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.

  • Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 5:30pm

Our Next Trips

Tlaquepaque ($2,700*)
Jan. 24-30, 2025
Tlaquepaque (TRIP FULL)
Feb. 1-7, 2025
Tlaquepaque and Monarch Overwintering Site ($3,200*)
Feb. 7-15, 2025
Still accepting travelers!

  • Tuesday, October 1: Deposit Due ($500)
  • Friday, November 1: First Payment Due
  • Friday, November 1: Scholarship Application Priority Deadline
  • Tuesday, November 19 at 5:30pm: Informational Meeting
    • Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
      Conference room in the southwest corner of the building
      Call/text 417-763-0415 for assistance
      RSVP to lbakerink@springfieldmo.gov
  • Monday, December 2: Second Payment Due
  • Thursday, January 2, 2025: Third and Final Payment Due
  • Thursday, January 9, 2025: Social Meeting (TLA only trip)
  • Tuesday, January 14, 2025: Social Meeting (TLA & Monarch trip)

Isesaki for City Festival (price TBD)
late September/early October 2025

Isesaki Trip for Student Ambassadors (price TBD)
June 2026

  • Springfield-area youth ages 16-19 in June 2026 are invited to serve as ambassadors on this trip
  • Information Meeting:
    Fri., Oct. 11 from 6-7:30pm
    Springfield Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
    RSVP here: rsvp.eftours.com/whe9evj

*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.