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Mission Trips

Looking for short-term mission trips with everything organized for you? Every year, International Volunteer HQ supports more than 15,000 people to volunteer abroad on mission trips in 40+ countries around the world. Since 2007, IVHQ has helped more than 142,000 volunteers complete mission trips to Africa , Asia , Europe , South America , Central America , North America , the Caribbean , Middle East , and the Pacific .

IVHQ offers safe, social and fully-supported mission trips for teens , college students , families and individuals at any stage of life, as well as for those seeking summer mission trips and medical mission trips . With long-term and short-term mission trips starting at just $20/day including accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support, IVHQ is the world’s leading mission trip organization.

IVHQ offers both short-term and long-term mission trips with durations ranging from 1 to 24 weeks. Through IVHQ, you can choose from a diverse range of volunteer projects to support, inclduing: childcare volunteering , wildlife conservation , environmental conservation , medical volunteering , teaching abroad , and much more. These international volunteer opportunities enable you to support locally-driven projects that uplift under-resourced communities around the world.

If you’re looking to join a mission trip in 2024 or 2025, we’ve outlined IVHQ’s most popular types of mission trips and all the information you need to know to find your perfect mission.

What is a mission trip?

A mission trip is an international volunteering opportunity centered around collaborative efforts with local communities to provide essential support where it is most needed. These trips can be either religious or non-religious in nature, aiming to uplift individuals, local communities, and natural environments across the globe. IVHQ offers inclusive volunteer abroad programs that welcome participants of all ages and life stages.

Through IVHQ’s diverse range of mission trips , individuals can make a tangible impact while fostering new friendships, discovering diverse cultures, and broadening their horizons—all while contributing to the well-being of those who require assistance the most.

Why do people go on mission trips?

Mission trips are a popular way to combine your desire to travel and see with world with your motivation to give back and make a difference in the world. While some people see mission trips as an opportunity to put their faith into action, others go on mission trips for a variety of non-religious reasons, including:

To make a difference: Many people go on mission trips make a positive impact in the world through providing support to communities in a range of different ways. This could involve volunteering to teach English , building schools or homes , providing medical care , volunteering with animals or supporting environmental conservation .

To gain a new perspective: Traveling to a new country and immersing yourself in a different culture can be a life-changing and transformative experience. Mission trips allow you to see the world with fresh eyes and gain a better understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

To meet new people: Mission trips offer an opportunity to connect with people from all around the world. International volunteers work together towards a common goal, often forming life-long friendships and connections along the way.

To get out of your comfort zone : Mission trips are an opportunity to discover a new sense of purpose by stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering new countries and cultures, and living like the locals. This can be equally challenging and rewarding! Taking a mission trip is an opportunity to growth as person, discover your strengths and weaknesses and redefine your purpose in life.

While people go on mission trips for a variety of reasons, at the heart of it is a desire to make a positive impact on the world, connect with others and build a better future together.

I recently returned from a mission trip to Sri Lanka and it was everything I dreamt it would be. I lived with a family in the jungle next to the longest river in the country, volunteering in a disabled childcare center. I was so happy with the project and had a wonderful - and sometimes challenging - experience. I would recommend this mission trip to anyone who wants to travel alone.

How much does it cost to go on a mission trip?

The cost of going on a mission trip varies depending on the destination and duration of the trip. IVHQ makes mission trips accessible to volunteers worldwide through affordable volunteer program fees and flexible durations.

For example, the cost of a 2-week mission trip with IVHQ to Tanzania is US$415, while a 4-week trip to India is US$585. These costs cover accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, and in-country support from IVHQ’s local team.

Additional costs that volunteers need to consider include the IVHQ registration fee , airfares, travel insurance, and any necessary visas or vaccinations. However, IVHQ provides detailed information and support to help volunteers prepare for their mission trip and manage these additional costs.

It’s worth noting that IVHQ also offers a range of fundraising ideas and resources to help volunteers cover the costs of their trip. For example, volunteers can create a fundraising page via IVHQ’s fundraising partner and share it with friends and family to collect donations.

IVHQ’s fees are transparent and inclusive, making it easy for volunteers to plan and budget for their trip without breaking the bank.

Why do a mission trip with IVHQ?

If you’re looking to join a mission trip, you likely have a social or environmental cause in mind that you’d like to contribute to. Just as you place importance on the program you join, it’s equally as important to choose a responsible mission trip organization.

At IVHQ, we believe that mission trips should contribute positively towards society. Environmental and social impact has always been at the heart of what we do, which is why we’ve undergone rigorous assessment to become a Certified B Corporation , holding us to the highest ethical standards. We’re also the first and only global volunteer travel provider to declare a Climate Emergency and our operations are certified as 100% carbon neutral.

With a B Corp stamp of approval , Program Fees starting at just $20/day including accommodation, and more than 17 years of experience , IVHQ is proud to be the mission trip organization of choice for thousands of individuals and groups looking to take a meaningful mission trip in 2024 & 2025.

Best mission trip opportunities across the globe

IVHQ offers a range of meaningful volunteer programs in Tanzania, Zambia, Victoria Falls, Madagascar, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Zanzibar, Namibia, Botswana and Malawi. Explore Africa’s beauty while conserving endangered wildlife or giving back to local communities in need.

Available in 13 countries

IVHQ offers volunteer programs in 15 incredible destinations across Asia, including Bali, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Discover new cultures and play a hands-on role in supporting local social and environmental projects.

Available in 12 countries

North America

Join a volunteer program in Mexico or the USA and choose from a range of meaningful projects, from Childcare and Teaching to Animal Care and Environmental Sustainability. IVHQ’s North American volunteer opportunities are based in New Orleans, or in Merida, Mexico.

Available in 2 countries

Central America

Based in the popular destinations of Costa Rica and Guatemala, IVHQ offers a range of impactful volunteer programs in Central America. Support community initiatives, work alongside locals and embrace unique cultural traditions for up to 24 weeks.

South America

IVHQ’s volunteer trips to South America are based in iconic Latin American locations across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. With unique opportunities in Teaching, Construction, Wildlife Conservation, Medical, Amazon Jungle Conservation, and more, there’s something to suit every volunteer!

Available in 6 countries

IVHQ’s Caribbean volunteer opportunities are based in and around the stunning islands of Jamaica, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and Puerto Rico. Give back to the local community through Teaching, Marine Conservation, Childcare, Animal Care and other impact led volunteer projects.

Available in 4 countries

Discover Europe’s rich culture and history on a volunteer program in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania or Croatia. Choose from a range of meaningful projects including Wolf Conservation, Youth Support, Teaching, Childcare, Special Needs Support, Environmental Scuba Diving and more.

Middle East

Explore the Middle East on a volunteer trip to Jordan. Choose from a range of community projects such as Youth Support, Women’s Education, Teaching and more. When you’re not giving back, you can explore the Middle East’s unique culture through our exhilarating tours and add-ons.

Available in 1 country

Experience the vibrant culture and welcoming communities of the Pacific on a volunteer trip with IVHQ. Choose from a range of life-enriching programs, from preserving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and coastal waterways in New Zealand to teaching on the beautiful island of Fiji.

Available in 3 countries

Find the best mission trip for you

• Teens & High School Students
• College Students
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Mission trips for teens & high school students

Joining a mission trip is one of the best ways to step outside of your comfort zone, gain new perspective and give back to communities in need. IVHQ offers a range of mission trips for high school students and teens , meaning you don’t need to be 18 to go abroad and make a difference.

Since 2007, IVHQ has supported thousands of young people to volunteer around the world on our youth mission trips. More than 20% of our volunteers are under 20, so we know a thing or two about providing life-changing, reliable travel experiences for young explorers.

We offer safe and affordable volunteer opportunities for teens and high school students in 17 destinations around the globe. Learn more about how to join a mission trip for under 18s .

Top mission trips for teens & high school students:

Volunteer in costa rica.

Volunteer in Guatemala

Volunteer in Tanzania

Mission trips for college students

Today’s student demographic is more progressive than ever before. That’s why student mission trips have become a popular alternative to studying abroad. Instead of studying abroad, many are opting for a more meaningful form of international travel - one that is regenerative and makes a positive impact on local communities.

IVHQ offers mission trips for college students in more than 40 countries around the world. Our mission trips to Africa are particularly popular amongst students. With fees starting at just US$20 per day, our low-cost mission trips are an affordable way for students and young professionals to discover a new country and gain a global perspective while making the world a better place.

When you go on a mission trip with IVHQ, you also have the opportunity to gain academic credit while you volunteer from as little as US$599 for 5 credits - making a super affordable alternative to studying abroad!

Top mission trips for college students:

Volunteer in peru.

Volunteer in Victoria Falls

Volunteer in Zambia

Mission trips for families

Planning a family mission trip can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to accommodate multiple age groups. IVHQ’s fully-hosted mission trips mean that you can get away and make a difference without having to coordinate and plan for the entire family. The best part? Lots of IVHQ programs offer private room and accommodation upgrades at a very affordable price!

If you have young children, IVHQ has great options that will give you quality time together while instilling the values of service. Family mission trip opportunities are available in Africa , Asia , Europe , Central America and South America .

Our team of Volunteer Travel Experts can provide you with personalized family mission trip recommendations to match your budget and the causes you care about. Learn more about how you can go on a mission trip as a family .

Top mission trips for families:

Volunteer in kenya.

Volunteer in Portugal

Best short-term mission trips

IVHQ offers short-term mission trips for 1 to 3 weeks in over 40 countries, starting at just $20 per day including accommodation . This means you can get away and experience a new culture without needing to take ample time away from your day-to-day priorities.

Our short-term mission trips are designed for those who want to maximize impact in a short period of time and are perfect for students and professionals who are looking to take an alternative break . With everything organized for you, including airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, you can hit the ground running as soon as you arrive at your destination. Check out our top short-term mission trips for 2024 & 2025:

Top short-term mission trips:

Volunteer in croatia.

Volunteer in Ghana

Volunteer in Mexico

Best summer mission trips

Summer is one of the most popular times of year to go on a mission trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture and interact with locals while soaking up the sunshine. With time off from work and school, it’s the perfect opportunity to see the world and make a difference alongside like-minded people.

Whether you have a desire to volunteer abroad with animals or want to find a medical volunteer program , check out these top summer mission trips for 2024 & 2025 .

Top summer mission trips:

Volunteer in puerto rico.

Volunteer in South Africa

Volunteer in Zanzibar

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Mission Trips: 1-12 Weeks

How might God use you if you took a step of faith to engage with His mission somewhere in the world? Cru offers many kinds of mission trips for college and high school students, working adults and families. Get out to the world! You can help make a huge impact in the lives of a person close to home or far away in a completely different culture or among people who still haven't heard the name of Jesus.

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Do something extraordinary this summer: Impact a community, a workplace or the world!

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Using the power of media in ministry, you can help reach every tribe and touchscreen.  

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Make the most of your college education by carrying the gospel to the nations while you study abroad.  

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Interested in working with younger people and impacting local schools?

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Take a break before going to college and make an impact around the world.

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Choose a mission trip focused on introducing athletes to the gospel.

Inner City Missions

Do you want to deepen your relationship with God as you have an impact on one of our great cities?  

Humanitarian Trips

Unto® humanitarian trips express the kindness of Jesus to people living in the toughest places on earth.

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Choose where you want to serve. Find mission opportunities for individuals and families, or focus on your area of expertise.

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Missions Trips for Adults

Launch Point offers the perfect blend of adventure and spiritual growth for adults seeking to make a difference. You’ll have opportunities to explore a new destination, meet new people, and bring Christ to those who need him. Travel with us to an underdeveloped region of the globe, and work alongside locals to improve the community’s quality of life. You’ll be amazed at what God’s servants can achieve when they come together as a team.

All About Missions Trips

Adult missions trips offer many benefits for those who take them, including networking opportunities, personal growth, and career exploration. If you feel God calling you to help different parts of the world, an adult missions trip may be the perfect option for you. Adult missions trips often involve some form of service work, such as building homes or working in orphanages, and they often take place in developing countries or areas affected by natural disasters.

HOW TO CHOOSE A MISSION TRIPS

Adult missions trips provide opportunities to serve others while growing your personal faith. However, with so many options out there, deciding what trip fits you best can be challenging. Here are a few factors to consider as you choose an area to serve:

• The length of the trip : Adult missions trips vary in length from a few days to several weeks. Make sure you choose a trip that fits your schedule and commitments.
• The cost of the trip : Adult missions trips also vary widely in cost. Some trips may be free or only require a small donation, while others may cost several thousand dollars. Make sure you consider the cost of the trip and your needs for support before choosing your destination. Family, friends, and fellow church goers often provide support for missionaries needing help.
• The location of the trip : AWBE offers trips all over the world. Choose a location that interests you and that you feel comfortable traveling to for a period of time. Talk with people who have been there, and research the local customs and mannerisms of indigenous people to help you develop an idea of what to expect.
• The type of work you’ll be doing : Adult missions trips typically involve doing some sort of service work, such as building homes, working in a soup kitchen, or teaching English. Be sure to choose a trip that matches your skills and interests.

Can Adult Missions Trips Have a Long-Term Impact?

Undoubtedly, adult missions trips can create profoundly lasting impacts for missionaries and recipients. In fact, many people who go on mission trips say that the experience changed their lives forever. Here are just a few ways that missions trips can have a lasting impact:

• Missions Trips Provide a Unique Opportunity to Serve Others – While there are many ways to serve others, adult missions trips provide unique and life-changing experiences. Not only are you providing physical assistance to those in need, but you’ll also offer emotional and spiritual support for God’s suffering children, which impacts both you and the community you choose to serve.
• Missions Trips Can Help You Form Lasting Relationships – Meeting new people and forming lasting relationships commonly follow missionaries who set out on these trips. God uses all forms and backgrounds to engage people that wouldn’t have a chance to meet him otherwise. Let God use your gifts to reach the fallen, hurt, and forlorn, and many times they’ll reach back into you!
• Missions Trips Can Be Life-Changing – Many people who go on adult missions trips find their lives change for the better. These trips often help broaden their horizons and increase their understanding of other cultures. After all, the greatest commission asks us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

How To Prepare For a Missions Trip

Adult mission trip can alter the way you see the world forever. If you plan to go on an adult mission trip, there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure that your experience engages you and provides positive and productive outcomes. Use the three tips below to help you discern the purposes and outcomes you’d like to see on your missions trip:

• Do Your Research – Before you go on a missions trip, do your research and learn as much as you can about the country or region you will be visiting. Cultures and mannerisms outside of America often shock visitors, but knowing what you’re walking into can help you make a lasting difference.
• Learn Some Key Phrases – Learning basic introductions and responses will help you communicate with the people you meet during your stay. Even if you only know a few phrases, taking an interest in the culture of those around you goes a long way when making connections.
• Have Realistic Expectations – Understanding that there may be culture shock and that things may not always go according to plan. Be prepared for anything and remember to be flexible. God’s plan doesn’t always look like ours, but he uses unique situations and people to reach the lost.

Why Launch Point ?

Create connections with people and cultures in unique and authentic ways! You’ll see the world in a whole new light and leave behind a lasting impact on the communities you serve.

When you go on a missions trip with Launch Point, not only are you making a difference in the world, but you’re also building lifelong friendships and discovering opportunities God gives you. As Christians, we believe that when we serve others, we all benefit. Join us on this journey of service and see for yourself how life-changing it can be.

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Mission Trips for Adults: Discovering Your Path to Purpose

The question, “Can I go on a mission trip?” is one that many Christian adults find themselves asking. Whether you’re seeking a new adventure, wanting to give back to communities in need, or looking for a deeper spiritual connection, mission trips for adults offer an array of opportunities to draw closer to Christ and to serve Him. 

Mission Trips Are for Adults: Not Just for Youth

The perception that mission trips are primarily for young people is a misconception. While they offer invaluable opportunities for young individuals to gain unique experiences, mission trips are equally impactful for adults. Adults bring a wealth of life experience, skills, and knowledge to these trips, making their contributions particularly valuable.

Unique Ways You Can Contribute to a Mission Trip as an Adult

1. leadership and mentorship:.

Adults often serve as natural leaders on mission trips. They can provide guidance, support, and mentorship to younger participants, helping them navigate unfamiliar situations and making the mission trip a more enriching experience for everyone.

2. Specialized Skills:

Many adults bring technical skills to mission trips, such as medical expertise, construction knowledge, teaching experience, or counseling skills. These skills can be invaluable in addressing the unique needs of the community being served.

3. Financial Support:

Adults may have been blessed with greater financial resources, making it possible to provide significant financial support for the mission trip. They can contribute to funding the trip, covering expenses, or donating to the undertaken project.

4. Organizational Abilities:

Adults often excel in planning and logistics. They can help coordinate travel arrangements, set schedules, and manage resources efficiently, ensuring the mission trip runs smoothly.

5. Emotional and Spiritual Maturity:

Adults tend to have a deeper well of emotional and spiritual maturity, which can be especially helpful when dealing with challenging or emotionally charged situations. Their ability to provide a calm and composed presence can have a soothing effect on the group and the community they are serving, and it can ensure that Christ is represented well even when things get tough and frustrating. 

Who Can Go on A Mission Trip?

The simple answer is – anyone! Age is not a barrier when it comes to participating in mission trips. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, there’s likely a mission trip that suits your skills and interests. The Lord calls us all to serve Him. 

Understanding Mission Trips

Mission trips are journeys taken by individuals or groups who want to volunteer their time and skills to help communities in need in the name of Christ. These trips can be domestic or international and often involve activities like building homes , teaching English, providing medical care , or sharing religious beliefs. The duration of these trips can range from a few days to several months.

Mission trips are not just limited to young people; they are increasingly popular among adults of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, there’s been a notable increase in mission trips for adults over the past few years. These experiences provide an opportunity not only to make a difference but also to learn about different cultures, meet new people, and challenge oneself personally and spiritually.

Can You Go? 

So, can you go on a mission trip ? Absolutely! Mission trips for adults are not only possible but also incredibly rewarding experiences that allow individuals to make a tangible difference in communities around the world while growing personally and spiritually.

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Africa Adults 18+

Africa 2023 missions.

Don’t have a group? These missions are for you! These missions include single young adults, adults, and college students 18+.

January 10-19, 2023

Mission Trip to Masaka, Uganda to build a girl’s hostel at St. Philomena’s Nursery and Primary School.

Itinerary coming soon.

Uganda mission trip begins at $3182 per person

Includes airfare (from the DC area), housing, meals, transportation, and project donation.

Optional Safari Trip, January 19-21, 2023

Serving with us in Uganda? Stay for a Safari trip! Depart June 22.

Serving with us in Rwanda? Come early to join us for a Safari! Depart US June 17.

January 21-27, 2023

Mission Trip to Kunda Village, Rwanda to construct a community farm.

If funding is acquired, we will work on constructing a clinic for the community.

Rwanda mission trip begins at $2888 per person

July 19-28, 2023

Mission Trip to Nkar, Cameroon to finish a two-story school, run a rugby camp, and provide basic medical services. Join us as a medical or humanitarian missionary.

Cameroon mission trip begins at $1500 per person

Includes housing, meals, and ground transportation. Does not include airfare. To make a donation to support the school, visit our partner Catholic World Missions .

For questions or to register, please contact Stephany at [email protected]

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Looking to offer your youth group an unforgettable mission trip experience? Look no further! Adventures in Missions is excited to present you with an exclusive offer. Sign up your group with us today and receive a FREE mission trip, with savings of up to $800! But that’s not all – each participant will also receive a high-quality water bottle for their mission trip. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Act fast to secure this great offer for your youth group. Contact us now to learn more and reserve your spot. Experience the joy of serving others and making a lasting impact. Join Adventures in Missions and embark on a transformative mission trip with your youth group. Limited availability for Summer 2024 trips only – don’t delay, secure your spot today!

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Master the art of packing your gear.

Learn to embrace minimalism in possessions and maximalism in lifestyle. Don’t worry. On month 9 when you’ve served on mountains, boated your daily commute, and eaten insects for snacks you won’t miss your flatscreen.

You’ll also learn more about yourself because you’ll learn to lay yourself down. Your team will become the closest tight-knit, super-secret-handshake family of your life. You might just shed those pesky pounds that have been nagging you since graduation.

Sounds Good? Get packing, because we have some slots warming up just for you.

Sponsor a Child, Strengthen a Family

We’re fighting big problems worldwide.

Adventures in Missions is about more than short-term trips, though we do love them. All of our trips globally plugin to great long-term programs. These programs  create the perfect environment for short trips to actually make an impact. Our sponsorship programs are also keeping the end-goal in mind, they  are about so much more than providing food and letters to children.

$45 per month meets immediate tangible needs by providing nutritious food and clean water. It also sustains long-term transformation by providing discipleship and opportunities to engage in programming to strengthen families as a whole that will ripple into the community for generations to come! 

Sponsoring a child with Adventures has the potential to transform and strengthen a family so they can pay it forward to their community.

Transformative experiences with god, missions that leave you marked.

Brian Alonzo

Eric Hanson

Lweendo (ministry partner), fresh from the blog.

Visit the Adventures in Missions Blog

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Group Mission Trips

Domestic and international mission trips.

We create short-term, domestic and international mission trips for youth and adults. Experience the transformation that happens on our short-term mission trips when you serve communities across the world and put your faith in action!

$548 per person

High-energy environments for serving people in need through home repair while Jesus radically transforms lives.

$348 per person

Meaningful community service alongside strong local ministries and nonprofit organizations who ensure your impact continues long term.

Starting at $849

Cross-cultural service gives youth groups the opportunity to gain new perspective while serving people in need around the world.

Short-Term Missions.

Long-term impact..

Group Mission Trips creates the perfect environment for youth and adults to build relationships and make a long-term impact while serving on short-term mission trips across the world.

“I have been taking High School aged youth on mission trips for approximately 20 years. Over the last 12 years I have used GMT. They are by far the best I have used. Their programing is Christ centered and thought provoking.”

Terry O'Hanlon

Workcamp Attendee

“Been on Group Mission Trips for about 15 years! It is a tremendous program and gets kids (and adults!) to participate actively in the expansion of God's Kingdom. The leadership, administration, and staff have been wonderful for each experience. My youth group (as well as myself) have been blessed continually throughout the years!”

“Summer 2019 was my first experience with GMT. I took a group of high schoolers to a South Dakota for home repair on a reservation, and a group of middle + high schoolers to Denver. Both trips were very organized and communication with staff was wonderful! We are excited to use Group again this year! ”

Emily Pearce

Workcamp Participant

“Group Mission Trips provides everything you need to have an amazing, life-changing service experience! Their professional, caring staff is there to guide you in every step of the process.... ”

Beth Taylor

“I've been on 6 mission trips with this organization and I have grown so much because of these experiences. I can not say enough good things about this company! Thank you Group Mission Trips! ”

Sydney Lewis

“One single review cannot describe the life-changing experience that can be had with GMT. Taking middle school and high school kids to an experience that is outside of 'normal' for most kids, helping revitalize communities, and meet people outside their current home and social media bubble is priceless... ”

Brian Anderson

“ I always found the trips well organized and managed, with staff that were dedicated to serving the community hosting the Workcamp, as well as the growth of the youth involved. Having seen the positive outcomes for all involved, I sought out opportunities to continue my involvement with Group Mission Trips after my son graduated from high school.”

Marvin Rasch

“I have worked with Group Mission Trips since the early 90s. Each and every summer it is such a blessing to serve others and help in various communities. There have been so many life changing events over the years. I would definitely recommend Group Mission Trips to others... ”

Phyllis Looker

“I attended workcamps as a youth and now all these years later my son gets to attend. I couldn't be happier with Group Mission Trips and the safe environment and Christ filled programming.

He and other teens with the help of two adults were able to build this amazing switchback wheelchair ramp in just 4.5 days!

What a blessing to the homeowner but more than that, the kids seemed to really connect to each other, and their resident.”

Ann Hardwood

Residents are helped, communities are strengthened, and lives are changed.

Accreditations & Memberships

Why Group Mission Trips?

Since Group Mission Trips’ beginning in 1990, more than 500,000 mission trip participants have racked up more than 15 million volunteer hours serving people in need. Thousands of lives and communities have been impacted and transformed through our domestic and international mission trips. Group Mission Trips creates the perfect environment for youth and adults to build relationships and make a long-term impact while serving on short-term mission trips across the world.

Organization

Our team organizes your service projects and the details of your mission trip experience so you don’t have to. Stress-free and hassle-free is the way it should be.

Safety is our number one priority, as we're sure it is yours. We require all staff and adult volunteers to have background checks, limit the adult to student ratios, and many more on our list of safety procedures that can be found in our FAQ sections.

You're not alone in the planning process. In fact, our all-star mission trip advisors will help you with all the details to plan your next mission trip and provide personalized communication and details specific to your mission trip.

Sustainable Partnerships

We believe the best way to serve on a mission trip is to partner with local ministries, organizations, and individuals already embedded in each community. We come alongside their ministries and provide support for their sustainable year-round programs.

When you go on a mission trip with Group Mission Trips, you’ll have a trained staff who will be your liaison and coordinators of all details while you're serving.

Customization

Have a specific need? We're always happy to customize mission trips for you and your group. We understand each group has specific needs, and our mission trips advisors are here to help accommodate you.

Safety is our number one priority, as we're sure it is yours. Our team stays up to date with all travel advisories and the latest international news to ensure all safety measures are taken.

When you go on a mission trip with Group Mission Trips, you’ll have a designated trip leader with your group who will be your liaison and coordinator of all details while you're serving.

Don't see a date that works for you? We're always happy to customize mission trips for you and your group. We've customized trips for individuals, families, school groups, sports teams, dance teams, companies, youth groups, and more.

Want to help?

There are many opportunities to get involved! We have summer positions for college-aged students with the potential to make up to $6k and hundreds of volunteer and leadership opportunities.

Join our team

In a world where many teens grapple with anxiety, worry, and stress, this year's theme, "Equipped," highlights how God provides us with the tools for a fulfilling Christian life. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:8, the focus is on embracing how God enables us to approach fully living out our faith with confidence. From spiritual readiness to engaging in God's mission, it's about more than going through the motions; it's living out faith in practical ways through love, kindness, and action. And when you do that, you'll discover that being a Christian isn't just something you do—it's who you are. Our goal is to ensure you leave feeling equipped and confident in facing life's challenges with God by your side. Join us next summer to grow spiritually, have fun, and become more like Jesus while making the world a better place. 

View Program Theme

RECEIVE OUR 2025 CATALOG!

What’s inside:

• Full list of 2025 locations
• Who is Group Mission Trips and what makes us unique
• An exclusive reveal of the 2025 program theme
• A comparison of our 3 trip types
• Helpful information on payment policy, typical days, and more 

We may communicate with you about the information you've requested and other Group Mission Trip services. The use of your information is governed by Group Cares  Privacy Policy.

PLEASE NOTE: IMMERSION Staff will be out of office Sept. 11-15. After submitting a form, use the link in your email to schedule a call for Sept. 18-22!

Service opportunities assigned to each community or program are not guaranteed to be part of every trip. Fill out an interest form to learn more.

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Come & See

EM’s IMMERSION Perspective(s) trips are the perfect missions experience for established or retired adults (age 45 and older) seeking to pursue fresh perspectives on faith, life, and missions in our current world. Join peers on a journey of reflection, learning, honest discussion, and growth as you engage with real life and faith in unfamiliar communities, among the people who call them home.

EM’s IMMERSION Perspective(s) trips are the perfect experience for established adults (age 45 and older) seeking to pursue fresh perspectives on faith, life, and missions in our current world. Join peers on a journey of reflection, learning, honest discussion, and growth as you engage with real life and faith in unfamiliar communities, among the people who call them home.

Engage with New Cultures Firsthand

See it for yourself! Something changes when you step onto someone else’s turf, start to see the world through their eyes, and learn how your story relates to the stories of others.

Challenge Your Understanding

Understand how our intent to love, serve, and minister to others can have both positive and negative impacts, and dive into our shared legacy as part of the global Church throughout history.

Learn & Grow Together

IMMERSION Perspective(s) programs facilitate open and honest conversations with a team of peers, as you dive deep into what it means to love your neighbor as peacemakers and followers of Christ.

Is IMMERSION Perspective(s) for you?

Whether you're a married couple or an individual, whether you desire to see and understand a place firsthand or connect with people who exist only as stereotypes or news stories in your mind, this program is for those with decades of life under their belt who are ready for a new perspective.

IMMERSION Perspective(s) trips set you right in the middle of communities and cultures with space to engage with your whole self, pushing into years of wisdom and discernment, taking the time to challenge the status quo and what you have always been told about God, yourself, and the world at large.

Join one of EM's mission trips for more “senior” adults—whether retired, empty nesters or simply passionate baby boomers or Gen-X-ers. Travel to Israel & Palestine or South Africa and the U.S.-Mexico Border in 2025 to deepen your faith and experience a new pocket of God’s big world for yourself. Gain knowledge firsthand, and challenge your assumptions. Engage in meaningful discussions about God, wonder, mystery, yourself, and all people.

Are you ready for this kind of experience? Join a community of people on the same journey, seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and life together.

I'm Interested!

IMMERSION changes you!

Read More Reviews

Start here!

Schedule an interest call for an upcoming IMMERSION Perspective(s) program—it only takes a minute! EM is a hands-on, people-first Christian missions organization, and we're excited to answer your questions and help you along on your journey to serve and learn around the world.

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414 .

View Small Team Trips

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Individuals (age 18-30):, verify your email address, which position are you applying for.

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The Ultimate 50+ Destination Guide

Got a great reason to travel we’ve got the perfect place for you to go.

David Dudley,

Vacation spots often come preselected, whether it’s your annual week at the lake or your niece’s destination wedding. When you’ve got more leeway, though, the options can quickly start to feel overwhelming. You’ve decided you’re finally going to Europe ! But where, exactly? You want to take your sweetie on a romantic getaway , and that’s as far as you’ve gotten.

Until now. We did some digging into 10 common travel scenarios and came up with appealing destinations, all highly recommended by travel experts. Have a look and see whether one of them might satisfy your wanderlust.

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Travel scenarios

Travel with grandkids | First European trip | First postretirement trip | Regenerative tourism | Kick-start health | Rekindle romance | Foodie destination | Milestone journey | Accessible travel | Civil rights journey

 Entertain the grandkids: Indianapolis

Consider it a sleeper pick for Happiest Place on Earth. Indiana’s flat and unassuming capital, often gently derided as “Naptown” for its lack of urban dazzle, is surprisingly well stocked with attractions aimed squarely at an age spectrum with earlier bedtimes. Start with the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis , which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. Billed as the largest of its kind in the world, the four-level, 800,000-square-foot fun factory excels in hands-on learning and kid-focused curation; it’s laden with exhibits on dinosaurs, space, trains, mummies and other stuff that mesmerizes small people, plus more than 7 acres of outdoor play space capable of exhausting the most determined youngster. Five miles away, the top-ranked Indianapolis Zoo is a triple treat, with an accompanying aquarium and extensive botanical gardens. And the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, at the famed motorsports track that hosts the Indianapolis 500, offers track tours — plus, once renovations are complete in April 2025, a dizzying trove of racing cars and automotive exhibits for the budding gearhead. After a few days of this, you’ll need a nap too.

Or consider: Endless free museums and monuments in Washington  make the U.S. capital a place where kids, at least, get a lot done. Looking for all the water parks? They’re in the Wisconsin Dells.

Visit Europe for the first time: Amsterdam

If you’ve never navigated a European city, the low-key capital of the Netherlands offers a particularly approachable entry-level destination. Smaller than rival Paris and less tourist-thronged than Venice — another canal-filled city — Amsterdam is blissfully walkable, as well as famously bikeable. There you’ll find grand cultural spaces such as the Rijksmuseum (home of several Vermeers) and historic architecture that’s more charming than overwhelming. The city’s reputation for tolerance and infamous Red Light District draws its share of pleasure-seeking young feestbeest (party animals, in Dutch), while international visitors with more maturity are likely to be welcomed by a largely English-speaking populace eager to show off their city’s quieter neighborhoods, tulip-intensive parks and innovative urban cycling network. U.S. tourists will feel right at home digging into one of Amsterdam’s other great addictions: its thick-cut, twice-cooked “Flemish fries.”

Or consider: Rome, host to tourists for millennia, has got the routine down. And there are so many U.S. expats in Lisbon, Portugal , that you might feel right at home.

Take your first postretirement trip :  Seward Highway, Alaska

Nothing says “I will not be checking my email” like hitting the highways of one of the least-populated U.S. states , where cellphone service is spotty but Arctic vistas and wandering moose aren’t. If you have the time, point your vehicle toward the nation’s top-left corner and negotiate a northwest passage across Canada’s British Columbia and Yukon from the Lower 48. But don’t miss what might be Alaska’s most scenic route: the Seward Highway, which runs for 127 miles from Anchorage to the town of Seward on the state’s southern coast. Along the way, motorists can wheel past spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks as they traverse the rugged Kenai Peninsula; instead of drive-throughs and gas stations, prominent roadside attractions include whale-watching pull-offs, icy glacial lakes and waterfalls, and cliff faces full of sure-footed Dall sheep. For those who have left the 9-to-5 grind in the rearview and are pondering what’s next, this often-lonely route through some of the nation’s most inspiring landscapes might be the perfect place to begin the journey.

Or consider: No trucks and modest speed limits make the gentle Natchez Trace Parkway a must-see meander from Mississippi to Tennessee. For a more vigorous driving adventure, hang on to the Tail of the Dragon , a serpentine stretch of Route 129 in Deals Gap, North Carolina, that boasts 300-plus curves in 11 miles.

Give the planet a break: Costa Rica

Choosing to travel often involves a troubling trade-off: The tourism sector produces about 8 percent of the planet’s annual carbon emissions, according to one recent estimate, and that share is growing amid resurgent post-pandemic vacationing. An airline flight to Costa Rica will be just as polluting as any other, but the lush Central American country has been a leader in modeling “regenerative tourism,” ensuring that the economic benefits from hosting those who flock to coastal resorts and cloud-forest retreats will translate into environmental protections for a fragile and extraordinarily biologically diverse place. (The tiny country is home to more than 5 percent of the world’s animal and plant species.) Almost all of Costa Rica’s electricity is produced from renewable sources, and its strict conservation regime has managed to reverse the damage wrought by decades of deforestation. It’s a model powered in part by tourist dollars, as the parks and reserves that cover much of Costa Rica’s landmass are both critical carbon sinks and delightful zip-lining venues. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute recently launched a carbon tracker for visitors to calculate — and compensate for — the greenhouse gas emissions they generate during their stay.

Or consider: The waterfalls, geysers and geological wonders of Iceland are scattered around an island nation powered almost entirely by geothermal energy and hydropower. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan halved its sustainable development fee, a daily toll for tourists that goes to fund environmental programs, infrastructure upgrades, cultural preservation and free health care and education.

Kick-start your health:   Sardinia, Italy

A recently expanded international airport may help put this rugged and rustic Mediterranean outpost more on the map for U.S. travelers. But longevity researchers have been traveling there for years. Villages in the mountainous interior are home to the world’s largest cluster of male centenarians, a demographic distinction that brought Sardinia to the attention of author and impresario Dan Buettner, who named it a “Blue Zone” because of its residents’ extraordinarily long lives. A Sardinian getaway isn’t guaranteed to give you an extended lifespan, but it probably can’t hurt, especially if you find inspiration in the formula of vigorous hillside walks, stress-reducing ocean views and plenty of (but not too much) local red wine and goat’s milk cheese. The sun-drenched island offers a less hectic alternative to the glitzy beach resorts on the Italian mainland, and it has long been a popular shadow destination for the European jet set.

Or consider : The spas of Sedona, Arizona , promise a detox in a striking desert setting. Affluent New Yorkers can escape urban stress at the luxury wellness attractions of the nearby Hudson Valley .

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Rekindle your romance :  Big Sur, California

Even if you missed (or forgot) the 1967 Summer of Love, the Bay Area retains its patchouli-fogged reputation as a hotbed of personal growth and reinvention. This famed coastal community a couple of hours south of San Francisco makes a suitably stunning backdrop for a couple seeking transcendence, or just a fresh spark. But bring your wallet: Locked between mountains and sea, Big Sur boasts a stretch of high-end hotels, resorts and retreats — including the venerable New Age self-actualization campus of the Esalen Institute — strung among the redwoods and cliffsides of California Highway 1. Exclusivity and isolation are part of its appeal; in recent years, access to this bohemian enclave has frequently been limited by a series of road-closing landslides, due to storm-driven erosion. But Big Sur is open for business again, and whether you come here to commune with nature, each other or the forces of the universe, you and your loved one will likely return home changed.

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Or consider: The stuff they say about Venice ? It’s all true, especially if you catch the haunting lagoon city outside the summer crush. And the Indonesian island of Bali ’s role as a rom-com setting is equally well-earned.

Eat the meal of a lifetime:   Lyon, France

Just two hours from Paris via high-speed train, the city of Lyon feels worlds apart. Layered with architectural history that dates to the Roman Empire, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site fully equipped with a fairy-tale medieval cathedral, a plethora of ornate Baroque-era public buildings and one of the largest public squares in Europe, the 15-acre Place Bellecour. But c’mon: You are here to eat. Strategically located at the crossroads of the nation’s various culinary regions, Lyon is the undisputed capital of French cooking. It is the birthplace of nouvelle cuisine and home to a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants, led by the flagship establishment of the late chef Paul Bocuse, L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024. If you fail to score a reservation, the city has plenty of other options. The less formal restaurants known as bouchons are revered as pork-heavy redoubts of traditional Gallic gastronomy — think salade Lyonnaise, coq-au-vin and quenelles — while a newer generation of innovative restaurateurs has pushed this venerable foodie destination to new heights.

Or consider: For what might be the world’s best street food, try the UNESCO-recognized hawker stalls of Singapore . For life-changing mole and much more, it’s Oaxaca in southern Mexico, the nation’s much-lauded culinary capital.

Mark a personal milestone: Tromsø, Norway

When strong solar storms brought the shimmering northern lights farther south than usual in May 2024, millions of Americans caught a glimpse of an astronomical phenomenon that usually makes only rare local appearances. Should you venture deep into northern Norway between September and April, you’ve got a far better chance of witnessing the aurora borealis, especially as 2025’s “solar maximum” — a period of peak activity for sunspots and solar flares — approaches. Norwegian cities such as Tromsø, which huddles slightly more than 200 miles north of the Arctic circle, have built their tourism infrastructure around staring up at the sky. After a two-hour flight from Oslo, visitors can take a fjord cruise through the long polar night or splurge for a deluxe glamping experience in a glass “aurora hut,” where you drift to sleep beneath flickering ripples of astral radiation. A wintertime trip to the edge of the North Pole might not be for everyone, but for those intrepid enough to try, the skies above this stark and beautiful landscape might deliver a spectacle worthy of that once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Or consider: Do like Darwin and visit the Galápagos Islands . Or step inside Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona, to remind yourself how small we really are.

Have a wheelchair-friendly adventure:   Tokyo

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by life in the world’s largest city: Greater Tokyo holds more than 37 million people. But first-time visitors often marvel that moving around the sprawling Asian megalopolis is easier than expected, thanks to an extensive subway and rail system that stands as something of a wonder of the world. Despite the complexity and busyness of the network, abundant multilingual signage and the orderliness of both riders and facilities ease the task of finding one’s way around the maze of under- and aboveground lines. That’s especially true for riders with disabilities , as Tokyo launched a major effort to improve accessibility in the run-up to the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The COVID-19 pandemic kept the crowds home for the events themselves in 2021, but the wheelchair-using international tourists who now pack the city’s shops, shrines and sushi restaurants are taking advantage of upgraded infrastructure. Most of Tokyo’s transit stations are accessible, and many older hotels and public attractions have been recently renovated to remove barriers and retrofit facilities for a wider variety of users.

Or consider: The gambling mecca’s explosive modern development means that much of the Las Vegas Strip and its attractions were built or renovated after the 1990 passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The large share of accessible sights and widespread availability of wheelchair-friendly black cabs make London a top pick.

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Reflect on the meaning of peace:   Montgomery, Alabama

When the National Memorial for Peace and Justice opened in 2018, it emerged as the newest and perhaps most challenging of the many civil rights landmarks clustered in and around Alabama’s capital city . Informally known as the National Lynching Memorial, it’s a monument to the more than 4,400 victims of racial violence from 1877 to 1950 — the first of its kind in the U.S., and a sobering stop for travelers seeking solace, illumination or inspiration in the history of the pursuit of equal rights. Despite the often-harrowing material it confronts, the 6-acre site is a place of beauty and contemplation, and it’s part of a larger complex of gardens, pavilions, a museum and a sculpture park devoted to chronicling the passage from enslavement to freedom. Nearby, there’s a jumble of signposts from that journey: The First White House of the Confederacy, a historic home that served as Jefferson Davis’ residence at the start of the U.S. Civil War, stands blocks from the Dexter Avenue parsonage where Martin Luther King Jr. lived in the 1950s. Museums devoted to the anti-segregation activism of Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders dot the small city’s modest downtown, which is also marked by Maya Lin’s Civil Rights Memorial and its accompanying interpretive center. It’s a heady, and heavy, mix. But as Americans again struggle to find common ground, a trip to Montgomery could be a powerful reminder to your family of how much progress has been made.

Or consider: Berlin ’s transformation from a divided Cold War city to the cosmopolitan capital of a reunited Germany offers hopeful lessons. For a soul-calming respite in one of the world’s most hectic spaces, get lost in the artificial wilderness of Central Park in the middle of New York City.

To see all our coverage, visit AARP The Magazine: The Travel Issue

David Dudley is a writer and editor based in Baltimore.

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