Embarking on a heritage journey is one of the most meaningful experiences adoptees and their loved ones can undertake. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your birth culture, explore your roots, develop a more complex understanding of your identity, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to rediscover your story, planning is key to making the most of your journey. Take each decision and step one at a time – getting ahead of yourself can easily make it overwhelming.
Here’s a guide to help you:
Getting Started: Research, Budget, and Registration
Popular trips and programs fill up months in advance, so it’s best to start your research as soon as possible. Selecting the right program or itinerary for you is key to loving your experience. Research all types of trips. If you know other adoptees who have traveled to their country of birth, ask them about their experiences. Programs like The Ties Program offer curated experiences tailored to adoptees and their loved ones, combining personal discovery with cultural immersion.
Things to consider:
Group or Private Travel: What’s Right for You? Are you interested in traveling with a group of other adoptees or would you prefer a private journey? Both options have their advantages, and choosing the right fit depends on your preferences and needs. To help you decide, check out our other blog posts: “6 Reasons Group Travel is (Usually) Best for Adoptees and Their Loved Ones” and “When Private Travel is Right”.
What’s your Budget? A heritage journey is often a once-in-a-lifetime (or few times in a lifetime) experience and a significant investment. Knowing your budget early will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises.
- Since COVID-19, international travel costs have increased, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
- International airfare is often not included in group trips. Research flight costs to and from your destination. Don’t just focus on the cheapest option—consider the price range, from the least to the most expensive, and plan for somewhere in the middle.
- Don’t forget about a valid passport! If you need one or need to renew, include that in your budget.
- Check out our Financial Assistance page for tips and resources to help you make this meaningful investment.
Who Should You Travel With? Choosing your travel companions is a big decision. Whether it’s family, friends, or someone else special, it’s important to think about who will make this experience most meaningful for you. For guidance, read our blog post: “Questions Adoptees Should Ask When Choosing Travel Companions”.
Finding the Right Journey for You Are you seeking a trip that highlights cultural and tourist experiences, or one that also provides space to explore your adoption story at your own pace? Perhaps you’re interested in a program that offers the option for a birth family search or visits to places significant to your life’s journey. These are deeply personal decisions, and it’s important to take the time to determine what feels right for you. Journaling about your hopes and dreams can be a helpful way to gain clarity. Remember, it’s okay to take it one step at a time—this is your journey.
What Level of Support Do You Need Before, During, and After the Trip? When you reach out with questions, do you expect timely and thoughtful responses to your emails and calls? At Ties, we’re committed to providing comprehensive support every step of the way—before, during, and after your journey. Our adoption specialists, including adoptee mentors, travel with the group to offer guidance and support throughout the journey, while our Program Managers are available year-round to help with everything from logistical questions (e.g., “How do I get from the airport to the hotel?”) to emotional concerns (e.g., “Will I be the only one not reconnecting with my birth family?” Spoiler: Probably not). When you reach out, you can count on timely, thoughtful responses to ensure your experience is smooth, supported, and meaningful.
Read the Itinerary and Fine Print Carefully Before committing to a trip, take the time to read the itinerary and fine print thoroughly. Here are key things to consider:
- Program Fees and Inclusions: What’s included in the program fee? Ties trips typically cover accommodations, group activities, in-country transportation, and comprehensive support before, during, and after the trip.
- Payment Options: How are payments structured? Are they due all at once or in installments? Can you pay by credit card (great for earning travel points!) or bank transfer?
- Activities and Extras: Are the included activities experiences you’re excited about? Which ones are part of the package, and which come with an additional cost?
- Personalized Activities: If there are extra costs for personalized experiences, such as province visits or birth family searches, will the organization work with you to stay within your budget?
- Meals: How many meals are included in the trip cost? Some trips may have lower upfront fees but leave you covering many meal expenses later.
- Tipping: Are tips included? If so, which ones? Tips can add up quickly over the course of a week or two, so it’s good to know in advance.
- Fair Compensation for In-Country Partners: Does the organization ensure livable wages and sustainable tips for their in-country team members? At Ties, we view our partnerships with in-country counterparts as essential to providing the best care for adoptees and their loved ones, which is why we prioritize fair, sustainable compensation.
Taking the time to review these details carefully will help you make an informed decision and ensure your trip aligns with your expectations and priorities.
Goal: While most trips allow you to register until the group is full, registering early provides significant benefits. It gives you more time to make payments at a manageable pace and to prepare both logistically and emotionally for the journey. For the best experience, aim to select a program and register within a month of deciding—ideally at least six months before the trip’s departure. This ensures plenty of time to plan and get the most out of your heritage journey.
Pre-Departure: Managing the Logistic
No matter what trip and organization you choose to travel with, you’ll need to complete secretarial-type activities for the trip. These include:
- Providing essential information: Share details like passport copies, dietary preferences, medical needs, and rooming preferences with the organization.
- Booking flights: Most organizations will offer guidance on when and where to arrive, and may even recommend travel agents or provide tips to streamline the process.
- Planning activities: Decide which optional activities interest you and ensure they’re included in your itinerary.
- Securing travel insurance: Protect your investment and peace of mind by purchasing travel insurance.
- Making payments: Stay on track with the payment schedule to avoid any delays.
Some of these tasks will need to be handled shortly after registering, while others may come closer to your departure date. A reputable organization should make the process as straightforward as possible and be available to answer any questions along the way, ensuring your pre-trip preparations are stress-free and organized.
Leading Up to Departure: Emotional Preparation
Heritage journeys can be deeply emotional, bringing up feelings of joy, curiosity, and even vulnerability. Preparing emotionally is just as important as managing the logistics.
How to Prepare:
- Connect with others: Attend pre-trip virtual sessions or group chats to meet people who understand and share your journey.
- Engage with provided resources: Read the materials, watch videos, and listen to podcasts shared by your program. These resources are designed to support you, not overwhelm you.
- Share your thoughts: Talk with a trusted friend, therapist, or mentor about your expectations, hopes, and concerns.
- Identify healthy coping mechanisms: Whether it’s journaling, yoga, or decompressing with a favorite show (Ted Lasso, anyone?), having tools to manage emotions during travel is essential.
- Set personal goals: Define what you hope to gain from the journey—exploring your birth culture, finding your roots, or simply experiencing the moment. Stay open to the idea that not all goals may be met, and that’s okay.
One Month to Go: Pack Thoughtfully
Packing for a heritage journey goes beyond clothes and travel essentials—it’s about bringing items that will enrich and support your experience.
Essentials to Consider:
- Cultural gifts: Thoughtful items for orphanages, guides, or local organizations.
- Journals or notebooks: A space to capture your reflections and emotions.
- Photos or documents: Anything that might be helpful for personal discoveries or visits.
Your program should provide a detailed packing list, along with guidance on thoughtful gifts and practical tips to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Departure: Embrace the Experience
As your journey begins, focus on being present and open to every moment. Heritage journeys are opportunities for learning, connection, and self-discovery.
During Your Trip:
- Participate in cultural activities with curiosity and respect.
- Take quiet moments to reflect on your experiences through journaling or mindfulness.
- Build connections with fellow travelers, local guides, and staff members.
Arrival Home: Reflect and Integrate
The journey doesn’t end when you return home. Taking time to reflect on your experiences and integrate them into your life is an important part of the process.
Post-Trip Tips:
- Join post-trip discussions or support groups offered by your program.
- Create a photo book or video to commemorate your journey.
- Share your experience with others—it might inspire someone else to embark on their own heritage trip.
Make 2025 Your Year of Discovery
Heritage journeys are transformative experiences that help adoptees and their loved ones reconnect with their roots and celebrate their stories. With careful planning and an open heart, your 2025 journey can be one of the most meaningful adventures of your life.
If you’re ready to start planning, reach out to us at The Ties Program. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from pre-trip preparation to post-trip reflection. Let’s make 2025 a year of discovery and connection.
Start your heritage journey today.
