"The literature of mystical or spiritual experience continually reminds us that the origin of the word 'spirit' is closer to that of a high-spirited child, or a spirited horse, than it is to any kind of anaemic piety. First and foremost, 'spiritual' means bursting with exuberant life. There is also that strong sense of belonging:...

"Thus, travel compels you to discover your spiritual side by simple elimination: Without all the rituals, routines and possessions that give your life meaning at home, you're forced to look for meaning within yourself.... Indeed, if travel is a process that helps you "find yourself," it's because it leaves you with nothing to hide behind--...

Bangkok, Thailand Selecting reading material for the road can be a daunting task, even in a relatively small bookstore such as the one in Bangkok pictured above. Interestingly, one of my favorite reads came not from a bookstore directly but from my mom through the mail. I was traveling across Asia at the time, and...

Most countries are rife with official houses of worship, and you can find churches, mosques, synagogues, and even Wiccan communities in a lot of unlikely locations if you look. Remember not to assume that just because you are of a particular faith, that the faith is accepted or widespread in a particular country; if your...