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. Student ambassadors have separate information meetings.

Tlaquepaque 2026 Informational Meetings

If you want to experience the vibrant colors, emphasis on art and music and warm hospitality of our sister city friends in Tlaquepaque, Mexico, mark your calendars to attend one of the upcoming travel information meetings for two trips in early 2026.

SSCA will host citizen trips Jan. 22-28 and Feb. 20-28, 2026. The February trip includes a side trip to see the incredible scene of a monarch butterfly overwintering site. This side trip is always dependent on weather and travel conditions.

The trips include visiting nearby Guadalajara and curated opportunities to see artists at work, taste the Jalisco region’s signature tequila and hear its lively and soulful music known as canto tapatio. Springfield guests are welcomed at Quinta Don Jose, a boutique hotel that has hosted SSCA since 2003.

The cost will be approximately $2,500 per person for the January trip and $3,200 per person for the February trip, depending on airfares at time of booking. The informational meetings will take place at:

  • 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 14, at the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave. No registration is required. (You can enjoy the Butterfly Festival after the meeting.)
  • 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 16 – virtual via Zoom. Register below to access the virtual meeting.

Tlaquepaque 2026 Virtual Meeting Registration

Name
Please mark which trip is of most interest to you.
Please enter a number greater than or equal to 1.
Please note how many people may be interested in this trip.

Virtual meeting information

After you submit this form, you will receive a confirmation and a response email with the link to the virtual meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 16. (Please check your spam folder if you do not see the response email.)

Japan 2025 Informational Meetings

  • The travel meetings for the Japan 2025 trip have concluded. If you are interested in more information, please contact SSCA Executive Director Lisa Bakerink.

Upcoming Trips

Isesaki and Japan Trip (Approximately $4,600 per person)
Sept. 18-29, 2025

  • Cost includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation, admission fee to group events and most meals along with on-site tour guidance from SSCA representatives
  • Participants will attend the Isesaki City Festival as cultural ambassadors for Springfield
  • Other cities included in this year’s itinerary are: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara and Osaka

Tlaquepaque:
Jan. 22-28, 2026 (Cost is approximately $2,500 per person.)
Feb. 20-28, 2026 (Cost is approximately $3,200 per person, which includes side trip to monarch butterfly overwintering site.)

Cost includes airfare, lodging, ground transportation, admission to group events and most meals along with on-site tour guidance from SSCA representatives.

Isesaki Trip for Student Ambassadors ($5,123+$150 if you choose to participate in the ambassador program)
June 2026

  • Partnering with EF Travel
  • Touring Japan for 9 days and optional homestay for 6 days in Isesaki
  • Springfield-area youth ages 16-19 in June 2026 are invited to serve as ambassadors to Isesaki during the optional homestay period
  • Homestay slots are limited. If they are full, participants will be placed on a waitlist upon request. (You will receive a separate e-mail for the invitation to sign up for the homestay experience.)
  • Information Meeting:
    Fri., Oct. 11 from 6-7:30pm
    Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
    RSVP here: rsvp.eftours.com/whe9evj (Please RSVP even if you’re unable to attend.)
  • Virtual Information Meeting:
    Thu., Feb. 6 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
    RSVP here: rsvp.eftours.com/g2w3yj5 (Please RSVP even if you’re unable to attend.)
  • Enroll now: eftours.com/tour-website/2815539MU
  • Any parent who is interested in joining, please e-mail the trip leader, Kazumi Holcomb, at kazumiholcomb@gmail.com before signing up.

*depending on airfare

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.

Financial Aid

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

Next Steps

TRAVEL INTEREST

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

TRAVEL INTEREST FORM

TRAVEL APPLICATION

When you’re ready to officially apply to participate in one of our trips, please fill out our travel application! Student ambassadors have a separate travel application.

TRAVEL APPLICATION

MAKE A PAYMENT

After you’ve been accepted to travel with us, visit our payment form to place your deposit and make remaining payments. Student ambassadors have a separate payment form.

MAKE A PAYMENT

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