider Taiwan as part of their itinerary. But this small island off the coast of China has a lot going for it, in particular, the capital city Taipei. For a relatively small capital city – it has a population of just … Read more   Read more

Asia Religious Travel Architecture Food & Drink