Helpful Resources
How to Apply for a Chinese Visa
[for Americans] [free]
The first step to traveling to China is applying for a Chinese visa. We know that paperwork can be daunting and want to streamline the process for you in our step-by-step guide!
Our Recommended
Travel Packing List [free]
Heading on a domestic or international trip soon? We have a packing list that you can use to make sure you have packed every essential for your next trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
After you have submitted the Interest Form for the experience you are interested in and we have verified that you are a good fit for the experience, we will send you an email requesting for you to submit your deposit to save your spot on the trip.
-
This will go towards your total experience costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.
-
You will receive more detailed information about the experience after submitting your deposit.
-
After that, the remainder of payment will be requested 90 days prior to departure.
-
If you are booking within 90 days of your departure, you may be asked to make the full payments as soon as you have submitted your deposit.
-
Payment plans at not currently available.
-
For this most of our trips, our cancellation policy is below. To cancel your spot, you must email us at hello@graceandyj.com. If applicable, you will receive a refund to your original form of payment between 5-14 business days, excluding bank transaction fees.
-
More than 60 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 20% of total price (deposit)
-
Between 45 – 60 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 40% of the total price
-
Between 30 – 45 Days: Cancellation fee of 60% of the total price
-
Less than 30 days prior to departure: No refund
-
After departure: No refund
We understand that medical emergencies may cause you to not be able to attend this experience or cut the experience short. Therefore, we require our travelers to buy travel insurance before the experience begins to cover unforeseen cancellations.
*Note: Different experiences may have different deposit amounts and cancellation policies. Please refer to each experience page for the most up to date information.
-
-
For our group trips, we will need a minimum sign up of four travelers to run the trip (maximum sign up is ten).
-
Should an experience be canceled due to lack of sign-ups or for any other reason, From Roots to Bridges will fully refund any deposits or fees paid, excluding bank transaction fees.
-
-
Our public group trips are designed for adults aged 21 and older.
-
For our private experiences, minors are accepted but will need to be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian aged 21+ who assumes responsibility for the minor.
-
-
If you decide to join an experience late or leave early, whether planned or unplanned, you will still be responsible for the full cost of the experience.
-
To avoid unexpected expenses from early departures, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip interruption coverage.
-
-
Yes, we accommodate dietary restrictions/food allergies with appropriate notice prior to the experience.
-
We ask that you indicate in your Interest Form what those dietary restrictions/food allergies are so that Grace and Yongjian can communicate those needs with the restaurants and hotels/homestays that the group visits.
-
If you have a severe allergy (e.g. peanuts, shellfish, milk, insect stings, latex), please consult your doctor prior to the trip about what medications you should carry with you on the trip. It is your personal responsibility to administer your own medication in the case of a severe allergic reaction.
-
-
Prior to the experience, you will be required to sign a Medical Release Form that allows the From Roots to Bridges team to disclose your medical information to medical providers in a case of emergency.
-
You will also be required to email the From Roots to Bridges team a copy of your medical insurance card prior to the experience.
-
It is your responsibility to verify that your medical insurance is valid for the country/countries that you are traveling to.
-
More comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage of lost luggage and trip cancellation, is optional though highly encouraged, as From Roots to Bridges is not responsible for lost luggage or experience cancellation.
-
-
Pack any prescription medications that your doctor advises you to bring for this trip. It is your responsibility to check whether those medications are allowed into the country/countries that you will be traveling to and to have enough supply for the entire duration of the trip plus a few days extra in case your return home gets delayed.
-
Pack over-the-counter medications that may be helpful for you, like anti-bacterial ointment, anti-diarrheal medication, anti-histamines, pain relievers, antacid products, etc.
-
If traveling to China or Vietnam with us, you should bring insect repellent with DEET, long sleeve lightweight clothing and anti-histamines for allergic reactions to bites.
-
Each traveler is advised to check the weather prior to the trip and prepare their wardrobe accordingly. Packing light is also advised for every trip (example: carry on suitcase vs a full size luggage).
-
-
In China, you will not need to bring any cash along with you, as everything you need can be paid for via AliPay or WeChat Pay. It is your responsibility to set up these apps prior to entering China, as each app requires a verification process that can take up anywhere from 24 hours to a few days.
-
In Vietnam, you will need to withdraw Vietnamese Dong from ATMs or money exchange facilities to pay for goods/services. It is your responsibility to bring a card that has minimal or no withdrawal fees. Bring a card that has minimal or no foreign transaction fees (e.g. Charles Schwab Debit Card).
-
In Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, you will need to withdraw Kazakh tenge, Uzbek som, and Tajik somoni from ATMs or money exchange facilities to pay for goods/services. Bring a card that has minimal or no foreign transaction fees (e.g. Charles Schwab Debit Card).
-
We want to ensure a safe and comfortable trip experience for all of our travelers. We will not tolerate:
Harassment of any kind (verbal, physical, sexual etc.) towards your fellow travelers, group leaders, and locals.
Drug use of any kind, including cannabis and THC, is strictly prohibited. If you plan to travel with medication, ensure that it is allowed in the country you are visiting and carry a copy of your prescription.
We strongly recommend that you avoid any politically sensitive language or activities (demonstrations, protests) while on our trips.
If you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the trip, please bring it to the group leader's attention right away. If it is deemed necessary to remove a traveler or multiple travelers from the trip for violating the above policies, a refund will not be issued. Your safety and comfort are important to us and we are always here to listen, reflect, and work with you to create a better experience for everyone.
-
From Roots to Bridges reserves the right to take and publish photographs during the operation of any tour or part thereof.
-
By booking with From Roots to Bridges, travelers agree to allow their image to be used in photographs or videos that may appear on the From Roots to Bridges website or social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack, etc.)
-
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
From Roots to Bridges
© 2025 by From Roots to Bridges