Throughout history, people have traveled far and wide to either offer tribute or to simply reconnect with God.
While the concept of a pilgrimage is outdated, it is key to consider the benefits of such a trip—sometimes, we all need to take a moment to remember our humility and breathe in this busy world.
Here are five places you need to travel worldwide if you want to reconnect with God—including one you may not expect!
Israel
Specifically, Bethlehem or Jerusalem. Not only was Bethlehem the birthplace of Jesus, but the hometown of Saint Mary and Saint Joseph.
There is so much to see in Bethlehem alone, so plan your trip accordingly.
One site you absolutely cannot miss is the Church of the Nativity—thought to be the spot of Jesus’ birth.
Another site is the Milk Grotto, where the Holy family hid from King Herod’s soldiers during the Slaughter of the Innocents.
But do not spend too long at Bethlehem, for Jerusalem has many awesome sites of its own. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the believed site where Jesus ascended into Heaven for the last time. The Western Wall is impressive as well—here lie the remains of the Old Temple of Jerusalem. If you are looking for a place to travel to truly reignite your faith and enlighten your spirit, take a trip to these Holy cities in Jerusalem.
The Vatican, Vatican City, Rome
The Vatican needs little explanation as to why it would be a life-changing trip. Currently the capital of the Catholic Church throughout the entire world, the Vatican operates as its own city, with its own police force and laws.
Not only is it an impressive church in terms of size, but the architectural and sculptural work from great masters of the Renaissance such as Giovanni Bernini are outstanding.
Michelangelo’s fresco paintings in the Sistine Chapel alone are breathtaking, and certainly worth the visit. The Vatican emotes itself as a spiritual beacon throughout the world—so please, take a few days to truly enjoy everything the Vatican has to offer.
Santiago De Compostela, Spain
Pilgrims from all over the world were commonly known to take this massive pilgrimage on the Santiago de Compostela pathway.
It is the burial site of the original apostle, St. James, whose bones are considered to be a holy relic with healing powers—be it spiritual or physical. His remains reportedly can be found underneath their outstanding cathedral, the Praza do Obradoiro.
After this, take some time to visit the Museum of the Pilgrimage—el Museo de Peregrinaciones.
Take a load off at the end of the day with something fun—the neighboring district of Raina has a wine tour in their historical district!
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Moscow, Russia
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring churches, hands down.
The monumental cathedral was finished in 1997 and was modeled after the original church the Russians built in honor of their victory over Napoleon.
It is not only amazingly ornate, but truly historical and garishly grand. Parts of the original church still remain, such as the Christ Not Painted by Hand by Sorokin, which amazingly survived Stalin’s explosive reign of secularism.
Take an entire day to view all the amazing history this site has to share!
The Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States
The Grand Canyon may be an unusual choice for some as it is not technically a Holy spot.
That being said, the sheer beauty of the canyon is a mesmerizing reminder that God created beauty in nature.
Take a cross-country road trip with the family and plan for activities such as riding donkeys down the canyon path, visiting Navajo Indian reservations and enjoying the artwork they have to share, or—if you dare—book a ziplining tour through parts of the canyon!
In our busy day-to-day lives, we sometimes forget to stop and breathe and enjoy life while we still can.
Traveling the world is a sure-fire way to ground yourself and reconnect with who and what is important in your life.
(h/t Proud American Traveler)