I’m sure you have seen ads for them posted in your church’s Sunday bulletin or perhaps you have heard commercials for them on the radio. They are tours of sacred religious sites and a new report out says that are gaining in popularity. The news may surprise some of you, but it’s true. According to the National Tour Association, hundreds of thousands of people are skipping Mexican cruises and all-inclusive stays in the Bahamas and instead, choosing to use their vacation time to partake in a spiritual tour.
And, I’m not just talking about church groups taking a trip to Rome. The study reveals that many families, couples, and friends have been traveling religiously—literally. Popular religious vacation destinations include, trips to follow the Apostle Paul’s voyage through Greece and Italy; a chance to explore Jewish heritage in the Holy Land; and visiting ancient Christian sites in Ethiopia. These divine journeys often include airfare, meals, lodging, guides and entrance fees. The church I attend offers annual trips to Medjugorje—one of the most famous and most visited sanctuaries in the Catholic World since the first apparition of Our Lady appeared there on June 24, 1981.
One of the leading companies that specialize in vacations to sacred sites is Educational Opportunities. The company offers tours of the Reformation, second and third journeys of Paul, and the Holy Land. It is just one travel company that reports seeing a “definite increase in religious trips” in the past five years. Their records coincide with the National Tour Association’s which reports that 40% of their members now offer getaways for devout tourists who are “looking for something more fulfilling than simply sightseeing.”
If you are interested in taking a trip to a spiritual destination here are some tips to keep in mind:
Prior to booking your trip, go on line to research specific locations then contact a travel agent who may have feedback from people who have already visited your desired location.
When booking a tour, look for a company that is a member of a national or international travel association– and get references.
Prices for religious tours can vary greatly depending on your destination and what extras you opt for. Prices typically range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand. However, many tour operators offer deep discounts to groups.