Saudi Arabia: Mecca & Medina

For Muslims, Mecca is the most sacred city in the world. Every year, millions embark on the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The pilgrimage is performed over five to six days, extending from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the exact dates can vary. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca, but those eligible to visit will find a deeply spiritual experience, centered around the Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram. For those unable to attend Hajj, Umrah, another pilmgramage, can be completed at any time of the year.

Medina, Islam’s second holiest city, is home to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), where the Prophet Muhammad is buried. While not part of Hajj, many pilgrims visit Medina for its spiritual significance.

Health Tip: Since February 1st, 2025, a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccination (covering serogroups A, C, W, and Y) is mandatory for all travelers entering Saudi Arabia. This vaccine protects against meningococcal meningitis, a potentially life-threatening infection. Depending on the vaccine used (polysaccharide or conjugate), it must not be older than 3 respectively 5 years. For pilgrims with certain preexisting conditions, the COVID-19 vaccination is also mandatory and is recommended for pilgrims in general. Further recommended vaccinations for everyone include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, influenza and a current polio booster. In addition, your routine vaccinations should be up to date. Paying attention to food hygiene and using proper sun protection can also help you stay healthy during your journey. As there are several health aspects to consider when preparing for this type of travel, we encourage you to book a personal travel consultation.

Vatican: Vatican City

As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City draws pilgrims and tourists alike. St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world, is an architectural marvel steeped in history. Visitors can also explore the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's famous ceiling fresco continues to awe travelers with its beauty and detail.

Health Tip: Bring comfortable footwear! Long queues — especially for St. Peter’s Basilica — are common, and good shoes will make the waiting game more bearable. If you're visiting during the warmer months, don’t forget sun protection and mosquito repellent to stay protected throughout the day.

India: Varanasi & Hemkund Sahib

Considered the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is a revered site for Hindus. The ghats along the Ganges River are a focal point for rituals, prayers, and ceremonies. Visiting at sunrise reveals devotees bathing in the river's sacred waters while priests conduct morning prayers, creating an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.

Hemkund Sahib is a remote Sikh pilgrimage site in the Himalayas at 4,632 meters above sea level. It is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, and is known for its stunning glacial lake. Pilgrims undertake a challenging trek to reach it.

Health Tip: In addition to routine vaccinations, recommended travel vaccines may include:

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever

• rabies (especially for remote areas or treks)

• Japanese Encephalitis (seasonal, recommended only for some travellers based on travel duration and activities)

Altitude sickness is a real risk due to the high elevation of the Hemkund Sahib in the Himalayas (4,632 meters). Take time to acclimate, ascend gradually if possible, and watch for symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness. In case of symptoms, descend and seek medical help.

Also recommended: good mosquito protection (against malaria, Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, etc.), good food hygene ("Cook it, boil it, peel it or leave it!") and extra caution on the roads due to traffic safety risks.

Israel: Jerusalem &  Mount Meron

Few cities in the world hold as much religious significance as Jerusalem. Sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem offers countless landmarks such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. Exploring Jerusalem allows visitors to immerse themselves in thousands of years of history and tradition.

Mount Meron is an important pilgrimage site, especially during Lag BaOmer, when thousands of Jewish pilgrims visit the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a mystical sage credited with writing the Zohar (a key text of Kabbalah).

Health Tip: Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, a current polio booster, and for some travellers, Typhoid fever and rabies (based on travel style and activities). It’s also wise to use effective mosquito protection, as mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue can occur in the region.

Japan: Kyoto & Shikoku Pilgrimage

While not often seen as a typical religious pilgrimage site, Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, reflecting Japan's deep-rooted spiritual heritage. The Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its iconic red torii gates, is a must-see for those seeking a serene yet profound experience rooted in Shinto beliefs. Kōyasan is an important center of Shingon Buddhism.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a 1,200-km route visiting 88 temples associated with the monk Kūkai. Pilgrims, called ohenro, often wear white robes and travel on foot, by bike, or bus.

Health Tip: Japanese Encephalitis vaccination may be recommended if traveling between July and October and visiting rural areas. Routine vaccinations should be up to date.

Ethiopia: Lalibela

Known for its remarkable rock-hewn churches, Lalibela is a significant pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The impressive 12th-century structures are carved directly into the rock, creating an awe-inspiring testament to faith and craftsmanship. These churches, including Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), are pilgrimage sites for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, especially during Genna (Ethiopian Christmas).

Health Tips: In addition to standard vaccinations, consider:

• Yellow fever vaccination/shot
• Hepatitis A vaccination/shot and a current poliomyelitis booster
• rabies, Typhoid fever, and meningococcal meningitis vaccinations/shots for some travellers (based on travel style and activities)
• malaria prophylaxis and mosquito protection around the clock (also because of Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya)

• Avoid contact with freshwater to reduce the risk of schistosomiasis — a parasitic worm infection that can be contracted through bathing, wading, or washing in stagnant or slow-moving water.

• Adhere to good food hygiene rules ("Cook it,boil it, peel it or leave it!")
• Since Lalibela is located at around 2,500 meters above sea level, be mindful of altitude sickness. We recommend familiarizing yourself with basic altitude strategies to stay well during your stay. You can find them here.

Spain: Camino de Santiago

A network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, where the apostle St. James is said to be buried. Pilgrims, known as peregrinos, walk hundreds of kilometers, often for spiritual or personal reflection. The most famous route is the Camino Francés.

Health Tips: Foot care is essential! Wear proper shoes and socks, bring a small first-aid kit, stay hydrated, and protect yourself against the sun (head cover and sunscreen) and mosquitoes.

Nepal: Lumbini

Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. It features the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the exact location of his birth, and monasteries built by Buddhist communities from around the world.

Health Tips:  In addition to routine vaccinations, recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever, rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis (depending on the type and duration of your travel). In the Terai region, there's a low malaria risk — use mosquito protection at day and night, also to prevent other mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis.

New Zealand: Mount Taranaki

This dormant volcano holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Taranaki iwi. Revered as the home of Te Maunga Taranaki, it represents ancestral connections to the land and the gods. Pilgrims honor this sacred mountain through reflection, respect, and sometimes ceremonial journeys, recognizing its powerful energy and role in Māori identity.

Health Tips: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. The environment is generally safe, but prepare for changing mountain weather conditions.

Australia: Uluru

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a sacred site for the Anangu people, the Indigenous custodians of the land. It is believed to be a place of spiritual energy and is deeply connected to Tjukurpa. Visitors are encouraged to respect its spiritual significance and not climb it, instead taking part in guided walks that share Indigenous knowledge and tradition.

Health Tips: Sun protection is key. While Japanese Encephalitis is a concern in some areas of Australia, it is not relevant to Uluru. Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, and protect yourself from the desert sun. Be aware of local wildlife, including venomous snakes and spiders, and follow local safety advice.

Peru: Machu Picchu & Inti Raymi

Nestled in the Andean mountains, Machu Picchu, once a sacred Incan city, draws spiritual travelers seeking connection with ancient energies. Each June, the Inti Raymi Festival honors the Incan Sun God through vibrant rituals and performances.

Health Tips: Take measures to prevent altitude sickness by allowing time to acclimate gradually. In addition to routine vaccinations, Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever and rabies vaccinations may be recommended. As the mosquito activity decreases with increasing altitude, there is no relevant malaria infection risk in high-altitude regions such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. However of the mentioned locations Machu Picchu is still low enough for some mosquito activity, therefore mosquito protection should not be completely dismissed. And if your journey takes you to lower parts of the country good mosquito protection day and night is key, not only because of the presence of malaria, but also to protect yourself from infections with other mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. For certain regions of Peru, a Yellow fever vaccination is highly advised. We recommend booking a travel consultation to review your itinerary and personal health needs in detail.

Tips for Respectful Religious Travel

1. Approach with an open heart and curious mind.
Before visiting a sacred site, take time to understand its history, significance, and customs. Travel with humility and a willingness to learn, not just observe.

2. Respect rituals and personal space.
Follow dress codes, remove shoes when required, and maintain a respectful tone. Observe rituals quietly and don’t interrupt — many around you may be deep in prayer or reflection.

3. Follow rules and ask before taking photos.
Many sites prohibit photography or require permission. Always check signs or ask before snapping pictures, and follow designated paths and instructions.

4. Be conscious of your impact.
Sacred sites are often in fragile environments or communities. Stick to paths, avoid littering, and support ethical tourism. Buy locally, and avoid products that exploit cultural or spiritual symbols.

Religious and spiritual travel invites us to connect — with others, with tradition, and with ourselves. Whether you’re walking an ancient trail, standing in awe of sacred architecture, or sitting quietly in a place of prayer, these journeys offer the chance for deeper reflection, healing, and gratitude.