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Catholic Travel: Where to go in 2025?

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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.

Pilgrims at St Peter's BasilicaOur 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.

 

 

Home » Catholic Travel

What is YOUR “Benedict Option” ?

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Author Rod Dreher, is his book “The Benedict Option” argues that the best way to fight the growing secularism and hostility to Christianity that most of us see in our home countries is to go back to the example of Saint Benedict of Nursia.

Saint Benedict of Nursia, looking at the moral collapse following the fall of Rome in the 6th Century, chose to retreat from the world and build communities based on the order and stability that Christianity offered.  The existence of these communities is credited with saving Christianity and Western civilization.

Dreher points out that watered-down Christianity, a secular culture that is hostile to Christian values and general apathy of Christians themselves, make it advisable….maybe even necessary….that we build our own separate communities.

It is certainly easy to get discouraged and feel that you are swimming against the tide….such as the Charlie Gard case, where the government dictates what care parents can give their child.  Or where Catholic doctors and nurses are obliged to violate their consciences in order to practice their profession.  Or sidewalk counselors are threatened with arrest.  Or even some of our own clerics who have strayed from the teachings of the Church.

However, something we may have forgotten was that Christianity was never meant to be easy, and unfortunately, surface Christianity has become too easy in many places.  No one stops you from attending Mass or practicing your faith….until you take it out of the church building.  But, of course, the building is not the Church, we as Catholic Christians are the Church.

What is often missing, though is a sense of community.  In fact, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has stated that Facebook has taken the place of churches in providing a sense of community, and sadly, he is probably correct in many cases.

Although retreating to a monastery might appeal to some (and they may even feel called to it), it is not practical for most of us.  We have jobs, children (or grandchildren) to raise, responsibilities that keep us in the world around us.  And, of course, we are called to be “a light unto the world” rather than withdraw from it.

Archbishop Charles J. Caput has written a similar book on the subject, “Strangers in a Strange Land”, as shown here on the left.

We highly recommend it.

And in reality, what Dreher is proposing in his book is similar:  rather than hide out in a monastery in the forest, we remain in the world, but withdraw from those things which are so harmful to our spiritual life.

 

Some simple things you can do that can be your own Benedict Option:

†    Turn off the TV and read a book.

†     Start a prayer group

†     Plan a weekly social event with other like-minded Catholics.

Thus, we become our own community, or “Benedict Option”.

So how does all of this relate to travel?  We suggest you go on a pilgrimage or retreat.  Traveling to a local shrine, taking a pilgrimage, whether near or far away, can be a way to help renew our faith and to be in community with fellow Catholics.

There are many opportunities…a retreat center nearby, a group pilgrimage to various shrines, or just a personal pilgrimage as shown on our blog.

Being around other Catholics offers a chance to re-charge your batteries…..not so much in the physical sense but in the spiritual sense.  You realize that you are not alone in the struggle. And, of course, if you travel to on a pilgrimage you will be with other Catholics, participate in Mass in other cultures, see just how universal the Catholic Church really is, and how you fit in to this world-wide community.

And that, really, is what “The Benedict Option” is all about.