Turning Your Summer Vacation into a Pilgrimage

Summer is here, and many Catholic families are hitting the road or flying across the globe for long-awaited vacations, road trips, or relaxing getaways. While summer can be a time to unplug from work and school routines, it doesn’t have to mean unplugging from your Catholic faith. In fact, with a little intention, your vacation can become a Catholic pilgrimage, even if you’re not heading to Rome or the Camino de Santiago.

Whether you're planning a trip to a national park, a beach resort, or a new city, this guide offers 5 ways to grow spiritually on your Catholic summer vacation. These practical and prayerful ideas will help you stay close to the sacraments, discover holy places, and live your faith on the go—even during the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.

1. Plan Your Travels Around Catholic Shrines or Holy Places

Still deciding on a place to travel this summer? Don’t forget your faith as you schedule fun with family and friends. Or, if you already have your plans, a quick internet search can tell you whether a major Catholic pilgrimage location is near your travel spot.

Catholic Pilgrimage

Catholic Pilgrimage Sites in the U.S.

There are many sites in the U.S. and abroad. This doesn't mean you need to plan your entire vacation around this spot (although that would be great). There are beautiful Catholic shrines all over that you can dedicate a day, an afternoon, or even an hour to visit! 

Jubilee Year of Hope Pilgrimage Map

Pro tip: Vacationing in the United States in 2025? Check out the interactive map of all the Jubilee Pilgrimage sites in the U.S. in this article from Catholic News Agency!

2. Do I have to go to Mass on Vacation? Making Time For Prayer & Sacraments

Sunday Obligation While Traveling 

You may be on vacation, but your Sunday obligation is not! You still need to go to Mass while on vacation. We often pause many things to go on vacation––work, community obligations, and family routines at home––and when schedules change, it’s easy to put our prayer routines and spiritual lives on hold, too. But time away is also an excellent opportunity to revitalize your relationship with God. 

Look for chances to keep your prayer game strong, even on vacation. Try offering a Divine Mercy Chaplet while your flight takes off, taking a Rosary walk on the beach, or praying a Scripture passage that praises God for his magnificent creation while you enjoy the beautiful sights of a National Park. Don’t forget to set reminders on your phone so you don’t miss your morning offering, daily Rosary, or another day of the Bible in a Year! 

Best Catholic Apps for Mass Times and Confession

Pro tip: Make sure you don’t miss a Sunday Mass obligation while you’re traveling. Download the Catholic Mass Times app to find parishes, Masses, and Confession times near you!

Fr. Mike reminds us here what we must do if there is no way at all we can make Mass!

3. Pack a Spiritual Book to Read

Catholic Saints to Travel With

Got extra time during a layover, at the pool, or while the miles roll by your car window? Let St. Therese, St. Francis de Sales, or St. Augustine be your travel buddies! A few minutes with the writings of the saints or even a little bit of Scripture can anchor your soul for both the craziness and relaxation of travel. 

Best Books for Spiritual Travel Reading

Pro tip: Ascension has an extensive collection of light theology and spiritual reading titles available both in print or e-book!

4. Visit Beautiful Catholic Churches Along Your Route

Roadtrip stretch break? Yes, please! While stopping at Buc-ee’s is always a blast, with a little planning, you might be able to find a break spot that offers timeless, faith-filled beauty.

Unique Catholic Churches in the U.S.

Look for Catholic Churches that may be near your driving routes or tucked in the cities you are sightseeing. Even the most obscure areas of the United States have hidden gems that will have you snapping photos and might even make it onto your list of favorites! 

How to Pray When Visiting a New Church

Pro tip: Offer three Hail Marys or some other prayers at each new church you visit. It’s a great way to intercede for a special grace or intention! 

5. Offer Up Your Inconveniences for Spiritual Good

What “Offer It Up” Really Means

We’ve all heard it –– one of the most popular Catholic catchphrases –– “offer it up” is actually valuable wisdom. All sorts of challenges can pop up during trips, whether your flight is extremely delayed, your luggage is lost, or you are stuck in an extremely long line to taste the most famous barbecue in the city. But these irritations, big and small, can become a meritorious prayer for your neighbor’s cancer diagnosis, a friend who lost their job, or the souls in Purgatory. Inconveniences become much easier to handle when we praise God through them, and these are excellent opportunities to grow in character and virtue. 

Pro tip: Listen to Fr. Mike’s advice on why and how to offer up your inconveniences!

Your Faith Should Be With You No Matter Where You Are

No matter where in the world your summer adventures take you, your Catholic Faith isn’t something you leave at home—it’s part of who you are. Whether you’re standing in a centuries-old cathedral or hiking a quiet mountain trail, God is with you. Every trip, every moment, is an opportunity to encounter him. Let your faith travel with you—not just as something you practice, but as something you live, wherever you go!