Mission Trips
A mission trip is an international volunteering opportunity focused on collaborating with local communities to provide essential support where needed most. Every year, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) 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 148,000 volunteers complete mission trips to Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Central America, North America, the Caribbean, Middle East, and the Pacific.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is the world’s leading mission trip organization that offers safe, social and fully-supported mission trips for teens, mission trips for college students, mission trips for young adults, mission trips for families, mission trips for solo travelers, as well as for those seeking summer mission trips, and medical mission trips for doctors and nurses. We offer long-term and short-term mission trips starting at just US$17/day including accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support.
Unsure about how to go on a mission trip? 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, including: 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 2025 or 2026, 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 a type of travel taken by individuals or groups, with the primary goal of serving a community in need. 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.
Should I go on a mission trip?
Mission trips are a popular way to combine your desire to travel and see the world with your motivation to give back and make a positive impact. 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:
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To make a difference: Many people go on mission trips to 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 grow as a 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 mission trip with IVHQ to Tanzania starts from US$370 (approximately CA$542), while a trip to India starts from US$340 (approximately CA$498). 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 go on 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.
- As a Certified B Corporation, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. We also stand as our operations are certified as 100% carbon neutral.
- Our Program Fees start from just US$17/day including accommodation.
- We provide the world’s largest range of mission trips & volunteer abroad programs available year-round across 40+ countries.
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 2025 & 2026.
Best mission trip opportunities across the globe
Find the best mission trip for you
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$17 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 Victoria Falls
Volunteer in Zambia
Mission trips for families
Planning a mission trip for families 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 Guatemala
Volunteer in Kenya
Best short-term mission trips
IVHQ offers short-term mission trips for 1 to 3 weeks in over 40 countries, starting at just US$17 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 2025 & 2026:
Top short-term mission trips:
Volunteer in Croatia
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 2025 & 2026.
Top summer mission trips:
Volunteer in Puerto Rico
Volunteer in South Africa
Volunteer in Zanzibar
