Taking the green route to your next pilgrimage destination

People from all over the world have gone on pilgrimages since immemorial times. These journeys have deep spiritual significance, allowing one to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life that often pushes us away from what’s truly important. Pilgrimages are a special form of travel, very different from the trips people usually go on for fun and relaxation; they provide the opportunity to press pause and search for meaning, purpose and spiritual solace instead of always chasing temporary thrills; they’re a period of reflection, introspection and connection with our true values.  

That’s why so many are still embracing this activity even in these modern times that we are living. A lot of things have remained the same. People still travel on the same routes that have been walked by millions of pilgrims before them. Popular pilgrimage destinations like Jerusalem continue to attract visitors from all across the world, welcoming anyone who wants to discover the joys of this ancient practice. Organizations that instil an appreciation for Jewish culture and tradition, providing access to the best Hebrew learning books and promoting the values of the Jewish heritage, also open people up to the idea of going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  

However, we cannot ignore the fact that times have changed, and modern pilgrims have very different habits, needs and requirements than the ones that scoured the earth centuries ago. With pollution and global warming reaching alarming levels in recent years, the world is on the brink of an environmental crisis, so all human activities should be analyzed through the lens of environmental protection, including pilgrimages. Therefore, it’s time to adapt this age-old custom to the current context and make pilgrimages a more environmentally-friendly experience. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at what the path to green pilgrimage entails. 

Proper preparation 

There are many pilgrimages that you can embark on, regardless of your faith. But although all these travels have a spiritual dimension to them, they vary greatly in size, time span, significance, and purpose. Some of them are dedicated to the members of a certain religious community while others can be enjoyed by all people. It would be naïve to think that all pilgrimages are the same. 

Therefore, before you decide on a pilgrimage destination, it’s important to do thorough research and learn as much as possible about the places that you’re going to visit. Whether you’re planning a family trip to Israel or any other pilgrimage destination, adequate preparation isn’t only going to make it easier for you to plan your trip and ensure a smoother travel experience (just because you’re going on a spiritual journey doesn’t mean you should ignore the practical aspects), but it’s also going to make you more aware of the importance of the sites that you’re going to visit and the environmental concerns in these areas. Preparation is key to minimizing your carbon footprint and becoming a more responsible pilgrim. 

Getting educated on the local lifestyle and culture 

There’s only so much you can learn from reading guides and blogs or listening to other people’s pilgrimage experiences. The best way to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the areas you’re passing through is to learn directly from the source. That means keeping your eyes and ears open, meeting and talking to the locals, and finding out about the local lifestyle, culture and traditions, so you’ll know how to conduct yourself appropriately and respectfully.  

This is especially important if you’re traveling to a destination where you’re going to be exposed to a different culture than your own, as you may have a difficult time understanding these differences and what they entail. Keep in mind that beyond their spiritual significance, pilgrimages also provide valuable educational experiences that can broaden your horizons and make you more aware of the natural wonders that you have the opportunity to bask in. 

Engaging in eco-friendly activities 

While most people see pilgrimages as something that is purely intimate and doesn’t require much interaction with the outside world, there’s no denying that interaction is simply inevitable. Going on a pilgrimage impacts the people you travel with as well as the places you visit during your journey. 

So, while you may be focused on your spiritual searches, you should also make an effort to notice your surroundings and think about the work that is required to preserve them for future generations. You can be a responsible pilgrim by simply taking all the measures to limit your carbon footprint, but you can also take a more active approach and bring your own contribution to protecting the environment and the natural heritage. There’s nothing stopping you from joining an eco-friendly initiative while you’re on your trip, so if you have the chance to do that you shouldn’t hesitate. 

Respecting the people and the places you visit 

A pilgrimage can take you to places that you’ve always wanted to visit and show you a new way of life. You have all the reasons to be grateful for being able to enjoy such a life-changing experience and even more reasons to ensure all the places that provided such an amazing experience are going to remain intact and bring the same joy to others. 

It’s your responsibility as a pilgrim to adopt a thoughtful attitude and respect the people and places you have the chance to come across during your travels. Every action, no matter how big or small, matters a lot in the grand scheme of things, so you should always do your best to be considerate and kind. 

No matter what your next pilgrimage destination might be and whatever reason you may have to embark on such a transformative journey, it’s important to make sure you only leave positive footprints behind while you search for answers. So, take the green route if you want to make the most of your pilgrimage experience and help others do the same.