Travel Information

     Finally you are ready to make that big step... But how can I meet her in person? We can help. We will be happy to guide you through the necessary steps. It is a lot easier than you think! We will help you make lodging preparations for your stay, as well as provide you with a translator. With heart-connections.net we can make your traveling as easy and comfortable as possible. We will find you very nice accommodations, as well as offer transportation to and from the airport (it usually takes 1.5 -2 hours). During your stay we can recommend many different restaurants and sights to visit.

     After all of the paperwork for the trip is taken care of, you must next book a flight from your local airport to one of Ukrainian International airports (usually Borispol Airport in Kiev). Heart-connections.net will provide you with lodging and a translator upon your arrival in Ukraine.

Things to bring along

     You should bring along most of the basic items that you would take on any basic trip. We recommend you to bring along simple remedies such as Aspirin/Tylenol, antacids, etc.

     Another great surprise to travelers is the difference between electrical outlets between the United States and Europe. It pays to purchase a few different types of travel power converters, as well as some simple appliances (electric iron, electric razor, blow dryer, etc...) that can function using the electrical outlets of Ukraine. Many appliances will have their power requirements printed on their power supplies. Check all electronic devices that you plan to bring. Make sure that they all can use the outlets in Ukraine before you pack them. Look for appliances that can accept 240v at 50Hz. Adapters for such things can be found at most travel stores, which can be found in most malls.

     The weather in Ukraine can also be quite different from the weather in your local area. Be sure to pack proper clothing in accordance to the season in which you are traveling.

     When it comes to bringing money, we recommend that you bring your Visa, American Express or MasterCard as opposed to cash. A debit card is probably your best choice, as there are many ATM machines in Ukraine from which you can get money as often as you need. Cash is not a problem to bring, but it is just much safer to use the local ATMs.

Three steps you must take care of while planning a trip

Valid passport

Make sure that the proper paper work is in order for buying a plane ticket. The most important thing is that you have a valid passport. Most airlines will require this for boarding any plane making an international flight. A passport is very easy to obtain. Simply contact your local government to find out information as to where to get a passport, and what information/documents are necessary to bring with you to obtain your passport.

How to purchase an airline ticket?

 

The next step to purchasing an airline ticket is to contact a travel agency. This can be done online as well as in person at a local travel agent. Upon contacting a travel agent, tell them that you wish to plan a trip to Ukraine. Explain to them that you need to purchase airfare from your local airport to Borispol International Airport in Kiev, Ukraine. Your travel agent will then inquire about what dates you wish to travel to and from Ukraine. After looking at all of the flights available the travel agent will tell you about the different flights that are available, and the prospective price for each of these flights. We suggest flights that are direct flights, or that have as few layovers as possible. If your flight must have a layover we suggest that the layover be at least two hours in duration. This will allow enough time to insure that you are not late to your next flight.

All of these steps can also be done with an online travel agency as well. There are many online travel agencies available nowadays in the United States, and they are quite easy to find if you don't already know of one. Simply search for «online travel agency» with your favorite internet search engine, and choose one of sites that are found by this search. Airline tickets can also be purchased directly from a specific airline, but it is not recommended as any one specific airline may not fly to and from Borispol, or if they do, they may not give you as good a price for a similar flight that you could get from a competing company. Our suggestion is to get a travel agent.

Preparations for the flight

The final step is to prepare for the flight. It is a good practice to have your bags packed as far in advance of your flight as possible. It's important that you check your documents, visas, money and other important things prior to leaving home. You don't want to have to rush around at the last minute trying to pack. Next you will want to get to your local airport at least two hours in advance of your flight. This will insure that you will have no problems passing through all of the security checkpoints that are now setup in most airports. We suggest that you wear something that is comfortable enough to fall asleep in, as you may wish to nap over a long flight. Try also to wear clothing that contains very few metal parts, as it may be difficult to travel through airport checkpoints with such clothing. Also be aware that traveling with most liquids in your «carry on» luggage is prohibited. All such items need to be packed in your «checked baggage» in order for you to travel with it. It's advisable that you take all important belongings in your carry-on bag. It will help in case your luggage is lost in the airport or on a train. Pack passport, tickets, itineraries, money, wallets in your carry-on bag.

After taking all of these measures into consideration, you should have a safe and smooth trip. Enjoy it!!!

 

Appropriate clothing for season Spring-The Spring time in Ukraine is rather mild. Temperatures in late March can still be rather cold, approximately (5c/40f) for example. Yet, as April and May come along temperatures rise in to low 70's (22c). There are many times that there are windy days in the spring as well. As with any time of year, it never hurts to plan for the chance of rain. Summer-Summer time in Ukraine can get to be quite warm. June and July can have high temperatures in the 90's (35c). This is not always the case, but if you plan to visit during the summer, remember that the temperature may be higher than you expect. As with the spring, rain can happen at anytime, so plan ahead. Fall-Weather during the fall is very similar to that of the spring season. Temperatures in September are normally in the low 70's (22c). However, as you get into October and November, the temperatures in Ukraine tend to drop. By early November expect the temperatures to be in the 40's (6c). Winter-The Winter time in Ukraine is very cold. Expect temperatures in the teens(-10c) throughout most of the winter. Since the weather is this cold, there are many times that it will snow in the winter time here. Many outdoor activities that are available during other times of the year are impossible due to the cold weather. Seasons-Our recommendation is to visit your lady during the warmer times of year. This allows for many more outdoor activities and much fewer clothes to pack. As with many parts of planning your trip, we are always ready to assist you with any advice that you may need to help make your travels easier.
Money and Currency The money in Ukraine may sound peculiar to foreigners, but it works in much the same was as the currency of most other countries. It is necessary to exchange your currency into UAH in order to get about the country effectively. Ukrainian money can be imported up to a limit of UAH1000 and exported up to a limit of UAH10 000 which makes it quite easy to get in and out of the country with money. If you wish to import foreign currency there is a US$10 000 limit as well as a US$5000 export limit. If you need to exceed any of these amounts, special permission must be obtained. The currency of Ukraine is Hryvnya (UAH) which is comprised of 100 kopiyok. You will be able to get coins in 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 kopiyok denominations. Notes are available in groupings of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 UAH. If you need to exchange money, it is advisable that you do it only at a currency booth on the street or in banks and exchanging money on the black-market can be dangerous. It is also a good idea to keep all receipts relating to money changing. Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
	Lifestyle and mentality of Ukrainians Though most Ukrainians have their own cars, walking to most destinations is still very popular. Public transportation is also used quite a bit, as are taxi cabs. The attitude of the people is very helpful, and peaceful in nature. The light hearted nature of the Ukrainian people is very easy to see, as most people there enjoy the opportunity to speak with you and enjoy your company. Most speak some English, and are always willing to help where they can. Just about anything that can be celebrated, will be celebrated! Just about any occasion is enjoyed with a meal, in the company of family and friends. It is a very warm feeling to see such importance placed on the family unit, as it is something in the States that seems to be less and less prevalent. The attention to style in clothing is quite different here as well. In the states, people seem to dress with much less style than do the people in Ukraine. Perhaps most notable are the women. Almost all women wear heeled shoes everywhere, and their attention to hairstyle and makeup is very easy to notice. Other than that, the citizens of Ukraine are very similar to anyone else. When you come to visit us, you will see for yourself! Customs/Holidays--- Ukrainians have some of the same holidays as are celebrated in the States, as well as some that are not. Below is a list of the important holidays for women that are celebrated in Ukraine: Women's Day March 8 Valentine's Day February 14 Christmas January 7 New Year
Visa requirements and customs   Traveling to Ukraine is easy with the proper preparations. Before you plan a trip, you should make sure that you have a valid passport and visa to travel into Ukraine. Tourist visas are no longer required for citizens of the European Union, USA, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Vatican, Monaco, Iceland, Norway, San Marino, Mongolia, Serbia, Montenegro and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan). This applies only for tourist travel lasting less than 90 days. A passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of travel is required. Visas are required for travel related to study or work, even if for less than 90 days, even for the aforementioned countries. For citizens of other countries obtaining a visa for travel to Ukraine may take up to 10 working days; an express option is available at a higher cost. More information is available at Ukraine's Embassy in your country and/or the Foreign Service departments of your national governments (or their embassy websites here in Ukraine). Always know how much currency you have with you. Customs officials will inquire about the amount being brought into the country. It is prohibited to bring large amounts of Ukrainian currency (hryvnia) unless it was declared upon leaving Ukraine. It is advisable to check in advance the customs regulations (e.g. the Borispol Airport website, which has an English version) as rules and regulations have the habit of changing at short and unannounced notice. When entering the country you will be required to complete an immigration form - currently this is a simple white document with two parts that have more or less identical information. Both parts should be completed on arrival: the immigration officer will keep one part and you have to retain the second, which you will need to show to the immigration officer on your departure from the country. It is not advisable to lose this easily lost scrap of paper, as you'll almost certainly have difficulties on leaving Ukraine (and likely incur a fine too).

Words of advice for men

To all men searching for their significant other, Heart Connections would like to wish you the best of luck. We think that the best advice that we can offer you is be yourself. Remember, the woman of your dreams may be across the street, or half way around the world. In either instance, she will only be able to discover who you truly are if honest in your profile, and in your correspondence. The women on this site are sincere in their desire to find a man that they can share their lives with.

Here are some customs and traditions of Ukrainians the awareness of which would help you to feel more confidently with them.

• Greeting. Ukrainian women and men are a friendly lot, so don't be impatient if they use a lot of time introducing themselves. Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck. If wearing gloves, take them off before shaking hands with someone. Women in Ukraine do not consider it feminine to shake hands when they meet. Also, in the winter, make sure you take off your right glove before you shake hands with a man. Not to do so is considered to be rude.

• Entering the house. Make sure that you have a gift with you. A bottle of wine, a cake, or a bouquet of flowers is customary. If there are children in the house, it is appropriate to bring a gift for them as well. Be prepared to take off your shoes upon entering a home. To keep apartments clean, most hosts will provide their guests a pair of slippers.

• Flowers. Bring flowers. Flowers play a much more important role in Ukraine than they do in the West. A single rose is appropriate for a first date. If you meet your lady's family, be sure to bring flowers to her mother. Always buy an odd number of flowers - even numbers are considered bad luck. Also, never buy yellow roses (can signal a decrease in feelings or the end of a relationship).

• Dressing. Dress your best. Ukrainians do not share the altruistic "looks aren't important" mentality that has spread through the West. First impressions are very important to them. You will notice that on the street, people will look first at your clothes, then at your face. For business, dress should be conservative. Men should not take off their jackets unless asked to do so.

• Respect. Ukraine is by no means a conservative country with respect to clothing, behavior, overcharging you if they can get by with it, getting what you paid for (quality), smoking in your face, running over you with a car, cart, etc. It is very different from the western perspective in some of these extremes. Also, many Ukrainian women wear risqué clothes. This does not always mean that the woman is a prostitute or "easy".

• Having dinner. Most of Ukrainian women can cook extremely tasty dishes. Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered to you when visiting friends. Ukrainians are known for their generosity when it comes to feeding others. Refusing food may be considered rude. Also, be prepared to give a toast at dinner, as guests are often asked to do so. When at dinner or at a bar, always make sure that your lady's glass is full. The man always does the pouring. This is an old custom but very deeply ingrained. If you forget to do this, she may think you have no table manners.

• Drinking. Don't drink much alcohol. One of the main reasons Ukrainian ladies are interested in Western men is that alcoholism runs as much as 50% among males in this part of the world, which causes them to be less than desirable husbands. Therefore, when it comes to drinking, you should always show moderation and self-control.

Here you can see the list of Hotel rooms related to each branch.

• Zhitomir hotel rooms>>

Basic Package- Our Basic package includes the following features: A single occupancy room conveniently located in the center of the city. An introduction at our office to up to 30 of the ladies from Heart-Connections.Net. A translator is provided for 30 minutes with each lady. A copy of your room reservation, and stamp from Heart-Connections.Net. This may be needed for acquiring a visa.
Economy Package- Our Economy package includes the following features: Pickup to and from the airport. A single occupancy room conveniently located in the center of the city. All rooms include a shower and kitchen. (Adding additional features to a room may cost extra). Rent of a mobile phone for the whole time of your trip (conversation payments are included into the package) to be always in touch with us. An introduction at our office with any of the ladies from Heart-Connections.Net. A translator is provided for 30 minutes with each lady. A translator for up to 3 hours per day. Our translators can help guide you around the city as well. A copy of your room reservation, and stamp from Heart-Connections.Net. This may be needed for acquiring a visa.
Luxury Package- Our Luxury package includes the following features: Pickup to and from the airport . A double occupancy room conveniently located in central of the city. All Golden package rooms include a shower, kitchen, cable TV, continental breakfast, and air conditioning. (Adding additional features to a room may cost extra) Rent of a mobile phone for the whole time of your trip (conversation payments are included into the package) to be always in touch with us. An introduction at our office with any of the ladies from Heart-Connections.Net. A translator is provided for 30 minutes with each lady. A translator for up to 3 hours per day. Our translators can help guide you around the city as well. A copy of your room reservation, and stamp from Heart-Connections.Net. This may be needed for acquiring a visa.
VIP Package- Our VIP package includes the following features: A pick up to and from the airport. A Double Suite of Rooms at the best hotel of the city. Cable, Color TV, large bathroom, living room with Coffee table & king sized bedroom, etc. Rent of a mobile phone for the whole time of your trip (conversation payments are included into the package) to be always in touch with us. Meeting unlimited ladies from our "Gallery of Ladies". A translator for up to 24 hours per day! Includes daily breakfast by room service from the hotel restaurant! A new Car and a professional Driver (A car from our office for 24 hours a day) One free consulting with our professional dating managers. A bouquet of roses for your lady. A copy of your room reservation, and stamp from Heart-Connections.Net. This may be needed for acquiring a visa.

Trips prices  

Basic Package $799.00 1 Week(7 days, 6 nights) Lady ID:    Basic package $899.00 1 1/2 Weeks(10 days, 9 nights) Lady ID:    Basic package $1150.00 2 Weeks(14 days, 13 nights) Lady ID:  Economy Package $1299.00 1 Week(7 days, 6 nights) Lady ID:    Economy Package $1499.00 1 1/2 Weeks(10 days, 9 nights) Lady ID:    Economy Package $3370.00 9 Weeks(64 days, 63 nights) Lady ID:  Luxury Package $1815.00 1 Week(7 days, 6 nights) Lady ID:    Luxury Package $1999.00 1 1/2 Weeks(10 days, 9 nights) Lady ID:    Luxury Package $2500.00 2.5 Weeks(17 days, 16 nights) Lady ID:  VIP Package $3800.00 1 Week(7 days, 6 nights) Lady ID:    VIP Package $4400.00 1 1/2 Weeks(10 days, 9 nights) Lady ID:    VIP Package $5400.00 2 Weeks(14 days, 13 nights) Lady ID: