Religious Travel

Sacred Destinations is a nondenominational guide to more than 1,000 international holy places, pilgrimage destinations, sacred sites and religiously significant architectural and artistic creations. Search listings organized by category or country for thorough descriptions. Numerous photographs for each destination are also available. Despite the many Google ads at the top of each page, this site is a comprehensive and valuable resource. The links for “Travel Planning” and “Guided Tours” take you to external affiliates that aren’t necessarily as reliable as this site.

The University of York is an extensive resource that details the history of several pilgrimage destinations, such as Westminster Abbey, and prepares readers for what to expect during their visits. Links to official Web sites for each location are provided.

The New York Times “Travel” section features an article on sulfur hot springs outside of Rome. Although not considered religious, the water tends to have a renewing effect on bathers. If you’re looking for a spiritual travel experience, Roman baths are an option to consider. The baths also have an intriguing history, which is detailed in the article.

The Official Roman Baths Museum Web Site in Bath, United Kingdom, presents one of the most well-preserved Roman religious spas from ancient times, according to the site. Take a past and present tour of the baths online, and learn about features like the “sacred spring” that drew worshippers from throughout the Roman Empire.

Eurovia is the Web site of the Association for The Establishment of European Pilgrimage Routes and promotes the Via Francigena and the Way of St. James, two pilgrimage routes that form a cross over Europe. The Via Francigena was once the main route between Rome and Europe. Learn the history behind both roads and view maps on this site.

Pili Pala Press publishes books on popular pilgrimages in Spain, the Camino de Santiago and the Vía de la Plata, and provides historical background and photos of each. The routes are especially significant for Christians, as they were used by Christian pilgrims during Muslim domination; but the churches, cathedrals, chapels and monasteries dotting the routes could interest any religious traveler. 

Pilgrimage on Shikoku Island is a detailed guide to the famous 88-temple pilgrimage on Shikoku, the smaller of the four main islands of Japan. Read through the extensive advice on preparation and walking, study the useful maps of the trail and read up on the history and meaning of the pilgrimage.

ChristianVolunteering.org provides volunteer opportunities in different countries and categories, including short-term urban missions and virtual volunteering. Browse trips by service area or skill, such as working with children and medical missions, or by region, including Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Programs range in length from less than a week to two years.

Religious Youth Service is a nonprofit organization that places volunteers ages 18 and up in various international social service projects, including teaching seminars and building parks. Applicants should be interested in world religions, and available to volunteer for one to two weeks.

Classic Pilgrimages , a tour company affiliated with Gate 1 Travel, provides several religious tours in various destinations throughout Europe and the Middle East. Each pilgrimage lasts between one and two weeks, and includes hotels, food and drink and bus travel between destinations.

Christian Travel Finder is a California company focused on Christian cruises and travel events, including Christian-themed cruises and charters, and faith-based land tours and missionary cruises. Cruises travel to different destinations including the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Register for cruises and book online, or call an agent using the number listed on the site.