Travel prices are getting expensive. On top of it, airports are crowded and busy, and customs can be brutal. Everyone would love to see the Holy Land, or visit the breath-taking basilicas in Europe, and these are great trips to go on. But what about the trips in between those elegant journeys? Well if you find yourself in a finical cringe, or you are looking for a local trip to go on in between bigger excursions, look to your own back yard. There are great religious travel destinations all over the U.S.

Religious Attractions in Florida

Florida is known for its sandy beaches and fabulous resorts. But there are several different places to visit on your religious trip. The Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine in Orlando is a great example of one of the many Catholic shrines spread across our country. The shrine has a 2,000 seat church, a museum and an outdoor chapel. Several statues are scatted throughout the grounds and a museum displays historic artifacts from churches in the U.S and around the world.

The Holy Land Experience is unlike any religious attraction you will find. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the biblical world as if they went back in time. It gives visitors the chance to travel to ancient Jerusalem, where they are surrounded in a world reminiscent to the time of Christ. The Holy Land Experience puts on musicals, presentations and other events for visitors. There are also restaurants, coffee shops and cafes for guests to stop, relax and dine at.

The Wycliffe Discovery Center brings the word of God into the digital age. Visitors can interact with the Bible’s history through multimedia presentations, computer games, hands-on activities and simulations. You can stop and shop at the Village Shop, or sit down and have lunch at Café Karibuni in between activities.

Southern Religious Destinations

The Southern part of our country has a rich, Christian heritage, and the destinations in this “Bible Belt” section of the country reflect that heritage. The Billy Graham Library is a 20-acre plot in Charlotte, NC that serves as a testimate to the work of Billy Graham, who preached throughout the world, reaching over 215 million people. Visitors can retrace Graham’s journey through presentations, photos and other exhibits, while getting a close look into Graham’s hometown and childhood.

The Creation Museum in Kentucky provides a new way of experiencing scriptural history. Guest can view creative representations of the wonders of creation, Jesus Christ and his mission and miracles and an array of murals, exhibits and even a special effects theater equipped with a mist machine and rumbling seats. The theater takes you through an imaginative journey of the six days of creation that includes dragons, dinosaurs and plenty of special effects.

Life-size figures and dramatic lighting give Christ in the Smokies a dramatic and powerful presence. The Tennessee museum and garden displays life-sized representations of scenes from Christ’s life while utilizing music and special effects to give visitors a unique experience.

Religious Trips in the West

The Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. synchronizes the sophistication of modern society with the magnificence of medieval cathedrals. The structure has 10,000 panes of glass offers a different interpretation of space in glass unlike any other cathedral in this world.

Temple Square in Utah is the world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over 15 attractions and special events are spread about the square, making it Utah’s biggest tourist attraction. It will take you more than 24 hours to see all the exhibits immersed in Mormon culture.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial is designed to educate visitors about the impact of violence, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings. The Stories of Hope presentation allows visitors to hear from family members and survivors of their experiences from the 1995 tragedy.

Midwest Religious Trip

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is a beautiful building crafted from golden Jerusalem limestone. It is divided into seven sections, each one telling a different story of Jewish history. The museum was built in hopes of fostering tolerance by sharing the Jewish Heritage through an American perspective.

The Sight & Sound Theater in Branson, MO is currently showing the performance Joseph. The theater has been putting on biblical plays and shows for over 35 years. By using their skills, producers, actors and other employees, along with the Lancaster, PA sister theater, hope to inspire audiences by presenting the word of God to them in a way they will never forget.

In Bloomington, IL the American Passion Play has been performing plays of Jesus’ ministry, displaying the teachings of love, justice and righteousness. Though the play setting offers audience to observe what Jesus would have seen in first-century Galilee, the performance is held in the newly renovated Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

Our country is full of great places to visit on your religious trip. You don’t always have to travel half-way around the world to find the self-fulfillment you’re looking for in your religious trip.