WHY HAVE A RELIGIOUS TRAVEL PROGRAM?

Whether you are an individual traveler, a religious organization or a faith community, the question to ask yourself or fellow members is “Why should we expand our presence (or ministry) in religious travel?” Or, in other words, “Why should we devote more of our efforts towards promoting faith-based travel?” The answer is pretty straightforward: Travel provides religious communities with unprecedented opportunities to combine faith, fun and fellowship.

The result is a strengthening of communal bonds and a deepening of one’s faith. Furthermore, travel enables a person or community to experience their faith from every dimension: spiritually, socially, intellectually, emotionally and physically. In addition, faith-related trips, cruises and events also provide the following benefits and opportunities:

Experience the Sacred

• Be in the presence of sacred land, events or history
• Be in the presence of holy people (alive or dead)
• Fulfill a pilgrimage ritual and/or religious requirement

People and Relationships

• Enjoy friendship
• Enjoy fellowship
• Enjoy enriched relationships between leaders and members

Rest and Relaxation

• Experience rest and relaxation for the body
• Experience rest and relaxation for the mind
• Experience rest and relaxation for the soul

Inspiration

• Seek new direction or purpose in life
• Experience renewed sense of hope and joy in life
• Seek peace during a difficult or challenging time in life

Prayer Request or Thanksgiving

• Ask for forgiveness or perform a penitential act
• Pray for a particular request or favor (whether spiritual, physical or emotional)
• Give thanksgiving for an answered prayer

Personal Renewal and Healing

• Spend time in retreat or reflection
• Search for answers to one’s life
• Ask or seek a spiritual, emotional or physical healing

Travel the World

• Experience different cultures
• Experience different cuisines
• Experience different geologies and landscapes

Religious communities of all kinds are adopting travel programs in ever-greater numbers today. Before long, the majority of churches, religious organizations and places of worship across the world will offer their members faith-based travel opportunities on a regular basis for their many enriching benefits.