BIKES AT THE OBRADOIRO SQUARE, ONE OF THE 5 SQUARES OF THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA. PHOTO: TURISMO DE GALICIA PRINT

After more than a year of staying put, travelers are getting ready to hit the road again. While the travel industry came to a complete standstill worldwide, resulting in billions of dollars of lost tourism revenue and many frustrated travelers, the pent-up desire for travel is now fueling big travel dreams.

The industry consensus is that large-scale international travel will resume in 2022. Pent-up demand means that more once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list vacations to far-flung locales are being planned now. And, many travelers are expecting to spend more and stay longer.

“Over 70%—are now saying “YES!” to summer vacation. The pandemic both wanes and lingers in travelers’ psyches and consequent trip decisions from fewer trips to less concern about crowds,” according to Destination Analysts, a travel and tourism market research firm.

“Seven-in-ten Americans are in a ready-to-travel state of mind, and two-thirds say they are highly open to travel inspiration,” Destination Analysts reported. “…, over 75% have actively dreamt and, or have planned travel. Nearly 18% have made a booking or reservation for an upcoming trip.”

While most people will travel by car, more than a third are thinking about taking a flight.

PLAZA DE LA QUINTANA. PHOTO: TOURISM OF GALICIA

A Pilgrimage to Clear the Mind and Soul

Now more than ever, travelers want to visit a place where they can feel rejuvenated, avoid crowds, and be less barraged by commercialism.

Perhaps, the most glorious way to shed the pandemic lockdowns and blues might be to go on a pilgrimage. Yes, a unique journey to search for a new or more significant meaning to life.

PILGRIMS WALKING ON THE WAY OF ST. JAMES. PHOTO: TOURISM OF GALICIA

The Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)

One of the most famous pilgrimage routes is The Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago) in Northern Spain. The various routes lead to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. James the Great was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus and is the patron saint of Spain. His remains are in the Cathedral.

Helpful resource for travel to Spain: https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/

Other Useful Links:

https://www.caminodesantiago.gal/en/inicio

https://www.spain.info/en/discover-spain/xacobeo-camino-santiago/