St. John Paul II said that tourism “enables people to use part of their free time to contemplate the goodness and beauty of God in his creation and, through contact with others, helps to intensify mutual dialogue and acquaintance.” In other words, our travels can help us grow closer to God and remember the mission he has called us to. This is especially important this summer, as 2025 is the Jubilee Year, which calls us to rest in a practical fashion.
So, pull up an extra beach chair for God this summer! Here are three concrete ways I invite God on my vacations.
RELATED: Traveling with My Faith in Tow
Plan in Advance
Whether I’m going on my annual summer vacation to Amish Country or traveling somewhere new, I plan how I’ll be spending time with God in advance. That means piling up my Bible, my trusty “God, I Have Issues” paperback, and my rosary beads when I’m gathering essentials to stuff in my suitcase. Since I’m a new and frequent Hallow user, I’ll also need to set aside extra time this summer to download the audio prayer challenges.
If I’m traveling during the weekend or on a Holy Day of Obligation, I research nearby churches via MassTimes.org and add the time directly to my Google calendar. One beautiful church I found via this website during my time at Walt Disney World was the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. I’ll never forget what I saw when it came time to recite the Our Father — MagicBands adorning the wrists of joined hands! It felt good to be surrounded by Disney fans who prioritized church before the parks.
Another thing I’ve begun doing recently, prior to my departure, is researching historical Catholic sites. On a sightseeing trip to Washington, D.C., I attended Mass at the cathedral where John F. Kennedy’s funeral was held, which was important to me as he was one of our only Catholic presidents.
Planning can sometimes get overwhelming, but for me, it’s better than scrambling during the vacation itself or judging myself afterward for skipping Mass.
RELATED: Missing Mass on Vacation?
Spend More Time in Silence
The amount of silence I can find depends on each vacation, but since I’m an introvert at heart, I typically desire more silence on my time off. To “contemplate the goodness and beauty of God,” we need quiet to rejuvenate. I can attest that even at loud places like Walt Disney World, there are places to find silence if you’re looking for it (I recommend the lakeside beach at the Caribbean Resort!).
When I started developing my prayer life, it was difficult to announce that I was stepping away to pray; I tried praying on the hotel bed while my family shared the space, and they often, without intending to, interrupted my silence. I also feared my family would take my desire to step away the wrong way — that I disliked spending time with them. But I found it helped to be upfront about where I was spending my time and how long I expected to be away. This reduced the chance of interruption and my anxiety surrounding how they might feel. It turns out everyone needs time alone on vacation, even if it’s just to nap!
RELATED: Taking Your Faith on Vacation: How to Plan the Ultimate Spiritual Road Trip
Have Open, Honest Conversations
Stepping away from everyday stresses by going on vacation can feel so freeing, which is why I gravitate toward having deep conversations on breaks. I’m not thinking about what needs to get done at work or finishing chores by bedtime, so I’m willing for conversations to go longer with close friends or loved ones.
I’m also not surprised when these kinds of conversations unfold with a stranger. On an Uber trip from my friend’s apartment to the Space Needle, I felt an opening to discuss how my trip to Seattle was the farthest I’d ever traveled on my own. The driver was overjoyed to hear about my accomplishment, and told me that talking to tourists like me was a big reason he loved his job. I left the car feeling affirmed in my decision to travel across the country, and it seemed the driver took something away from that trip too!
Whether you’re traveling through the Holy Doors in Rome or enjoying a domestic trip with family and friends, I pray you enjoy a safe, restful vacation with God at its center!
