Traveling with a Purpose: Where Service Meets Global Connection

May 7, 2025

Traveling with a Purpose (TAP) is a nonprofit organization that leads short-term, skill-sharing service trips to global communities in need. These trips are more than just travel—they’re about collaboration, sustainability, and relationship-building. TAP participants contribute their time, energy, and talents to support locally driven projects while immersing themselves in meaningful cross-cultural experiences.

A woman is knitting while another woman sits in a chair.

What the Trips Are

Each TAP trip is centered around community-led initiatives. Participants assist with hands-on tasks like construction, school support, and other essential upkeep, but they also bring unique personal and professional skills—whether it’s teaching, healthcare, plumbing, or art—that help meet the real-time needs of local partners.

TAP trips emphasize:



  • Community partnership

  • Sharing skills rather than simply "volunteering"

  • Sustainable, small-scale impact that’s directed by the host community

See past trip details here: TAP Trip Archives

A woman is standing next to a child holding a ball.

How TAP is Different: Pre-Trip Training

One of the most distinctive aspects of TAP is its intentional preparation. Unlike many service-based travel organizations, TAP conducts mandatory pre-trip training sessions for every participant. This training includes:


  • Cultural understanding and context: Learning about the destination’s history, customs, and current challenges.

  • Team building and trip goals: Creating connection among participants and aligning expectations.

  • Skill-matching and project readiness: Ensuring volunteers are equipped with the tools and mindset to be genuinely helpful and respectful.

This intentional preparation lays the foundation for meaningful, respectful travel, ensuring participants are culturally aware, well-informed, and ready to contribute in ways that truly support and uplift the communities they visit.

A group of people are sitting around a table playing a game.

How TAP is Different: Pre-Trip Training

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, TAP welcomes individuals who are eager to serve, learn, and grow. All are invited to apply, and scholarships are available to help make the experience accessible.


Start your journey with TAP by visiting www.travelingwithapurpose.org.

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