8 Spiritual Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List in 2024
Sacred Ventures for Your Mind, Body, & Soul
Travel is always rewarding, but I find it particularly so when the destination holds spiritual significance. Here, in no particular order, are eight spiritual destinations that I’ve got my eyes on in 2024.
1. El Camino de Santiago - Spain
Okay, so I know I said these are in no particular order, but walking the El Camino has been high on my bucket list ever since I watched the movie The Way a decade ago, so I simply had to start with this. Also, if you haven’t seen the movie, you absolutely must. It’s one of my all-time favorites.
Traditionally, the El Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James, is a religious pilgrimage, but it has been transformed into a spiritual journey for all people, regardless of religion. There are multiple routes, but they all end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella in Spain. Some will walk their chosen route in sections, whereas others will embark on the full journey. There is no right or wrong way to traverse The Way; no matter what, it’s sure to be a reflective experience on one’s journey to self-discovery.
Must Do’s:
Get a Pilgrim’s Passport: Throughout your journey, you’ll get your passport stamped at various locations. Not only will this become a treasured keepsake, but it will grant you entry into pilgrims-only hostels known as albergues. (Speaking of hostels, one of these RFID belts is a a requirement for keeping your important things safe, that way you can get that much-needed sleep without stressing). When you arrive in Santiago, your passport will get you an official Compostella, or certificate, written in Latin, proving that you completed the journey.
Drink from the Wine Fountain in Ayegui: If you take the French Way, you must stop for a complimentary glass of wine from the wine fountain built into the wall of the Irache Monastery Complex in Ayegui, Spain. The winery as it exists today was established in 1891, but the reputation of the monastery’s vino dates back to the 12th century when pilgrims would stop there to refresh and the monks would greet them with glasses of wine. If you direct your loved ones to the winery’s website, they might be able to spot you on the live-feed camera filling up your pilgrim’s shell with vino!
2. Snæfellsjökull Glacier - Iceland
The Snæfellsjökull glacier lies on top of an active volcano, although it hasn’t erupted in 1,900 years, and its peak is 4,744 feet above sea level. The glacier has a longstanding history associated with mysticism as it is believed to be one of the seven main energy centers of our planet (aka Chakra points), making it a source of spiritual power.
You may recognize Snæfellsjökull from the classic novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne (click that link to get the e-book for free). In it, the characters embark on a daring quest into the depths of the Earth through a volcanic tube beneath Snæfellsjökull. This depiction further amplified the glacier’s mystique in popular culture as a gateway to the Earth's core.
Must Do’s:
Ride a Snowcat to the Peak: From April to August, you can ride to the top of the glacier and decide for yourself if Snæfellsjökull truly is the gateway to the center of our planet. Just be sure to bundle up because temperatures can fall below freezing. I cannot recommend this heated vest enough for any cold-weather activities.
Journey to the Center of the Earth: Yes, really. A guide can take you 115 feet below the earth’s surface into Vatnshellir Cave where you can explore 656 feet of lava tubes. I can’t think of a better way to explore the spiritual significance of this destination.
3. Cape Reinga - New Zealand
Cape Reinga is the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand for the Māori people. Why? Because it is believed that all Māori souls travel to this location after death and descend into the underworld via the routes of an ancient pohutukawa tree. This begins their afterlife journey to their ancestral homeland.
When I was in New Zealand, I stayed on a Marae and had the opportunity to learn directly from the Māori people. I regard that experience as the most culturally significant travel opportunity that I’ve had thus far in my life. They believe everything in the world is connected and all things possess a life force energy. They have a deep respect for the natural world and their ancestors, which is why Cape Reinga deserves a place on your must-see spiritual destinations list.
Must Do’s:
Walk to the Lighthouse: This paved path from the parking area to the lighthouse is lined with information panels detailing the significance of the location in Māori history. It takes about ten minutes and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean colliding with the Tasman Sea.
Visit Kaitaia: Just 90-minutes south of Cape Reinga is Kaitaia, the last major town before reaching the northern tip of New Zealand. Unless you plan on camping near the Cape, Kaitaia is a good spot to base yourself for a few days, particularly if you’d like to experience Māori culture as the town is comprised of nearly 70% Māori residents. For an immersive experience, you’ll want to go to the Māori Cultural Center and the Te Ahu Museum, you might even have the chance to visit a marae. Kaitaia is known as the gateway to paradise thanks to the more than twenty serene and mostly secluded beaches nearby.
4. Borobudur Temple - Indonesia
This World Heritage site is the largest Buddhist temple compound in the world, and it dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. Historically, many people made the pilgrimage to the temple, but experiencing the site is a pilgrimage in itself. The levels represent the journey toward enlightenment, encouraging you to look inward as you ascend.
Sadly, Borobudur’s spiritual significance is becoming overrun by its commercial significance to the Indonesian government thanks to the two million tourists it attracts annually. Because of that, I recommend putting this site on your list of places to visit sooner rather than later. Weekdays are better than weekends in terms of crowds and to make the most of it, you’ll want to spend a couple of days there. Ideally, go with a guide on your first day, then arrive early the next morning to embark on your meditative spiritual quest. Don’t forget to bring this reflection journal to preserve your experience for posterity.
Must Do’s:
Watch the Sunrise from Setumbu Hill: Before heading to the temple, hike up Setumbu Hill at sunrise for the stunning views of the volcanoes and the fog-hugged Borobodur Temple. This mystical moment is sure to align your spirit.
Visit the Museums: There are two museums within the archaeological park: The Karmawibhangga Museum and The Samudra Raksa Maritime Museum. Entrance is included with your ticket and you’ll gain a rich historical understanding of the area.
5. Mahabodhi Temple - India
The Mahabodhi Temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is said to mark the location where the Buddha obtained enlightenment. This is a good place to find solace as electronic devices are not allowed on site. Find a serene place to meditate on your own or with the monks. You can even attend one of the two scheduled daily chanting sessions.
There are many sacred places to explore on-site and there are a plethora of guided tour options if you want to get the most out of your visit. Once you’ve toured and been educated on the area, return to the places that call to you most and take time to reflect on your spiritual journey.
Must Do’s:
Visit the Bodhi Tree: It is said that the Buddha obtained enlightenment while sitting under this tree—well, an ascendant of the currently standing tree. If you truly want to replicate Siddhartha’s experience, meditate beneath the tree’s branches.
The Root Institute for Wisdom and Culture: This semi-monastic environment offers a multitude of events aiming to inculcate spiritual knowledge. You can stay overnight on the property, participate in a retreat, go for a guided meditation, take a yoga class, or attend a variety of events. No matter where you are on your spiritual path, The Root Institute can help you level up. If you’re like me and public-use yoga mats give you an ick, this folding mat is fantastic for travel.
6. Mount Shasta - United States
During the very first sound bath I attended in 2016, the shaman led us through a guided meditation while she played the singing bowls (if you’ve never experienced this, this machine is surprisingly almost as good as the real thing). To this day it was the most powerful astral projection I’ve ever experienced. Her meditation took us to Mount Shasta in California and I remember standing in front of a giant rock that covered the entrance to a cave containing a portal. The experience was so vivid that I felt as though I was actually there in my physical body. Alas, I’ve never been, but ever since that experience, Mount Shasta has been high on my spiritual destinations bucket list.
I could write an entire post on Mount Shasta (and I will), but I’ll leave it here for now.
Must Do’s:
Go Hiking: There’s no better way to experience the magic of this land than by getting out in it. For the most daring, you can hike to the summit, but it is not for the faint of heart. It will take several days and should be done with a guide. If this adventure is too much for you, you can drive as far as the Old Ski Bowl Trailhead. There are also tons of hiking opportunities from beginner to advanced throughout the area. Find one that calls to you and go for it!
Explore Pluto’s Cave: This is one of the most ancient lava tube caves still in existence. Some believe that Pluto’s Cave is an inner earth gateway entrance, and it’s said that one can feel intense energy there. I wonder how it compares to Iceland’s Vatnshellir Cave!
7. Kinosaki Onsens - Japan
The quaint, old-fashioned village of Kinosaki is only 2.5 hours from Kyoto. While there, you can don a traditional robe (yukata) and wooden clogs (geta) to hot spring-hop between the seven mystic onsens. Sweeping willows over the River give this town a picturesque storybook feel, and if you go in the beginning of April, you’ll be able to marvel in the beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The hot springs have been shown to contain healing minerals; however, many would argue that the staggering number of people who have left the onsens feeling cured of their pain and/or ailments suggests that there is more than just minerals in these sacred waters. Proof of the miracles performed by the mystic springs is evidenced at Yakushido Hall, located at the foot of Mt. Daishi.
Must Do’s:
Rent a Yukata: Stroll through the streets in traditional dress, complete with wooden clogs, and hair styling service. Have your photo taken, then explore the village. Rentals start at just 3,500 JPY, which is just under $25 USD per person.
Visit Osenji Temple: Climb the stone steps or take a gondola ride up to the temple to get the Onsen Guardian’s blessing to enter the hot springs. In the past, this trek was required before one could experience the healing effects of the sacred waters. While a blessing is no longer a requisite to visit the onsens, it’s still a cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
8. Manitou Lake - Canada
Manitou Lake has been dubbed the “Dead Sea of Canada” thanks to its salinity and high mineral content. It’s impossible to sink in its waters because it has five times more concentrated salt content than the ocean.
Legend has it that a group of ill Cree Warriors who were left for dead were traveling through the area when they discovered the healing properties of the lake. They bathed in it and found it relieved their smallpox symptoms and ultimately allowed them to make full recoveries.
If you’re planning to float, don’t forget these earplugs, because no one wants to fly on a plane with an ear infection. While obviously the core to this spiritual experience is swimming in the lake, there are other activities to do in the area, as well, so I’ve included those below.
Must Do’s:
Visit the Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa: If cold water isn’t your thing, you can still get the benefits of the healing waters by soaking in the warm indoor pools. If you’re a guest at the resort, you’ll get unlimited access to the pools. If you just want to visit, pool day passes are available.
Dance the Night Away at Danceland: Now that the water has you feeling limber, spend an evening at the 84-year-old dance hall on the banks of the lake. The original maple hardwood dance floor is built on a cushion of horse hair, which supposedly makes for an incomparably smooth dancing experience.
Which of these destinations do you want to visit most?
Are there others that you think should be on this list?
Sound off in the comments!
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