This year’s trend has been a little different in the travel world with the increase of solo trips and spiritual-renewing vacations. You may be curious why people are choosing to go abroad on a spiritual trek. The truth is, people are exhausted, depleted, and experiencing burnouts from personal and professional frustrations. Here is a list of my top destinations, both domestic and abroad, that you should experience for spiritual-renewing trips in 2019.
Santorini and Mykonos, Greece
Deeply rooted in religion. From the Ancient Greeks and gods in history to being 98% practicing Christians—many being Catholic and Jewish—Santorini and Mykonos is a place away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. Slow down and take in amazing views and relax the body and mind. Wake up to panoramic views of the Aegean Sea from your bed each day on vacation. It is a wonderful way to be at peace in your mind and to enjoy some needed rejuvenation.
Bali, Indonesia
Home to many temples with history dating back to 2000 BC with the Balinese Hindus. Bali is an island rich in spiritual heritage, the laws of karma, and continual attention to the balance between light/dark, night/day, and feminine/masculine. I recommend a journey to Bali to be emerged in a culture deeply rooted in facilitating mental and physical healing from the healing waters to seeking the youngest and only female high priestess to a healing experience with the Master Spiritual Healer. In Bali, you will leave with ways to look deeper into yourself and create an experience that can last a lifetime, facilitating shifts in your spiritual being that you will remain with you forever.
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey has been home to many religions throughout history. Muslims, Jews, and Christians are all welcomed and live harmoniously together here in Turkey. Due to the hospitality Islam instills, people here have mastered living together for many years through acceptance and respect for others and their differences. This makes Turkey a place of great depth for spiritual-renewing as the cultural harmony welcomes you.
The words of Mevlana Rumi’s philosophy ring true to this country: “Come, come whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come.” Make this destination a top place to experience. Visit the Blue Mosque which is said to be, “a place where your prayers rise to heaven by the six minarets that poke holes in the sky, so your words reach God.” Don’t forget the Church of Mary and the House of the Virgin, where Apostle John brought Mary in Ephesus after the Resurrection of Christ. It is said to be one of the most peaceful atmospheres in the world.
Mount. Shasta, California
Mount. Shasta is known for spiritual tours and is believed by many to be a spiritual power point. “Mount. Shasta has the power to rejuvenate, revitalize, heal, and inspire those who visit her. Standing at 10,000 feet, she has the power, grace, and beauty that are especially palpable in summer when the sun brings out the best in her.”
Sedona, Arizona
Regarded as a “thin place” where the veil between spirit and flesh, life and death, is believed to be more permeable. There are “energy vortexes” where visitors say they can feel spiritual energy. Even if that is not impressive to you, you will still be awed by the gorgeousness of the red rocks of the landscape and influenced by the Native Americans culture. The spiritual connection is undeniable.
Conclusion
In the end, finding balance and getting reconnected with your spirit for an awakening, spiritual growth, or mental rest is the goal of spiritual vacations. People are finding inner peace and bringing those experiences back with them to incorporate into their lives. This is what I call a successful and powerful vacation experience. Sometimes we must get lost to find ourselves.