What is sacred travel?
Christy Stone on the coast of Lalafranc, Spain upon completion of the Camino de Santiago.
Travel can be more than just a change of scenery; it can be a profound journey of the soul. When we approach travel as a sacred experience, it becomes an opportunity for deep reflection, personal transformation, and spiritual growth. Each new place we visit, each encounter with a different culture, holds the potential to teach us something significant about ourselves and the world around us.
This sacred aspect of travel isn’t about visiting famous landmarks or crossing off bucket list items. Instead, it’s about engaging with the world in a way that’s intentional and mindful. It’s about opening ourselves to the unknown, allowing each moment to unfold naturally, and being fully present to the experiences that come our way. In this sense, every journey, no matter how simple, becomes a pilgrimage—a quest for deeper meaning and understanding.
Spirituality in travel is often found in these quiet moments—the way the light filters through the trees in a secluded forest, the sound of a distant church bell, or the simple act of sharing a meal with a stranger. These shimmers remind us that the sacred is not confined to grand cathedrals or ancient temples; it can be found in the everyday, in the rhythm of life itself. When we travel with an awareness of this, even the most ordinary encounters can take on a deeper significance.
Growth is a natural outcome of sacred travel. As we navigate unfamiliar environments, face challenges, and step out of our comfort zones, we are given the chance to see ourselves in a new light. Travel pushes us to confront our limitations, embrace uncertainty, and adapt to new situations. Through this process, we not only learn more about the world, but we also gain insights into our own inner landscape.
Ultimately, sacred travel is about more than just the journey; it’s about who we become along the way. By embracing each experience with a sense of reverence and curiosity, we open ourselves to the possibility of profound transformation. Whether we are exploring distant lands or rediscovering our own backyard, the world becomes a place of endless wonder and spiritual growth, inviting us to walk with intention and an open heart. So, pay attention to what shimmers before you, what grounds you, what radiates life within you…. Where is your Holy?
This piece was written by Christy Stone. Her passion is journeying with others. As a contemplative, a travel junkie, and a lover of all people and animals, she feels blessed to companion others as both a spiritual director and licensed professional counselor (LPC). To learn more about Christy, visit her website.
You can also listen to a conversation with Christy, on the Retreat House podcast Tending Space to Bear Spiritual Fruit in Episode 19: When Holy places don’t feel holy: A Journey on the Camino with Christy Stone.