Seasons Greetings Reader,

Just like that, we have arrived at the end of 2024. Time for holiday cheer, colder weather, and some reflection.

I thought we could get a little deeper this month.

Tiger's Nest monastery in the clouds near Paro, Bhutan (2024)

For many, this is a time of joy and celebration. However, a significant number of people experience isolation, frustration, or other negative emotions.

To help balance that out a bit, I wanted to explore the intersection of spirituality, curiosity, and travel.

Here's your monthly dose of curiosity and inspiration!

“The journey is not just about finding yourself, but creating yourself.”

~ George Bernard Shaw

Cologne Cathedral across the Rhine River, Germany (1996)

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A Spiritual Journey

I would not have considered myself a spiritual person but now that I'm another year into my 50s, I am certainly finding deeper roots there.

Growing up Roman Catholic in a majority Catholic town, I had little access to explore just what "spirituality" meant.

This marker at the complex of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City honors Juan Diego, the saint who witnessed apparitions that turned this into one of the world's largest religious pilgrimage sites

The few times I'd ever heard the term, it was associated with religion. While they are intertwined, there is an important distinction.

Traveling to other places gave me an insight into how other Catholics worshipped as well as several religions and lifestyles that were unfamiliar to me.

This is NOT what it might look like! Good Friday procession in Enna, Sicily (2015)

Curiosity allowed me to observe with an open mind, noting how others connected with their faith (or didn't).

Living in Uzbekistan presented me with a lot to chew on. While the country was considered predominantly Muslim, the part where I lived was not very religious at all. Yet, many customs were rooted in Islamic traditions.

The Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is a good example of the influence of Islam in the country

I began to see the differences between organized religion and spirituality. For me, I see that they could very much be separate entities.

Sometimes a religious or spiritual site might also be a tourist attraction. Think the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, or the hundreds of temples of Bagan, Myanmar.

Istanbul's Blue Mosque is a tourist attraction but local people also visit to pray (2008)

Each time I visited places like those, I sensed a spiritual energy that drew my attention.

The reverence and devotion that people have towards their religion often creates a spiritual aura that for me can be palpable.

This sunbeam at Hayravank Monastery in Armenia struck me as if angels were singing (2022)

Now I make it a practice to visit spiritual sites wherever I travel, as I always connect with the energy of the faithful.

Even if you don't initially feel into that energy, knowing it's an important place can at least provide you with an alternative travel experience.

This animal fetish market in Lomé, Togo, caters to practitioners of the vodun (voodoo) religion (2011)

Another great way to experience spiritual travel is to attend a festival. The most shocking one I've ever been to is Thaipusam, a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Unfortunately I have no photographic evidence, but I witnessed hundreds of devotees with spears, metal hooks, or barbs penetrating their skin. It is not for the faint of heart!

Thankfully, you don't have to pierce your cheeks to have a spiritual experience. Attending Midnight Mass on Christmas is a more tranquil and accessible example.

Absorbing spirituality at Lalibela, Ethiopia (2023)

It doesn't even have to be religion-based. I find that ocean waves can be profoundly spiritual, as can basking in the sun or walking in the woods. I mean, there's a Sun God and forest bathing for a reason!

Spirituality is accessible in abundance. We must be in the right frame of mind to accept it, and be open to receiving.

When I travel, I seek out spiritual experiences because I know that they contribute to my growth, wellbeing, and understanding of the world.

Mark receives a Pachamama traditional blessing near Cusco, Peru (2018)

Whether you are religious, spiritual, both, or neither, you can still use your curious mind to learn how others worship and connect to the divine.

Keep that in mind this holiday season, whether you are a bystander or an active participant.

Christmas lights and decor in George Town, Cayman Islands (2018)

Out of Curiosity...

Recently, I took my travel spirituality to the next level.

In Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, there is a sacred practice of getting Sak Yant tattoos. This isn't just an artistic design or simply a cultural practice.

Sak Yant is believed to be infused with magical energy. While it is a Buddhist tradition, getting one does not necessarily signify a connection with the religion.

Ajarn Ya applies the outline to my skin in preparation for the inking process

If you are a curious traveler who absorbs spirituality from holy sites or sacred practices, you may understand.

To honor my then impending 53rd birthday and to seek spiritual protection and guidance in the coming year, I made the decision to get a Sak Yant.

You can follow my journey on Instagram or read a detailed description of the process, including the history and meaning, on my most recent blog post.

Worshippers at Wat Prathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I was very pleased with the process, thanks to Where Sidewalks End. They work with trained "ajarns" (spiritual tattoo masters) in Thailand, who administer the Sak Yant.

They also offer many cross-cultural experiences in places around the world. Check them out here!

Sunset over Uluru, a sacred site for some aboriginal Australian people (2013)

So, out out curiosity...

Have you ever had a spiritual experience when traveling?

If you have a tattoo, piercing, or other spiritual-related visual that has had an impact on you, please send me a sharable link.

You may opt to keep it to yourself, and that's perfectly fine too. Share whatever you feel comfortable! You may be someone's inspiration.

Sporting my brand new traditional tattoo at the Taputapuātea Marae (Polynesian temple) Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site in Raiatea, French Polynesia (2019)

Tools 4 Travel

Whether you are interested in a Sak Yant or just a deeply cultural experience, Where Sidewalks End has you covered. From Thailand to Mexico, travel deeper and connect to ancient traditions when you journey abroad. Check out their offerings here and give yourself a holiday gift today.

In need of an escape? Sign up for airfare alerts on Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). There's a free subscription, but the paid version is worth it for years after only one deal. Spending Christmas in Tahiti with a flight less than $500 was the best travel deal ever. Join their mailing list today and start packing your bags for 2025.

Disclaimer: This section contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!