If you’re reading this post, you’ve probably explored all of our trip options, and now you’re stuck. There are so many incredible experiences, but how do you decide what’s best for you? We get this question a lot, and the short answer is, there’s not really a wrong choice.
Most Builders pick a factor that’s most important to them, then come up with their top options based on that. Do you have a particular sightseeing activity that you’re interested in? Is there a certain region or climate that you want to visit? Are you date-sensitive because you’ve already made summer commitments? Does the project story speak to you and your interests? Have you been learning a language in school that you’d like to use in real life? Decide what’s most important to you, then you can get an idea of your top choices.
When our program managers build these trips, they use the tried and true Humanitarian XP structure that we’ve stuck to for years, so at its core, any trip will yield similar results. In addition to a similar daily schedule, each trip has positive peer groups, a Digital Detox, stellar trip leaders, and grueling hard work. We encourage everyone to look at the options, pray for guidance, and see what you connect with. At the end of the day, the trip you’re placed on is yours to make great! Your mindset and preparation for it will make all the difference.
International vs. Domestic Trips
In 2021, we opened up domestic trips for the first time in Humanitarian XP history. Domestic trips are available to 14- to 16-year-olds, and international trips are available to 16- to 19-year-olds. The age limit applies to how old you’ll be on the first day of your trip. Domestic trips are a little shorter than international trips, and have a similar, but condensed structure. Last year, we found that this model yielded the same incredible experiences and results that longer trips had in past years.
We encourage every builder to come on their trip alone. Over the years, we’ve found that not only does this help with group dynamics, but it’s also a great way to prepare for other future situations where you can’t bring friends along like missions, college, and employment. When everyone puts themselves out there and shows up on their trip excited to make new friends, groups bond in really powerful ways.
Because we want people to show up alone, we built our registration system in a way that doesn’t allow you to connect your account to another person’s. If going on a trip with your friend is your number one priority, consider picking the trip with the most availability or having your parent come as a parent builder for a guaranteed spot on a trip.
