What really separates two million Muslims on the Hajj to Mecca every year from a spiritual cleanse by a sorcerer in Mexico, or a moment of clarity inspired by being caught in the rain, alone, on a beach in Indonesia? Humans have chased higher understanding around the globe since before recorded history, and though we may not always recognize them, those journeys continue today. On the heels of our recently released exploration of Sacred Travel, we’re talking about spiritual journeys, including those from our own experiences. What separates a “spiritual” trip from any other kind? How do we find something greater than ourselves—intentionally or not—when we get away from home? And who, at the end of the day, will transport and house us on those journeys?

Pilgrimages are still with us, and so are pilgrims; the Hajj literally transforms the industry around its 2 million participants each year. Airlines add routes, airports dedicate whole terminals, and a host of businesses way too big to be called “cottage” spring up to handle getting people in, out, and around. Pagan rituals fused to Christianity in places as distant as Sardinia, Italy, and Veracruz, Mexico, draw the devout and the curious alike to bear witness; and unique traces of Jewish history—sand-floored synagogues, to name just one—turn up in the most unlikely corners of the Caribbean, still visible—and visitable—today. Tune in as we dive deep into all this, and share the travels that have inspired the spiritual in each of us.

A big thanks to our our host Brad Rickman and Condé Nast Traveler editors Sebastian Modak, Betsy Blumenthal, and Megan Spurrell. As always, a special shout-out to Brett Fuchs for recording and mixing the episode. Check back every Friday for the latest installment of Travelogue. To keep up with our podcast each week, subscribe to Travelogue on the iTunes store or wherever you get your podcasts.