2014 Religious Travel Planning Guide by Premier Travel Media

2014 EDITION

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The two Towers of the Grossmuenster in the evening light in Zurich

Switzerland’s Heritage. Switzerland’s diversity, its beautiful scenery, four national languages, its people and different cultures are easy to explore on one of the best public transport networks. Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Region Lucerne enjoys the distinction of being the only Swiss town that began as a monastery.Switzerland’s only born saint Brother Klaus‘ family house and chapel of the 15th century can be visited near Lucerne. The black Madonna in the Abbey of Einsiedeln marks as the most visited pilgrimage site in Switzerland. Lucerne is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. Zürich Some 150 years ago, part of the city’s fortifications was transformed into what is now arguably the most famous “Station

Road” in the world, the Bahnhofstrasse. The lively tradition of merchant guilds in Zürich is dating back to the Middle Ages. Equally impressive are their fine guild houses and guildhalls – such as the Zunfthaus zur Waag, open since at least 1303. Like the Grossmünster church, the Lindenhof square and the Öpfelchammer restaurant in the Niederdorf, these venues are now among the city’s cherished emblems. Swiss Travel System: all-in-one ticket New in 2014 the Swiss Travel System has launched an exclusive new attraction, the Swiss Peak Pass. When purchased in combination with a 4-day or 8-day Swiss Pass, it entitles you to unlimited travel up to eight of Switzerland‘s most scenic summits - the Allalin, Brienzer Rothorn, Cardada, Corvatsch, Niesen, Rochers-deNaye, Säntis, Stanserhorn CabriO.

For information, please visit MySwitzerland.com/heritage For bookings, please contact Globus: 866-821-2752 or go to globusfamilygroups.com

©iStockphoto.com/101PHOTO

8 contents Tensions can arise during a women’s retreat, but the calm after the storm just might be what God had planned.

VOL. 4 • 2014 EDITION

FEATURES

Planning Women’s Retreats: The 411 for 911s BY RACHEL GILMORE

Retreat leaders need to prepare for emotional disasters that might erupt

Bound for Holy Ground

BY RANDY MINK

Spiritual retreats, mission opportunities and recreational getaways all serve a purpose

Planning the trip of a lifetime to Israel and Jordan takes devotion to make it happen

A Chat with Gigi Graham

Making a Splash with Church Youth Trips BY DANIEL MORRILL

Five Captivating Trip Ideas for Your Faith Community BY KEVIN J. WRIGHT Fresh options range from cruise vacations to outdoor adventure activities

BY CINDI BRODHECKER

A daughter of Dr. Billy Graham discusses growing up in the home of the beloved evangelist

ON THE COVER: Mission Santa Clara de Asis on the Santa Clara (Calif.) University campus

Great Faith Travel Sites A quick glance at top Catholic shrines in America and Reformation museums in Europe

Directory Resources

(©iStockphoto.com/gnagel)

The Garden Tomb, one of many pilgrimage sites in Jerusalem Noam Chen/Israel Ministry of Tourism

Religious Travel Planning Guide

religioustravelplanningguide.com

Randy Mink

Roaming About God’s Green Earth hile a trip to the Holy Land may be the dream destination, plenty of equally worthy adventures await churches that organize trips for congregation members. A church travel program can include everything from local getaways to faraway places. Some trips are faith-based, others purely recreational. All promote fellowship. For a small-town church, it might be a weekend jaunt to the nearest big city. Many groups from the Midwest, for example, come to Chicago for museums, architecture tours, a Lake Michigan cruise and a visit to the lofty Sky Chapel under the spire of the Chicago Temple, downtown’s First United Methodist Church, the tallest church building in the world. Few places in the world fuel my wanderlust more than the Middle East. Though it calls for a substantial commitment in time and money, traveling to the holiest sites in Christendom creates memories to last a lifetime. A trip to the Holy Land, moreover, is a magic-carpet ride to cities, villages and desert outposts where people keep camels, haggle at exotic bazaars, and speak Hebrew and Arabic. My article on page 12 offers tips on planning a tour to Israel and Jordan. For ideas on types of church group trips that might not have been on your radar, see Kevin J. Wright’s piece on page 24. Among his suggestions: Cruises, wildlife safaris and agritourism experiences. When Christian ladies get together for a retreat, there can be plenty of meaningful moments, but it’s not always a bed of roses. Our feature on women’s retreats by Rachel Gilmore, author of The Complete Leader’s Guide to Christian Retreats, talks about how to handle thorny problems.

Religious Travel Planning Guide

Vol. 4, No. 1, 2014 Edition

Also in this fourth annual edition of Religious Travel Planning Guide are Cindi Brodhecker’s interview with Gigi Graham, a daughter of Dr. Billy Graham, and “Making a Splash with Church Youth Trips,” which spotlights opportunities for energizing a youth travel ministry. Complementing our print publication are online resources for planning your group trip. With listings and links to

Editorial Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com

Though it calls for a substantial commitment in time and money, traveling to the holiest sites in Christendom creates memories to last a lifetime group-friendly destinations and businesses, ReligiousTravelPlanningGuide.com is the premier research tool for the faith travel market. Our monthly e-newsletter, InSite on Religious Travel, offers plenty of ideas as well. As many of you know, planning for travel is half the fun. With that in mind, we hope this 2014 edition of Religious Travel Planning Guide, combined with our online resources, will inspire you to develop the best group trip ever and chart new paths for your community of faith. Happy traveling,

Contributing Writers Cindi Brodhecker Rachel Gilmore Kevin J. Wright Daniel Morrill

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com

Advertising Sales Office Phone: 630.794.0696 advertising@ptmgroups.com www.ptmgroups.com

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts. Religious Travel Planning Guide is published annually by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Postage paid at Willowbrook, IL and Lebanon Junction, KY. The magazine is distributed free to religious group travel organizers and travel suppliers catering to the market. Single copies for all others is $9.95.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527

publication

Randy Mink Managing Editor religioustravelplanningguide.com

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Planning

Women’s Retreats

Retreats offer opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth.

The 411 for 911s Human emotions can create interpersonal strife, but the drama that erupts might just be part of God’s plan

Religious Travel Planning Guide

and seeking out the lost in the midst of connectional catastrophes. This compassionate care is all part of retreat ministry, the goal of which is to allow time and space for God to be at work in our broken lives by reconnecting us with him and with one another. So here’s what to watch for… I

The Hot Lava Lady

I’ll never forget the Volcano Woman I saw erupt in my local post office a few years ago. That day the line was long; the wait was longer. The customer a few spots ahead of me obviously had better places to be and began sharing her impatient dissatisfaction with those around her. Loud complaints soon turned to insults laced with obscenities. After berating the clerk, who never once lost her cool, the woman eventually stormed out without making her purchase, leaving the rest of the line standing open-mouthed, in awe of the human natural disaster we’d just witnessed.

©iStockphoto.com/mediaphotos

peaking from experience, women are complex creatures and perhaps the most challenging for whom to plan a retreat. Youth, men and family groups seem much more, shall we say, adaptable. Even if things aren’t to their liking, for the most part, before long, any personal irritations caused by the location or other participants are quickly forgotten as the retreat gets into full swing. Not quite so with women, who seem to be especially adept at bringing out both the best--and worst--in each other in group settings. Knowing that, part of your work as women’s retreat planners involves looking ahead and preparing for the emotional natural disasters that could take place during the retreat. From hurt feelings over perceived cliquey-ness to hurt feelings from the past bubbling up to the surface and spilling over into a discussion, if the leadership team is not prepared for a little emergency management, a small emotional storm can rapidly escalate and ruin the weekend. Anyone who has served in women’s ministry knows the feeling…some days leadership feels like a walk in the park where peace, love and sisterhood abound. Other days, however, it feels like a never-ending journey to the center of the earth, where human natural disasters hit without warning, disrupting a group’s rhythm and testing leadership skills. And it is often in these crisis moments when leaders need to be most prepared that they feel the most illequipped to be the first responders to the Volcano Women who relentlessly vent their anger, the Tsunami Women who drown with drama, the Tornado Women who stir up trouble and the Earthquake Women who can shake even the firmest group foundation. The key, though, to dealing with any disaster is the trusty Girl Scout motto: be prepared. Leaders, even weekend-retreat, smallgroup discussion leaders, need to understand that God calls them to be rescue workers in his name, binding up the brokenhearted

©iStockphoto.com/101PHOTO

By Rachel Gilmore

Handling Hardened Hearts The retreat leadership team needs to be prepared for Volcano Women in their midst. Watch for the telltale smoke signaling an imminent eruption…constant complaints, never-ending negativity religioustravelplanningguide.com

When you offer people time and space to get away from everyday routines, reflect on their lives (past, present and future) and invite God in to be at work, things have the potential to get messy. And while the storms that arise can create quite the chaos, the calm that descends afterward can be just what God had planned all along.

Flood Relief It’s hard to pick yourself up and offer aid when you’re the one who’s been knocked off your feet; yet as a leader, that’s what you’ve been called to do. As your discussion group leaders are likely just weekend volunteers, for these first responders the best strategy may be to bite the bullet and ride it out. Simply acknowledge what was shared, thank the person and solicit another participant’s input. Or, ask the Tsunami Woman how she would apply what the group had just studied/discussed to what she just shared, which stems the drama tide and redirects the flow of the group’s conversation. Again, the retreat environment also allows for a private follow-up conversation and/or prayer time with other leaders, so don’t overlook that continuing opportunity to minister in Jesus’ name.

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break from the current discussion path to let the woman vent. The leader will also need to help set boundaries for the venting and suggest additional private conversations with herself or a member of the leadership team, if warranted, so that one person does not monopolize the small-group sessions. I

or wounded, her emotional seas begin to churn deep below the surface. Those around her won’t notice a difference in attitude; it’s that deceptive calm before the storm. Then, without warning, a Tsunami Woman will pull back and unleash her powerful ocean of emotions.

Duck and Cover

Both the Tornado Women and Earthquake Women inspire in others a need to seek shelter. Tornado Women tend to live in a high state of agitation and constant movement from crisis to crisis. They can whip into a room in a worried frenzy and leave an almost visible path of confusion and hurt where they’ve touched down. Similarly, Earthquake Women typically live in fear…fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of being unloved, fear of being labeled unlovable. These fears cause cracks in their relationships, which isolate them and throw their lives off balance. Doubt easily replaces faith in these women, leaving them vulnerable and emotionally unsteady.

Engulfed

©iStockphoto.com/tissa

One winter our family went to an indoor water park in the Wisconsin Dells. Eager to jump into the fun, my husband and our six-year-old son quickly joined a gathering crowd on the deck as a bell clanged incessantly in the distance. Suddenly, and seemingly without warning, hundreds of thousands of gallons of water came rushing down from above. Small children, including my sturdy son, were sent flying. Even some adults were knocked to their knees. Shouts of joy became shrieks of fear in this mini-Midwestern tsunami. Certainly, your retreat discussion groups have the potential to be overwhelmed like that by a Tsunami Woman. Do you have a participant who seems engulfed in a sea of previously calm emotions? Drowned in her dramas? Incapacitated by her issues? Submerged in her self-centeredness? For a Tsunami Woman, the world revolves around her, and when she feels she’s been slighted religioustravelplanningguide.com

Restoration and Reconciliation When working with these personality types, consistency and stability are crucial to emergency relief, especially in the midst of a short-term, small-group setting, like a retreat discussion group. Leaders should take care to monitor their own reactions to the Tornado and Earthquake Women in their groups and evaluate whether their responses are somehow encouraging the destructive behavior. Keeping things calm, following the established retreat schedule and small group discussion structure and purposefully praying for unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace within the group can help restore and maintain equilibrium. I

Also on the Radar Screen

While keeping an eye out for these stormy personalities, retreat planners should be aware of these other potential disasters: Cabin/room/group assignments …be aware of existing cliques and know that newcomers may feel especially alone or unwelcome. You will know your group best, but sometimes using random seReligious Travel Planning Guide

©iStockphoto.com/killerb10

or rude remarks that spew out over her unsuspecting fellow participants. These wounded women typically harbor a red hot anger at their center, which often has nothing to do with the group itself but is disastrous nonetheless. To diffuse the situation, a leadership team member or small group leader can say something like, “I can see that really touched on something for you. Do you want to talk about it for a minute?” This gives a Volcano Woman a chance to identify the source of the anger, although it may mean that the group takes a momentary

lection at least for group assignments puts everyone on equal social footing and creates opportunities for new friendships to form. Location expectations and how to address concerns or unmet expectations after arrival…be clear up front about the facility amenities. Do gather all participant concerns as valuable feedback but immediately address legitimate ones with on-site management. Worries over leaving a spouse with or without children at home…use your “encouragers” and experienced retreat participants to reassure these worried women that retreat time is time well spent both for her and her family. Also don’t be afraid to set clear boundaries for phone/tech use to really give women a chance to take a time out from daily life. Getting the word out…publicize your retreat in multiple ways to multiple groups of women in your church. Personal invitations are also great for helping all women feel included and welcomed, maybe in the form of a “save the date” postcard handed to women months ahead, as well as a registration form hand delivered the month before. Your retreat planning team can divide up the list of all church women so no one is excluded. Finances…women often feel like they can’t set aside the money

to take a time out for themselves. Establish the total per person cost and begin publicizing it early so that women have time to budget for the expense. Also approach your church about helping offset the total cost, offering scholarships to women in need or allowing your group to host a fundraiser to reduce the total cost for all participants. No time to retreat for the retreat leadership team…make sure that all of your details are covered well in advance and that tasks are delegated and shared among the team and/or other volunteers so that all attending have the opportunity to renew and refresh their relationship with God and with one another. I

Leader 911

The truth is, however, the retreat leadership team and/or their recruited small group leaders may be truly unequipped to administer anything beyond emergency aid when emotional natural disasters unfold in a retreat setting. Like their environmental counterparts, human natural disasters have the potential to wreak havoc, destroying relationships with others and with God. Yet the potentially unstable interpersonal dynamics are part and parcel of retreat ministry. When you offer people time and space to get away from everyday routines, reflect on their lives (past, present and future) and invite God in to be at work, things have the potential to get messy. And while the storms that arise can create quite the chaos, the calm that descends afterward can be just what God had planned all along. Trust him to lead you through the wind and water and remember what Jesus told his disciples: “…love one another as I have loved you” ( John 15:12). Now, if you’re ready to retreat, assemble your retreat leadership team and start the planning process. Don’t forget to invite God to be a part of that team. “The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps” (Proverbs 16:9)! However, if you feel like you need more help, then check out The Complete Leader’s Guide to Christian Retreats ( Judson Press 2008), available at judsonpress.com. Or feel free to email me at rachel@thegilmoregirl.com. I’m always happy to answer planning questions via email, although I’m also available to work as a consultant with your planning team or serve as a retreat speaker. May your retreat ministry help you transform hearts and minds for God. U

Sources like Rachel Gilmore’s The Complete Leader’s Guide to Christian Retreats abound with planning tips.

Religious Travel Planning Guide

religioustravelplanningguide.com

Welcome to a favorite destination for faith-based groups. One built on family values under the grandeur of the Smoky Mountains. Here you can discover more horses and lumberjacks. More roller coasters. More down-home cooking. More shopping and attractions. A place that offers a wide range of fun for anyone at any age. Welcome to a detour from the ordinary.

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Bound for Holy Ground A church group trip to Israel and Jordan could hardly be more inspirational, but making it a reality takes some devotion By Randy Mink

The Church of St. John the Baptist is nestled in the hills of Ein Karem, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Jerusalem (aerial photo).

magine being with church friends in Jerusalem and walking the Way of the Cross, the path that traces Jesus’ route during his last hours on earth. Picture your group on the banks of the Jordan River or sailing across the Sea of Galilee. Ponder the meaning of a worship service at the Church of the Beatitudes—on the very spot where Jesus is said to have preached the Sermon on the Mount. For any church with a travel program—or thoughts of establishing one—the Holy Land looms as the ultimate destination. Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and his disciples can be a life-changing experience, one that transforms the heart and spirit. Indeed, the Bible takes on a whole new meaning for Christians who have traveled to connect with the roots of their faith. Such a trip to the most iconic sites in Christendom—in places straight from the Bible—can strengthen a church community by creating 12

Religious Travel Planning Guide

fellowship and providing spiritual renewal for individual members. And think of the sheer adventure of traipsing off to this ancient corner of the world. While the notion of spending a week or two in the Land of the Bible will generate excitement among the congregation, a trip to Israel and Jordan is obviously a much larger undertaking than a weekend campout. Like any overseas trip, it calls for a certain investment in time and money. And planners need to consider all the logistics involved. But it’s the journey of a lifetime—buckle up!

Getting Started

First of all, the priest, pastor or another leader—rather than just talk about the vague possibility of going to the Holy Land—has to make a firm decision that the trip will definitely take place. He or she must confidently declare that the trip is on. religioustravelplanningguide.com

Israel Ministry of Tourism

Once that commitment has been made, the person in charge and his committee need to find a professional travel provider who can plan the trip from beginning to end. Most church leaders do not have the expertise or time to set up a tour on their own. National tour operators like Collette and Globus/Cosmos offer a wide variety of trips around the world, including a selection of tours specifically designed for the religious market. Some tour companies focus exclusively on faith-based travel and work only with church groups. Others specialize in Israel, Jordan and the Eastern Mediterranean, packaging trips for both faith-based and secular groups. Church travel leaders also can work with a local travel agent, who acts as a middleman between the client and tour operator. Travel agents charge a commission for their services and may not specialize in the Holy Land, but they can help steer you toward a reliable operator—and the local connection is a plus. religioustravelplanningguide.com

Here are some things to ask when selecting a tour provider: ✹ Does the tour operator understand the importance of this type of travel and will it be responsive to your church’s needs? ✹ Is it experienced in arranging trips to the Holy Land? ✹ Can the operator make room for daily devotions in the itinerary, schedule worship services or help with other special requests? ✹ Can it provide references from other churches it has worked with? Omer Eshel, director of the Israel Government Tourist Office in Chicago, said a common mistake is opting for a “cookie-cutter” tour that might not fit your particular denomination. Catholics and evangelicals, for example, have different interests, he pointed out. (See page 16 sidebar with Israel Ministry of Tourism tips on choosing a tour company.) Dr. George Koch, the minister of Resurrection Anglican Church in West Chicago, Ill., recently took a group of 17 to Israel and worked with the tour operator (Pentecost Tours) to include not only traditionally visited sites but some “relatively unknown but meaningful” places he knew about. In addition, he arranged to have a Sunday morning service at Christ Church in Jerusalem, the oldest Protestant church (Anglican) in the Middle East, and communion at the Garden Tomb. Planning for Resurrection Anglican’s trip started six or seven months before the departure date, but Eshel recommends that the planning process begin 12 to 18 months out, as trip leaders need the time to generate interest among the congregation, promote the tour, sign people up and let everyone clear their calendars. He said organizers should not get discouraged if only a handful of people show up for the initial orientation meeting—with determination and proper promotion, the trip will materialize.

When To Go

Israel has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool, sometimes rainy weather from November through March (when off-season hotel rates and airfares are available, except at Christmas). Spring and early fall are ideal as the country is virtually rainless from April through October. “I would recommend any season except for summer,” Eshel said, noting that it’s hard to find a hotel room in summer, a time when the Jewish community in Europe comes to visit family and the locals are on vacation. Also, avoid the Easter/Passover period and the Jewish High Holidays in late September/early October, Religious Travel Planning Guide

he advised. The shoulder season from Easter to Pentecost is less crowded and offers good weather. As for airfares, Eshel said they’re highest at Christmas, lowest in February.

Itinerary: How Long and What to Include

Because Israel and neighboring Jordan are small countries—Israel is the size of New Jersey—your group can cover a lot of ground in a week or so, hitting the main sights without many long bus rides. A minimum would be seven days, but 10 or 12 days is better. Keep in mind that a tour operator’s advertised 10-day trip includes only seven or eight days of sightseeing because of travel days and time zone changes. A flight from New York to Tel Aviv is 10 hours and 20 minutes, from Los Angeles 14 hours and 20 minutes. A multi-day stay in Jerusalem is common to many tours. Collette’s nine-day/sevennight “Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land,” for example, spends the last four nights at hotels in centrally located Jerusalem, but even a whole week in this fascinating city

Religious Travel Planning Guide

religioustravelplanningguide.com

“ Pastors and tour leaders

Jordan Tourism Board

can easily spend a week in Jordan following in the footsteps of Jacob, Elijah, John the Baptist, Moses, Jesus and many others, and still just scratch the surface.

”

Visitors to Bethany Beyond the Jordan may see priests or pastors performing baptisms.

— Malia Asfour Jordan Tourism Board Director, North America

would not do it justice. As the cradle of three religions—Christianity, Judaism and Islam— Jerusalem overflows with riches and can be overwhelming if not taken in small doses. Ending the tour in Jerusalem, rather than starting there, gives the group time to acclimate to Israel and guarantees the trip ends on a high note. Besides the Way of the Cross, or Via Dolorosa, Christian groups in Jerusalem typically visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and important churches like the 12th century Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built over the site where it’s believed Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Other common stops are the Western Wall and Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum, sites with deep meaning for Jews. A standard tour of Israel also takes in the northern region, where pilgrims visit Capernaum and other Sea of Galilee locations associated with Christ’s ministry. In Nazareth, Christian travelers flock to the massive Basilica of the Annunciation, which occupies the site of Mary’s home, where, according to Roman Catholic tradition, Gabriel made his announcement, or annunciation. Some places included on a Holy Land tour lie in territory administered by the Palestinian Authority, the most prominent being the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, a few miles south of Jerusalem. Jordan is the eastern side of the Holy Land and rich with Old and New Testament history. Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board, North America, said, “There are too many bible stories to name, but any Holy Land program should include Jordan—it is an integral part of the bible, not an extension, so it should be an integrated part of any church trip to the Holy Land, not an afterthought.” Asfour acknowledges that church groups often combine Jordan with Egypt and Israel, but standalone, faith-based Jordan itineraries are available. “Pastors and tour leaders can easily spend a week religioustravelplanningguide.com

Religious Travel Planning Guide

n its free, 30-page Christian Leader’s Tour Planning Guide, the Israel Ministry of Tourism offers these hints on choosing a tour company:

Israel Ministry of Tourism

Get proposals from several operators. The Israel Ministry of Tourism does not endorse individual tour organizers but has a list of operators on its website, goisrael.com. Compare the quotes for value as well as price—that is, see what’s included in the base price. A lower-priced tour, for example, may offer fewer meals, fewer tours and more modest hotels. Choice of hotels can make a big difference in price and in the tour experience. Count the “days at leisure” on the tour. Some groups welcome free time, but others may want to pack in as much sightseeing as possible. And beware of the added cost of optional tours on days at leisure.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher: pilgrimage site in Jerusalem It’s suggested that all tips, taxes and transfers, plus entrance fees to museums and attractions, be included in the selling price. (An exception may be the freewill gratuities to the tour guide and bus driver.) Note meal descriptions and how many meals are included. Remember that a “continental” breakfast is usually just rolls, jam, and coffee or tea, while an “Israeli” breakfast means a hearty buffet, for which Israel’s hotels are famous. Look at how the process of trip registration, billing and communication with participants is handled by the tour operator. Get it all in writing. If you make any arrangements that differ from those in the tour brochure, make sure you have written confirmation for those arrangements. The tour-planning booklet is part of the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s “Christian Leader’s Tool Kit,” which has a CD-ROM with a template for preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) that can be sent to several tour operators—each company will submit its best response to your proposal. The CD also has photos, graphics and templates for e-mail blasts, promo letters and press releases. The booklet offers a step-by-step outline on how to promote the tour and recruit participants. Other free promotional materials in the Tool Kit include brochures, maps, a “Video Tools” DVD, and trip promotion shells and letterhead with photographs of Israel. Another resource is “The Bible Comes to Life,” a 12-part series of video programs that links the biblical stories to the physical land of Israel. In addition, the tourism ministry can arrange for speakers to come to the church.

Religious Travel Planning Guide

in Jordan following in the footsteps of Jacob, Elijah, John the Baptist, Moses, Jesus and many others, and still just scratch the surface.” She added, “We hear so often from pastors and other visitors that they appreciate the unspoiled nature of our holy sites. We have worked to avoid overcommercializing the biblical locations while at the same time making them easily accessible to groups and individuals coming for religious purposes.” Bethany Beyond the Jordan baptism park, where Jesus was baptized by John, is Jordan’s No. 1 biblical site and has seen substantial development (including newly built churches and guesthouses outside the protected area) since archaeological discoveries in the mid-1990s identified it as the exact site where John carried out his baptisms. People from all over the world come to be baptized or re-baptized in the River Jordan. ( Just across the river Israel operates its own baptism site.) Also in Jordan is Mount Nebo, the reputed burial site of the Hebrew prophet Moses. In nearby Madaba, the “City of Mosaics,” groups visit St. George Greek Orthodox Church and see its mosaic floor map of the Holy Land, made around 560 A.D. Mosaic artisans demonstrate their skills at Madaba handicraft stores. Time for shopping and just catching your breath should be built into any Holy Land itinerary. It doesn’t have to be one pilgrimage site after another. Groups Souvenir shops entice tourists prowling the appreciate having time to wander squares and alleyways of Old Jerusalem. through the exotic bazaars, testing their bargaining skills over caftans, handbags and religious souvenirs. Instead of a group restaurant meal, travelers occasionally may want the chance to try Middle Eastern street foods like falafel (a pita bread wrap of deep-fried chickpeas with salad) or shawarma, a sandwich packed with salad and grilled lamb sliced from a spit. Another popular meal option: Lunch at a kibbutz, the uniquely Israeli brand of communal living. For a little beach interlude, some tours allow time for a float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea before or after visiting the ruins of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by shepherds in 1947. Both Israel and Jordan have well developed resort areas on the mineral-rich body of water known for its therapeutic qualities. Safety is always an issue when travel to the Middle East is discussed, but groups should not let that be a factor, Eshel said. “I always like to say ‘3.5 million tourists a year come to Israel. Out of that 3.5 million, 3.5 million come home safe and sound.’” Dr. Koch, who has been to Israel several times, said first-timers worry about the water, food and medical care. “But the water is as good, if not better, than home, the food is terrific and the medical care is world-class.” The Anglican minister’s main message to those contemplating a trip to the Holy Land: “Do whatever you can to go. It’s life-changing.” U

Israel Ministry of Tourism

Tips on Choosing a Tour Provider

Exclusive ✹ Online For Christian tour planners considering Jordan as part of a Holy Land itinerary, see answers to questions posed to by Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board, North America, at the Religious Travel Planning Guide website. Log on to http://tinyurl.com/mhb8mt7. religioustravelplanningguide.com

A Chat With

GIGI GRAHAM By Cindi Brodhecker

Cindi: All of your recent talk with Gigi Graham, daughter of Dr. Billy Grabrothers and sisters ham, gave us some insight on being in the family of the have followed in your world’s most recognized Christian speaker, a man who father’s footsteps as was born and raised on a dairy farm outside of Charlotte, N.C. Christian leaders. Did but was called to travel the world and preach the gospel. you feel strongly comGigi also has been a world traveler, and we talked about how pelled, or should we say travel can broaden your horizons, stretch your understanding of moved, to follow that other people and change the mindset on what can you do in the Gigi Graham path? As a daughter of world for God. Billy and Ruth GraGigi has lived in Israel and Switzerland as well as different ham, do you feel an obligation to continue their work? Is it ever states here in the U.S. When she talks about Switzerland, there is a burden being the daughter of famous parents? a glow on her face as she reveals her memories and favorite places. Gigi: Never any pressure to follow in their path. Sometimes She returns as often as her schedule permits. people think our family is different, but it is a balancing act—a reHere is how the conservation unfolded: sponsibility, a privilege. I am always happy when people recognize Cindi Brodhecker: How have you patterned your life after me, and I hope I was behaving. We face the same challenges as that of your father and mother? Is there some specific lesson or any other family. There are always other piece of advice from them that you’ve peoples’ expectations, but we have to be carried with you since childhood? ourselves. Gigi Graham: Mother and Daddy People now want to touch us or take set fine examples for us as children and a picture with us as the children of Billy helped us to turn our lives over to the Graham because Daddy is not as accesLord at an early age. We never felt pressible. People ask me if that is a bother sured to pursue a full-time ministry but and I say no, it is a privilege because only what the Lord wanted for us and they or someone close to them were our life. They only wanted the best—no touched by Daddy’s life. They want to different than any other parents who share their story. want only the best for their children. Cindi: Your father is 95 years old There are many family members inand still one of the world’s most advolved in full-time ministries, from my mired men. How is he doing? brother Franklin to the grandchildren Gigi: His birthday celebration in (19) and great-grandchildren (41). November was very important to him One example that we all saw was because of the video promotion of My our parents were never judgmental, alHope. He is blessed by the results from ways accepting and loving all people this video and the messages they still reand types. Mother could be as comfortceive from those who have seen the proable with an old man from the moungram. He is physically weak but tains coming in the house for tea to rejoicing in the Lord and all that is hapmeeting the royalty of the world. I reGigi is one of five children of Dr. Billy Graham, pening, even in his local church when his member one time being on vacation perennially one of America’s most admired men. pastor visits. The family does keep him with Daddy and he got a call from the informed of local news and happenings as well as the world events. White House. A dignitary from another country was visiting and Cindi: What is the state of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Daddy was invited to go to Washington to meet him. Daddy told Association? How has it evolved over the years and what’s in its his secretary to decline, so he could continue his vacation. Daddy future with your brother Franklin as CEO? paced all day long and in the end told his secretary to call and acGigi: The association is doing well and going strong. The video cept the invitation because ‘this may be the only time I can shake of My Hope has taken the past year to compile and they have great his hand and tell him about Jesus.’”

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Religious Travel Planning Guide

A Chat With

GIGI GRAHAM Cindi: What other writing and speaking activities are you involved in? What else do you do to keep busy? Gigi: I am at The Cove as an ambassador, a family representative. (The Cove is the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s retreat center in Asheville, N.C.) I also do family chats two times a week at The Cove with the history of the family starting with the grandparents, my parents meeting and engagement, how the ministry started, and what each of the children are doing. We have many groups coming to The Cove from coast to coast and all sizes of groups from small to large.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains aid quake victims in Haiti.

footage of Daddy and of other people sharing either their life story or how Daddy impacted them. They do hope to continue to produce these types of short videos that can be used in local churches and organizations. Another project that has kept them busy is Rapid Response, where they send chaplains to areas of the world experiencing disasters. They work hand in hand with Samaritan’s Purse, which has been working in this area of ministry for many years. They still travel all over the world with the crusades and that involves Franklin and a nephew. They are traveling continually. The TV presence is still very strong. Franklin is a very good administrator, but as we all know the future is still in the future. Cindi: You are the author of For Women Only: Keeping Your Balance in a Changing World. What is your main message for women in this crazy world? Gigi: In one word—balance. To live a Christian life in these changing, fast-paced times, we need the proper balance. It’s hard to find that balance and not comprise our convictions without being judgmental. Mother and Daddy have set a fine example for us as children to respect and accept others without judgment and offer love.

Franklin Graham leads a session at The Cove in Asheville, N.C.

Religious Travel Planning Guide

Gigi and I continued to talk about the younger generation in the Christian world. We agreed they are open more to grace from God and less judgmental of others. As the younger generation has had many more opportunities to travel (high school class trips, college musical touring, study abroad, etc.), they have a more open mind and a better sense of compassion and understanding with regard to people of different faiths. Gigi said that people ask if she and her sisters and brothers traveled with their dad as he started his worldwide ministry. She tells them, “No, we stayed home with Momma and went to school. We

“

To live a Christian life in these changing, fast-paced times, we need the proper balance. It’s hard to find that balance and not comprise our convictions without being judgmental. Mother and Daddy have set a fine example for us as children to respect and accept others without judgment and offer love. — GIGI GRAHAM

”

did have the privilege of living in the small community of Montreat, N.C., which is mountain country, redneck country but the home of many retired missionaries. We grew up hearing Chinese, Mandarin, Spanish and other languages and all their wonderful stories of living in those areas. Now we have the opportunity of short-term mission trips and other forms of faith travel that give us these experiences.” Living in other countries, Gigi shared, has been the greatest privilege of her life. She explains, “I arrived in these places a little timid, a little scared because it was different than arriving and going into a hotel. I lived with the people. It broadened me as a person, opened my mind to different things and made me understand that our way is not always the only way to do things.” Thanks to Gigi Graham for her time and thoughts. She is a great lady, fun to travel with, and beautiful inside and out. If you visit The Cove and see Gigi, tell her you read this interview. Cindi Brodhecker is president of Faith Travel Development & Consulting (faithtraveldevelopment.com). For women, she offers programs for fellowship and spiritual enrichment through Priscilla Woman’s Tours religioustravelplanningguide.com

ust as every message you teach to your youth group has a purpose, every trip you take should have a purpose as well. Some trips should just be for fun and relationship building, while others should focus on discipleship, evangelism or service. Fun trips, retreats and mission trips are the three most common types of youth trips, and while each type has an inherent purpose, it must fit into an overall plan that leverages all three types and their potential outcomes.

Fun Trips

Each trip you take will build on the previous one, and it all starts with fun, recreational-type trips. Whether it’s a water park, paintballing or the world-famous ice cream shack two hours away, day trips are the building blocks of relationships. “The overall purpose is for the students to have a positive experience around the group,” said Rob Chagdes, campus pastor at Jupiter (Fla.) Christian School and a former youth pastor of 17 years. “In those activities, that is usually the catalyst for the relationships that people form in their youth group.” And what would a youth group be without relationships? Given its purpose, when picking what to do on a fun trip, avoid ordinary activities and ones that limit talking amongst the group. “You want to find something that people actually want to go to,” Chagdes said. “And if you want

Making a

Splashwith

A day trip could be as simple as a water park frolic. ©iStockphoto.com/Casarsa

Church Youth Trips Whether it’s a recreational frolic, spiritual retreat or mission opportunity far from home, travel promotes the ties that bind By Daniel Morrill

Religious Travel Planning Guide

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Retreats

Retreats give students a chance to recharge their spiritual batteries.

In today’s world of youth ministry, most of the retreats taken are designated as “winter retreats” and involve snow-related activities. While there is nothing wrong with classifying a retreat this way, it has unfortunately made retreats an increasingly regional thing. Areas that lack a snowy winter may pass up on retreats altogether. But while the weather can play a part in the weekend’s activities, it should never dissuade a youth pastor from planning a weekend away. religioustravelplanningguide.com

Religious Travel Planning Guide

©iStockphoto.com/Lokibaho

©iStockphoto.com/SolStock

“The real value that I see in retreats is that you have a group of students that need each other at the end of the retreat because they have had true fellowship,” said John Gunden, senior pastor of The River’s Edge Church in Caseville, Mich. and president and founder of R U Red E? Ministries. Many youth groups do two retreats each year, one each high school semester, with one focused on discipling the group and the other aimed at evangelizing to the group and the friends that they bring along. Discipleship retreats serve as a good reality check, so consider planning one to land a month after For youth groups in northern regions, a winter retreat might include some time on the slopes. your group goes back to school in the fall when they may need to refocus on their relationship with Christ. them to have fun, you want them to have fun together. You want “If you’re going to do a discipleship retreat, then you want to them to have a shared experience.” think outside the box because comfort is the opposite of growth,” For this reason, movies and shows should be counted out, unless Chagdes said. “You want your students to be uncomfortable a little the particular showing serves a purpose in your ministry. Amusebit. Whether that’s setting up prayer stations or worship stations ment and water parks are common choices, and often times have or making it so they can’t talk the whole morning until the session, attractive group rates. Fun centers may be more local and offer a that’s where it starts.” variety of experiences, and things like laser-tag, paintball or other You’ll want to plan fun activities to balance out your sessions, recreational activities are also popular. Opportunities will differ but the focus should be on discipling your group. When January based on region, but as long as it accomplishes its purpose and the or February rolls around, have an evangelism-based retreat that restudents are excited about it, feel free to be creative. volves around something fun that your group will want to bring You will want to let the youth group and parents know of an their friends to. Whether that is skiing, other snow-related activupcoming trip at least a month in advance, so give yourself some ities, paintball, water sports or anything you may come up with, time before then to flesh out the big details. From there, it’s time encourage your group to bring people, and then making your sesto promote the trip. sions pointed and meaningful. You may be surprised at the out“Over communicate to parents,” Chagdes said. “Let them know come. what is going on and what the deadlines are. If you get a couple of Camps are the most popular places to take retreats, as they offer key students invested and they know about it and are going to go, a change of pace and plenty of activities. Wherever you choose to they are going to tell people about it.” take a retreat, it should be a place where your students won’t have During the school year, try to have at least one fun trip every trouble being present. two months. Plan more if you are able to, but at most you should “You want a place that minimizes distractions,” Chagdes said. average one a month. While fun trips are essential to a healthy “The whole idea of a retreat is that you are retreating, pulling back youth group, they must be kept in perspective. from something. I really think that camps work the best because “You just don’t want it to be the centerpiece of your ministry,” you go somewhere where there is nature, and it’s a different enviChagdes said. “Because if the fun things are the centerpiece, people ronment from the one they normally live in. There’s no TV, they’re won’t want to come to the meaningful stuff, and you become a recreation director.”

Mission Trips

©iStockphoto.com/Kali Nine LLC

Mission trips are the most daunting trip to pull together, but they often can be the most rewarding. If planned correctly, your trip will leave a lasting impact on the community you serve, but it also will have a strong effect on your group. “The sad truth is that students don’t always connect with Christ while they are at church growing up,” said Nick Cocalis, director of Next Step Ministries, an organization that arranges one-week mission trips for junior high and high school students. “When you get out in the mission field and you are serving and working on projects and looking outward for things to do, Mission trips offer youth groups the opportunity to help people in need and share their faith. those are the times you are acting most like not on the internet and so forth and you have the chance to do Christ and those are the times when you are most around what things outdoors. It should be a place that your students would God is up to.” never go to otherwise.” In planning a mission trip, it’s often hard to know where to You will want to give students and parents at least three months start. Where to go? What to do? Why? First, start by finding a warning of an upcoming retreat. Cost can range from $100-$200 parent organization to partner with. There are many organizations based on your location and activities, so telling your group far in already established in communities around the globe that work advance is important. Advertise the retreat as you would other with youth pastors on planning effective mission trips. events, and depending on the retreat’s purpose, encourage your “It’s not a one-week handout that these communities need,” group to invite their friends. Cocalis said. “They need long-term investment and they need peo-

Religious Travel Planning Guide

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ple building up their leaders and who will be there after you are gone. A one-week mission trip is not going to save a community. But if you can get involved with an organization that can take your one week and put it in a plan and a process of being there week after week and year after year, then you can really see the fruit of your labor.” These organizations will also help you to keep the cost of your trip down and figure out all the logistics of getting there and getting things done. Safety is always a concern of parents when their child goes on a mission trip, and being connected to an organization makes the trip much safer for all involved. “Always connect with a parent organization that can keep you in the loop and keep you safe,” said Dr. Sandy Friesen, coordinator of service opportunities and intercultural studies at Evangel University, who wrote her doctoral dissertation on the effect of short-term missions. “You need to have a contact on the ground.” When you have found an organization that you trust and that aligns with your group’s values and purposes, look into the trips that they have available. You will want to choose a location that your students can get excited about going to and the work to be done, and a place that is fundamentally different from where they live. If you pastor an inner-city youth group, don’t take an inner-city mission trip. Give your students a new experience that will take them out of their comfort zone and allow them to be used by God. If it’s your first time planning a mission trip, give yourself at least a full year to pull everything together. You will want to let your group and parents know the details at least nine months out from the trip. They will need to get the week on their calendars and have time to fundraise, as mission trips can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on how far you choose to go. Have students write support letters to raise money for the trip, and help them fundraise by planning several group fundraising activities. It can be as simple as a car wash or a bake sale, but feel free to get creative. In the months leading up to the trip, it is also crucial to spend time training your group. “You have to sit down with your team and help them understand the place they’re going to,” Gunden said. “The demographics. The nature of the people. If it’s an international trip, they need to know the sensibilities that the people might have to Americans and our culture. Remind the team that they are guests. All those simple things.” religioustravelplanningguide.com

While it is easy to get caught up in the work you are doing, don’t forget that evangelism is at the heart of all missions. Train your group on how to share their faith with those they will encounter, and the trip could become infinitely more meaningful than planned. “What good is it if you give a person a glass of water, but you don’t give them the living water?” Gunden said. “What good is it if you give them a piece of bread, if you don’t give them the bread of life? What good is it if you build them a house, but you don’t introduce them to Christ who is preparing them a mansion forever?” U

Religious Travel Planning Guide

By Kevin J. Wright

ilgrimages and mission trips have traditionally been the bedrock of faithbased travel—and for good reason. These two types of travel enable people to experience and share their faith in very personal, powerful and extraordinary ways. For example, a trip to the Holy Land provides individuals with opportunities to stand in the very presence of places, people and events that have shaped their religion (see Randy Mink’s Holy Land article on page 12). As a group planner, ask yourself this question: Are there any other forms of travel that also can provide the enriching benefits of faith, fun and fellowship? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Below are five captivating trip ideas to consider for your community:

Cruises

One travel trend among congregations that has gained tremendous popularity in recent years is cruising. Such vacations are perfect for appealing to people of all ages, making it great for families, young adults, couples, singles and seniors. Best yet, cruising can take on many different forms, from big-ship cruising in Alaska, the Caribbean or Mediterranean to small-ship river or even lake cruising. Many communities like to theme their cruises with special programs while bringing onboard faith-based entertainers, speakers and music bands. By combining such activities together in one setting, few forms of travel can match the spiritual relaxation, rejuvenation and revitalization benefits of cruising. Adventuresome church groups are hiking through Inca ruins in Peru, going on African safaris and seeing world wonders like India’s Taj Mahal.

Religious Travel Planning Guide

Photos courtesy of G Adventures

CAPTIVATING TRIP IDEAS FOR YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY

Day Trips to Attractions

Virtually every destination is home to attractions ranging from amusement parks, museums and historical sites to zoos, forts and sporting venues, not to mention fairs and festivals. Church group outings to such places combine the best of faith, fun, education and entertainment experiences. Best yet, many attractions offer special events, programs and discounts designed specifically for faith-based communities. In addition, as such travel opportunities can often be done in a day’s time and at limited cost, these types of trips usually have the greatest appeal to congregation members. I

Adventure & Active Vacations

Scripture is full of adventure stories. Think of Noah and his ark, Moses and his climb up Mount Sinai, and the many courageous journeys of Apostle Paul. Today’s adventure and active vacation options for faith-based communities are virtually endless, with such opportunities as skiing, whitewater rafting, bicycling excursions, camping, hot air ballooning, hiking, rock climbing, mud runs, wildlife viewing and fishing tours. Such trips can provide individuals and congregations with the rewarding benefits of spiritual, physical and emotional renewal. I

Agritourism

Agritourism is generally defined as any form of travel experience that brings visitors to a farm, ranch, vineyard, orchard or horticulture site. Corn maze excursions are among the most popular agricultural trips for faith-based groups. But there are many more options to choose from, including on-site guest stays, orchard touring, picking fruit, riding hay wagons, observing beehives, petting and feeding animals, or even participating in farm-work experiences such as cattle drives. An agritourismbased experience will provide your congregation with a fresh way of traveling together. I

Wildlife Safaris

What better way to experience God than literally being in the bushes of a jungle or faraway continent. Faith-based safaris can incorporate praying and devotional services before a game drive, sharing personal testimonies around a campfire or simply enjoying the beauty of creation while in the midst of spectacular landscapes. Few vacations can match the unforgettable memories and experiences of a safari for your community. After reading through the above list, what’s next? Present a list of diverse trip ideas to your faith community and solicit their feedback. You might be surprised by what you learn regarding their favorite travel experience preferences. Most importantly, you’ll now have the necessary information and insight to move forward with developing and delivering a vibrant and dynamic group travel plan for the year ahead. What better way to ensure the success of your travel program and ministry. Kevin J. Wright is director of growth markets for NTA (ntaonline.com). He is also the author of four travel guidebooks, a popular speaker, frequent media interviewee and regular blogger (growthmarketstourism.com). religioustravelplanningguide.com

A RELIGIOUS GROUP TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCE LIKE NO OTHER n the past the annual print edition of the Religious Travel Planning Guide has walked readers through the process of how to book and run a successful religious group trip--advance planning, tools and tips focusing on choosing destinations, hotels and tour operators, fundraising, insurance, chaperones, checklists and etiquette. However, this year marks a turning point in the way you will research and plan your next faith-based group trip. A new website, ReligiousTravelPlanningGuide.com, has been designed from the ground up to meet the changing needs of our religious travel planning community. With a membership of more than 9,000 strong, we strive to provide the most comprehensive collection of information and tools available to assist our diverse readership.

Information Rich

Religious Travel Planning Guide Homepage

Our online archives hold hundreds of articles detailing domestic and international religious destinations, attractions and tours, with more being added every month, while our database contains hundreds of hotel, tour operator, attraction, dining and venue suppliers to meet your research and planning needs. Looking for a little more direction? Browse our collection of pre-made sample itineraries for inspiration.

Expert Advice Do you need to plan a retreat, pilgrimage or youth trip, but are not sure where to begin? Looking for advice on choosing the right travel provider or how to charter a motorcoach for your group? We can help! ReligiousTravelPlanningGuide.com is full of helpful advice from experts throughout the religious travel industry.

Religious Travel Planning Guide Site InSpection

Read Us Anywhere Whether you use a laptop, tablet or smartphone, we've got you covered. ReligiousTravelPlanningGuide.com's responsive web design automatically adjusts to your device, so that you will always have our information at your fingertips. And of course, you can access and download the print edition of the guide from the website as well. Not online? Then get a free copy of our print edition to keep as a handy reference for supplier profiles, religious when you are places the internet can't reach. Search itineraries and Site InSpections Membership is FREE and signing up is easy. So join our community and make your next religious trip the best one yet! Visit us today at: http://religioustravelplanningguide.com/register/

Great Faith Travel Sites

The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is located in Western Maryland. Inset: International Museum of the Reformation, Geneva, Switzerland.

laces of religious significance play a role in developing any faith-based itinerary. Churches, shrines and museums shed light on the history and culture of a destination, often showcasing great art and architecture. In singling out some of the world’s top faith travel sites, writers for the Religious Travel Planning Guide website (religioustravelplanningguide.com) have compiled “top” lists in various categories, from religious theaters to monastic accommodations in Europe. Those sites that make our lists are among the most tourworthy ones out there, though not ranked in any particular order. Here we concentrate on Catholic shrines in the United States and reformation museums in Europe. Our staff had a good time putting these lists together and hopes they will provide both inspiration and a good read.

10 TOP U.S. CATHOLIC SHRINES

National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, San Francisco This former parish church is an oasis of peace in a noisy neighborhood where Chinatown and North Beach meet. Its beautiful Lady Chapel, La Porziuncola Nuova, is a scaled replica of St. Francis’ Porziuncola in Assisi, Italy. (shrinesf.org) National Shrine of the Divine Mercy Stockbridge, Massachusetts Located in the heart of the Berkshire Hills, the shrine sits on 350 acres, known as Eden Hill. Guests admire the chapel’s stainedglass windows and stroll the grounds to visit the many statues and candle shrines like the Lourdes Candle Grotto and Holy Family Shrine. (thedivinemercy.org) National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa Doylestown, Pennsylvania Dedicated in 1966 to celebrate 1,000 years of Christianity in

Pilgrims and casual visitors alike find inspiration and peace at the many Catholic shrines around the country. Some are located in big cities, others in tranquil rural settings. Most of the shrines offer guided tours and Masses. They may have a museum, restaurant or retreat center. Here are 10 of the top Catholic shrines in America: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. The largest Roman Catholic church in North America—and one of the 10 largest in the world—is the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine and hosts nearly one million pilgrims and visitors annually. It has some 70 chapels and oratories adorned with stained glass, mosaics and sculptures, plus the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art on earth. (nationalshrine.org) 26

Religious Travel Planning Guide

The Saint’s body is on view at the National Shrine of St. John Neumann. religioustravelplanningguide.com

Poland, the shrine has recently been expanded, offering a new retreat house for up to 80 pilgrims and a visitor center with a cafeteria that can accommodate 450. The area below the main church, originally the cafeteria, has been converted to replicate Our Lady’s Chapel from the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, Poland, with a black and silver altar and the image of the Black Madonna. (czestochowa.us) Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe La Crosse, Wisconsin One of the newer Catholic shrines in the United States, the shrine opened to the public in 2002, its Romanesque-style church in 2008. The Stations of the Cross wind alongside the bluff, with granite benches at each station that allow pilgrims to rest, meditate and pray. (guadalupeshrine.org) National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg, Maryland Located in the mountains of Western Maryland, the shrine to the first native-born American woman to be canonized (in 1975) has a museum with a film on Mother Seton, who in the early 1800s founded the sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. Her remains are buried beneath her altar in the basilica. (setonshrine.org)

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Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, Auriesville, New York This is the site of the Mohawk village of Ossernenon, where three Jesuit missionaries were martyred in the 1640s. They are the only canonized American martyrs. The 400-acre shrine, with a 6,500-seat coliseum church, museums, gardens and outdoor Stations of the Cross, is also the birthplace (in 1656) of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a Native American maiden who performed a miracle and was canonized in 2012. (martyrshrine.org) National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Washington, New Jersey Rising over the Muscontecong Valley, the shrine is owned and operated by The Blue Army, USA, a worldwide movement of millions of faithful responding to the requests Our Blessed Mother made to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal in 1917. It includes a retreat center and one of only two exact replicas of the chapel built at Fatima on the site of Our Lady’s apparitions. (wafusa.org) National Shrine of St. John Neumann, Philadelphia Visitors to the basement altar of St. Peter’s, a Baroque church built in 1843, can view the body of St. John Neumann (18111860), a Bohemian priest from New York who became the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. He built many churches and schools. To the side of the shrine is a small museum. (stjohnneumann.org)

Religious Travel Planning Guide

International Museum of the Reformation Geneva, Switzerland Located next to St. Peter’s Cathedral, this state-of-the-art museum, which opened in 2005, traces the Protestant Reformation that was started by Martin Luther in 1517 and heavily influenced by John Calvin in Geneva. Set in an 18th century mansion in Geneva’s Old Town, it documents the movement through artifacts, artwork, films and audio-visual exhibits. (musee-reforme.ch) Pilgrims find peace at Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wis.

St. Anthony’s Chapel, Pittsburgh Overlooking the Allegheny River, this shrine is dedicated to “The Wonder Worker”— St. Anthony of Padua. It houses the largest public collection of holy relics in the world (over 5,000 relics). A museum honors Father Mollinger, Pittsburgh’s “healing priest,” who was responsible for building the chapel. (saintanthonyschapel.org)

REFORMATION MUSEUMS IN EUROPE Several museums in Europe chronicle the people and dramatic events associated with the Protestant Reformation of the 1500s. The following will enhance any religious tour itinerary:

John Knox House, Edinburgh, Scotland This museum, the only surviving medieval building in Edinburgh, chronicles the life and times of the 16th century Protestant reformer associated with Presbyterianism. It’s believed that John Knox, sometimes called the Martin Luther of Scotland and noted for preaching Calvinist theology, died in the house in 1572. Also visit St. Giles Cathedral, where Knox served as minister; it’s considered by many the mother church of Presbyterianism. (scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk) The Luther House, Wittenberg, Germany This former Augustinian monastery is today called the Luther House and boasts the world’s largest Reformation museum. It was the center of Luther’s activity for more than 35 years. He lived there as a monk and later with his family. Luther’s living room has his original desk and 500-year-old period furnishings. Other mustsees include the Ten Commandments painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a Lutheran Bible from 1534, a letter of indulgence and The monk’s habit. (martinluther.de/en/luther-house-wittenberg.html) Martin Luther House Museums Eisleben, Germany Visitors to Eisleben can see the Martin Luther Birth House and Martin Luther Death House, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The “Father of the Reformation” was born in Eisleben in 1483 and died there in 1546. The Luther Death House just unveiled an addition that provides more space for exhibitions relating to Luther and the Reformation. Its most famous rooms are Luther’s bedroom and the room in which he died. (visit-luther.com) John Calvin Museum, Noyon, France This museum is located on the original site of the French reformer’s birth house, which was reconstructed according to early drawings after being destroyed in World War I bombings. Visitors will see Reformation-era propaganda posters, early editions of Calvin’s works and contemporary paintings of Reformation events. The leader of the Protestant Reformation in Geneva, Calvin was born in 1509 in Noyon, once an important ecclesiastical center in Northern France. U

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Enjoy amenities such as an outdoor pool and a fitness facility, including complimentary wireless Internet access and a daily buffet breakfast. Close to Climb Time Indy and Castleton Square. Baymont Inn and Suites Fishers/Indianapolis Area Rob Coronato bcoronato@fhginc.com • 800-992-2694 9790 N By Northeast Blvd., Fishers, IN, 46037 baymont-inn.reservationcounter.com

Baymont Inn and Suites

A leader in group travel to Ireland, Italy, mainland Europe and the South Pacific since 1972. Offering you the best in world-wide destinations, customized faith-based tours and endless possibilities. Celtic Tours World Vacations 1860 Western Ave. Albany, NY 12203 800-833-4373 operations@celtictours.com www.celtictours.com

Celtic Tours World Vacations

Discover The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, and find rest and renewal. Study God’s Word with your favorite Bible teachers or experience a group or personal spiritual retreat.

Come to the Billy Graham Library and see history come to life as you retrace Billy Graham’s dynamic ministry through state-of-the art exhibits and multimedia presentations.

Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove 1 Porters Cove Road Asheville, NC 28805 TheCove.org

Billy Graham Library 4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217 Billygrahamlibrary.org

Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove

Billy Graham Library

A leader in travel since 1918, Collette offers over 150 tours to all seven continents. Our faith-based journeys include: Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona, Shrines of Ireland, Shrines of Italy and Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle. Call for details.

Our cozy country Inn in northeastern Ohio offers group rates and year-round dinner theater with a restaurant and shopping on the same property.

For more information call 800-762-5345 or your local Travel Agent www.gocollette.com

Dutch Village Inn 150 E State Route 14 Columbiana, OH 44408 866-482-5050 ext #310 dasdutchvillage.com

Collette

Dutch Village Inn

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Whether you want to hold a live gator or just hold hands on the beach at sunset, you'll find Emerald Coast memories sparkle just a little bit brighter. Florida’s Emerald Coast 1540 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 800-322-3319 srushing@co.okaloosa.fl.us www.emeraldcoastfl.com

Florida’s Emerald Coast

On a Globus or Cosmos Religious Travel vacation, you'll explore the roots of your faith, walk in the footsteps of your spiritual leaders, and have your most cherished beliefs come to life. Our tours have been honed by more than eight decades of experience and a passion for religious travel. Globus 5301 South Federal Circle Littleton, CO 80123 866-821-2752 www.globusfaith.com www.globusfamilygroups.com

Globus

Featuring 6 oceanfront pools (with hot tubs and heated pools), Sanctuary Spa, fitness center, complimentary Hampton “On the House” hot breakfast buffet, and 90-seat conference and meeting facility. Spacious accommodations include 2-BR family suites with kitchenette, oceanfront master BR, and separate kids’ BR with bunk beds and a queen-size bed. www.HamptonInnOceanfront.com or call 877-946-6400 and ask for our Sales Department 1801 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577/843-946-6400

Religious Travel Planning Guide Directory

Goway Travel Ltd. is one of the oldest tour companies in North America specializing in long-haul group travel. We are experts at designing customized faith-based itineraries for all types of religious and spiritual journeys and for all budget levels.

Ranked #1 by TripAdvisor.com. Enjoy Oceanfront accommodations with complimentary deluxe breakfast buffet, Internet access and onsite parking – plus spa, 6 pools and more.

Goway Travel Ltd. 1200 West 73rd Ave., Suite 1050 Vancouver, B.C. V6P 6G5 800-838-0618 groups@goway.com www.goway.com

Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront/Myrtle Beach Resort 1801 S Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Phone: 877-946-6400 Nancy Lee, Director of Sales & Marketing Nancy.Lee@Hilton.com www.HamptonInnOceanfront.com

Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa 1195 Arrowhead Road Ellenville, NY 12428 845-210-3114 salesadmin@honorshaven.com www.honorshaven.com

Goway Travel Ltd.

Hampton Inn & Suites

Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa

Lincoln’s warm community and hospitable facilities will provide the atmosphere to foster community, growth, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Faith, Fellowship and Fun – North Myrtle Beach is the perfect location for your spiritual retreat or conference. Visit our website for sample itineraries and to see the many adventures our area has to offer. Let us help you plan your next gathering – simply fill out our online RFP.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, draws its inspiration from the Great Smoky Mountains and presents the finest in wholesome entertainment and activities that all ages can enjoy.

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau Geoff Stephens Email: geoff@northmyrtlebeachchamber.com 866-646-1649 ext. 2246 Website: FellowshipAtTheBeach.com

Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism Sales Department Joy McNealy, CTIS or Kay Poole, CTIS P.O. Box 1390, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 800-285-7557 groupsales@mypigeonforge.com

Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce CVB

Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

Discover enchanting Switzerland and its treasures in heritage and faith travel sites and explore it all with one single ticket, the Swiss Pass, valid on train, bus and boat.

An experience of a lifetime. Enjoy the Living Word Outdoor Drama in one of the few remaining outdoor theaters in America that presents the life of Christ. Witness His words, His pain and His triumphant victory on a beautiful 400 ft. panoramic set considered the most authentic recreation of Old Jerusalem.

Visit Tyler, Texas where you’ll have a bloomin’ good time! Tyler, known as the Rose Capital of America, is the perfect destination for your next event. Explore the bouquet of possibilities.

Switzerland Tourism Mirko (Mike) Capodanno mirko.capodanno@switzerland.com 608 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10020 800-794-7795 • info.usa@switzerland.com www.MySwitzerland.com/heritage

The Living Word Outdoor, Inc. P.O. Box 1481, 6010 College Hill Road Cambridge, OH 43725 Main 740-439-2761 info@livingworddrama.org www.LivingWordDrama.org

Switzerland Tourism

The Living Word Outdoor, Inc.

Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce

Norfolk, Virginia is a dynamic, modern city known for its scenic waterways, historic sites, moderate climate and diverse cultural and entertainment opportunities. For more information: www.visitnorfolktoday.com

Inspiring 1- and 2- bedroom luxury condominium suites in spectacular resort settings across America! Ask about our attractive group rates & incentives for your next retreat or gathering.

Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Melanie Maynard 1135 M Street, Suite 300 Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 436-2353 mmaynard@lincoln.org www.lincoln.org

American Group Travel: National Quartet Convention, Duck Commander Hometown Tours, Branson, Nashville, Washington and New York. Customized U.S. tours for adult and youth groups.

Accommodating youth, family and couples retreats since 2007, Honor’s Haven provides an engaging and educational environment, ideal for unlocking your congregation’s spiritual potential.

Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Susan Travis 903-592-6979 stravis@tylertexas.com www.tylertexas.com

U.S. Tours Bob Cline 304-485-8687 bob@USTours.biz www.USTours.biz

VisitNorfolk Donna Allen, Vice President Sales & Marketing dallen@visitnorfolktoday.com 757-664-6620 232 E. Main Street Norfolk, VA 23510 www.visitnorfolktoday.com

Wyndham Extra Holidays Deluxe Condominiums in Resort Settings Across the US and Canada 800-619-4831 info@extraholidays.com www.WyndhamGroups.com

U.S. Tours

VisitNorfolk

Wyndham Extra Holidays

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