There’s something spiritual about exploring the world, as you head out on an international vacation.
And sometimes, on certain trips, we specifically travel in search of a spiritual experience, whether it be a religious experience, soulful sights or adrenaline rush we’re after.
Spirituality looks different for everyone, which means their approach to spiritual travel will too. And goodness, with so many countries to travel to and a world of experiences to choose from, we sure are thankful for that.
Here are five spiritual travel experiences that are likely to be a highlight for 2023 summer travellers, and how to stay connected on each one with prepaid travel data.
1. Hajj Pilgrimage: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Every day, Muslims around the world pray in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. And at least once in their lifetime, each (as long as they have the means to do so) will make the holy journey to the Kaaba itself during the Hajj.
Hajj is the largest human gathering in the world, and sees millions of Muslims gather inside Masjid al-Ḥarām (The Great Mosque). The holy week takes place this year from June 26 to July 1.
Inside Masjid al-Ḥarām (The Great Mosque), pilgrims perform several rituals, including walking counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba, gradually reaching the Kaaba itself and kissing the sacred Black Stone on its corner wall.
This pilgrimage is steeped in tradition and history, which is why many will want to stay connected with a Saudi Arabia eSIM. It’s important to note that the city of Mecca, and Hajj itself, are open only to Muslims.
2. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT): Mexico, United States and Canada
Spiritual doesn’t always mean religious. Popularized in Cheryl Strayed’s book Wild (and Reese Witherspoon’s film adaptation of the same name), the Pacific Crest Trail is a popular trek for many seeking spiritual travel of a different kind.
This trail is 4,265 kilometres (or 2,650 miles) long, and stretches the near entirety of North America’s Pacific coast. The Pacific Crest Trail Association says, “it generally takes the entire snow-free season to walk. That’s about 5 months.”
So for anyone seeking a spiritual travel experience via an adrenaline rush, do so with eyes wide open. Pack wisely, get lots of experience before you start, and be safe. And here’s a pro tip: stay connected with eSIM data so you can find help whenever you need it.
3. Batu Caves: Gombak, Malaysia
Considered among the most sacred Hindu sites outside of India (and the most sacred in Malaysia), the Batu Caves are a jaw-dropping shrine that’s dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war.
The site is a remarkable one, with dramatic limestone cliffs that set the backdrop to buildings, shrines and stairs covered in a rainbow of colours. It also features a 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan.
Atop the colourful stairs (272 in total) sits an equally impressive network of caves, with the main Temple Cave featuring 100-metre-high ceilings. And through this cave, up another flight of stairs, sits the Lord Murugan temple itself.
If you’re a fan of colour, this spiritual travel destination is for you. And if you love sharing vaca photos on Instagram, prepaid eSIM data will keep you connected so you can share with loved ones back home before you even leave the site.
4. Hot air balloon ride: Cappadocia, Turkey
Have you ever wanted a life half rooted in fantasy? In Cappadocia, unique rock formations—known as fairy chimneys—hold ancient cave castles and cities (a castle, monastery and entire city exist within these caves). Sounds pretty fantastical to us.
The spiritual travel component of this trip comes in as you float above this storybook terrain in a hot-air balloon, which has become a symbol of the region. These balloons often take off early in the morning, meeting the sun as it rises over the region.
Staying connected with a Turkey eSIM will let you capture and share your spiritual travel experience. And with the region boasting roughly 260 flying days each year, you can catch your ride whenever works for you.
5. The Camino: Spain, Portugal and France
The official name of this storied journey is the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St James. It’s a historic Catholic pilgrimage with routes (known as Ways) from Portugal, France and Spain that all converge at one final destination: Santiago in Spain.
Known as The Camino, this spiritual travel trek is a religious journey for some, and a physical one for others. It ends at the medieval Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, where the shrine of Saint James is said to house the saint’s remains.
The trail is symbolized both by scallop shells, and by the phrase ‘Buen Camino!’, or ‘Have a good Camino,” which people say to each other along their Camino journey. And, with eSIM data (and a Western Europe package that covers the entire Camino network), you can connect with your new friends as you meet them, and keep in touch after you head home.
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Whichever you choose, and wherever you go, we hope this spiritual travel list inspires you to book your next adventure and to pursue a spiritual experience like no other 🌎✈️💙
And hey, remember to stay connected with eSIM data while you’re there! We’ve got you covered, with travel data in 150 countries. Get our free app today.
