Rather than brave the tourist crowds, would you rather spend your time off discovering your true self? Would you prefer contemplating your life through enlightened traveling?

If going on vacation but with a deeper purpose is your aim, then you should consider the following places:

The Abbey of Gethsemani, the oldest Trappist monastery in the US, is in the woodlands of Kentucky. If you wish to "entertain silence in the heart and listen for the voice of God" then this place is for you. Check their schedule since some weeks are set aside for women and the rest are specifically for men. Here's an excellent account of a pilgrimage to the monastery.

Glastonbury Abbey in Massachussets "is a small community of Benedictine monks striving to embrace the challenges of contemporary living within the time-tested values of a vital monastic spirit". 16 Hull Street, Hingham, Massachusetts 02043; (781)749-2155.

The Abbey of Solesmes prefers guests going on spiritual retreats with "religious motivation". This French (yes, the one in Europe) rural Benedictine monastery does not allow women within the monastery walls.

Of course, there are other ways. To go on a walking, climbing (or come to think of it, any other kind of trip), one can always find ways to reflect on one's life and use the time as a soulful getaway. Just make sure that you do not go to places where every other tourists are. Otherwise, you'd end up listening to everyone else but you wouldn't even be able to hear yourself think.