I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t go to church while at home, other than the occasional family function, wedding, funeral, etc. That said, I’m going to say something completely opposite of my actions here at home – when you travel, make sure you go to church.
Religion, whether we like it or not, is a foundation of civilization and many cultures across the world, especially in Europe. Churches make up a majority of our history, whether it be in art, music or word of thought.
I’ve taken time out of several trips to attend a religious service, and it’s been an awe inspiring experience:
- While traveling in Vienna, a Sunday service at an ancient church deep within the city included a full orchestra and choir. Of course, the service was free, and it was a chance to enjoy a concert in the midst of where the music was created.
- While in Palm Springs visiting family, we attended an outdoor Easter service at the La Quinta hotel. Complete with a background of a waterfall, in the midst of red-rock mountains and PGA golf courses, it was a beautiful setting for such a service.
- Most recently, I attended an Easter service at Westminster Abbey in London. To be in one of the most famous churches in the world, on one of the most prominent religious holidays was something I feel everyone should experience at least once in their life.
Easter Sunday at Westminster Abbey
Have you ever attended church while traveling? How was your experience?
Jamie Larounis is an avid traveler, blogger and miles/points educator. Traveling well over 100,000 miles a year and staying in hotels for over 100 nights, he leverages miles, points and other deals to fly in first class cabins, and stay in 5-star hotels. The Forward Cabin shares his experiences, musings, reviews, tips, tricks, resources and industry news with you, the fellow traveler.
In January, traveling in NYC, I attended Brooklyn Tabernacle. The choir was amazing; acoustics were great. And it was a euphoric experience when the thousands of people and the choir sang. I recommend it.
Great suggestion!
I do this frequently. It is a great way to experience churches how they were built to be used. I have attended mass (I am not Catholic. I am Protestant) at Notre Dame Paris, Notre Dame in Montreal, St Vitus which is located inside the walls of Prague Castle, and Vespers at St. Paul’s in London. I am on my way to Dublin this weekend and plan on attending evensong or morning prayers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral as they have sung Matins (morning prayers) or coral evensong. I am staying near by at the Radisson Blu so it will be a quick walk there.