Reviewing peace and reconciliation, secular pilgrimages, and international perspectives on sacred journeys, this book offers the reader an opportunity to encounter multiple voices and viewpoints on one of the most ancient practices of humankind. With an estimated third of all international travellers now undertaking journeys anticipating an aspect of transformation (the hallmark of pilgrimage), this book includes both spiritual and non-spiritual voyages, such as journeys of self-therapy, mindfulness and personal growth. It also: - Provides a multidisciplinary perspective, covering themes such as gender, human rights, equality, the environment, peace, history, literature, and politics - Reflects the rich diversity and multiple meanings of pilgrimage through an international writer team spanning four continents - Includes case studies of pilgrimage in action from around the world An innovative and engaging addition to the pilgrimage literature, this book provides an important resource for researchers of religious tourism and related subjects.

The Camino is not well known to the man in the street, and less as therapy. Since pilgrimage is mainly associated with religious practice and penance in the West, the author has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to step-wise describe the Camino history, phenomenon, and walking processes, as to present and promote it as a self-help tool to a wider public. In cross-cultural interviews with pilgrims, the author reveals that people walk this way for far more personal, spiritual and relational than religious reasons, such as seeking their sense of self and existential meaning. The author shows how walking the Camino helps reclaim and reinforce the spirit, eliciting reflection in the encounter with others, oneself and nature, revaluating and giving new life perspectives and truths. The book is thus useful as a spiritual and practical guide to people who are considering walking the Way or alternative ways of self-healing. Likewise, it is enlightening to therapists who have never heard about walk therapy, towards which the author disclaims surrounding scepticisms, and argue for its need and approval by documenting its psycho-physio-spiritual beneficial effects and therapeutic potential.