Travel with Purpose: 8 Reasons to Serve as a Family on Volunteer Trips

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

- Philippians 2:3-4

Our family loves to travel. From exploring God’s creation in different parts of the world to trying unique foods, travel has been a source of joy and learning for us. But some of our most impactful trips have gone beyond sightseeing—they’ve been about serving others as a family on international volunteer trips. These experiences, though different from typical vacations, have been transformational for us and our children.

Are you considering a family volunteer trip? If the idea feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Traveling with kids, especially for service work, might seem daunting. However, these trips have provided some of our family’s most meaningful and faith-deepening moments. Here’s why we believe they’re worth considering.

1. Serving Together Brings Glory to God

If God has blessed your family with the ability to travel, why not use that opportunity to serve others? Volunteer trips allow us to steward our time, resources, and energy for His glory. As we’ve seen through our trips, serving others reminds our children (and us!) that everything we have belongs to God. These journeys help shift our focus from what we want to what we can give, cultivating hearts of gratitude and humility.

2. Pointing Others to Christ in Word and Deed

Volunteer trips offer countless chances to reflect Jesus’ love to others. From the people we meet in airports to those we serve in local communities, every interaction can be an opportunity to share the Gospel. As Dr. Kara E. Powell and Dr. Chap Clark emphasize in their book Sticky Faith, one of the most effective ways to nurture faith in kids is to live out your faith authentically. Whether by offering a smile, helping with physical tasks, or sharing our testimony, our actions can leave a lasting impact.

Back home, these trips also become a natural way to share Jesus with others. Friends and family are often curious about our experiences, giving us a platform to talk about God’s work in and through us.

3. Experiencing God’s Creation

The earth is full of God’s glory, and traveling allows your family to witness His creativity in new ways. From the mountains of Peru to the wildlife of South Africa, these trips remind us of how vast and diverse His creation is. For children, this is an awe-inspiring way to see God’s hand in the world and learn to appreciate His artistry.

4. Strengthening Family Bonds Through Service

Working side-by-side on volunteer projects fosters teamwork, unity, and a shared sense of purpose. Whether building stoves, painting schools, or planting trees, each task reinforces the value of serving together. Sticky Faith highlights that shared family experiences are critical for building a lasting faith in kids, and these trips are rich with opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

5. Creating Space for Fun and Exploration

Even as you serve, don’t forget to soak in the local culture! Enjoying unique foods, exploring historical sites, and learning about new traditions enrich the experience. Some of our family’s favorite moments have been exploring Machu Picchu after serving in Peru or swimming with penguins in South Africa. These adventures are gifts that remind us of the joy God wants us to experience as His children.

6. Learning and Growing as a Family

Preparation for these trips can be just as educational as the trips themselves. Studying the destination’s culture, language, and customs not only equips your family but also builds anticipation and excitement. Once there, your kids will see firsthand how others live, which can expand their worldview and grow their empathy.

7. Cultivating Gratitude

One of the greatest blessings of these trips is returning home with a renewed perspective. Witnessing how others live often leads to a deeper appreciation for what we have—and a greater desire to use our blessings to bless others. Gratitude becomes a natural byproduct of these experiences.

8. Stewardship Benefits: Tax Deductions

If you partner with a U.S.-based 501c3 nonprofit organization for your trip, many expenses related to your volunteer work may be tax-deductible. This can be a practical way to align your family’s financial stewardship with your spiritual goals. Learn more on the FAQ page of Globe Aware which is the organization that has coordinated the trips we have been on.

Our Family’s Story

Our first family volunteer trip was to Peru in 2017, with our youngest just two years old. One unforgettable day, we visited a remote mountain village to deliver toothbrushes and apples to preschoolers. The children’s excitement was a humbling reminder of the joy that simple acts of love can bring.

We also helped build a mud stove for a family—a task that required teamwork and taught our kids the value of hard work. And, of course, we marveled at the beauty of Machu Picchu, a stunning reminder of God’s creative power.

That trip ignited a passion for serving together as a family, and we now plan these trips regularly. They’ve become milestones in our spiritual and relational growth.

Why Volunteer Trips Matter for Christian Parents

As Christian parents, we long to raise children who love Jesus and have compassionate hearts. Family volunteer trips are a tangible way to model Christ’s love, deepen your family’s faith, and create lifelong memories. As Sticky Faith points out, when kids see faith integrated into every area of life, they are more likely to carry that faith into adulthood.

If God is nudging you toward this kind of experience, don’t hesitate! It might stretch you, but it will also bless your family in ways you can’t imagine.

Key Points

• Family volunteer trips are an opportunity to serve others, grow closer as a family, and point your children toward Jesus.
• These trips allow you to steward your resources for God’s glory while deepening your family’s faith.
• Preparation, teamwork, and reflection are essential parts of making these trips meaningful for your family.