Travel Opportunities

When you travel with us, you are an ambassador of Springfield in fulfillment of our mission of “Peace through People.” We have fostered relationships with our friends in Isesaki, Japan for more than 30 years and Tlaquepaque, Mexico for more than 15 years. Your adventure with us will be unlike any other; you will experience rich traditions and meaningful friendships beyond the reach of ordinary travelers. Appreciation, goodwill, patience, and love are essential qualities in our ambassadors.

General Travel Meetings

General travel meetings cover information about all upcoming trips. Anyone curious about traveling with Sister Cities is welcome to attend. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated; please e-mail lbakerink@springfieldmo.gov. These meetings last at least 30 minutes and are immediately followed with information about hosting visiting delegates in Springfield.

  • Saturday, April 6 at 2pm
  • Tuesday, July 16 at 5:30pm
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 5:30pm

Our Next Trips

Youth Ambassador Trip to Japan ($3,800)
Wed., June 19-Tue., July 2, 2024
Registration and scholarships are now closed.
More Information

Isesaki for City Festival (cost TBD)
Tue., Sept. 24-Fri., Oct. 4, 2024

  • Monday, June 3: Deposit Due ($500)
  • Monday, July 1: First Payment Due
  • Thursday, August 1: Informational Meeting
  • Thursday, August 1: Second Payment Due
  • Tuesday, September 3: Third and Final Payment Due
  • Friday, September 20: Social Meeting

Tlaquepaque for Dia de los Muertos (cost TBD)
Tue., Oct. 29-Mon., Nov. 4, 2024

  • Monday, July 1: Deposit Due ($500)
  • Thursday, August 1: First Payment Due
  • Thursday, August 29: Informational Meeting
  • Tuesday, September 3: Second Payment Due
  • Tuesday, October 1: Third and Final Payment Due
  • Thursday, October 24: Social Meeting

Tlaquepaque “Trip 1” (cost TBD)
Tue., Jan. 28-Mon., Feb. 3, 2025
Tlaquepaque and Monarch Overwintering Site “Trip 2” (cost TBD)
Wed., Feb. 5-Thu., Feb 13, 2025

  • Tuesday, October 1: Deposit Due ($500)
  • Friday, November 1: First Payment Due
  • Thursday, November 14: Informational Meeting
  • Monday, December 2: Second Payment Due
  • Thursday, January 2, 2025: Third and Final Payment Due
  • Thursday, January 9, 2025: Social Meeting (Trip 1 – TLA only)
  • Tuesday, January 14, 2025: Social Meeting (Trip 2 – TLA & Monarchs)

Trip Fees

Trip fees include airfare, lodging, most meals, ground transportation and admission for group excursions, and guides/translators. A deposit is required to hold your place. The remainder of the fee is paid in three installments.

MAKE ONLINE PAYMENT

Financial Aid

Please click here to learn more about our general scholarship opportunities. Youth ambassadors have a separate scholarship application.

Travel Interest

Fill out the form below to let us know you are interested in traveling with us and to receive future e-mails about our travel opportunities!

Having trouble? Questions?
Please feel free to contact Lisa Bakerink, Executive Director, at lbakerink@springfieldmo.gov.