Travel By Design: 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 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.
Tsambika Monastery: Leave your baby dolls and leave the rest to faith
By Jim BamboulisGreece. 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
Spain As We Know It, Thanks to the Moors
By Bianka CramblitStrolling 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
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
What a snack from southern Spain tells you about religious persecution
By David PopeI was eating my favourite sandwich in a tapas bar in Seville when my mind was blown. The sandwich in question was a montadito de pringá—a mix of spiced pulled pork, chorizo, and morcilla (Spanish blood sausage) on a bread roll. It’s a typical bar snack in southern Spain, and every Spanish granny has … Read more Read more
Spain Religious Travel Food & Drink History
Offbeat India: A Pilgrimage to the Source of the Ganges
By Trixie PacisIndia 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
Welcoming the Return of the Sun to Lake Titicaca
By Renee AlexanderOur winter welcome to Bolivia wasn’t exactly warm. For Americans, the visa requirements are extensive. In addition to paying $160 each in unblemished, unfolded US currency, we were required to provide passport-style photos, evidence of yellow fever vaccinations, financial documents proving access to $10,000, confirmed reservations for our entire stay, … Read more Read more
Central and South America Religious Travel Events & Festivals
Why Walking the Camino de Santiago is Not Just a Religious Journey
By Derek CullenThough it’s best known as a religious pilgrimage, walking the Camino de Santiago does not need to be a spiritual journey and people from all walks of life can and do take this adventure for different reasons. Taking a long-distance walking trip like the Camino is an extremely fun way … Read more Read more
Europe Experiences Religious Travel
Stone Circles in the UK: Beyond Stonehenge
By Ali JenningsPretty much everyone has heard of the massive stone ring known as Stonehenge; it’s one of the most visited places in England, both by domestic and international tourists. An ancient wonder of the world, Stonehenge is a classic example of Neolithic engineering and one of the best-preserved monuments of its … Read more Read more
United Kingdom Off the Beaten Path Religious Travel History
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
Five Reasons to Visit Taipei
By Ali JenningsWhen 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
TODAY IN HISTORY: The Ninety-Five Theses and,,. (Oct. 31st)
The Catholic Church in 1517 had developed a most excellent fund-raising scheme. Sinners were permitted to purchase “indulgences” to buy their way out of Purgatory. The Pope used the funds to purchase lands and for the the renovation of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and Catholics were told that they … Read more Read more
Europe Religious Travel History
Early American History in Harmony, Pennsylvania
By Kathleen WallsA 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. Harmony, which is a National Historic Landmark District, was founded in 1804 as a religious commune by George … Read more Read more
United States Religious Travel History
IZOD Indycar”s Simona de Silvestro, History of Catholicism & Panther Conservation
Simona de Silvestro driving in the Baltimore Grand Prix. Photo: Tonya FitzpatrickOn today’s show World Footprints explores the plight of the endangered Panther, we chat with one of the rising IZOD Indycar stars Simona de Silvestro, and we also view Catholicism through the lens with Father Robert Barron. As a … Read more Read more
United States Religious Travel Sports Conservation
Places in Jerusalem where Easter comes alive
By Tonya FitzpatrickEaster Sunday is the most joyous day in the Christian calendar. The day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ who died on the cross at Calvary as a sign of love for all people so that they can also be resurrected from sin. On a recent trip to Israel we … Read more Read more
Middle East Religious Travel History
Israel – the ancient melting pot of religion and culture
By Tonya FitzpatrickThere are many places steeped in history that you must have visited and felt in awe. However, there is one place which even leaves history awe-struck. It is Israel- a country where every stone is saturated in history, it’s past and present scarred by war and yet revered for being … Read more Read more
Middle East Religious Travel Architecture History