Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The ETS Travel Podcast

Discover which itinerary is right for your group, learn what makes ETS tours unique, and hear why churches are planning farther ahead than ever before.

In This Webinar:

✅ Holy Land Classic, Journey Through the Bible, Bible Land Discovery, Bible Land Exploration, and Holy Land & Jordan

✅ Journeys of Paul in Greece and Türkiye

✅ Seven Churches of Revelation

✅ Bible Land Cruises and Paul’s Voyages

✅ Danube, Rhine, and Christmas Market River Cruises

✅ Reformation, Bonhoeffer, Wesley, and Celtic Heritage Tours

✅ Catholic Pilgrimages to Italy, Marian Shrines, Guadalupe, Medjugorje, and Poland

✅ Faith-based travel trends and planning strategies for 2027

✅ Travel advisor opportunities and ETS Faith-Based Travel Specialist benefits

Whether you're leading your first pilgrimage or planning your next ministry journey, this webinar will help you explore the many opportunities available for faith-based travel in 2027.

📖 Learn how travel can deepen discipleship, strengthen community, and bring Scripture to life.

🌍 Explore destinations across Israel, Jordan, Greece, Türkiye, Italy, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, Poland, and beyond.

✈️ Start planning your next Journey of Faith today.

Subscribe to the ETS Travel Podcast for more destination insights, travel planning tips, and conversations about faith-based travel.

#FaithBasedTravel #HolyLandTour #ChristianTravel #Pilgrimage #BiblicalTravel #CatholicPilgrimage #JourneysOfPaul #BibleLandCruise #ChurchHeritage #ETS2027 #TravelMinistry #ChristianTours #HolyLandPilgrimage #ReligiousTravel #ETSTours

Travel delays. Lost luggage. Jet lag. Overpacked itineraries. Sound familiar?

In this episode of the ETS Travel Podcast, John and Bethany dive into the most common travel headaches travelers face—and more importantly, how to avoid them. From stressful airport experiences and missed connections to unrealistic expectations and travel exhaustion, this conversation is packed with practical advice to help you travel with greater confidence and less anxiety.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a faith-based pilgrimage, a cruise, or a guided group tour, preparation and flexibility can completely transform your travel experience.

In this episode, we discuss: • How to reduce airport and flight-day stress • Tips for avoiding luggage and packing problems • Managing jet lag and travel exhaustion • Why over-scheduling can ruin a trip • The importance of realistic expectations while traveling • Cultural differences and international travel mindset • How guided travel helps eliminate uncertainty • Why meaningful travel is about more than perfect plans

Travel will always come with unexpected moments—but with the right mindset and preparation, those moments don’t have to derail the journey.

Subscribe to the ETS Travel Podcast for more conversations about faith-focused travel, pilgrimages, cruises, group tours, and meaningful experiences around the world.

Are you trying to decide between a river cruise and an ocean cruise for your next faith-based journey? In this episode of the ETS Travel Podcast, John and Bethany break down the key differences to help you choose the experience that aligns best with your spiritual goals.

From the large-scale, Bible Lands itineraries of Mediterranean ocean cruises to the intimate, reflective atmosphere of European river cruises, we explore how each offers a unique way to connect with your faith. More importantly, we explain how traveling with Educational Travel Services (ETS) transforms both types of cruises into meaningful, Christ-centered experiences.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The core differences between river cruises and ocean cruises Why ocean cruises are ideal for exploring New Testament sites like Athens, Ephesus, Corinth, and Philippi How ETS enhances traditional cruise itineraries with biblical teaching, worship, and spiritual experiences What makes river cruises perfect for reflection, church history, and deeper group connection How to decide which cruise experience is right for you or your church group

Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of Paul or explore the legacy of Christianity throughout Europe, this episode will help you take the first step toward a journey that goes beyond sightseeing—and leads to spiritual transformation.

Mentioned in this episode:

How to turn a Mediterranean cruise into a Bible Lands experience The difference between ETS shore excursions and standard cruise excursions

Don’t forget to follow the ETS Travel Podcast for more insights on faith-based travel.

Ready to plan your journey? Learn more about ETS and upcoming trips: https://www.etstours.com

What does it really take to prepare someone for their first pilgrimage?

In this episode of the ETS Travel Podcast, John is joined by Bethany to explore how travel advisors can confidently guide first-time pilgrims into meaningful, life-changing journeys. Whether your clients are traveling to the Holy Land, walking in the footsteps of Paul, or embarking on another faith-based experience, preparation is everything.

You’ll hear the powerful origin story of ETS—founded by Dr. Jim Ridgway after a transformational trip to the Holy Land—and how that mission continues today, impacting hundreds of thousands of travelers worldwide.

This episode is packed with practical insights to help you serve your clients better, including:

✔️ Understanding the deeper “why” behind a pilgrimage ✔️ Setting clear expectations (it’s not your typical vacation!) ✔️ How to prepare travelers spiritually, mentally, and practically ✔️ Navigating group dynamics and building community ✔️ Avoiding common first-time pilgrim mistakes ✔️ Turning meaningful experiences into long-term client relationships

If you’re a travel advisor working with faith-based clients—or looking to expand into this growing space—this conversation will give you the tools and confidence to lead well.

Remember: you’re not just planning a trip—you’re helping create an experience that could transform someone’s life.

Subscribe for more insights on faith-based travel Like this video if you found it helpful Share with a colleague preparing their first pilgrimage group

Discover why Ghana is quickly becoming one of the most meaningful and talked-about travel destinations in the world 

In this episode of the ETS Travel Podcast, Bethany sits down with special guest Kwame to explore Ghana: The Star of Africa—a place where vibrant culture, powerful history, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes come together to create a truly transformational travel experience.

From first impressions to deep cultural roots, this conversation uncovers what makes Ghana unforgettable for travelers of all kinds.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why Ghana is known as the “Star of Africa.” - What makes Ghana one of the most welcoming destinations in the world - Travel logistics—what to expect when planning your trip - Ghana’s stunning natural beauty, from coastlines to rainforests - The richness of Ghanaian culture, traditions, and daily life - The historical significance that shapes the country today - Adventure opportunities for nature lovers - Accommodation options—from comfortable to luxury stays - Why Ghana is a destination worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime

Whether Ghana is already on your bucket list or is completely new to you, this episode will inspire you to see travel in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Thinking about traveling to Ghana? This episode is the perfect place to start.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more destination spotlights and transformational travel conversations.

Listen, learn, and start planning your next journey.

How did a small island on the edge of Europe become a powerful center of Christian mission—and then carry that faith across the sea to shape an entire nation?

In this episode of the ETS Tours Podcast, John and Bethany trace the remarkable journey of Celtic Christianity—from its roots in Ireland to its expansion into Scotland. Discover how monks, missionaries, and communities of faith transformed culture, built spiritual centers, and carried the Gospel into new lands.

In this episode, you’ll explore: • How Ireland became a thriving center of Christian faith • The role of monasteries like Clonmacnoise in shaping mission and learning • The influence of leaders like St. Patrick, St. Columba, St. Mungo, and St. Ninian • Why Iona became a spiritual powerhouse for Scotland • The challenges of reaching the Picts and spreading the Gospel across cultures • How nature and landscape shaped Celtic spirituality • The lasting legacy of a movement that still impacts faith today

This isn’t just history—it’s a story of faith in motion, carried by ordinary people with extraordinary purpose.

Whether you’re passionate about church history, inspired by missionary journeys, or considering a pilgrimage of your own, this episode invites you to see how faith can cross boundaries, cultures, and generations.

The journey isn’t just about where Christianity went—but how it transformed everything it touched.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who loves history, faith, and meaningful travel.

What’s the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage?

In this episode, John and Bethany explore how a pilgrimage is more than just travel—it’s a sacred journey of faith, transformation, and encounter with God. While vacations focus on rest and escape, pilgrimages invite us into something deeper: prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Together, we walk through seven powerful reasons why a pilgrimage is unlike any ordinary trip:

- A journey of faith, not just a destination - Encountering God in sacred places - True conversion and transformation of the heart - Walking in community with other believers - Turning travel into prayer - Connecting with the universal Church - Living with an eternal perspective

Rooted in Scripture, the Catechism, and reflections from saints and modern Church leaders, this conversation invites you to rethink how—and why—you travel.

Whether you’ve been on pilgrimage before or are just curious, this episode will challenge you to ask a deeper question: Not “Where should I go?” but “Where is God calling me?”

A vacation may refresh you for a moment… but a pilgrimage can change you forever.

Subscribe for more faith-filled travel conversations

Step into the story of Passion Week like never before.

In this episode of the ETS Tours Podcast, John and Bethany guide you through the final days of Jesus in the Holy Land—exploring the powerful moments from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection.

Walk the path of the Triumphal Entry, reflect in the Garden of Gethsemane, journey along the Via Dolorosa, and stand at the empty tomb. This episode brings Scripture to life, showing how experiencing these sacred places can deepen your faith and transform your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice.

Whether you’ve traveled to Israel or are simply seeking a deeper connection during Holy Week, this conversation invites you into a meaningful spiritual pilgrimage—right where you are.

In this episode:

• What Passion Week is and why it matters • The key locations in Jerusalem tied to Jesus’ final days • The meaning behind the Stations of the Cross • Protestant & Catholic perspectives on pilgrimage • How to engage with Passion Week wherever you are

Passion Week isn’t just history—it’s an invitation to walk closely with Christ.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who would be encouraged by this journey.

Why Use a Travel Advisor for Faith-Based Travel?

What if planning a trip wasn’t just about logistics—but about stewardship, purpose, and spiritual impact?

In this episode, we explore why faith-based travel is fundamentally different from traditional tourism—and why ministry leaders don’t have to carry the weight of planning alone. From biblical pilgrimages to modern-day group journeys, travel has always played a role in shaping faith. But when you’re leading others, you’re entrusted with more than an itinerary—you’re entrusted with people.

We unpack:

• What makes faith-based travel unique and spiritually intentional • The hidden burdens many pastors and ministry leaders carry when planning trips • How a faith-focused travel advisor supports with prayerful planning, trusted partnerships, and behind-the-scenes care • Why delegation is not indulgence—but wise stewardship of time, resources, and people

When logistics are handled with excellence, something powerful happens: conversations deepen, prayer flows naturally, and hearts become open to transformation. This conversation is for church leaders, first-time pilgrimage organizers, and anyone seeking more than just a trip—but a meaningful, faith-filled journey.

“When the details are cared for, hearts are free to receive.”

Subscribe for more conversations on faith, travel, and intentional living—and learn how to plan journeys that become testimonies.

In this Christmas finale, David and Bethany journey to Church of the Nativity, the sacred site traditionally believed to mark the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Beneath ancient stone and incense-filled halls, they explore the profound mystery of the Incarnation—God choosing to enter human history in humility, vulnerability, and love.

Grounded in Scripture from Luke 2, Micah 5, and John 1, this episode weaves together biblical narrative, fulfilled prophecy, and the remarkable history of one of the world’s oldest continuously operating churches. Listeners are guided through what pilgrims experience today: passing through the Door of Humility, descending into the Grotto of the Nativity, and kneeling beside the star that marks where tradition remembers Christ was born.

More than a history lesson, this episode invites reflection. What does it mean that God came close enough to hold? How does “Emmanuel—God with us” speak into our lives now? As David and Bethany reflect on awe, silence, worship, and prayer in Bethlehem, listeners are encouraged to meet Christ in simplicity and discover anew that no place—and no person—is too humble for God to enter.

A reverent, hope-filled close to the Christmas journey, reminding us that Christmas is not just a season, but an eternal reality: God is with us.

Shepherd’s Field — Where the Good Shepherd Speaks to His People

🎙️ Hosts: John & Bethany

In this second episode of our three-part Christmas series, we journey to Shepherd’s Field in Bethlehem, one of the most tender and theologically rich locations of the Nativity story.

Here—on the hills where angels first announced the birth of Jesus to humble shepherds—we explore why God chose this place and these people to reveal the Savior. Shepherd’s Field is more than a Christmas backdrop; it is sacred ground that unites Old Testament promise and New Testament fulfillment, connecting the fields of Boaz and Ruth, the calling of David the shepherd-king, and the birth of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

📖 In this episode, we reflect on:

• Luke 2 and why the Good News came first to the lowly

• Bethlehem’s deep shepherding heritage

• God as Shepherd throughout Scripture (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Isaiah 40)

• Jesus’ powerful declaration: “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10)

• Why shepherd imagery reveals God’s tender, personal care

• What pilgrims experience today when visiting Shepherd’s Field

🕊️ You’ll also hear practical insights for pilgrims and travelers, including how Shepherd’s Field becomes a place for prayer, reflection, Scripture reading, and quiet encounters with God—whether during Christmas or any season of the year.

✨ This episode invites listeners to slow down, imagine the angelic announcement under Bethlehem’s night sky, and hear the Good Shepherd calling them by name—offering peace, guidance, and rest.

Join us as we stand where heaven once broke into earth and discover what Shepherd’s Field still whispers to the heart today.

▶️ Subscribe for the next episode as we continue walking through the Gospel landscapes together.

In this first episode of our special three-part Christmas series, hosts Bethany and John invite you to step inside the quiet hillside village where one of history’s greatest stories truly begins. When travelers think Christmas, they think Bethlehem—but long before the manger, long before the star-lit night, God began His redemption story in Nazareth.

This episode is crafted especially for travel advisors, group leaders, and future pilgrims who want to better understand why Nazareth is an essential stop on any Holy Land pilgrimage. Together, Bethany and John uncover the heart of this often-overlooked town—tiny in the first century, humble and unimpressive to the world, yet chosen for a divine encounter that changed everything.

Journey with us as we explore:

✨ Nazareth in Jesus’ day — a small agricultural village of perhaps 200–400 people, far from fame, where God chose to plant the roots of the Incarnation.

✨ The Annunciation — where Mary’s courageous yes set the Christmas story in motion, and where pilgrims today can stand inside the Basilica of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, and the grotto tradition associates with Mary’s home.

✨ Prophecy and purpose — what it means that Jesus would be called a Nazarene, and how Nazareth connects the “branch” foretold in Isaiah to the humble Messiah who would save the world.

✨ The hidden years of Jesus — daily life in the Holy Family’s hometown, brought to life through places like Nazareth Village, where visitors experience first-century carpentry, farming, and village life.

✨ Modern Nazareth today — a vibrant cultural center blending Christian and Muslim communities, offering rich food, markets, art, and easy access to major Galilee sites.

Throughout the conversation, you’ll receive practical talking points for clients and groups, spiritual reflections for pilgrims, and a powerful reminder: Nazareth teaches us that God meets us in ordinary places. This is where the Christmas narrative takes root—where heaven first touches earth, where prophecy begins to unfold, and where Mary models a heart willing to say, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

If you’re planning a Holy Land itinerary—or guiding others who are—this episode will equip you to present Nazareth not as a stop, but as a story-shaping experience.

Bethlehem holds the birth. Nazareth holds the beginning.

Come reflect, learn, and imagine the Christmas story from its true starting point.

Listen now—and join us next time as we continue this Christmas journey through the lands of the Bible.

Curious why group travel is exploding in popularity? Listen as your hosts, David and Bethany, break down four benefits of group travel that could transform the way you explore. Don’t miss this one!

Join our hosts as they share the incredible story of Fatima, where faith, mystery, and devotion meet. Discover why this sacred site continues to inspire millions of pilgrims, uncover the history behind the Marian apparitions, and explore the fascinating “Three Secrets of Fatima.”

Join hosts David and Bethany as they dive into the ancient city of Ephesus, where history, Scripture, and faith collide. Discover why this incredible site is a must-visit on any Bible Lands journey, and get inspired to walk the same streets where Paul once preached!

What makes Lourdes a beacon of healing and hope for so many? Join us as we uncover the stories, faith, and transformative power behind one of the world’s most beloved pilgrimage sites.

In this deep dive, we trace the roots of Christianity in Rome and discover how its stories, sites, and saints still shape the faith today. You’ll never see the Eternal City the same way again!

Join us this week to hear how ETS turns typical cruise shore excursions into faith-strengthening experiences that set us apart.

This week, we’re diving into Corinth, the original “city of love.” Join us as we unpack its history, the culture that shaped it, and how Paul’s words to the Corinthians still speak to our hearts today.

What if your dream Mediterranean cruise could also become a life-changing trip through the Bible Lands? In this episode, we explore how traveling with ETS can transform a typical vacation into a faith-deepening experience.

In this episode, we dig deep into the history of Athens, an ancient hub of philosophy and idol worship that was transformed by Paul’s message at Mars Hill. Discover its biblical significance, why it still speaks to believers today, and how visiting Athens creates a meaningful faith experience for every traveler.

On today’s episode, David Welch joins VIP Guests Scott and Sharayah Colter in The Holy Land to share what travel is really like right now. They will cover everything from safety to food and touring experiences. Their stories will encourage and inspire you as you consider travel to The Holy Land. 

We’re wrapping up our 5 Faith-Based Travel Myths series with Myth #5...and it’s a game changer. In this episode, you’ll discover why asking the right questions is the secret to finding the perfect trip for your group leader, plus practical tips to guide them toward journeys that truly match their purpose.

Struggling to find the right people to lead your groups? You’re not alone. In this episode, we share insider tips on how to identify potential leaders and build lasting connections with them.

Think you need a huge network or insider travel knowledge to lead a group? In Myth #3 of our 5 Faith-Based Travel Myths series, we uncover what really makes someone a great group leader...and why it might be you.

Faith-based travel isn’t just about where you go…so what is it about? Join us as we tackle Myth #2 in our 5 Faith-Based Travel Myths series and reveal what truly transforms travel for your faith.

Who are we? What do we do? And is ETS really “just a travel wholesaler”? Join us for our first episode as we introduce our team, tell our story, and kick off our 5 Faith-Based Travel Myths series!