Dillon International has been escorting adoption tour groups since 1989.

One of the many milestones in an adoptee's life is the decision to visit his/her birth country.  With 20 years experience of escorting adoptees and their families on birthland tours, Dillon International understands the importance of this milestone in an adoptee's life.  Thus, we specialize in small tour groups which allow adoptees and their families to receive more individualized attention and service.  Our tour packages offer a variety of experiences for participants to acquaint them with the country, the culture and the people of  India
in-depth.  Some highlights are:

·          Visits to Cultural and Historical Sites:

o    India Gate

o    Lotus Temple

o    Deer Park

o    Mother Teresa’s Room and Tomb

o    Fort Agra

o    Taj Mahal

·          Shopping in New Delhi and Old Delhi

·          Visits to Indian Society for Rehabilitation of Children

o    Visit orphanage and nursing home

o    Visit with ISRC staff

·          Shopping and Touring in Kolkata

·          Hand’s on Cultural Experiences

·          Exploring local neighborhoods

·          Enjoying local foods

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Why Choose Dillon International?

·         Dillon International has escorted tour groups since 1989.

·         Each tour group is directed and escorted by an adoption social worker and adoptive mother who has traveled to India many times accompanying families on their adoption trips and on the inaugural Visit India Tour.

·         Small travel groups allow for a more individualized experience.

·         Accommodations based on double occupancy.

·         Admission to all scheduled sightseeing and cultural attractions included.

·         Professional English-speaking guides.

·         A list of suggested readings pertaining to the birth country and adoption issues will be provided prior to departure.

·         This is a tour program with an adoption emphasis and a personal touch.

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FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

1.  When should we travel?  How old should my child(ren) be?

We have discovered that one of the best times to visit a birth country with your child is before their teen years.  Between ages 8 and 12, children often benefit from a trip like this when they still view the world in a more matter of fact way.  Gaining a positive understanding of their birth heritage will assist their identity formation process that will take place in more significant ways during adolescence.

2.  What if we didn't adopt through Dillon International?

Unfortunately, since this is our first Visit India Tour, we must limit participants to those adopted through the Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of Children in Kolkata.  We hope in future tours we can expand our services to families that adopted through other agencies in Kolkata and even other places in India.  We also may be able to have you join our tour during the time in Delhi and allow you to make your own arrangements about visiting your child's orphanage in other parts of India.  We think being part of a group experience is good for children and parents alike!

3.  What additional costs can I expect?

You will want to take money for gifts, shopping, laundry and some meals.  The amount to bring will vary per person according to his/her individual needs and interests. 

4.  Do I need a visa or immunizations to travel to India?

A valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months at the time of travel is required for travel to India, as well as a tourist travel visa.  Dillon will provide you with instructions on obtaining your tourist visa as part of the travel preparation.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control) does recommend some vaccinations for travel to India.  Please visit the CDC website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationIndia.aspx or talk to your doctor.  You will want to begin the immunization process at least 4 - 6 weeks prior to your trip.

5.  What adoption search services are available for me?

Your family will have the opportunity to visit the nursery at the Indian Society for Rehabilitation of Children as well as explore the city where you first became a family.   You will also have the opportunity to meet Ms. Anju Roy and other caregivers that have been working with ISRC for many years.  Currently no specific birth family or caregiver search services are available for India.

6.  How do I get started?

• Send me Tour brochure & application.

• We can't go right now.  Please put us on the list for future India tours.

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Contact Tour Staff

Ms. Rebecca Leaming Hackworth will be your Tour Leader.  Ms. Hackworth is Director of Social Services and directs Dillon's Haiti Program. She has been with Dillon since 1989.  An adoptive mom with children from Haiti,  Ms. Hackworth has accompanied numerous traveling families to India and escorted many babies home from India to their forever families.  She currently leads our Visit China Tour and is the Tour Director and Leader for our Visit Haiti Tour.  To contact her, email Rebecca Hackworth.

April Whalen is Tour Coordinator for all birthland trips.  She joined Dillon International's staff in April 2011.  Prior to joining Dillon, April lived overseas and was in charge of coordinating tour groups to various countries.  She will assist families with tour registration, information and air travel preparations.  To contact her, email April Whalen.