Russia

Unfortunately, Russian-American relations continue to be challenging amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We look forward to days of peace, when Russian Ties adoptees & families can return to exploring beautiful Russia. We are continually re-evaluating the possibility of group travel and are hopeful for future Russian Ties programs.

If you are an adoptee from Russia interested in exploring the possibility of returning to your birth country in the future, feel free to contact our Russian Ties Program Manager, Sarah Kurtzahn.

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Private Travel to Russia with Ties

Private travel is a fantastic alternative to consider. However, the safety of our travelers is our top priority. At this time, we are not offering private travel to Russia. Feel free to explore our page on private travel for insights and resources, or reach out to our Russian Ties Program Manager, Sarah Kurtzahn, to discuss the possibility of traveling and any other details in the future. Thank you for your understanding.

Private Travel

YOUR TIES PROGRAM MANAGER

Sarah Kurtzahn

Sarah, Senior Program Manager, joined the Ties Program in 2012 and has supported hundreds of adoptees & families in their journeys to Korea, Russia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In addition to years of facilitating birth family search, she is also a spouse to a Korean adoptee in reunion. Recently Sarah completed her Masters in Counseling, and hopes to work as an LPC-IT specializing in adoption related issues. Outside of work, you can find her chasing her 3 year old daughter and/or 5 year old son, in her vegetable garden, running for fun, or making something in the kitchen with her little helpers.

Please note: Sarah may not travel on every trip.

Sarah@TheTiesProgram.com

(414) 299-6635

Learn More About Our Team

Frequently Asked Questions

The average size of our heritage travel groups can vary depending on the country and specific trip itinerary. Typically, our groups range in size from 20 to 70 participants. The size of the group is influenced by factors such as the destination, the type of trip, and the preferences of our travelers.

For specific information about the group size for a particular trip or destination, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We can provide more detailed insights based on the specific heritage journey you are interested in.

We aim to create inclusive and engaging experiences for our travelers while ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and support throughout the journey.

Yes, anyone important to your journey is welcome to join our trips, subject to availability and trip-specific considerations. Many of our participants choose to travel with loved ones who share an interest in exploring their heritage and culture. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful experiences for all participants, including extended family members and friends who wish to join the journey.

Also, we encourage you to check out our blog post on "Questions Adoptees Should Ask When Choosing Travel Companions for a Heritage Journey" to help determine who to bring on your heritage trip. For more information about bringing extended family members or friends on a specific heritage trip, please contact us so we can assist you further.

Yes, we welcome registrations of larger groups interested in participating in our heritage trips. Registering a big group allows for a shared experience and can enhance the journey for all participants.

To accommodate a big group, we recommend reaching out to us directly to discuss availability, logistics, and any special arrangements that may be needed. Our team is committed to facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences for groups of varying sizes.

No, the registration fee is separate from the program fee. For travel insurance purposes, the registration fee is a separate administrative charge that covers processing and securing your spot on the trip and does not count as the first land payment. The first land payment refers specifically to the initial installment of the program fee, which covers the costs of accommodations, transportation, and activities during the heritage trip.

If you have specific questions about the payment structure and its impact on travel insurance, feel free to reach out to our team for further assistance.

Visa requirements vary depending on the destination country. Some countries may require visas for entry, while others allow visa-free travel. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool. On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy. It's important to check the specific visa requirements for your destination well in advance of your travel dates. Our team can assist you with visa information and guidance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Absolutely! Our itineraries include designated free time where participants can explore independently, relax, or pursue personal interests. This allows adoptees and their loved ones to customize their experience and make the most of their journey. Costs are adjusted accordingly based on the activities participants choose. Travelers are not required to attend every activity on the itinerary. You are welcome to opt out of an activity or day as long as you inform your group guide. Additionally, some of our trips offer days with options to choose between activities or to enjoy free time instead. Please note that the program fee covers all planned activities, and opting out of certain activities is a personal decision that does not affect the program fee.

Cancellation policies varies by trip, and is included in the information packet you will receive when submitting an Information Request form.

Ties is both a group and an adoptee + loved ones travel experience. Planning involves coordinating group activities and services AND customizing for each adoptee and those traveling with them.

Customizing individual adoptee connections involves gathering information from adoptees and their loved ones related to their personalized desires; contacting them to confirm understanding of their desires; gathering further information, if necessary; asking questions; assembling this information in a format our in-country partner prefers; exchanging correspondence with the in-country partner related to individual requests; communicating information with each adoptee and their loved ones which may lead to further requests; communicating with our in-country partner on additional requests; working with our in-country partner on customized individual itineraries that mesh with larger group activities; monitoring these arrangements; and accommodating changes that may need to be made. This work begins shortly after registration is received and continues through departure.

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance and highly suggest obtaining cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

Throughout your journey, Ties staff will facilitate informal, optional discussions and activities for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling.

Connect & Chat provides a space for adoptees and internationally adopted siblings to form connections and build community, with adoptees. These gatherings aim to strengthen bonds, foster inclusivity, and ensure everyone has a good time. Some Connect & Chat sessions delve deeper into personal reflections based on participant needs. Our skilled staff are adept at facilitating these organic discussions.

Adult loved ones traveling with adoptees are invited to our signature Talk Time sessions, which are more discussion-based than activity-based. While all activities are optional, Connect & Chat and Talk Times are highly rated by participants, and we encourage your participation.

*Groups of 25 or fewer people may be accompanied by a well-trained staff member with adoption expertise serving as the group leader. For groups with less than 10 participants, an in-country guide will accompany the group. In this scenario, your program will not include Talk Time or Connect & Chat sessions.