As the founder of a travel and pilgrimage apostolate who takes and plans tons of trips, I like to think that I am a queen of prep-maxxing. I love itinerary research and design. I love the puzzle of packing for a week in a backpack. And I dearly, dearly love lists. But there’s another crucial preparation for travel: your interior. Travel often amplifies whatever we’re carrying inside. No matter where you’re going—whether on vacation or pilgrimage—here’s how to prepare spiritually for travel.

• Related: Lots of packing lists and guides

1. Go to Confession before you go.

Confession is freedom. With the clean slate of reconciliation, you can move through your trip lighter, freer, and more sensitive to the sacred. Starting a trip reconciled with God and refilled with grace changes how you see everything—from landscapes to strangers to inconveniences to blessings. 

2. Pack intentions from others.

Medieval pilgrims carried letters listing names and petitions. Missionaries crossed oceans with entire villages’ prayers entrusted to them. Invite your loved ones to send you their special intentions so you can pray for them through your trip. Keep their intentions close on your notes app or carry written intentions. You can choose various markers to offer for these intentions. Flight delays, metro rides, sacred sites, and other elements of your itinerary can become acts of charity.  

3. Find Mass before you arrive.

“Easy Like Sunday Morning” is the greatest myth perpetrated by modern music. Don’t scramble to find Mass in an unfamiliar place. Pour a hot coffee, sit in your comfy chair, and research Mass times and locations ahead of time in peace. Save notes or map pins on your device. We use this free online search tool to find accurate sacramental schedules around the world, but always confirm on a church’s website. Remember to check the proximity to where you will be so you can determine travel time required. 

4. Research saints and sacred sites.

You’ll be surprised what amazing things have happened in unexpected places. Even learning about the buildings and fixtures can reveal some incredible stories and holy people. Is there a servant of God, venerable, blessed, or saint who lived or ministered nearby? Is there a dedicated museum or shrine, even a small one? Is there a significant cathedral or church? Learn the spiritual story of your destination and make every place a pilgrimage. We can also create a personal sanctified itinerary brief for you. 

• Related: How to make a pilgrimage wherever you are

5. Pack sacramentals.

Bring your Catholic Geaux Bag to transform your backpack and hotel into a portable chapel. Sacramentals integrate body and soul and tether us to prayer whether we are. This handy set comes from our dear friends' non-profit and includes essentials like a crucifix, holy water, blessed salt, a brown scapular, and more.

6. Make a playlist.

Make a playlist to stir your heart—singing is “praying twice,” according to the great St Augustine. Don’t limit yourself to spiritual music, but add any music that calls you to authentic contemplation. And remember that music also shapes memory. Years later, hearing a song from your playlist can bring you back to the graces of a special trip. 

7. Develop a plan for prayer and reflection.

You can pray lectio divina with the daily Mass readings, make use of saints’ quotes for contemplation, or journal. Our custom travel companions combine many of these elements personalized for your trip’s dates and locations. Consider packing a Bible, journal, and a writing implement. Or you can pack lighter and download a prayer app like the Ascension app, which offers the entire Bible along with scholarly but accessible commentaries, video reflections, and other enriching content. You don’t have to do everything you might plan, but it’s helpful to plan some concrete structure. 

8. Plan intentionally for delays and layovers. 

While a layover may be slightly preferable to sprinting through an airport to catch an impossible connection, it often feels like wasted “nothing” time. But a layover can be a modern desert—a quiet invitation disguised as inconvenience. Instead of filling them with noise, reclaim this “nothing” time for something meaningful. Pack a spiritual book or download a podcast episode you’ve been meaning to read or listen to. 

• Related: 9 ways to make a layover or travel delay more meaningful

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Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

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