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7 Unique Mission Trip Gift Ideas

• Resource Library 7 Unique Mission Trip Gift Ideas

Mission trips change lives. Whether it's a few days or a few weeks, time invested on a foreign field can increase your faith and give you a heart for missions that lasts a lifetime.

Even if you can't go yourself, you can encourage others with some thoughtful mission trip gift ideas. After all, mission trips mean leaving what's comfortable and normal. But while flexibility is the first rule of missions, you can make sure some of the basics are covered.  

7 Mission Trip Gift Ideas

It's awesome to consider the needs of missionaries. And sending a care package to someone who's serving on a foreign field is absolutely awesome! Of course, a lot of missionary needs will depend on the length and location of the journey. Spend time doing some research and talking with your missionary about what needs might come up. That also might help you avoid getting a mission trip gift that won't work at all .

Having said that, a few go-to items stand out on most lists of mission trip gift ideas. Below, we've listed seven possibilities. None of them are fancy, and most can be found in minutes through a simple online search. But they all will enhance the experience—and faith—of your missionary!

1. Journal.

One of the greatest ways to make a mission trip "stick" is to record the events and experiences as they happen. That makes a journal a great mission trip gift idea. Whether used as a daily diary or to reflect on spiritual milestones, a journal can keep the most important parts of the trip alive long after your missionary is back home. (Tip: Add a pack of nice pens or highlighters to the gift!)

2. Electrical adapters.

It's no secret that most of the world delivers power differently than the United States. That makes adapters and converters a must. They'll need something to keep their cell phones, computers, and other electronics up and running. It's an extremely practical mission trip gift and one that your missionary—especially a first-time international traveler—will find invaluable. 

3. A book about the nation they are visiting.

Honestly, your missionary might already know a lot about their host nation. They may even have a heart for that particular culture or people group. But it also helps to know more about their destination. Plus, it reveals shows humility to keep learning. 

4. Encouraging notes.

This is an inexpensive mission trip gift idea, but its value cannot be overstated. Write a note for each day that your missionary will be gone, and place each note in a different envelope. That way, they will have a touchpoint from home every day of the trip. If the short-term trip involves weeks instead days, just write enough for one or two per week. (Tip: Make sure to include plenty of encouraging Bible verses to provide a lift on days that are tough.)

5. A backpack with supplies.

Every world traveler needs a backpack, so that makes it a great mission trip gift. But you can go the extra mile by including some special items. On the practical side, you could pack a flashlight or a first aid kit. You could also add a water bottle with a built-in purifying system. But, most importantly, don't forget to include some of your missionary's favorite snacks and candy!

6. A foreign-language dictionary.

Career missionaries take language classes to get ready for their assignment. While your short-term missionary won't have that kind of time or training, they can take advantage of a dictionary that helps them communicate with locals on the field. You can even highlight some of the most common phrases they'll need to know, like "thank you" and "good morning."

7. Something to leave behind.

While your missionary may want to return with some souvenirs, it could also be great to leave something behind. This is especially true if they are living with a local family during the trip. It doesn't have to be fancy—maybe a game or a book or a toy—but it can open doors and make a lasting impression on the folks they are helping. It's a simple way to say "thank you" and to show love in Jesus's name.

Give the power of prayer

Before He went back to heaven, Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples ( Matthew 28:18-20 ). You can do that in three basic ways. First, you can go on a trip yourself. That would be a great opportunity to be Jesus's hands and feet, and it could help you see your faith differently even after you get home.

Second, you can give. That could include financial support or words of encouragement to someone else on the field—like your short-term missionary. The mission trip gift ideas listed above are a piece of that puzzle!

Beyond those, you can pray—and that may be the greatest tool in your mission's toolbox. Along with your mission trip gifts, promise to pray daily for your missionary while they're gone—and follow through on that promise. They will need it, and it can be a blessing to you as well.

Prayer is something everyone can do, so make sure to give that gift to your short-term missionary.

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15 Christian Gifts for Missionaries Traveling Overseas

• by Laurie Pawlik
• December 6, 2022

Practical, thoughtful, creative – these 15 travel gift ideas are perfect for Christian missionaries and overseas ministry workers. You’ll find the perfect gift in this list, whether this is your traveler’s first or final missionary trip.

I went on a short-term missions trip to Haiti a couple years ago and realized that my introverted writerly personality traits affected my energy level. A book on introversion would’ve been a great travel gift before my trip, so I could prepare myself for what was to come. A book on personality traits might seem like an odd gift for a missionary, but it would’ve helped me immensely.

Good gifts for Christian missionaries or travelers are both inspirational and practical. The best gift is to take a Christian missionary’s personality into account. For example, a wooden handheld cross would be an inspirational gift idea for some Christian missionaries, but not all .

Also, consider the financial cost of traveling and living as a missionary or Christian minister in a different country. Don’t give travel gifts that are “just” inspiring or encouraging. It’s important to give things that are usable or practical.

Gifts and Ideas for Christian Travelers and Missionaries

I divided this list of Christian travel gifts into three categories:

• Practical Travel Gifts for Christians
• Comfort Travel Gifts for Missionaries and Ministers
• Miscellaneous Christian Gifts and Ideas for Tourists

Here’s my list of travel gifts for missionaries and Christian tourists – whether they’re on their first or final missionary journey overseas.

1. Universal Cable Organizer for Travel

Just looking at the BAGSMART Travel Universal Cable Organizer  shows you how handy it is!

Missionaries and tourists need earbuds, headphones, electronic devices, adapters, converters and cords. This gift helps travelers keep their cords organized and safe in one place. The case is heavy-duty, durable and water repellent. This travel case holds devices, SD cards, thumb drives, earphones, USB cables and other accessories. It’ll stand up to unpredictable or even stormy weather, and will protect the electronic accessories from damage or destruction. This is an especially good gift for Christian missionaries or ministers who are traveling with a worship or speaking team.

Here’s smart additional perk to this travel gift: “The travel organizer can serve as a checklist,” say the BAGSMART creators on Amazon.com. “Before you leave a place, just open the case and check if everything is there. This prevents you from leaving things behind.” The last thing a tourist wants to do is forget an SD card or thumb drive at the mission, orphanage, school, church or other ministry setting! Cords and adapters are easier to replace…forgetting a thumb drive with photos or confidential information could be disastrous to a Christian missionary or traveler in a possibly dangerous country.

2. Body Warmer Variety Pack

The HotHands Toe, Hand, & Body Warmer Variety Pack is a thoughtful travel gift idea for Christian missionaries who are journeying to cold parts of the globe.  

My husband and I were in Portugal a couple weeks ago – not on a missionary trip, though we are Christians 🙂 – and I would’ve loved a pack of hand, body, and foot warmers. It wasn’t freezing or snowing in Tomar, but it was soooo cold.

Come to think of it, this would be a great gift idea for Christians who sing carols door-to-door at Christmastime. I played the flute in an outdoor Christmas concert a few years ago, and froze . Next week my church is hosting an outdoor Christmas carol singing event, and having these HotHands warmers would be a brilliant way to stay warm while serving and celebrating Jesus here at home.

3. Personal First Aid Travel Kit

A Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Travel Kit is one of those travel gifts a Christian missionary or tourist never wants…but is always grateful to have.  If your traveler is going on a mission trip with an organized group or with a Christian service ministry, she probably doesn’t have to think about taking her own first aid kit.

That said, however…it’s always smart to have your own supplies. Especially if you’re a long-term Christian missionary settling in an unfamiliar land, traveling with a new service or ministry organization, or uncertain about what type of supplies or resources are available. Hopefully your traveler will never need this gift, but it’s an idea worth considering.

4. Travel Water Purification Bottle & Sterilization Pen

The  Travel Water Purification Bottle eliminates 99% of waterborne bacteria and parasites. This gift is a practical, perhaps even necessary item for Christian missionaries and travelers in countries that don’t have clean drinking water.

A water purification bottle greatly reduces the risk of contracting illnesses such as diarrhea, dysentery and Giardia. This travel bottle also eliminates up dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of plastic bottles. It filters up to 1000 liters of water, which is the equivalent of 2000 disposable plastic drinking water bottles.

A related gift idea for travelers is the compact, lightweight, easy-to-pack  SteriPen Ultra  water purification device. It purifies large quantities of water faster, doesn’t require a traveler to carry a water bottle, and has an OLED display to show what’s in the water – and what has been eliminated.

Part of a Christian traveler or missionary’s “act of service” is to leave a country or community healthier and cleaner than before. This gift idea – practical and sensible – will help Christian tourists leave nothing but the gospel behind.

5. The Gift of Amazing Grace

The  Amazing Grace Throw Blanket is first on my “comfort travel gifts for Christian missionaries” not just because it displays the words of the hymn Amazing Grace (which is one of Christianity’s most famous songs).

This gift blanket is also comforting, warm, and practical. If your Christian traveler is leaving home for the first time, she’ll love this symbol of trusting God throughout her trip. She’ll experience toils and troubles – even if she’s not a missionary in a land unfriendly to Christians. This throw blanket is a gift that will wrap her in faith, hope and peace no matter where God takes her. It’ll also remind her that Jesus is the organizer and overseer of all travel plans, missionary trips, and Christian ministry journeys in all countries.

6. Quick Dry Towel (a must for missionaries on the road)

A Microfiber Quick Dry Super Absorbent Lightweight Set of 3 Travel Towels  isn’t the gift you’d give someone going on a resort vacation, but it’s an excellent idea for Christian travelers.  

I had to take my own towel and facecloth when I went on my short-term missions trip to Haiti – and I had no idea quick dry microfiber travel towels existed. I took a smallish bath towel, which took up a lot of room in my backpack.

Here’s why travel towels are good gifts for missionaries: they’re super absorbent, fast drying, and anti-bacterial. They don’t carry odors and they absorb three or four times their weight. They’re lighter and easier to pack than regular cotton or terrycloth towels, and they don’t need to be washed as often. Five minutes in the sun, and they’re ready to go. A light quick drying towel may not seem like a comfort travel gift for a Christian missionary, but I have a feeling Paul would’ve loved it on his journeys 🙂

7. The Gift of Easy Reading on the Road

The Kindle Essentials Bundle – Paperwhite (16 GB), Leather Cover & Power Adapter  is an excellent gift for Christians who travel and read widely.

At the beginning of this list of gift ideas with an encouragement to consider your missionary’s personality and lifestyle…and I have to repeat myself here. Not all Christians enjoy reading, and not all readers like reading books on digital devices. But Christian travelers who love to read print books would love this gift. I know, because I’m one of them!

Print books are my first choice, even when I travel. But I love the convenience and ease of carrying a wide variety of books and magazines on a Kindle or other digital device! If your Christian missionary loves to read while she’s traveling and serving overseas, ask what she thinks about an electronic reader. If you don’t want to ask her and ruin the surprise of this beautiful travel gift, ask her friends or family. This is one of those gifts that most tourists love having, even if they’re not big on eReaders.

8. Waterproof Speaker for Worship Music

The JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker  is a perfect gift idea for Christian missionaries who lead worship teams.  

It’s small enough to easily fit in backpacks and luggage, yet big enough to make just the right amount of noise! This travel gift isn’t just good for musicians or Christians who love to listen to music while traveling – it can serve as a speaker for podcasts, sermons, YouTube videos, Facebook Live chats, etc.

This speaker can wirelessly connect up to two smartphones or tablets, and take turns playing impressive stereo sound. It’s waterproof, which means no more worrying about rain or spills. It can be even be submerged in water – and not many travel gifts can do that! So if your Christian missionary is traveling on Noah’s ark, she’s got the music locked down.

9. An Infinity Cross – A Personal Reminder of Love on Heaven and Earth

The  Infinity Cross Sterling Silver Necklace Gift Set  is one of the few gifts on this list that isn’t oriented towards travel – but it is just beautiful, isn’t it?  

If your missionary or traveler isn’t going to a country that forbids or prohibits the Christian faith, this might be the gift that touches her heart, spirit, and soul. I love the idea of combining infinity with the cross of Jesus, and of wearing this symbol of faith, truth, and eternity. Again, since wearing a Christian cross can be a dangerous and life-threatening act of rebellion in certain countries, make sure your missionary is traveling somewhere safe before you give her this gift. This type of gift idea isn’t good for all Christian service trips overseas – and in fact could cause serious problems.

10. A “Tree of Life” Journal

A list of travel gifts for missionaries would be incomplete without a gorgeous, sturdy  Antique Handmade Leather “Tree of Life” Travel Journal . 

Doesn’t this writing notebook remind you of Paul’s missionary work in Turkey, Israel and other parts of the Middle East? We know Paul wrote letters to his fellow missionaries and church planters who were both traveling and rooted in their hometowns, but we don’t know for sure if he had a leather travel journal. I like to think he did take a journal on his missionary journeys, probably because I take a special travel diary on all my trips.

This travel gift is supple dark brown genuine Water Buffalo leather with a real leather scent; don’t buy it if your Christian traveler is vegan or vegetarian! The journal has a distressed vintage style, and each one is uniquely handcrafted, which means no two look exactly the same.

11. Portable Phone Charger

A Portable Phone Charger isn’t a luxury travel gift. It’s essential because it allows Christian missionaries and travelers to recharge their batteries when they don’t have power.

Their iPhone and tablet batteries, that is, not their spiritual batteries! This is an Amazon top pick (but not in the “travel gifts for Christian missionaries” category).

12. Faith, Hope and Love

The  Faith Hope Love Christian T-Shirt is comfortable and durable – perfect for overseas missions’ trips in tropical climates in countries open to Christian faith.

The gift t-shirt pictured is for women, featuring Faith Hope and Love. It’s a lovely reminder of home; she’ll remember you and your blessings every time she puts it on when she’s traveling the world for Jesus.

13. The Armor of God

If your missionary is a man, check out the strong, bold  “Armor of God” Christian T-Shirt for Men . It encourages Christian men to never let their guard down – especially if they’re traveling overseas to do God’s work .

Ephesians 6:11 calls us to be prepared for any spiritual battle that comes our way by putting on the full armor of God. This T-Shirt is a great visual reminder for men to share their faith wherever they go (unless they’re missionaries in countries that don’t allow the gospel faith to be shared. In that case, it’s better to keep our powerful Christian message under wraps).

14. A Travel Scarf With Hidden Pockets

The Travel Scarf With a Hidden Zippered Pocket is one of the most important gifts on my list because I’m buying it for my next trip.

It’s made from a soft yet durable fabric meticulously, stitched with a pocket large enough to fit an iPhone, passport, keys and some cash. This makes travel easier and safer for Christians – both males and females – overseas. The scarf looks and feels beautiful, and keeps valuable possessions safe, secure and inconspicuous.

This travel gift is perfect for missionaries or Christian travelers in crowded marketplaces, busy buses or shared taxis, or jam-packed streets. The scarf eliminates the need for purses, wallets, or awkward backpacks, and frees up a tourist’s hands to greet people, take a once in a lifetime photo, or get hands-on with the locals. If you give your missionary or tourist the gift of a travel scarf, don’t buy one that’s too inexpensive. Good quality material and stitching will make it safer and softer.

15. Can’t Decide? Buy an Amazon Gift Card

When you’re searching for gift ideas for a Christian tourist, consider her finances. For example, a missionary may love reading but won’t want to pack or carry heavy books. She may have other, more pressing needs that you don’t know about.

A Gift Card from Amazon  is a practical gift. I’d rather get a gift card than anything else on this list, because I know exactly what I need on my trip overseas.

No matter what gift you give your missionary or traveler, make sure you include a Biblical blessing from Scripture. Here’s a beautiful one: 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26.

Related:  When You Feel Homesick on the Mission Field .  

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10 Affordable and Helpful Missionary Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for unique yet useful missionary gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Here are ten affordable ideas sure to make a difference.

1. Pashmina

Pashminas are the ultimate DIY travel scarf . They are lightweight, easy to dry, and versatile for dozens of creative uses for any travel. It’s a simple gift to give, and it’s useful to own more than one!

For a masculine comparative, check out these pocketed scarves .

2. Body wash

Though body wash is a simple gift that can make an incredible difference to missionaries. With the 3-1-1 liquids rule at TSA, body wash is difficult for missionaries to travel with or to stockpile. You can bless them with a package of several, sweet-smelling soaps.

3. Mosquito repellant

Many traveling ministers serve in areas where mosquitoes carry deadly diseases . Since mosquito spray often comes in aerosol cans, these are difficult to bring through airport security. You can help a missionary fight off clouds of mosquitoes by sending mosquito repellant or other helpful items to keep the pesky bugs away.

4. Essential oils

Essential oils come with a plethora of benefits . With a variety of fragrances, essential oils can ease headaches, reduce anxiety, and fight bacteria. Their vibrant aromas add a homey touch to any living space. You can buy these at department stores, local health food stores, or online.

5. Headlamp flashlight

Headlamp flashlights make incredible travel tools–and gifts–for missionaries. Headlamp flashlights provide a battery operated, hands-free light source. Simply by wearing one, a missionary can do multiple tasks from reading in the dark to safely walking streets at night.

6. Waterproof Bible

Missionaries love their bibles dearly. Such fervent use can wear down their most beloved book. You can bless a missionary with a new bible. To withstand daily use and harsh environments, check out these durable, waterproof bibles . They come in a variety of colors and translations.

7. Moleskin notebooks

Can missionaries ever have enough journals? Classic Moleskins are incredible travel journals. Because of their lightweight, slim bodies, they’re easy to bring anywhere. Plus they come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles that work for daily reflections, sermon notes, or sketching.

8. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a yummy, nutritious spread. High in protein, peanut butter adds essential nutrients to any mid-day snack or meal. It’s also nonperishable, which makes it easy to store. If your missionaries have peanut allergies, here are other missionary gift ideas for healthy snacks to send overseas.

Bonus: Ask about their favorite snack and send a whole box full!

9. Wall decal stickers

Wall decal stickers are a simple way to personalize any living space–even one overseas. These decorations are easy to ship and to stick on any hard surface. With dozens of encouraging Bible verses, the best inspirational saying is just waiting for you to gift.

10. Travel funds

You can bless your missionary by sponsoring them. Whether they’re short-term or long-term missionaries, you can fund their travel costs and help them afford the supplies they need. Your financial donation might even go toward their travel insurance  policy. Regardless of what it funds, your donation will go where it’s needed most.

To find the perfect gift for the missionary in your life, ask them. Who knows what they really need. They might really need a tire repair kit for their bicycle. Inquire what they need the most and see if you can ship it to them!

Besides these awesome missionary gift ideas, check out this article for other ways you can support missionaries .

AUTHOR: Erik Sorensen

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10 APPROPRIATE GIFTS FOR KIDS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

UPDATED FEBRUARY 27, 2020

One of the nicest things about spending time as a volunteer abroad is giving gifts to the people you meet along the way, particularly the children. It’s only natural to want to shower these kids with items we take for granted that they may rarely see.

It’s important to remember that while it might seem like a great and generous thing to do, gift-giving in certain countries, especially in communities where resources are scarce, can easily overwhelm or create feelings that you weren’t expecting.

To avoid the possibility of over-giving or bringing inappropriate gifts to share, here’s a list of items that are affordable, practical and fun to give:

1.  Toothbrush and toothpaste

2.  Small flashlight

3.  A picture of your family. Those are always special. The background in your photo shouldn’t have fancy material items that we take for granted such as toys, cars, or houses. A scenic background or a park setting is ideal.

4.  T-shirts

6.  Barrettes and hair clips

7.  Fruit candy

8.  Coloring books and small packages of crayons

9.  Stickers and blank journals

10.  A bible or bible storybook in their language

Keep in mind that you are visiting a  foreign country  where it’s only natural that you won’t know local customs, language dialects, or your way around. By re-thinking gifts, you remove the possibility of anyone developing a sense of expectation. If you have planned to pack clothes, toys, or toiletry items to give away, check in with your group leader before you do. They may advise against it or help you narrow your gifts to the essentials.

The people you visit as a missionary will be curious about you and what you have to offer. With healthy boundaries and thoughtful gift-giving, you may come away from your mission trip with a better understanding of what true gifts look like. Your time volunteering abroad or joining a domestic mission trip will be a life-changing experience.  Mission Discovery  can help you prepare in practical ways, to make your mission trip memorable.

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More than just designing an experience for your group, we work with ministry partners that have a long-term plan for sustainability. Your team will come alongside these efforts and can be confident that your service is actually helping.

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Our goal is to work alongside you to achieve your mission trip goals while providing a sustainable impact wherever you serve. In an effort to better serve you, we have developed this payment protection policy for group Short Term Mission trips.

• In the case that Adventures cancels a trip, a group’s funds are refundable up to the $75 per person deposit. This deposit is able to be applied toward a future trip with Adventures.
• Adventures will make cancelations 60 days before a trip, except for the case of unpredictable or extenuating circumstances.
• In the case that a group decides to cancel, their payments can be applied toward a future trip with Adventures but are not refundable.
• Groups must notify Adventures of a decision to cancel 60 days before the trip. After this point we cannot guarantee any re-application of funds.

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Adventures encourages all participants to follow CDC guidelines and local regulations at all times. These guidelines will likely change between now and the time of your trip. We will discuss these changes with you as part of your preparation leading up to your trip. It’s important that your group familiarize themselves with these guidelines and make the appropriate preparation before the trip begins.

Having said that, we have also established these basic guidelines for all Adventures Short Term Mission trips.

• Trip participants are required to fill out a health safety questionnaire before traveling to their destination.
• Trip participants are required to fill out a health safety questionnaire each morning before breakfast.
• Trip participants should maintain social distancing, including in ministry. When not socially distanced, wear a mask.
• Each participant should bring at least three masks to wear throughout the week.
• All participants will be required to have their temperature checked by the Project Leader each morning. The Project Leader will be equipped with a temporal thermometer.
• No large group gatherings. We will coordinate with our ministry partners to try to ensure that there are no large group gatherings. In the case that there are, this is done at the discretion of the ministry partner and participants should not feel obligated to attend. It’s our objective to have plenty of smaller service opportunities, such as serving at food pantries, doing work projects at churches or ministries and ministering to people in smaller groups and in a safe, responsible manner.

100.4 degrees fahrenheit

They will be quarantined and taken to a facility to have a COVID test taken. They will remain quarantined for 10 days, per CDC guidelines.

They will be quarantined from the rest of the group and everyone will follow CDC recommendations.

Exposure means 15 minute of close interaction. In this case, the participant will enter the quarantine protocol.

The participant should notify their Project Leader or group leader and remove herself/himself from the situation.

Each location will be prepared with quarantine recommendations. Each situation is unique and will be handled specifically to address the needs of the individual, the group and others who are involved.

Each group is financially responsible for their own flights. We cannot reimburse any costs associated with travel. Please check with the airline about their flight cancellation policy.

Most of the time this decision is made for us by local authorities. In some international cases, airlines may decide to not fly into a country. We look at government recommendations, airline activity and discuss with our partner. This, paired with our ongoing attention to CDC and WHO recommendations and regulations, usually makes the decision to cancel very clear.

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The Ultimate Mission Trip Checklist

The first rule of packing for your mission trip is to fill as many suitcases as allowed for no extra charge. In addition to your necessities, fill your bag(s) with items that are in short supply or too expensive for the people you are visiting to purchase. If the airline allows an extra bag, you can purchase one for little cost at resale shops. Fill it and leave it at the mission. No matter where you go, someone needs a suitcase.

Books in English are a good choice. Bring a few paperback novels and magazines you want to read. Enjoy them, and then leave them at the mission. English speaking missionaries and English language learners find these books a valuable resource. For the same reason, pack clothes you can wear once, wash, and leave. Some veteran mission trippers buy their traveling clothes at resale shops and Goodwill stores so they can leave them behind without suffering a serious financial blow. Used clothing items in good condition will be valued by people who need them.

In some countries, India especially, visitors are expected to bring gifts. No matter where you go, gifts are a thoughtful gesture. In limited luggage and budget situations, what to bring can be challenging. Missionaries advise that calendars with photos of your city or a number of American cities are a happy reminder of your visit for people who have never been to the U.S. Frisbees are fun for all ages and do not take up much space. Women love toiletries, and men enjoy appointment books and small tools. For children, consider coloring books and crayons, small dolls, Matchbox cars, jump ropes, puzzles, and other inexpensive toys that do not take up much space in your luggage.

Remember the missionaries as well as the people they serve. You can ask them ahead of time what packable things they need or what they would like you to bring. One missionary said her greatest deprivation was chunky peanut butter. She could buy smooth peanut butter locally, but she sure missed those crunchy chunks. Soap used in missions is usually locally made and harsh. Several bars of luxurious, fragrant soap would be a treat. Body creams and lotions are often in short supply.

Hotel-size toiletries are easy to collect from a group that travels frequently. Ask a church community to donate their “collection.” Most people leave their hotels with unopened shampoos, body wash, wrapped soaps, and other toiletries. The people you visit will not mind that their bottle is small. It will be a rare treat for them to use it.

One-Stop Shopping

Some organizations that frequently visit missions solve the gift problem by buying a selected item in bulk and having the organization’s logo printed on them. Some easy to pack ideas include Frisbees, luggage tags, refrigerator magnets, notebooks, ball caps, USB flash drives, sunglasses, drawstring bags, hand sanitizers, hand towels, and pens. The advantages include bulk pricing, one less thing to shop for, and the people you visit all receive the same gift. Be sure to order far enough in advance of your trip.

Take Care of Yourself

For their personal well being, seasoned travelers advise bringing several small bottles of hand sanitizers one of which should be in your carry-on bag. Also, include in your carry-on a small packet of sanitized wet wipes to clean your airplane tray table and armrests, two of the most germ-laden places on the plane. Eye shades and earplugs are good for the plane ride as well as for your guest house or hotel. The light and noise may be more than you are accustomed to, making sleep difficult.

The World Health Organization recommends that world travelers carry oral rehydration solutions to treat dehydration, a danger of many gastrointestinal problems. These are easy to prepare and pack. Mix six level teaspoons of sugar and one-half of a level teaspoon of salt in a small ziplock plastic bag. Ten bags are an ample supply. When needed, mix the contents of one bag with five cups of clean water. The water needs to be bottled or boiled. Some bottled water is not pure, so be sure to consult with your hosts. Hopefully, you won’t need it and can leave the packets at the mission with instructions on their use. When dehydrated, a body cannot benefit from plain water to replace fluids. These fluids must contain salt and sugar to be effective.

Over the counter medications are hard to come by in many poor areas of the world. Bring large bottles of the pain relievers and vitamins you usually take and leave what you do not use at the mission. Be sure to transport them in their original containers to avoid possible hassles when you enter the country you are visiting. Any prescription medicines you bring must be in the original prescription bottle, or they may be confiscated. Worse, you may be questioned about the possibility that they may be illegal drugs. Never leave prescription medications for the mission to use or share them with anyone.

Packable and Useful

A Swiss army knife is a small item with many uses. Gadgets are not common in poor areas, so the Swiss army knife’s many functions could, if not save the day, save some time and aggravation. In addition to several knives in one, it includes a bottle opener, corkscrew, screwdriver, and tiny scissors. Be sure to pack this item in your checked luggage. The TSA does not allow knives of any type in the aircraft cabin.

An extra USB flash drive to download mission information, documents, photos, and other files will come in handy where Internet access is minimal and charges are steep. The flash drive will also lessen the luggage you may be expected to leave with. Paperwork takes up space and adds weight.

A small sewing kit, ideally a hotel amenity, is insurance against wardrobe malfunctions and a thoughtful item to leave behind. It will take up no space in your suitcase, particularly if you tuck it into a shoe along with other small items.

A thin, inexpensive shower curtain has more uses than an emergency umbrella. You can wrap your luggage in it in your guest house if bugs are a problem. The shower you use may need a new curtain. It can be used as a mattress protector and an emergency window curtain. This is another item to leave behind. Pack with leaving things behind in mind so you can use that extra space in your suitcase for local crafts you find in village markets and gifts you may receive.

Remember this guideline: arrive heavy, return light.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Your Short-Term Mission Trip

Posted: 8th June 2020

As excitement mounts for your upcoming mission trip , you’ll know that a very important aspect of your travels involves packing. Gearing up for your mission trip is different than gearing up for a normal holiday, and we want to help you pack as efficiently as you can.

How should I pack for a mission trip?

A little goes a long way – especially in terms of researching the country you’ll be visiting. What season will it be during your stay? Are there any predicted storms that you might want to prepare for – or will you have enough t shirts to be able to change out your outfit on sweltering hot days? By knowing (or at least having an idea) of the weather you’ll be encountering, you can still pack light – and right.

Be sure to take along some washing powder or detergent to keep what you pack to a minimum, and help you keep clean items in rotation.

What clothing should I pack for my charity mission trip?

Once you know what type of weather to expect, pack accordingly. Regardless of weather, all trips will require a few basic items:

• Two pairs of trousers. This way, you will always have a clean pair!
• Two long sleeve shirts – preferably cotton if possible . No matter what the weather will be, you will need protective clothing – especially if you’ll be doing any physical work in the sun.
• Shorts or capris – for hotter days, these will keep you cooler than trousers.
• Short sleeved shirts – at least one per day. These can be worn on their own, over other shirts or as an undershirt.
• Underwear – at least one pair per day, and ideally two pairs per day. Cotton is best, as it’s the most comfortable and breathable in the heat.
• A windbreaker or light jacket – for colder days. If you’re working in colder conditions, then it’s good to be able to layer up.
• A wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun out your face and protect your neck and head from harsh exposure.
• A bandana – you can use this as a face mask if you’re working in dusty or polluted areas, and as head protection for sunnier days.
• Socks – at least one pair for each day.
• Trainers that you wouldn’t mind taking some strain. You might need to work in muddy spaces, so rather opt for non-branded, comfortable trainers.
• ‘Day out’ outfits and shoes. Our mission trips have scheduled excursion days , and if you want to dress up for these outings – be sure to pack some comfortable clothes for it, including skirts, dresses, blouses, and jeans.
• Leggings or tracksuit bottoms and a comfortable t-shirt for sleeping. 

What supplies should I pack for my mission trip?

• Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea mediation – especially important when trying local food that you may not be used to.
• Painkillers for headaches and muscle tension, over-the-counter types are the best option. Any prescription painkillers should be kept in personal luggage and out of reach of smaller children.
• First aid kit – stocked with in-date supplies, readily available for small emergencies. It might be a good idea to keep gloves, a face mask, and some alcohol-based disinfectant in addition to your first aid kit as a safety measure against airborne infections.
• Prescription medications – sufficient supply for your whole trip, as you may not be able to get supplies in your host country during your stay. It’s a good idea to keep an emergency supply of medication separate from the rest, so that if you find yourself with lost luggage, there’s no need to panic about missing a day of medication.
•  Sunscreen – and lots of it. Be sure to keep from burning as this could put a real dampener on your trip, and if it’s severe enough – it could make you quite ill.
• Deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush, body wash, shampoo & conditioner. These are all readily available in convenient travel sizes. Pop one of each into your bag or decant them from larger containers to free up valuable packing space.
• Sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses – keep these in your hand luggage or handbag for easy access.

What not to pack

• Jewellery – you’ll likely not have the chance to wear any during your trip, so packing these may be a waste of useful luggage space. They could also get easily lost or broken.
• Expensive accessories, like laptops and consoles. This may seem common sense, but there will likely not be any time (or even facilities) to use these – and carrying them puts them at unnecessary risk of damage or theft during travel.
• Impractical and overly revealing clothing is not advised. Opt for lose fitting, comfortable clothing that you don’t mind becoming soiled or damaged. Overly revealing clothing may compromise your comfort in conservative countries.

What accessories or electronics should I bring on my mission trip?

• It’s worth mentioning a first aid kit again, even if it is never used – the peace of mind that you have one is worth it.
• A power bank and charging cable can help to keep your phone powered, even if there is an interruption in electricity supply, or you forget to charge your phone overnight.
• Washing soap for underwear and other garments you might want to re-use during your trip. A few clothes pegs can tide you over if you’re pressed for drying space, too.
• A lifestraw – although not necessary – can help you filter out impurities in low-quality drinking water. If there’s no need to use it during your trip, you might want to gift it to a local community member who battles water crises frequently.
• Camera – although many of us use our mobiles for this. Take memorable pictures of the projects you’re working on, the happy faces you’re surrounded by or simply the natural environment you find yourself in.

Every trip will be different, so be sure to look at the activities you have planned for the duration and use your discretion when packing. We can’t wait to see you on your next mission trip, and until then, happy packing! 

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Our 20 Best Moscow Day Tours of 2022

See all that Moscow has to offer by choosing one or more of our incredible Moscow day tours. Visit Red Square , St. Basil’s , the Kremlin or perhaps a vodka museum and the fantastic Moscow metro system , we have it all. Our expert, informative and fun guides will help you get to know Europe’s largest city. Please click on the day tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page.  You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, and the former KGB headquarters...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 20:00
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Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi...

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This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious life of different Jewish families, as well...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00 Friday 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday not available

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened to two and a half times its original size,...

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to the victims of the repression. You will then...

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street’s many craftsmen....

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President....

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This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and 19th century including works by Rublyov, Karavak,...

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Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure served as a convent for women of noble birth...

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The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians themselves and for visitors from abroad....

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Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) was built in the first half of the 1340s by...

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic gothic style. The complex includes a landscape...

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The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history dates back to 1715, when the village of Kuskovo...

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Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone centuries. You will get to know the story...

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Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy and his family including books and personal...

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This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's collection includes more than three thousand...

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Express to Russia specializes in Moscow city excursions, an essential part of your Moscow travel itinerary. We offer a large variety of day excursions throughout Moscow and its suburbs. From  Red Square  and the  Kremlin  to a city tour of Moscow’s  Old Arbat Street  or the  Moscow metro , an excursion specializing in Stalin and the KGB and much more. No travel to Moscow is complete without taking a few of our day tours that most meet your interest in Russia.

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The Best Markets For Browsing In Moscow

Quirky curiosities, Soviet memorabilia, artisan crafts and gourmet street food; just a few of the things to buy at Moscow ‘s markets. A legacy of the Soviet era, they are a fantastic snapshot of Russian life and history and spill over with local color. We pick the best for browsing.

Izmailovsky Market

This cornucopia of curiosities brims with fascinating objects and exquisite local craftsmanship. Samovars, gramophones, fur hats, ancient coins, and even a bust of Stalin: the treasure trove that is Izmailovsky Vernisage knows no bounds. The hand-crafted products here are enchanting in the skill and beauty they display. Avoid the hiked-up prices for factory-made products at Moscow’s central souvenir shops and come to Izmailovsky for exquisite creations to meet the masters behind these objects. Venture out of the main Vernisage enclosure to explore the local art and hand-woven carpets on the second-floor wooden balcony. The nearby Izmailovo Kremlin is fascinating in its own right, with its fairground-style imitation of the Kremlin and museums of bread, vodka, and toys.

This farmers’ market is famed for being the place to find organic foodstuffs in Moscow . Danilovsky Market aims to provide the best of Russia’s farm-to-table produce. The meat, cheese, and jams here all hail from the local region, and the wafting scent of freshly baked bread is sure to set your stomach rumbling. Piles of fresh, exotic fruits teeter alongside dried fruits and nuts in rainbow towers. The witty and friendly traders from Russia and central Asia will entertain you with their tricks and dazzle you with their recommendations. The market occurs daily from around 8am to 8pm at 74 Muytnaya Street.

Novopodrezkovo Flea Market

On a busy day, this immense flea market hosts around 4,000 to 6,000 traders. Less well-known than its smaller brother, Izmailovsky, it has remained very much a typically Muscovite haunt and a local favorite. This means that Novopodrezkovo is virtually untainted by hiked-up tourist prices or manufactured souvenirs. For those lucky few foreigners in on the secret of Novopodrezkovo, there are bargains aplenty to be found. However, a visit to Novopodrezkovo is always a gamble: offerings can range from moth-eaten clothes and rusty tools to haute-couture and fabulous antiques. Fight through the hundreds of babushka laying out their Soviet-era wares to find some real treasures. Formerly located in the city center, the market has been moved a little further from the city and is open on weekends. Hop on the train to Novopodrezkovo at Moscow’s Leningradsky railway station or catch bus 370 from the Rechnoy Vokzal metro station to find the market by Novopodrezkovo station.

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Bloshiny Rynok

For antique fanatics visiting Russia , Bloshiny Rynok is the place to come. Nowhere else in Moscow are there so many pre-Revolutionary items all jumbled together in one fascinating place. Shoes, clothes, and many household items, are gathered here, many of which date back to the early 20th century. Gramophones pump out vintage music to create an authentic atmosphere which makes for a perfect accompaniment to this time traveling expedition that’ll transport you back in history to a world of palaces, balls, carriages, and tsars. Check out the market’s facebook page to find out when the next market will be.

Gorbushka Electronics Market

Towering piles of bargain electronic goods fill this former television factory. An excellent spot to pick up second hand CDs, DVDs, video games, the Gorbushka market also sells electronic goods and household appliances, all at astonishingly low prices. The mind-boggling range of films, albums, and vintage vinyls means that, no matter your taste, you’ll be sure to find something at Gorbushka. The market’s origins lie in the park near the Gorbunov Palace of Culture. The park acted as a meeting ground for film and music enthusiasts who would come and swap records, but its immense popularity and rapid growth meant that the market had to move, eventually settling in a spacious warehouse by Bagrationovskaya metro station.

Sevastopol Hotel

An ethnic paradise, the exotic wares at this market inside the Sevastopol Hotel hail from India , Pakistan , and Afghanistan to name but a few. The wafting aroma of incense will draw you in, while the gleaming objects on show are sure to make you stay. The sorts of treasures available range from Middle Eastern jewelry, to silky hand-woven Oriental materials and expertly crafted toys. The master craftsmanship exhibited in each item is a sight to behold, and at eye-poppingly low prices. The market is best visited during the day-time on weekdays.

A showcase of the best of Moscow’s up-and-coming designers , Lambada bursts with creative talent. This artisan market is held at either Tsvetnoy Central Market or Strelka Art Institute around eight times a year and is a favorite with the city’s fashionable crowds who come here to keep ahead of the trend. Check out the best new designers as well as the most delicious gourmet street food here, which can range from crispy Lebanese falafel to exquisitely presented sushi.

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The Kremlin and Red Square were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.

Russian secrets? Here’s the ultimate Moscow itinerary

Tour architectural wonders, discover Soviet history, and savor local flavors in this gold-domed city.

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here you will find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers. Moscow’s spirit mirrors its uncontainable size. Muscovites, the city’s approximately 12 million residents, are always on the run, so be prepared to keep pace with their energy. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Moscow .

Day 1: Mosaics and metro stations

9 a.m. Navigate the labyrinth of the Moscow metro , a living, breathing work of art crisscrossing the metropolis. Expect marble arches and pillars, gilded mosaics, and sparkling chandeliers. Each station is unique. Some of the most beautiful stations are Kievskaya and Prospekt Mira (brown line); Mayakovskaya (dark green line); and Ploschad Revolutsii , Arbatskaya and Elektrozavodskaya (dark blue line). Getting lost on the metro is a rite of passage. However, ahead of the 2018 World Cup, most trains introduced route maps and announcements in English to make navigation easier for outsiders.

Three stations take you to Red Square, but Ploschad Revolutsii is ideal. Its platforms have numerous bronze statues of soldiers with their dogs. Locals often stop by to rub the dogs’ noses as they make a wish. ( See pictures of Moscow’s surprisingly elegant subway stations. )

Related: 25 of Russia’s Natural and Cultural Treasures

9:45 a.m. Head to the iconic Red Square to see the red-bricked towers and the eastern wall of the Moscow Kremlin, Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum, the State Historical Museum , and the psychedelically colorful domes of the St. Basil’s Cathedral . Queue early outside Lenin’s mausoleum for a spooky date with the man behind the Russian Revolution, who has rested in this tomb, preserved in chemicals, for almost 100 years .

The postcard-perfect St. Basil’s Cathedral was built in the 16th century to commemorate Tsar Ivan the Terrible’s victory over the Khanate of Kazan and the transformation of Moscow into a major center of power. Drop in for a quick visit or keep walking south towards the Moskva River and the Bolshoi Moskvaretskii Bridge for spectacular views of the Kremlin and the Red Square.

Another structure that will catch your eye is the golden-domed Cathedral of Christ the Savior , just southwest of the Kremlin. Unlike St. Basil’s, this Cathedral did not survive the communist persecution of religion. The original was destroyed in 1931 and the area was converted to an open-air swimming pool, the largest in the world. The fall of communism brought with it religious freedom and the Cathedral was rebuilt in the 1990s. If you turn around, you will see one of the “Seven Sisters,” the Stalinist monoliths that command Moscow’s skyline .

11:45 a.m. Head back towards the Red Square for a shopping trip at GUM (pronounced goom ), the largest department store in Russia. Much like Russia, the store has undergone many changes. Built in imperial times as a massive trading center, GUM’s Soviet-era badge of honor was being relatively better stocked than other stores. Today, it’s a glittering mall that houses Hermès and Louis Vuitton. Even if you don’t shop, the long, arched galleries and concave glass roof make it an architectural delight. Next, make your way to the third floor for Stolovaya No. 57 (Canteen No. 57), a Soviet-style restaurant with local dishes and a laid-back vibe. Try the syrniki (roughly translated as cheesecakes), buckwheat with mushroom sauce, or meat cutlets.

2 p.m. The Moscow Kremlin , the seat of the Russian Government, was built in the 15th century and houses cathedrals, museums, and unique objects from imperial Russia. Start with the Armory Chamber , a treasure trove of Fabergé eggs, imperial dresses, and gifts presented to the Tsars. Don’t miss the Diamond Fund inside the Armory where guests can marvel at the crown of Tsarina Catherine the Great.

The Bolshoi Theatre hosts ballet and opera performances, including classics like Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

Take a stroll around Cathedral Square to admire the golden domes that mushroom from Orthodox cathedrals. Look out for the 19-foot-high bronze Tsar Bell for great photo ops. The nearby Tsar Cannon is also worth a look. Wrap up in the Kremlin Garden and see if you can spot Cosmos, the lone oak tree that was planted by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, two days after his extraordinary flight in April 1961 . ( Trees that traveled to space now live on Earth. Here’s where to find them. )

7 p.m. Finish your day with a ballet or opera performance at Bolshoi Theatre , one of the strongholds of Russian theatrical excellence since the 19th century. If you are lucky, you might be able to catch Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Swan Lake on the stage where it premiered in 1877. Performances sell out so book in advance, and arrive early to enjoy the neoclassical building. Russians take theater seriously so wear your best outfit.

Day 2: Fine art and food

10 a.m. The extraordinary entrance to Tretyakov Gallery welcomes guests to Moscow’s most definitive collection of fine arts spanning almost a millennium. You can explore 12th-century icons and mosaics or get lost in the brushstrokes of 19th- and 20th-century Russian heavyweights such as Ivan Shishkin and Ilya Repin. The New Tretyakov wing showcases artists from the Soviet period.

1 p.m. Soak up some summer sun in one of Moscow’s most dynamic open spaces: Park Gorky , a hipster paradise that underwent a major makeover from a Soviet relic to the center of cultural life. Grab some food on the go or sit down for a meal at Grill Bar Zharovnya or La Boule . Wander through the open-air sculpture museum, Muzeon , the home of countless statues and symbols from the Soviet times. Muzeon runs next to the Moscow River and offers a great view of the almost 322-foot-high statue of Tsar Peter the Great.

7 p.m. One place you must dine in Moscow is White Rabbit . The restaurant, which has been featured among the top 50 in the world, owes its success to chef Vladimir Mukhin, whose culinary prowess was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table . White Rabbit serves Russian food with innovative twists; think sea urchin caviar and beetroot hummus. Quite fittingly, there is also rabbit on the menu. Did we mention the restaurant’s glass dome offers spectacular views of Moscow City?

Day 3: Markets and museums

10 a.m. If the Moscow Kremlin is stately, then the colorful Izmailovo Kremlin cultural center has a bit of a Disneyland feel to it. Built in 2007, Izmailovo is a great place for a stroll before bargain-hunting at Vernisazh , a flea market with stalls selling Cold War memorabilia. You will find stamps, banknotes, pins, propaganda posters, and even steel mugs from Soviet times. Score great deals on matryoshkas , Russian nesting dolls; khokhloma , hand-painted wooden handicrafts; and Baltic amber jewelry. Don’t miss contemporary twists on traditional Russian gifts, such as nesting dolls of modern politicians and music boxes shaped like Orthodox cathedrals. For a market of its popularity, Vernisazh prices are a steal and you can haggle without hesitation. Saturdays and Sundays are the best days to visit.

Russian nesting dolls make the perfect souvenir, and are sold throughout Moscow, including at the Vernisazh flea market.

1 p.m. By now, you have probably got the sense that there is more to see in Moscow than time to see it. So pick what you crave most. Want more of Orthodox churches? Head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Novodevichy Convent , which was once used by the women of the Tsar’s family. Still looking for souvenirs and gifts? Make your way to Stari Arbat (Old Arbat), a historical cobblestone street of shops and restaurants. Want to delve deeper into Russian history? Visit the State Historical Museum on the Red Square. A Cold War buff? The Bunker 42 Museum located 18 floors below Taganskaya metro was a strategic command center and an anti-nuclear shelter. A fan of Russian literature? Check out the Gogol House and the Bulgakov Museum . Want another serving of art? Try the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts or the Garage Museum .

8 p.m. End your stay in Moscow with a nice meal. Café Pushkin offers antique interiors, delicious Russian dishes, and five-star service. Even if you don’t eat here, grab a cup of the Pushkin chai, a signature Earl Grey blend with citrusy overtones. For casual fare, go to Varenichnaya (multiple locations), which has an extensive menu of Russian dishes and decor straight out of a Soviet poster. Mari Vanna (multiple locations) is another choice Russian chain.

Moscow is also a great place to try the food from other Soviet states. Head to Khachapuri to try the namesake khachapuri , Georgian stuffed-cheese bread. For authentic Uzbek plov , make a reservation at Uzbekistan . Want to keep enjoying the outdoors? Bar Strelka is a trendy spot with great views, excellent food, and a dance floor to keep the night going .

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How California legislators got more than $1.4 million in travel and gifts in 2023

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Financial disclosures show that state lawmakers were showered with more than $330,000 in gifts, plus more than $1.1 million in travel sponsored by interest groups. That total last year is 28% higher than in 2022.

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Last June, more than half of California’s lawmakers — Republicans and Democrats alike, with no particular ideological preference — attended a celebratory gala for new Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. They left with a gift: A personally engraved box worth $85.94.

These gifts are documented in financial disclosures that elected officials in California have to file every March for the previous calendar year. The reports, officially called Form 700, provide insight into gifts, sponsored travel, plus any property they own and stocks they hold.

As part of the new Digital Democracy initiative, CalMatters has extracted the information from these reports into a series of spreadsheets that are accessible to the public and has analyzed them to give a glimpse into potential financial conflicts of interest.

How much were gifts worth?

First, the rules: If you take a legislator out to dinner and the bill is at least $50, they have to report it. And if you give them something that puts them over the $590 annual gift limit, they have to give it back.

In 2023, gifts worth a total of more than $330,000 were given to legislators, according to the reports. That total is more than double the $163,000 worth of gifts reported in 2022.

All but one of the 120 lawmakers received a gift. The outlier: Sen. Dave Cortese , a Campbell Democrat, who hasn’t reported taking a gift for at least the last three years.

Democratic Assemblymember Avelino Valencia from Anaheim reported accepting, and then reimbursing, just more than $2,300 in gifts and $1,100 in sponsored travel. “Not accepting gifts or reimbursing for the cost of gifts has been a policy of mine since serving on the Anaheim City Council,” he said in an email. “It dismisses perceived narratives that do not align with my values as a public servant.”

An analysis of the gift givers reflects who controls the Legislature — Democrats. Nearly 20% came from party leaders, a total of $24,000, almost all for food and drinks at policy retreats. The value of all the gifts Democrats reported receiving is more than five times reported by Republicans, who hold 26 of the 120 seats.

The “Speaker 2023 Inaugural Fund” run by Rivas gave $22,000 worth of stuff at that big reception, including those engraved boxes. The fund accepted donations of at least $25,000 each from labor unions, including those representing nurses, prison guards and teachers. Businesses, such as Kaiser and PG&E, cut checks for $50,000 each.

Anthony Rendon , Rivas’ predecessor as Assembly speaker, ranked third on the list of top gift givers, doling out $16,000 worth of food and jackets to 19 lawmakers.

Wining and dining comprised more than a quarter of all gifts last year; at least $85,000 was spent picking up the tab for more than 100 legislators on more than 750 occasions. (Legislators get paid $128,215 a year, plus $214 a day for expenses when they’re in session, and leaders get more.)

But not all the gifts were from interest or advocacy groups, and some even show the human connection between legislators.

Assemblymember Corey Jackson , Democrat from Moreno Valley, gave 16 of his female coworkers flowers for their birthdays, at a total cost of about $1,000. They were bipartisan bouquets; three went to Republicans in the Assembly.

Assemblymember Lori Wilson , a Democrat from Suisun City who underwent treatment for breast cancer last year , received flowers from Jackson and from 14 other individuals and groups, worth about $1,400 in total.

Free travel for legislators

Fancy dinners and receptions are nice, but the annual gift limit keeps the total relatively low. That isn’t the case with sponsored travel, which is effectively unlimited. 

Special interest groups and nonprofits flew lawmakers to Argentina, Canada, France and elsewhere around the globe. In 2023, more than 100 groups spent about $1.1 million on sponsored trips, compared to 85 groups and $950,000 in travel in 2022. 

While 105 legislators reported taking at least one trip last year, three accepted more than $30,000 worth.

Sen. Nancy Skinner , an Oakland Democrat, reported her four trips were worth $38,000, the most of any legislator. The trips are valuable for getting ideas about what works well, including countries with similar infrastructure, she said. 

“We did intensive learning about France’s high speed rail, which is of course much harder to learn about in the U.S. since, where do we have examples of electric high-speed rail?” she said.

Skinner also said she doesn’t accept every invitation for a trip, only those on her key interests: energy, the environment, housing and public safety. 

Assemblymember Mike Gipson , a Gardena Democrat, reported trips with the second highest value — 10 journeys worth more than $31,000. Assemblymember Mike Fong , a Democrat from Monterey Park, accepted 15 trips that were worth more than $30,600. 

Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco , Democrat from Downey, was the most frequent traveler. She reported taking 18 trips last year, but they were valued at only $27,150.

Even if the trips lead to policy or ideas for legislators, when nonprofits invite legislators and their representatives attend as well, it creates at least the appearance of a potential conflict of interest, said Carmen Balbar, executive director of Consumer Watchdog.

“If you have somebody’s ear, you have a chance to influence them. And most constituents of every lawmaker isn’t going to be able to sponsor a trip for their representative,” she said. 

More transparency could help reassure Californians that their legislators are working in the public interest, she said: “Maybe, when we pull back the curtain and have an idea of who was there and what their interests might be, we’ll be able to better parse if they’re lobbying or not.”

Learn more about legislators mentioned in this story.

Nancy Skinner

Democrat, State Senate, District 9 (Oakland)

Benjamin Allen

Democrat, State Senate, District 24 (El Segundo)

This session, Sen. Ben Allen , an El Segundo Democrat, is pushing a bill to increase disclosure of these trips . 

As CalMatters reported last year , a 2015 law intended to require more transparency by organizations that sponsor legislative travel has had little impact. It requires annual reports by these groups listing any donors who gave more than $1,000 and also accompanied elected officials on any portion of a trip — but only if the travel expenses totaled more than $10,000, or at least $5,000 to a single official and if the spending accounts for at least one-third of the nonprofit’s total expenses. 

Allen’s bill would delete that second requirement about expenses and also require disclosure from any person who organizes trips, whether it’s a nonprofit or a business. He said Monday that he authored the measure largely in response to the CalMatters story. 

“If you're a massive organization that is spending money on a gazillion other things, does that make the disclosure of your trips any less meaningful or impactful and important?” he asked. “Disclosure helps the press and the public and other folks that are trying to engage in the political process to better understand the system that's in place to influence legislators.”

Allen, himself, went on 6 trips valued at $13,960 last year, plus $40,000 worth in 2022.

How free trips for California legislators lead to bills

Just as in 2022, the largest sponsor of trips last year was the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy , and it wasn’t close. The group spent about $375,000 — nearly one-third of the total for all trip sponsors — to take legislators on “study tours,” where legislators and some foundation board members meet with foreign business and government leaders to learn about policy.

The San Francisco-based nonprofit has organized these tours for decades, funded and attended by representatives of companies and interest groups with business before the state. The foundation’s board is made up of organizations that don’t usually agree on issues, such as the Western States Petroleum Association and the Environmental Defense Fund, or municipal water providers and irrigation districts that mostly serve agricultural interests.

In an email to CalMatters last year, Jay Hansen, president and CEO of the foundation, said the purpose of the trips is not to advocate on behalf of its board members’ interests but to help lawmakers “better understand complex issues, witness best practices, and contemplate policy implications.”

At the same time, the foundation has said the trips have led to bills . Legislators who have gone on these trips told CalMatters last year that they are useful. 

In 2023 the nonprofit sponsored eight trips, three abroad, including last March to Denmark, where nine legislators looked at offshore wind and other low carbon energy sources. Some foundation events are closer to home: In February 2023, 18 legislators went to Napa for an energy policy conference, and in June, seven lawmakers also went to Napa for a transportation policy retreat and stayed at the ritzy Silverado Hotel.

The pace of travel picked up in the second half of 2023, though, with a trip nearly every month. That’s expected: The fall of odd numbered years is called the “interim study recess” by the state Senate because there aren’t legislative elections, giving lawmakers time to learn about policy.

Last fall, the foundation took legislators to British Columbia to learn about recycling , to Lake Tahoe to talk about technology and to Southern California in September to observe more low carbon energy projects. Legislators toured high-speed rail in France in October and closed out the year at a water conference at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel.

The next largest funder of legislator travel in 2023 was the California YIMBY Education Fund, which spent $72,500 to take five legislators to London and Paris for a week to learn about transit, housing, and land use policies.

It was the first year the pro-housing group sponsored legislative travel, with a goal to “open up conversations with legislators,” said Matthew Lewis, the organization’s director of communications. 

While the group might organize another trip, it prioritizes policymaking in Sacramento. “If we ever found ourselves in a budget crunch, we wouldn’t be doing this because our mission is to pass pro-housing policy in California,” Lewis said.

Some legislators reported trips that were sponsored by multiple organizations. One example: The Bay Area Caucus Policy Retreat, a January 2023 event in Sausalito that involved as many as seven groups: the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, California State Association of Electrical Workers, California Teachers Association, San Manuel Mission Band of Indians, United Food and Commercial Workers and PG&E. They reported spending more than $8,400 for eight legislators to attend.

CalMatters data and interactives editor John Osborn D’Agostino contributed to this story.

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Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article we wrote? You can find our submission guidelines here . Please contact CalMatters with any commentary questions: [email protected]

Jeremia Kimelman Data Reporter

Jeremia is a data journalist who uses code and data to make policy and politicians easier to understand. He was previously a graphics editor at the COVID Tracking Project and a data journalist at NBC News... More by Jeremia Kimelman

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