Niala Boodhoo walked nearly 80 miles along the Camino de Santiago this summer, an ancient Christian pilgrimage that's been meaningful for millions. A growing number of Americans—including non-Christians—are taking up this and other pilgrimages, for all sorts of reasons. Author and travel leader Phil Cousineau says the tradition of walking to find meaning is as old as travel itself. He is the author of "The Art of Pilgrimage, The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred," first published 25 years ago. He asks travelers to slow down and connect with the places they visit.

For the final episode of 1 big thing, we slow down, too, for a conversation with Cousineau about finding elements of the sacred in travel. Pilgrimage, he says, is for everyone.

Guest: Phil Cousineau is a freelance writer, teacher, and travel leader and author of "The Art of Pilgrimage, The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred." His forthcoming book is

Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura and Jay Cowit. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions and comments as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.

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Phil Cousineau: Turning travel into pilgrimage