What is Christian Travel?
Cassie Yoshikawa
2 min read ⭑
What exactly is Christian travel? Most people think of study tours in Israel, mission trips to volunteer in Mexico, or sightseeing the great cathedrals of Europe. We seem to have limited Jesus to church buildings and volunteer work for non-profit organizations, but I’m championing a different perspective.
As a Christian who travels, I believe that every trip provides the opportunity to witness God’s handiwork. Even on trips, we would categorize as “vacation.” Our faith is more than Sundays, it’s all the days and miles in between. I believe there is more to Christian travel than volunteer trips and church tours. Every destination deepens my love for God, and I've found that all travel is Christian travel.
Ben Turnbull; Unsplash
So why categorize travel as Christian? First of all, it helps us broaden our perspectives. By traveling through the lens of our faith, when we experience different cultures and lifestyles, we can appreciate God’s creativity and diversity. At its core, Christian travel seeks to cultivate deeper spiritual awareness through exploration and discovery. It’s not just about visiting churches or attending religious services — although those can be part of the journey — but also becoming aware of God’s presence in any context or landscape. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves and onto God and cultivates a heart for gratitude and not self-sufficiency. The label might seem silly, but honestly, it reminds me of purpose and intentionality.
Secondly, Christian travel allows us to see God’s handiwork in new and surprising ways. When we witness the beauty of his creation — whether it’s the majesty of mountains, the vastness of oceans or the intricacy of wildlife — we are reminded of his power and wisdom. When we engage with ancient art and architecture, we are reminded of his gifts of creativity and craftsmanship. And when we connect with fellow believers in different parts of the world, we are reminded of his universal love and grace.
But Christian travel can also be completely leisure-oriented. Taking a break from routine and exploring new places can be a refreshing way to reconnect with God. God is the Lord of the Sabbath, and travel with Christ being the center reminds us of our dependency on him. Honestly, this is where I struggle the most- resting in the grace and sufficiency of Jesus. We have somehow concluded that rest means being unproductive. Rest forces us to relinquish control and trust that our lives will not fall apart because we are not the sustainers but rather God is.
Finally, Christian travel can be a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth. When we step out of our familiar routines and comfort zones, we are forced to rely on God’s guidance and provision. Travel is a chance to leave our routines and makes lifting our eyes from our circumstances easier. We learn to trust in his faithfulness and grace, even in unfamiliar or challenging situations. We also have opportunities to deepen our prayer life, Bible study and worship habits as we encounter new traditions and expressions of faith.
In summary, Christian travel invites us to see the world and our faith with fresh eyes. No matter where we go, we can find opportunities to witness God’s power, glory and character in unexpected ways. By broadening our perspectives, inspiring our hearts and challenging our growth, travel can transform us into more passionate and purposeful disciples of Jesus anywhere we go.
Cassie Yoshikawa believes there is more to Christian travel than volunteer trips and church tours. Every destination deepens her love for God, and her mission is to inspire that same love in others. On her blog, Cassie’s Compass, she curates destination guides and shows you how travel can deepen your faith, too. Follow along for the perspective of a Christian traveler who recognizes God as the creator of this beautiful world that we get to explore. You can also follow Cassie on Instagram.