mission trip for adults

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

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 136,000 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 16 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 and Namibia. Explore Africa’s beauty while conserving endangered wildlife or giving back to local communities in need.

Available in 11 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 10 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
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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.

Summer Missions

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

Jesus Film Missions

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

Study Abroad

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?

High School Gap Year

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?  

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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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Short-Term Missions Trips

• Introduction
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• Sign Up for a Trip

1-2 Week Missions Trips in a wide variety of locations around the world

Throughout the year, missionaries partner with individuals and teams to serve with them in their local communities.

Short-term mission trips serve as cultural exchanges, broaden global perspectives, and offer tangible help to the people in the communities where Serge works – often forging lasting relationships among team members and with the local community.

Short-term trip opportunities include: 

• Construction
• English language camps and VBS clubs
• Teaching/discipling of pastors and church leaders
• Sports camps
• Prayer weeks
• Marriage and Parenting conferences
• Vision Trips
• Auto Mechanics
• and more…

Why Go Short-Term with Serge?

Meaningful projects support long-term work.

We want your trip to be beneficial as possible for all involved — your short-term team, your sending church, and your missionary and international partners. Every team we send participates in important, helpful work that is more than something we could accomplish through financial resources alone.

Community Development

Frequently, short-term teams can be ineffective, or at worst harmful, to local communities and the materially poor. We see Short-Term teams as more than just an opportunity for spiritual tourism – but avenues that God uses to create lasting change in the lives of team members and the communities they serve.

Renewed Vision for Missional Living

The effectiveness of a short-term team expands far beyond the scope of the weeks spent overseas. Through serving cross-culturally, you can joyfully re-encounter your own need for the gospel and bring renewed vision and excitement back to local mission engagement.

2023-2024 Short-Term Mission Trips

 trip full , children’s english camp, malaga, spain, teen english camp, l.e.a.p. week, spring break l.e.a.p. trip.

• Latin America

Dominican Republic Auto Repair

Jarabacoa, dominican republic, ministry housing construction team, crucero cultural exchange youth camp, himalayan prayer trek.

What They’re Saying

“ "Since going on my STT, my prayer life has expanded exponentially. Something was ignited in me and I want to dive deeper than ever before into my relationship with the Lord. The way the Lord used me over there was really special, but also a great reminder that I can have those moments and conversations in my daily life here [at home]." Morgan Montrose

“ "Why not take 7 days? Allow those 7 days to change your heart and grow your vision of what God is doing in the world. He created the world in 7 days. Imagine the spiritual impact you can have on one person and what that can do. You could be talking to the next Paul or the next person who brings revival to this people group." - William Graphic Designer

“ "A short-term missions trip will give you a broader picture of the church universal. It's incredibly encouraging to see how the Lord is working in the world, not just in your local church, but to see and experience how the Spirit is moving in somebody else's culture. It changes how you worship. It changes the way you read the bible. It might change the way you see different churches in your neighborhood and how they are working together." Michael VanDerLinden

“ Since going on my STT, I have more of an awareness of the need for the gospel, both in the lives of those who are lost, and in my life. I also have more passion for evangelism in my personal life, and actually taking the steps to engage people in conversation." Dwayne Noble

Short-Term Missions

 frequently asked questions, application process.

The first step is for you or your church leader to fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

What are the costs for a Short-Term Trip?

Costs vary for each trip. You can get specifics for a trip that interests you by contacting Brad Wallace, our Short-Term Coordinator at [email protected] . If you need to support raise, you can raise money from friends and family, through your church, and sometimes directly through Serge.

How soon do I need to sign up?

Sooner is better. All of our trips close at least two months before departure, and you may be looking to raise support.

How can I learn more about a particular trip?

If you have questions this page doesn’t answer, please contact Brad Wallace at [email protected].

Short-Term Team Sign Up

To sign up for any of our Short-Term Team Opportunities, please fill out the form below. Have a question? Please contact our Short-Term Coordinator, Brad Wallace at [email protected].

• Your Name First Name Last Name
• Email Best Email to Reach You
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• Address * City State
• Not Sure Yet
• Trip Interest Tell us what trip you are interested in or would like to know more about?
• Yes, I’d like to occasionally hear from Serge about ministry, new initiatives, events, and opportunities to serve or give.

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By patric knaak.

On Mission is an expanded daily devotional guide, designed to help you make the most of your experience by: spiritually preparing for your trip, staying connected to Jesus each day, and reflecting on what God has taught you, and finding new ways to stay missionally-engaged after you return home.

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Dates: Sept. 27 – Oct. 11, 2024

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The short-term team will trek with Serge missionaries in the Himalayas. You will learn about the spiritual climate of a country entrenched in thousands of years of idolatry and pray alongside local believers that Jesus would reign as King & Lord in the hearts of those who have never heard His name.

Trip length: 15 days 

Who: Adults and youth (13 and older) with a passion to learn, understand, and experience one of the oldest cultures on the planet. Physical conditioning important to be able to reach remote mountain villages with a 20 – 30 pound trekking pack.

Approx. trip cost: $1425 plus airfare. This fee includes registration fee, lodging, most meals, domestic travel, E-tourist visa, trek expenses, guides/translators, and ministry expenses.

Individuals will pay their own “day-off” costs such as sight-seeing or helicopter ride over the Himalayas.

Deadline to apply : May 1, 2024

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Dates: J une 20-30, 2024 (depart June 19) 

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This short-term team will work with Serge missionaries in Malaga, Spain, to put on an English Camp for young kids in the community. The English Camp is a wonderful way to serve and connect to the local community, allowing relationships to be built with kids and their parents, which constructs a bridge in a very secular culture to reach the locals with the gospel. The team will lead a fun urban English camp for kids (ages 6-11) with activities that include sports, crafts, and music.

Trip length: 11 days

Max team size: 20 people

Who Can Go: Adults, college students, and youth (high schoolers) welcome. No Spanish is necessary, but it would be an asset.

Approximate Trip cost: $980 + airfare

Dates: J une 20-30, 2024 (depart U.S. on June 19)

This short-term team will work with Serge missionaries in Malaga, Spain to put on an English Camp for teens in the community. The English Camp helps teens become more proficient in English, something necessary to graduate from college in Spain. This also provides opportunities to build relationships and reach the community with the gospel. The team will lead a fun urban English camp for teens (12-17) and the activities will include conversation groups, site visits, beach activities, and games.

Max team size: 20 people 

Who Can Go: Adults welcome with emphasis on high school and college age

DATES: March 2-9, 2024 (These dates are filled.)

DATES:  March 9-16, 2024 

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Max team size: 30

Who: RUF staff and students

Approximate Trip cost: $1000+ airfare

Dates: June or July 2024, exact dates depend on team availability

This short-term team will engage Crucero’s youth by hosting a week of diverse activities, including English lessons, community cleanup, Bible stories, recreational pursuits, and crafts. We will also delve into Dominican culture. Our focus will be on fostering meaningful relationships, both among team members and with the local Dominicans.

Trip length: 10 days depending on team members’ availability

Who: 8-10 youth (minimum age 14) and 2-4 adult leaders who love Jesus and have a sense of adventure. The ability to speak Spanish is fantastic but not required. Ability to go with the flow (Dominicans call that ‘flojo’ or loose), curiosity, and a willingness to learn as well as teach.

Approx. trip cost: $850 + airfare (includes room, meals, ground transportation, supplies, and interpreters). 

Dates: Spring 2024, exact dates depend on team availability

Join this short-term missions trip to improve La Mesa Ministry’s property. This construction team will work on projects like completing a bathroom project, insulating the attic, and repairing La Casita, a small wooden cabin. Your participation will enhance their ministry space and make a lasting impact.

Trip length: 7 – 14 days depending on team members’ availability

Max team size: 14

Who: 4-5 adults who love Jesus and have experience in plumbing, electricity, and/or other areas of construction. Ability to speak Spanish is not required.

Approx. trip cost: $1150 – $1350 + airfare (includes room, meals, ground transportation, building materials, and local skilled labor) Total cost depends on length of trip.

Dates: July 1-8, 2024 (Depart U.S. on June 30th)

LEAP is a time to leap out of your comfort zone and into a different world. This trip is for anyone who has a desire to see all nations of the earth impacted by the love of Jesus.

On this trip, your team will learn about world religions and cultures as well as participate in prayer and outreach alongside Serge missionaries and local churches in predominantly South Asian neighborhoods.

Trip length:  1 Week

Max team size: Registration is open for church teams, family units, or individuals, with a maximum capacity of 100 participants. Initially, each church can register up to 10 people, but this limit may be adjusted if space remains available.

Who:   All adults, from retirees to college students and mature teenagers, are welcome. No prior ministry experience or training is necessary; only the willingness and ability to flexibly participate and travel between scheduled activities. For teams that include high school students, we kindly request that they recruit at least one adult for every two students.

Approx. trip cost:   If staying in a shared room, the cost per person will be $1,100, in addition to airfare. (This fee includes: room, ministry-related transportation, and ministry meals. )

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Dates: Early Nov 2023 (exact dates TBD by participant availability)

Jarabacoa, located in the mountains of the DR, is a location where owning a car is more a need than a luxury. Most vehicles are very old and take a beating from the unpaved roads. Reliable local mechanics are hard to find. Our team will be led by a certified mechanic and spend two weeks repairing the cars of missionaries, local pastors, and members of the church.

Trip length: 2 Weeks

Max team size: 5

Who: Anyone with some knowledge in auto repair, one Spanish speaker to translate

Approx. trip cost: $850 + airfare

Nairobi, Kenya

Our teams in Nairobi come alongside the Kenyan church to help deepen the understanding of core gospel truths and the practical out-workings of these truths in everyday life. We are also engaging with unreached people groups as we desire all nations, peoples, and tongues to come to know the powerful truth of the gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ. Through soccer ministry and Chronological Bible Storying, we are investing in training and discipleship , passing on spiritual depth, professional skills, and missional values to rising leaders across Kenya.

As an Apprentice in Nairobi, you may…

• Partner with churches and groups across the country through engaging in Chronological Bible Storying seminars to train and equip Kenyan pastors and ministry leaders,   or
• Use soccer to share the gospel with coaches and players across the country in partnership with Ambassadors Football (soccer)
• Engage in the church in a youthful, dynamic city that is shaping culture across East Africa
• Join a grace-centered team that longs to see you grow in your love for Jesus and your understanding of your call to mission
• Help support the Kingdom work already happening through the church in Kenya

Interested in being an Apprentice? Begin a Conversation

Details in nairobi.

Length of Service: 15 Months

No previous language study is necessary; a willingness to study Swahili is required.

• Administration
• Sports Ministry
• Language Learning
• Pastoral Training
• Bible Teaching
• Relational Ministry
• Discipleship

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Mission Trips

Join the more than 500,000 participants serving people in need and transforming lives and communities., group mission trips creates short-term domestic and international mission trips for youth groups. each year, over 15,000 participants serve through our home repair, community service, and international mission trips..

When you volunteer with Group Mission Trips, you have the opportunity to engage in meaningful service projects that have a lasting impact on residents and communities around the world. From organized service projects to a Jesus-centered program that sparks deep conversations and daily devotions, our mission trips are designed to help youth and adults grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Our short-term mission trips range from 7-10 days and are perfect for high school students, teens, youth groups, and adults. Our mission trip locations span across North America, South America, Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Whether you’re looking for a summer mission trip, or a custom trip, we offer affordable year-round mission trips for any-sized group.

Accreditations & Memberships

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.

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

What is a mission trip?

Mission trips are domestic and international volunteer opportunities centered on serving residents and communities in need through sustainable service projects. Beyond the service projects, mission trips are powerful experiences to:

Build character

Develop leadership skills, grow in faith and relationship with jesus, earn community service hours, focus on others’ needs, invest in the next generation, build authentic relationships, disrupt the busyness of everyday life.

You will experience the transformation that happens on our short-term mission trips when you serve communities across the world and put your faith in action.

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.

Choose Your Best

Mission trip experience..

Group Mission Trips partners with long-term ministries rooted in the countries we serve to provide meaningful support for their year-round programs. When you go on a mission trip with GMT, you’ll come alongside our partners’ ongoing efforts and provide support and encouragement through practical service projects.

Group Mission Trips offers a variety of service projects in each mission trip location. From home repair and construction projects to domestic and international community development projects, there are many opportunities to connect your interests with needs across the world.

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

Starting at $298

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.

Starting from $498

Starting from $298

MISSION TRIP LOCATIONS

Mission trips in the usa.

• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Mission trips in the non-contiguous USA

• Puerto Rico USA

Mission trips in Central America

• Dominican Republic

Mission trips in South America

Mission trips in europe.

Have Questions?

Bri, our Customer Care Advisor, can answer any questions you have about serving on a Mission Trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate.

For Workcamps & Week of Hope

• Due to liability, under-aged participants will be sent home at their own expense ( NO babies or any children under the required age).
• Only registered participants are permitted at the lodging facility and on the project sites.
• No special skills are required.
• 19 or 20 year olds are welcome to attend as participants! Remember that  only those that are 21 or older will be considered “adults”  at camp and count in your 1 adult to 5 youth required ratio.

Will our group be working together?

We normally split groups up into work crews.  But, we are willing to work with your group on how you’d like to split into crews. Our work crews are made up of six people with usually one or two adults and four or five youth--typically each person from a different church. If you’d like to have your youth meet new friends and develop friendships outside of your youth group, then allow us to split up your group. If you have specific church safety rules that require your group to be together, we are more than happy to arrange that for your group as well. Our top priority is to partner with you to arrange the best experience for your youth group and help you meet your ministry goals.

What about safety?

Safety is our top priority!

• We require groups to bring 1 adult (21 or older) for every 5 participants that are under 21 years of age.
• We require participants that are 18 and older be screened and background-checked by their church. Their pastor signs off that they meet Group Mission Trips' requirements and that they are approved to attend.
• Every staff member has been screened, background-checked, and reference checked by Group Mission Trips.
• For overall protection, we have separate shower times designated for participants that are 17 and younger from those that are 18 and older.
• We review safety procedures at camp.
• Participants are not required to do any work that they consider unsafe.
• Although we do serve in needy areas, we require crews to stay together at all times. No one should ever be left alone and all participants are back at the lodging facility by their designated check in time.
• Group Mission Trips' staff visit the crews every day so they are aware of where a crew is working and any issues in the area.
• Every crew has the direct phone number to the GMT office and directions to the closest hospital. If an injury occurs on the project site, and is not serious, GMT staff will contact the youth leader and coordinate any transportation needed. If the injury is serious, the adult on site will call 911 and GMT staff will offer support and ensure needed medical forms are delivered to hospital.
• Each crew will have a small first aid kit and a bigger one for every vehicle. 

The safety of your group is a top priority for us, as we’re sure it is for you. In all the areas we serve, we take extra precautions to make sure you or your group is as safe as possible. Guided by our local, experienced ministry staff partners, we avoid situations that are inherently dangerous. We’re also proactive by choosing lodging facilities and transportation that are safe and reliable. Our mission trip advisors are glad to answer further safety questions.

What about transportation?

For Domestic trips

• Groups must provide transportation to and from the mission trip as well as daily to and from the sites.
• All vehicles must be available for transportation to and from the sites. (Mileage or fuel costs are not reimbursed for any transportation costs.)
• Vehicles with a minimum capacity of six passengers are requested, with seat belts. While adults will be driving their vehicles, they typically will not be transporting a crew that includes their own youth members. Typically, the youth from your group will be traveling in other vehicles with their crews.
• Due to rough terrain and narrow roads, there are some locations that are labeled “Not Bus Accessible”. If you are serving at one of these, you’ll need to plan on bringing smaller vehicles.

What will we be doing?

For Workcamps

Your participants will provide home repairs at no cost for elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged people who need your help. Work crews typically serve the same resident for the entire trip, creating an environment where meaningful relationships develop.

Most projects are designed to be completed during the trip, allowing your group to experience the satisfaction of a job well done. You’ll serve the needs of others through projects like interior and exterior painting, building or repairing porches and wheelchair ramps, building or repairing steps, weatherization and other home repairs. No skills are needed!

For Week of Hope

Be ready to tackle any project and expect to interact each day with local residents from the community.  Crews typically serve at the same organization for the entire camp (or at the most 2 organizations), creating an environment where meaningful relationships develop. 

Projects could include working with children at a day camp, serving at a food bank or homeless shelter, leading a Vacation Bible School, improving the homes of people in need, assisting the elderly, tutoring struggling kids, working with disabled children, facilitating a sports camp, and/or serving churches and other human service organizations in different ways. If there are any minor repair projects, we may ask your group to bring a few small hand tools and paint brushes.

Where do we stay?

For Workcamps Classic

A Workcamp can hold up to 400 participants and we house them all typically at a middle or high school. Group Mission Trip staff transforms the facility into a home away from home–there will be a separate boy’s hall and girl’s hall, a cafeteria for meals, adequate bathrooms and showers, and either a gym or auditorium for programs.

Participants need to bring twin-size air mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags or other bedding to sleep on classroom floors. Youth groups are assigned to sleeping rooms together, gender separate. Sleeping rooms may be shared with other youth groups, depending on the size of groups and the size of the room.

Registered groups can see more information about their lodging facility online on their Customer Account under Lodging Info. The primary contact will have access to the lodging facility’s address.

For Workcamps Flex

Workcamp Flex does not include lodging. It has all the outstanding elements of our Workcamp Classic but at a more affordable price, allowing you more flexibility in what you eat and where you sleep.

A Week of Hope can hold up to 100 participants and we house them all typically at a local church. Group Mission Trips' staff transforms the facility into a home away from home–there will be a separate boy’s hall and girl’s hall, a space for meals, adequate bathrooms and showers, and a space for the programs.

Participants need to bring twin-size air mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags or other bedding to sleep on floors. Youth groups are assigned to sleeping rooms together, gender separate. Sleeping rooms may be shared with other youth groups, depending on the size of groups and the size of the room.

What is the menu? What if there are special dietary needs?

For Workcamps and Week of Hope

Meals will consist of hot breakfasts, picnic-style lunches, and hot dinners. All meals will be prepared for participants by kitchen staff. Picnic-style lunches will be assembled in the mornings and brought to work sites. The first provided meal is dinner on Sunday and the last meal is breakfast on Saturday. IMPORTANT NOTE: Dinner is NOT provided on Wednesday, youth groups have free time this day and dinner is on their own.

For registered groups:  If you have a participant that has to eat gluten-free--please let us know. We can have a few gluten free options at camp, but need to know in advance to plan. The sample menu is located on your customer account, under Helpful Resources, and under Schedule, Menu, and Packing. Share this with your participants so they can start planning. Participants with special diets or allergies are welcome to bring their own food items to fill in as needed during the week. Please know that we do have peanut butter on the menu. Group Mission Trips is unable to guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination during meal preparation by kitchen staff. There will be a staff member available at camp who will be able to answer any questions about food.

Workcamp Flex provides only lunch at your Work Site. You choose what you eat for breakfast and dinner each day.

What are the programs like?

Focused on Jesus.  Our goal is to point people to Jesus. Programs focus on Bible passages and daily themes that challenge us to respond to Jesus in ways we will never forget.

Interactive . People learn better by doing. Participants will be involved in sharing, speaking, acting, reflecting...not just sitting and watching.

Relevant.  Through creative multimedia, thought provoking sound and video, our programs are designed to reach everyone.

Fun.  Relationship-building activities, games and having fun are part of every program. Expect to have a great time!

What's included in the registration fee?

• Lodging during the camp.*
• All meals, except for dinner on Wednesday for a Workcamp.*
• Site selection and organization.
• Supplies and project materials for each work site.
• Bible-based thematic, fun, faith building programs.
• Devotions to do before, during, and after camp.
• Highly trained staff to handle all the details.
• Custodians and cafeteria staff to take care of lodging cleanliness and meals.
• An online Group Page full of camp information and resources to help prepare you and your group for camp.
• Unlimited customer support from professional and courteous staff.
• T-shirt and Mission Handbook for each participant.

*Workcamp Flex has all the outstanding elements of our Workcamp Classic but at a more affordable price, allowing you more flexibility in what you eat and where you sleep. Lodging and meals (except lunch at your Work Site each day) are not included.

For an expanded list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit our FAQ Page for details about each experience we offer.

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More than a Christian Mission Trip.

Come grow with god, love others, and make a difference in the world., world race mission trips, gap year mission trips, semesters mission trips, featured videos, world racer blogs, mission trip fundraising.

WHAT IS A WORLD RACE MISSION TRIP?

The World Race is a life-changing mission trip where you will learn to seek first the kingdom of God, so you can experience a deeper life with Jesus, live in authentic community, serve others and share the love of Jesus. Not just on this mission trip, but for the rest of your life.

“Through the World Race, everything that Christ talked about can be experienced every single day.” – Colleen Widmaier | World Race alumna

Get $350 of Merch when you commit to ANY trip.

Take advantage of this limited time offer to get $350 worth of sweet World Race merchandise! There’s never been a better time to apply for the World Race, sign up and get your merch today!

A JOURNEY INTO A DEEPER LIFE.

Jesus took His disciples on a three-year journey of mission trips to prepare them to carry out His mission for the rest of their lives. In the same way, our desire is to prepare you to seek first the Kingdom of God for the rest of your life.

World Race Mission Trips Christian Outreach to Communities Around the Globe

You have a heart for the Gospel. We have opportunities designed to help you answer God’s call.

Ages: 21 – 30

Ages: 17 – 20

1 – 4 Months

Ages: 18 – 30

How to Partner with Us!

Select an Upcoming Trip

Train and Fundraise

See Reviews From Past Mission Trips

Shanan Zavocki

Through this program, I experienced enough outward encouragement to propel my inward desire forward, and I’ve learned more fully how much my walk with God is truly a relationship and not a routine. God used the World Race to change my life. And He could use it to change your life, too.

Drew Davidson

I loved my time on the Race! Doing World Race Gap Year opened my eyes and heart to more of who Jesus is. There were endless opportunities to see Him move through and in me over my time on the field! I became more confident in who He has called me to be and experienced a deeper hunger for Jesus.

Ellie Miller

On the Race I learned what it looked like to have consistent character through refinement by the holy spirit and the community around me. I was pushed to greater dependence on the father through living out ministry as a lifestyle, not simply a mission trip.

Madison Goodwin

I’m getting to live out revival on a daily basis through teaching, preaching, evangelizing, ministering to the lost. Everything I do is important because it’s important for the Kingdom’s work.

Morgan McCrary

The World Race Gap Year held some of the most challenging months of my life but also some of the most life giving! Before I went on Gap Year I thought I knew Jesus, but after living as a missionary for 7 months, I quickly realized that there was so much more to learn!

Matt Chisenhall

Being a Christian isn’t just about going to church on Sunday morning, but it’s about following God every day and being Obedient to him in every situation and every single day we have the opportunity todo that on the World Race.

Stories from the mission field

Family Is Kingdom | Connor Gaul – World Racer

Posted 12/04/2018.

One Second Everyday for 11 Months! | Krista Booker -World Racer

Posted 11/05/2019.

WHY I GO | Lauren Munson – World Racer

Posted 07/24/2019, see reviews by:, world race updates.

The Power of Global Community: Forging Lifelong Connections on the World Race

Embracing the Transformative Journey: The Christian Gap Year Advantage

Cultural Immersion: Experiencing Local Traditions and Festivals

Month 1: Exploring Indigenous Guatemala

BY LINDSEY CROWN | AUG 28, 2021

Snapshots of the DR

BY JENNIFER PARIS | JUN 18, 2021

A Day in the Life (Makarios in the Dominican Republic- World Race 2021)

BY KATIE HAMMOND | MAY 29, 2021

World Race Gap Year: Serving with the Dunamis Foundation

BY ELLIE ZELLER APR 23, 2021

Leaving Our Mark in Costa Rica | World Race in Jaco, Costa Rica

BY MICAH TORGERSON MAR 21, 2021

World Race Gap Year: Dear Day 1 Racer..

BY ELLIE ZELLER MAR 12, 2021

You’re at a pivotal point in your life. You want to be who God created you to be and make the right steps that will impact the rest of your life. You’re not alone!

That’s why we created our World Race Semesters Opportunities. We have sent over 132,000 people on mission trips all over the world. The World Race has helped them begin to live in the calling God has for them.

Here are 3 next steps you can take to get to know us and help you select your mission trip.

Why We Love The World Race

Want to go on a mission trip but not sure which one? Learn why you should do a mission trip with us.

21 Day Devotional

Ask an Alumni

The World Race sounds pretty awesome, right? So what’s stopping you? Here are the most common concerns we hear:

Yeah, it sounds like a lot. We’ve led thousands of people on this journey of fundraising, and even though it’s hard work, it’s totally possible. We’ll guide you through the process! Don’t let this fear stop you from pursuing the Lord’s oall on your life!

Each World Race program is priced separately according to the trip and route; you can find the price of each trip by visiting the “Trips” page .

We encourage Racers to connect with a community of supporters for both prayer and financial support. We understand raising money can be intimidating, so we have Admissions Advisors committed to help you through the support raising process. (For more information, Fundraising 101 .)

If you’re worried about finances, don’t be. Over the years, we’ve learned time and time again when God calls, He provides. Still concerned? Check out this video for Our Top 5 Favorite Ways to Fundraise .

Yeah, we’ve heard that too! And sometimes, it can be true. We’re committed to doing mission trips well. In truth, both the long-term missionary and the short-term mission team bring a gift to the throne of our Lord. Long-term missionaries bring direction. Short-term missionaries bring velocity. Often our long-term partners are greatly encouraged by the infusion of life and resources into their ministry that short-term teams bring. It is the person with a long-term commitment to a community who plants a church and disciples its members. The relationships and vision they provide are essential. They are like the rudder on the ship, providing direction, steering the course. Short-term missionaries can be the wind in the sails which give velocity and thrust to the enterprise. They bring with them resources, a prayer base, and tremendous enthusiasm.

Check out this two-part series on the case for short term missions:

Part 1 Part 2

There is an online application process for all our World Race programs. Once you’ve submitted an application and paid the $49 fee, you can select your trip and route preference and schedule a phone interview.

We prayerfully review applications and look forward to learning more about you during the phone interview. By completing this interview, you are not committing to participate in a World Race program. However, as you complete these steps, it will help you decide if the Race is for you.

If accepted, you will secure your spot with a deposit, which also serves as your first donation.

After committing to a route, you’ll be connected with an Admissions Advisor. All of our Advisors on staff are alumni Racers, and their job is to help you with the planning, fundraising, and logistical information you need to prepare to go.

Yes! We do accept international applicants. However, due to the many obstacles including increased cost and complex, varying visa requirements, non-US applicants must coordinate additional logistics, including travel to and from Training Camp, and visas for each destination country.

All trip fees and charges must be paid in US dollars and tax deductions are only available for US residents. Non-US applicants must be fluent in English. Contact us for more details and to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Each day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, evangelism outreach, relationship building, or praying for the sick. Some days could be slower –shopping for groceries at the market or spending time in prayer for the community and ministry.

Check out the World Race vlog. In this 13 episode vlog, we follow a World Race squad around the world. See first hand what it’s like to be on the World Race.

Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God’s Kingdom work. Just Contact Us and we’d be happy to share our stories about life on the Race!

The World Race is a program of the interdenominational mission organization Adventures in Missions (Also known as Adventures).

Our staff and leaders come from a wide range of Christian churches and denominations. Read our statement of beliefs for a deeper look at what we believe.

With the different backgrounds of our staff, our Racers, and the ministry partners we serve alongside, you will most likely experience worship styles, Bible teachings, and Christian community different than you’ve previously experienced. We encourage you to dig into Scripture and have ongoing conversations about these things. We love this picture of the body of Christ coming together, united in purpose to bring Jesus to the nations.

We recognize travel brings risk. We have worked hard to put extensive safety protocols in place. But, all Racers need to consider things happen that we can’t predict. People get sick and accidents happen. It is likely you will meet people suffering from a variety of diseases.

To address the issues we face, we have an experienced risk management team. They monitor political, health, weather, and other risks in the regions where we serve. This information includes the U.S. State Department travel warnings. All Racers have a travel insurance policy. The insurance company works closely with us to ensure you will receive the care you need. For more information about the insurance policy, click here .

We have external consultants who assist us in designing and managing our training and field implementation for safety protocols. Our internal risk management team creates contingency plans as needed so we are ready to move teams quickly if the need arises. We also have an extensive network of ministry partners and ministry connections worldwide who provide us with “eyes on the ground” as we assess situations.

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Go deeper with God than you ever imagined possible.

Start your journey. Apply now for the World Race.

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Mission Trips

2024 and 2025 mission trips.

Mission Discovery makes it easy to serve others all around the world. Whether you’re looking for a mission trip with your church, school, a family, or alone as an individual, there are many ways to live out your faith on the mission field. If you want more information about serving, see the trips we offer below.

Get more dates, locations and activities! Customize your trip to fit all of your needs.

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Church outside the church walls.

Jesus is Moving Join Him!

Ever wonder: is this all there is? We can guarantee there’s more, much more out there. Jesus never played it safe with his disciples, following him was getting out into the mess and noise. It was being empowered, not because of what you know but because of who knows you.

We are running a special $295 per person for a 5 day Florida Spring Break trip

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.

Calling all youth pastors.

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.

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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.

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Deepen your youth mission trip by doing ministry built on genuine partnerships, long term relationships, and sustainable ministry.

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When disasters strike, the Church is on the front lines of response and relief efforts, working with local authorities and organizing grassroots efforts to meet the pressing needs of their communities.

Follow along with teams as they serve in disaster areas around the world, and also read about the experiences of past teams who have served in those areas through Praying Pelican Missions. Our disaster trip journals are a great way to stay connected with those support teams as they work locally and internationally to offer encouragement and assist the local Church in what might be their greatest time of need!

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Follow along with teams as they go on mission, and read about the experiences of past teams who have served with Praying Pelican.

Recent Trip Journals

Frontline Community Church

Memphis, TN | April 4, 2024

First Baptist Church Richmond

Jamaica | April 4, 2024

Marietta First United Methodist Church

Costa Rica | April 5, 2024

Washtenaw Christian Academy

Gulf Coast | April 5, 2024

Puerto Rico | April 5, 2024

Atlantic Christian School

Belize | April 5, 2024

• One Week of Group Mission Trip Devotionals

Day 1 - We're Called

Exodus 17:8-13.

Joshua is first seen in the Bible during this passage of scripture in Exodus. His life and story of faith, courage and leadership is a strong example for all. In the scripture we find Joshua being called by Moses, who was the current lead of the Israelites. Joshua will soon become the leader of the Israelites and see them through their journey over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. But first, Joshua must respond to his initial calling against the Amalekites. Joshua and the Israelites prevail in their battle at Rephidim. But of important note in this story are two important factors: First, Joshua would surely not have become a strong and successful leader of the Israelites if he had not responded to Moses’ call. Second, Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, kept his arms and staff in the air at all times during Joshua’s battle against the Amalekites.

As you serve over the next number of days, take this challenge upon yourself: what’s your purpose here? Surely, you must be here for a reason. You must be here because you were called by God for something big, right? Imagine being in Joshua’s shoes. In the process of twenty four hours, Joshua goes from being an unnamed and unknown member of the Israelites to being a leading fighter in an epic battle on the way to their freedom. Joshua, Moses, Aaron, Hur, and the Israelites were on a journey, on a mission. They were called and God had a role for each of them.

Group Discussion

• Where do you see yourself in this story? Joshua? The Israelites? Moses, Aaron or Hur? Why?
• Why do you think God has you here this week?
• What can you be doing to courageously move from being “just an Israelite” to “responding to God’s call?”

Day 2 - Spirit of Joshua and Caleb

Numbers 13-14.

Moses gave the twelve spies specific instructions to check out the land and bring back proof of what the promised land looked like. The land was wonderful. It was everything they dreamed of and hoped for. God surely had something special in store for the Israelites, and they promised to conquer Canaan and establish residence there. However, there was a problem. Only two of the twelve spies (Joshua and Caleb) were optimistic and faithful enough to stand firm in their belief that God was calling them to something great, and that they had God’s favor on their side. The other ten spies focused on everything that was bad and challenging. They focused on the giants in the land, their strength and size. They saw themselves as grasshoppers and said they would surely be devoured by the land if they were to try to seize it. Joshua and Caleb stood firm in their belief that God had them right where he wanted them - ready to enter into Canaan and take hold of what God had promised. Surely, they were not going to let earthly challenges stop them from their destiny.

What is your perspective this week? Do you view your mission field a Canaan of sorts? No, you’re not going into a physical war, but there is a spiritual battle taking place. Do you believe that God has you and your team in your mission field for a real purpose? Are you focusing on everything that is positive and good about the land and effort? Or are you distracted by the challenges that you face? Will you let those challenges deter you from the greater good of loving God and loving others? Or will you chase after relationships, partnership, and ministry that lasts long beyond your time in this place?

• What is our Canaan this week? What is our purpose in this place?
• What is our attitude toward our mission field and the challenges that come along with it? Surely we have many challenges. Let’s not talk about what the challenges are, but let’s talk about what success looks like.
• How can we be like Joshua and Caleb during the next few days as we serve in this mission field?

Day 3 - Strength and Courage

Moses has just died. There’s a change in leadership. Joshua is up, it’s his turn. He has thousands of people looking at him and expecting him to direct them, as Moses had been doing. What happens next? Joshua hears from God. He listens to God, and God prepares his heart and mind for the next step in his journey. God repeatedly calls Joshua to strength and courage in chapter one of the book of Joshua. It’s a repeated theme throughout his life that we can see highlighted here. Joshua sets forth a plan for the Israelites to take hold of what God has promised to them within three days after God speaks to him here. Among the things that God states to Joshua is a message of strength, courage, and a lack of fear. He calls Joshua to extreme confidence in knowing that he is striving after something great. He has had training, he’s been prepared for this, and he’s ready to lead others into the truth that he is confident in. God also calls Joshua to faithfulness. He reminds Joshua that he needs to meditate on the book of the law, day and night, or all the time. Surely these messages from God are key in Joshua’s success as a leader of the Israelites.

Are you needing a reminder that strength and courage is key to your mission and effort his week? Maybe you are a Joshua - leading a group or being a student leader. Maybe you’re not a Joshua, maybe you’re one that Joshua is leading. Either way, we have lessons to learn from the introduction of the book of Joshua. We should all be striving for being fearless in ministry, being confident that God has prepared something special for us personally, special for our week serving in missions, and special for us in eternity.

• Why is confidence, courage, and strength important for us this week?
• What will fear do to us, this week specifically, if we allow it into our minds? What about our personal everyday lives?
• What else stands out to you in this passage that can be applied to our efforts this week? Corporately as a group and individually?

Day 4 - Rahab

It’s just like God to include a prostitute in the story of God’s people, making Rahab a staple in the discussion of how God uses broken, sinful people to do great things and to further the Kingdom. Rahab is recognized as a person of great faith. She risked her well being out of recognition that the Israelite’s had a powerful God on their side. Her decision to hide and assist the spies in their quest to conquer Jericho could have ended very badly for her. Rahab, as opposed to the rest of the population of Jericho, saw the Israelites as God’s chosen people, and she opened her heart to them.

The challenge and focus for us with this story is this: how many of us are guilty of sin and a life of worldly passion and desires? Sure, we’re likely not prostitutes, but we’re guilty of chasing after things that we think will fulfill us in this world: money, power, influence, and earthly satisfaction. The impressive thing we must recognize with Rahab is that she still had hope in her heart. God confirmed that, and the Israelites spared her life by the sign of the scarlet cord. That scarlet cord is now known as a sign of security, safety and obedience. We find later that everyone in Rahab’s house were spared, as a result of her obedience in the placement of the scarlet cord.

• What is the message regarding obedience in Rahab’s story? How does this apply to us individually and to us as a team?
• How can we communicate the message that “everyone is someone” to God to the people we spend time with this week?
• How will our obedience to God’s instructions and direction assure us safety and security this week and in our lives in general? How does eternal life factor into this discussion?

Day 5 - Consecration

God does a great miracle in stopping the Jordan river, which was going to flood, and reminds the Israelites of his great power to do miracles. This was a glorious entry into the land they were working toward. While a heavy focus can justifiably be put on the miracle of the Jordan river being split apart, there are a few other important messages in this chapter. The night before the Israelites march into Canaan, Joshua directs all the people to consecrate themselves. Consecration is the process of preparing, setting aside, or making sacred something of religious or spiritual significance. In this situation, Joshua told the people that they are to bring themselves before God and make their hearts right, so that they were ready for the epic miracle and battle that lay ahead of them in crossing the Jordan and preparing for the battles in Canaan. Joshua also told the Israelites to keep their eyes on the ark of the covenant, which was the presence of God.

Whatever your day looks like tomorrow, take to heart the calling of Joshua and make it personal. Consecrate yourself. Tomorrow God will do great things. He may not stop a river from flowing, but you never know, he might! Your heart and mind need to be right with God, clear, and focused, so that you can comprehend His power, presence, and guidance. Focus on Him and follow his presence where He leads.

• Why is it important to have a consecrated heart when serving in missions, or doing anything for God?
• What are some steps we can take to consecrate ourselves in order to prepare for our ministry tomorrow? Individually and as a team?
• In what ways during your mission experience have you seen your team follow the presence of God already?

Day 6 - Inquire of God

Although Joshua is known for his great leadership and faithfulness to God, he wasn’t perfect. Joshua ends up making a mistake in his leadership when the Gibeonites trick him and the other Israelite leaders into thinking they’re wanderers from a distant country. Because Joshua and the leaders of Israel didn’t inquire of the Lord (verse 14), they make a treaty which protects the Gibeonites, who are living in the Promised Land. Joshua, for a moment, relied to heavily on his own human nature instead of continually going to God and asking for discernment and wisdom.

How often do we do this same thing? We think we’re doing the right thing, but in the end, we realize we didn’t really consult God about it. Good decisions absent from God’s involvement are empty efforts. Had Joshua and the Israelites asked God about the Gibeonites, they would have had his leading and wisdom to guide their decision. Instead, the Gibeonites survived the Israelite conquest of Canaan. When we face challenges in our lives and strange situations, are we inquiring of God? Do we go to him even if we think we know what’s best?

• What challenges or unknown circumstances are we experiencing in our mission experience right now? How can we inquire of God’s will in that situation?
• In what ways have you made “good” decisions in the past that seemed great at the time but you realized God wasn’t in it?
• How do we “inquire of God” on a consistent basis in daily life decisions? How do we do this throughout the rest of our mission trip?

Day 7 - We Will Serve The Lord

Joshua did well. It’s that simple. God called him to something big, gave him great responsibility, and Joshua did well. He led the Israelites into Canaan, the Promised Land God had said they would inherit. In his elderly years he leaves words of wisdom and a challenge to the people he was leading. We, too, can be challenged by Joshua’s words here. We must reflect on our accomplishments, recognize that God has done something great through us, and encourage others to be faithful to the Lord. How great would it be to die a death like Joshua? Knowing that we had fully accomplished God’s calling?

As you finish your effort serving God this week, challenge yourself to look at who’s following you. Maybe you’re not a “leader,” but people are watching you. Do they see you being faithful to Jesus, as Joshua was? Do you make a profound and courageous statement with your words and actions to continually follow the Lord? Will you die happy knowing that you’re living right with God? Do your best. Follow God’s calling. Passionately pursue the promises of God.

• What did I / we accomplish this week that God called us to?
• What can we do to remember and celebrate the things God has done this week?
• How are we making a mark in others’ lives? How are we leading our friends and family to draw closer to God? Do they know we’re fully committed to God?

Mission Trip Resources

Before your mission trip.

• Eleven Tips for Cultural Sensitivity
• Fifteen Great Mission Trip Packing Tips
• Five Roles to Recruit for Your Mission Team
• Five Steps for Your Call to Missions
• Five Ways Your Group Will Grow on a Mission Trip
• Four Reasons Your Church Should Invest in Missions
• Fundraising Ideas for Your Team Mission Trip
• Group Travel Communication Tips
• Group Travel Tips
• How To: Promote Your Next Mission Trip
• How to: Hosting Missions Team Meetings
• How to: Mission Trip Support Letters
• How to: Recruiting Your Missions Team
• I'm NOT Going on This Mission Trip - What Now?
• Individual Bibles Studies Before You Go On Your Mission Trip
• Individual Mission Trip Fundraising Ideas
• Mission Trip Fundraising Tips
• Options to Think Through Before Your Next Mission Trip
• Sample Mission Trip Commitment Letter
• Sample Mission Trip Packing List
• Sample Mission Trip Support Letters
• Sample Mission Trip VBS Outline and Tips!
• Seven Keys of Preparation for Your Mission Trip
• Seven Reasons You Should Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip
• Three Basic Principles for a Life Changing Mission Trip
• Three Ways to Prepare for Your Mission Trip
• Tips for Sharing Your Testimony
• What NOT to Pack On Your Mission Trip
• Will My Mission Trip Change Me?
• Your Travel Checklist

During Your Mission Trip

• Connecting with Your Local Pastor
• Five Tips to Debrief Well Each Evening of Your Mission Trip
• Mission Trip Clothing Guidelines
• Mission Trip Donation Guidelines and Ideas
• Staying Healthy On Your Mission Trip
• Staying Safe During Your Mission Trip

After Your Mission Trip

• Five Ways to Support Missionary Friends For Free
• Four Ways to Support Local Ministries
• Keeping Your Missions Partnership Healthy
• The Mission Trip is Over - Now What?
• The Missions Truth Burden
• What's the Pelican Life?

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Our customizable mission trips allow each person on your team of adults to find a place to serve, regardless of their interest or skills.

Africa's many countries boast a wide array of beauty, culture and needs. Destinations include South Africa and Ghana.

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Caribbean—locations include Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Central America—locations include Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

This is your opportunity to serve alongside a local church and experience God in a different culture—from Belize, to Cuba, to South Africa and beyond.

From our hometown of Minneapolis to the island of Puerto Rico, USA mission trips are diverse in service opportunities, cultural experiences, and community needs.

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I Thought I Was Too Old to Make New Friends. One Trip Changed My Mind.

How an introvert rediscovered the power of friendship on an improbable 15-person adventure.

By Tom Vanderbilt

It began as ideas, good and bad, often do: in a bar.

My soccer club — a group of mostly middle-aged dads in suburban New Jersey — was enjoying its weekly post-match pint when we began talking about how fun it would be to play against a similar team in Mexico City, where several of our players grew up. The idea gradually gained momentum until, suddenly, one day last December, we were buying airplane tickets.

But let me back up: A few years ago, I moved to Madison, N.J., after decades in New York City. I knew no one there outside of my family. Busy with work and getting my daughter settled, I didn’t have much time to think about socializing. As an introvert who works from home, that was never going to be easy. As a 50-something, I’d met my closest friends decades earlier. Did I even need new ones?

What I did want to do was bring my soccer habit with me from the city. Eventually, via my neighbor Andrea, who was born in Italy, I found a regular pickup game. The first match was enjoyable and the group seemed affable, so I kept showing up.

Mostly expats, my new teammates ranged in age and background, and I enjoyed being exposed to their perspectives. The youngest, Jorge, an elementary schoolteacher originally from Colombia, was not quite half my age, and we joked about my adopting him.

As we got to know one another better, we became more like a team — complete with jerseys with our custom “Madison Soccer and Beers” logo — and our activities started to expand. We’d gather for a cookout or go mountain biking; we even tried paintball. Soon, I was telling the guys how lucky I felt to have found them, and they were saying equally sappy stuff.

After a few months, I began to realize my hunger to play soccer wasn’t entirely about the game. I was looking for connection. But as the trip to Mexico loomed, I began to have a few doubts: I was the oldest guy by some 10 years — would I be able to keep up? Did I really want to share an Airbnb with 14 others? And would I get roasted for my extreme sleep routine: eye mask, mouth tape, wall of white noise?

What if it turned out I didn’t actually like the guys that much? What if they didn’t like me?

“All relationships require risk,” Jeffrey Hall, a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, told me when I went poking around for data on men and friendship. “You always risk being uncomfortable with someone, or getting too close to them. If we become so risk-averse in getting to know each other, we lose out on opportunities for greater intimacy.”

In a study that Dr. Hall conducted, it took subjects 40 to 60 hours spent together to describe themselves as casual friends, and more to become “good” or “close” friends. That sort of time is relatively easy to find for young adults. But for older guys like me, Dr. Hall noted, “it’s not developmentally typical to be spending a ton of time with your friends, without partners, without children.”

How, then, to cultivate friendships? One pathway, he told me, is to find a “group of people who share a common interest, who will show up week after week to share a hobby.” You may not click equally with everyone, but you’re stocking the pond of potentially deeper friendships.

In my research, I learned that men are feeling the effects of the “friendship recession” harder than women are. And there is some evidence from the travel industry that women travel more than men. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that a guys trip was juvenile or might devolve into a re-creation of “The Hangover.”

Taking a trip with the boys (or playing soccer at all, for that matter) suddenly struck me as trivial. But Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University who specializes in studying loneliness, told me that being more socially connected has clear health benefits , and not just on the soccer field.

“The more you feel supported by your social network,” Dr. Holt-Lunstad said, “the lower your blood pressure, the lower your resting heart rate.” And that includes casual friendships. “We get different kinds of needs and goals fulfilled from different kinds of relationships,” she said.

And so, Mexico.

As it happened, the trip, arranged with great care by Alberto (whose family still lives in Mexico City), was a success. We strolled through the city’s streets and museums, ate enormous lunches, sang with mariachis in the gondolas in the canals of Xochimilco, cheered for wrestlers at the lucha libre and roamed the ancient site of Teotihuacan.

We played our soccer game at the spiffy training site of Cruz Azul, a professional club, (thanks to our well-connected teammate Victor), and joined our opponents afterward in a lavish barbacoa feast. We gave each other nicknames (Shaun, one of two U.S.-born guys on the trip, was dubbed “Tío Sam” — Uncle Sam — for his light gray hair and goatee).

Were there times I longed to change the music, or retreat back to a quiet hotel room? For sure. But packing 15 of us into an Airbnb — or our rolling disco of a van, steadfastly driven by Alberto’s uncle Jesús — created a sort of forced intimacy, as well as a need to adapt. Even the moments of inconvenience, like a brief power outage at the Airbnb, added to the fun.

By some metrics — lack of sleep, overconsumption of food and alcohol — the trip was the unhealthiest thing I’ve done in ages. But few things have left me feeling better.

At one point, Iñaky, a native Spaniard who runs a construction company, said a friend had seen photos he was posting online and asked, “What, are you on a bachelor party or something?” No, we weren’t marking anyone’s transition to a new stage of life. We were simply celebrating our own deepening friendship.

We’re already planning next year’s trip.

A Guide to Building and Nurturing Friendships

Friendships are an essential ingredient in a happy life. here’s how to give them the care and attention they deserve..

How does one make meaningful friendships as an adult? Here are some suggestions ,  useful tools  and tips from an expert .

If you are an introvert, it can be hard to reconcile the need for close connections with the urge to cancel social plans. Here is how to find your comfort zone .

A friendship with a sibling can be a lifelong gift. Whether you’ve always been close, or wish you got along better, here’s how to bolster your connection .

All relationships require some work. For your friendships to thrive , focus on your listening skills, compassion and communication. And make sure to spend time together .

American men are in a “friendship recession,” but experts say a few simple strategies can help. One tip? Practice being more vulnerable with your pals .

It’s quite common for people to feel jealousy or envy toward their friends. Luckily, there are ways to turn those emotions into an opportunity  for growth.

Being a good friend means offering your support in times of need. Just remember: Sometimes less is better than more .

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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Catholic Mission Trips

For groups and individuals.

Experience Mission is an interdenominational missions organization that partners with groups of all different Christian denominations and backgrounds, including Catholic youth and adults! Bring your team to serve in a cross-cultural setting and live out your faith in a tangible way on a mission trip or join a 1-9 IMMERSION program for young adults.

What does it look like for a Catholic mission trip team or individual to serve with Experience Mission? On most of our mission trips, volunteers are connected to local Christian churches and ministries of many different denominational backgrounds. This is an opportunity to step out of our normal routine, serve others, and live into life-changing cross-cultural experiences—whether in homes, on the street, or in the pews.

Many volunteers from Catholic contexts or backgrounds have served with EM on short-term trips and IMMERSION programs and found their experiences to be transformative. Click below to explore mission trips with EM!

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 .

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

UnifyCosmos

10 Entertaining Road Trip Games for Adults

Posted: February 9, 2024 | Last updated: February 10, 2024

Embarking on a road trip can be an exhilarating adventure, but long hours on the road often lead to boredom and restlessness. To transform your journey into an enjoyable and memorable experience, we’ve compiled a list of 10 engaging road trip games specifically designed for adults. These games are not just entertaining; they’re perfect for stimulating your mind, fostering group interaction, and adding a dash of competitive fun to your travels. From brain-teasing puzzles to creative storytelling, each game on this list promises to keep the spirit of adventure alive, ensuring that your road trip is as exciting as the destination itself.

Did You Hear That?

This game involves one person making up a fictional, often absurd news headline, and others must ask questions to guess if it’s true or false. It’s a great way to stir up laughter and keep everyone’s mind engaged.

The Singing Game

Players take turns singing a song, and the next person must start their song with the last word sung in the previous song. This game is perfect for music lovers and keeps everyone entertained and singing along.

The Alphabet Categories

Choose a category (like animals, cities, etc.) and take turns naming an item in that category starting with each letter of the alphabet. This game is both fun and a brain teaser, perfect for passing time.

The Counting Game

Pick a common roadside item (like red cars or billboards) and count them. This game keeps passengers observant and engaged with their surroundings, reducing boredom.

Name The Song

Someone hums or plays a few bars of a song, and others have to guess the song’s name. This game taps into everyone’s musical knowledge and preferences, creating a fun and competitive atmosphere.

The License Plate Game

Spot license plates from different states or make words out of the letters on them. This game is a classic road trip game that encourages observation and can last throughout the entire trip.

Would You Rather

Players pose scenarios with two difficult choices to others, sparking conversations and laughter. This game often leads to interesting discussions and helps pass the time quickly.

The Movie Game

Connect actors through movies they have starred in, or guess a movie from quotes or plot descriptions. It’s great for movie buffs and keeps everyone’s minds sharp.

20 Questions

Think of something, and others have up to 20 questions to guess what it is. This guessing game is a timeless way to engage everyone’s deductive reasoning skills.

The Storytelling Chain

Start a story and have each person in the car add a sentence to it. This game encourages creativity and often results in hilarious, unexpected storylines.

This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos .

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