Reconnect with your roots through heritage travel
Guiding adoptees and their loved ones through transformative journeys since 1994.
Female Founded, Adoptee Owned
2026
Heritage Trips
The Ties Program empowers adoptees and their loved ones through transformative heritage experiences that deepen cultural connections, nurture a sense of belonging, and honor individual adoptee narratives.
Our specialized travel experiences are designed to help adoptees trace their roots and embrace their history.
Trace your roots. Embrace your history.
Hear from Adoptees Who Traveled with Ties
In this behind-the-scenes reflection, Ties travel team member Marisa shares what it was like to lead the inaugural Ethiopian Ties heritage journey, offering insight into adoptee travel, group support, in-country partnerships, and the powerful moments of identity and belonging that unfolded along the way.
Walk with Emily as she reflects on her first trip back to Korea on the inaugural Korean Ties First Wave tour. From overcoming zero interest in Korea to being a full fledged ARMY, Emily’s story will spark familiarity among other adoptees who “get it”.
Meet Liz Sevigny (they/them/她). Liz is a Chinese adoptee from Yueyang in Hunan Province and a participant in our inaugural China Ties Adult Adoptees Age 21+ heritage journey. Liz shares reflections on returning to their birth country, traveling alongside fellow adult adoptees, and the meaningful experience of meeting with their birth family during the journey.
In part two this two-part series, program manager and Korean adoptee Liz Kwon personally reflects on how birth search and file reviews are being handled since NCRC took over adoptee files earlier in 2025.
Why choose heritage travel
for adoptees & loved ones
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Connect with Other Adoptees
Shared experiences and forming meaningful connections with other adoptees creates a unique sense of belonging and mutual understanding. These relationships during travel not only foster a sense of safety, and personal growth but also can inspire, support, and provide meaningful impact during a time of self discovery and exploring your birth country–reminding us that we're stronger together.
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Connect With Others Who Have Similar Lived Experiences
We offer support for loved ones accompanying the adoptee, ensuring the adoptee can focus fully on their own experience without the added emotional responsibility of caring for others. By supporting loved ones, we ultimately help create a more meaningful and focused journey for the adoptee.
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Understanding & Cultural Context
Exploring the community and region where you were born provides a unique opportunity to connect with your roots, to uncover the cultural and historical threads woven into your adoption story. It’s about gaining insight and honoring the journey that brought you to where you are today.
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Professionally Trained Team and Emotional Support
Curated trips are designed with empathy and emotional support in mind, ensuring that you feel guided and respected throughout the process, especially if you're navigating complex feelings of loss, belonging, or identity.
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Unique Benefits of Traveling with The Ties Program
While traditional tourism travel can provide sightseeing experiences, a bespoke heritage trip offers an entirely different level of depth and intimacy. The personal nature of these journeys—designed with cultural sensitivity and respect—ensures that adoptees can explore their birth country in a way that honors their unique story.
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It’s A Good Time
Heritage travel is not only meaningful but also incredibly fun! From exploring markets, sampling local cuisine, sightseeing and experiencing cultural traditions, these trips are filled with joy and adventure. Traveling with others adds an extra layer of comfort and connection, making each moment more memorable.