When the 2025 Jubilee Year (“Pilgrims of Hope”) concluded on January 6, 2026, Catholic travel was poised for a dynamic shift. The Jubilee drew an estimated 32–35 million pilgrims to Italy in 2025, nearly tripling typical annual visitor numbers and straining infrastructure with massive crowds, higher prices, and extended wait times at sites like St. Peter’s Basilica.
In 2026, we expect to see a renewed interest in Catholic travel, as pilgrims who delayed trips due to the estimated crowds in 2025, are now ready to book their trips.
This shift will emphasize itineraries such as the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. It will draw crowds to Assisi with over 150,000 reservations already for early 2026 viewings of his relics. Nearby Padua, and Loreto, Italy, will no doubt be draws as well….and, of course, Rome will continue to draw hundreds of thousands.
Broader trends include “transformational” pilgrimages blending faith with culture, multi-generational groups, and emerging destinations in Asia and Latin America, aligning with global travel’s focus on immersive experiences.
There will continue to be interest in organized travel packages, with companies such as Select International Tours leading the way, offering daily Masses, priest-led spiritual direction, and well-planned itineraries as major highlights.
Word from Select International Tours is that France is the most popular itinerary at this time (The re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after the disastrous fire is a big draw) as well as such places as Lisieux, home of Saint Teresa of Lisieux (the Little Flower), Lourdes, or river cruises along Rhine/Danube with Catholic speakers on board are in great demand.
Some destinations and itineraries are attracting new interest:
Less-visited countries such as Vietnam (Marian shrines), India (Saint Thomas sites), Peru (Lima’s cathedrals), Cuba (Our Lady of Charity), and Sweden/Norway (Nordic Catholic heritage) are receiving increased attention.
Walking pilgrimages, such as Camino Santiago (The Way of Saint James) shown on the left, El Santuario de Chimayó (New Mexico), or Three Hearts Pilgrimage (National shrines in Oklahoma) continue to gain in popularity, with multi-day hikes emphasizing personal growth and community.
Practical Tips:
Book Early: Secure spots 6–12 months ahead and use operators offering flexible cancellations. Most importantly, we strongly advise travel insurance. Bookings are already filling up fast via operators like Select International Tours.
Overall, 2026 promises a more balanced, introspective Catholic travel landscape—transforming the Jubilee’s energy into personalized journeys of hope and discovery. For tailored itineraries, check resources from the USCCB or operators like Select International Tours.