Travel Application

When you travel with Springfield Sister Cities Association (SSCA), you are an ambassador of Springfield in fulfillment of our mission of “Peace Through People.” SSCA has fostered relationships with our friends in Isesaki, Japan since 1986 and Tlaquepaque, Mexico since 2003. 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.

What is included:

  • Airfare
  • Lodging
  • Ground transportation
  • Most meals
  • Admission fees for group activities

What is not included:

  • Personal spending money
  • Passport fees
  • Luggage fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Host family gifts

Refund policy:

  1. Prior to airfare purchase – a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.
  2. After airfare purchase with a 60-day or more notice – a full refund minus a $100 processing fee.
  3. After airfare purchase with a 30-day or more notice – airfare credit in the participant’s name plus a $200 fee will apply.
  4. After airfare purchase with a less than 30-day notice – airfare credit in the participant’s name plus a $300 fee will apply.
  5. After airfare purchase with a less than 15-day notice – airfare credit in the participant’s name plus a $500 fee will apply.

Traveler understandings:

  • Travelers are ambassadors of Springfield to our sister cities and agree to embody appreciation, goodwill, patience, and love.
  • Membership in SSCA is required for all travelers. Memberships begin at just $30/year for an individual.
  • To the best of their ability, travelers will disclose all medical issues (physical limitations, allergies, dietary restrictions, etc.), and they understand that while SSCA will do its best to accommodate, it is the traveler’s personal responsibility to self-accommodate and notify trip leaders of any health concerns prior to travel.
  • Travel insurance is required for at least catastrophic medical or other incidents, and it is the traveler’s personal responsibility to obtain.
  • The form below is an application, not an agreement, and therefore is not a confirmation of acceptance to travel with SSCA.
  • A $500 deposit holds a traveler’s place on a first-come, first-served basis. Each trip can accommodate approximately 12-16 travelers.

Travel Application Form

Please fill out the form below to officially apply to participate in an upcoming trip.

Name(Required)
I am applying to travel with Sister Cities on the following trip:(Required)
I understand that I am an ambassador of Springfield to our sister cities and agree to embody appreciation, goodwill, patience, and love.(Required)
I understand that membership in SSCA is required for all travelers. Memberships begin at just $30/year for an individual.(Required)
To the best of my ability, I will disclose all medical issues (physical limitations, allergies, dietary restrictions, etc.), and understand while SSCA will do its best to accommodate, it is my personal responsibility to self-accommodate and notify my trip leader of any health concerns prior to travel.(Required)
I understand that travel insurance is required for at least catastrophic medical or other incidents and that it is my personal responsibility to obtain(Required)
I understand this document is an application, not an agreement, and therefore is not a confirmation of acceptance to travel with SSCA.(Required)
I understand that a $500 deposit holds my place on a first-come, first-served basis. Each trip can accommodate approximately 12-16 travelers.(Required)
Terms(Required)
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