Reading the news headlines…or watching the news on TV, can in some cases just make the idea of foreign travel seem too dangerous, too difficult, or simply not worth the effort. It becomes easy to put off visiting these places….just wait until conditions improve, you tell yourself.
But this is not the case.
In fact, the future of Catholic travel appears to be vibrant and evolving, driven by a combination of spiritual renewal, cultural exploration, and emerging global trends.
This is particularly evident in light of the Jubilee Year 2025, which began on Christmas Eve 2024 and will conclude on January 6, 2026 .
This special event, occurring every 25 years, traditionally draws millions of pilgrims, not only to Rome, but to many other holy sites worldwide. The anticipation is already sparking increased interest in pilgrimage travel, with opportunities for plenary indulgences and a focus on Eucharistic revival, especially in places like Italy, home to notable Eucharistic miracles such as Lanciano and Bolsena-Orvieto. Travel organizations are preparing for this surge by offering tailored itineraries, suggesting that 2025 could see a significant uptick in Catholic pilgrimages.
Beyond the Jubilee, the broader trend of religious tourism is gaining momentum.
Pilgrimage travel is no longer just about traditional destinations like Rome, Lourdes, or the Holy Land. Emerging destinations such as Poland (with its rich Catholic heritage tied to St. John Paul II and Divine Mercy) and Lithuania are attracting attention.
And, there are many increasingly popular destinations in the U.S. such as The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, formerly Our Lady of Good Help, the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in the U.S., tied to 1859 visions. Its profile has risen with recent Eucharistic pilgrimages (like the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage), and its rural serenity could attract more Catholics in 2026 seeking authentic, lesser-known holy sites. Likewise the The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland is bound to attract thousands.
Additionally, unique experiences like walking the Camino de Santiago or exploring lesser-known shrines are appealing to Catholics seeking both spiritual depth and adventure. The integration of food, culture, and faith— tours in Italy or Portugal—also hints at a diversification of Catholic travel offerings.
Safety and accessibility are improving in key regions, enhancing prospects. For instance, the Holy Land, despite past conflicts, is showing signs of recovery with resumed flights and reopened sites, making it more feasible for pilgrims to return. Similarly, restrictions in popular European cities like Venice and Rome, aimed at reducing overcrowding, could benefit Catholic travelers by offering a more intimate experience at holy sites.
Challenges remain, such as geopolitical instability or economic barriers, but the resilience of Catholic travel is evident. With priests accompanying groups, daily Mass, and a focus on small, meaningful journeys, the experience is becoming more personalized. The future likely holds a blend of tradition and innovation—more pilgrims, diverse destinations, and a deeper intertwining of faith with global exploration.
Our thoughts? It’s going to be crowded….for example, Rome normally attracts some 35 million tourists annually…and a Jubilee Year will probably bring that number up considerably. Admittedly, these are not all Catholic pilgrims, but they will likely be visiting many of the same places that you have on your itinerary.
One way to overcome some of these challenges is to book with a reliable tour company, guaranteed admission to many popular sites and some hard-to-enter places as well. And, of course, hotel accommodations that suit your itinerary, so you won’t have to chase after hotel rooms in un-familiar cities (nothing is worse than being in a hotel outside your desired location),
For a great selection of Jubilee Year 2025 pilgrimages we suggest Select International Tours.