DNA Kits Spark Interest in Genealogy Tourism

The world has reopened for travelers and many people have been busy fulfilling their bucket-list adventures.  For those keen on discovering more about their own heritage, the rise in available home DNA test kits and greater online access to historical records has given the curious more insight into their own roots.  Genealogy tourism, as a result, is growing in popularity as people plan trips to dig deeper into their own heritage. 

According to a recent Washington Post Travel report, ancestry tourism is most popular in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia where people can trace their roots back to countries in Europe, Africa and Asia.  By travelling to regions where their families originated, people can connect with their ancestors and develop a greater appreciation for the culture, food and landscape. 

Many of us heard stories from our parents or grandparents about life “back home” growing up.  But as we grow older, many people find their interest in their own background grows.  A winter project of genealogical research can help the inquisitive develop a trip itinerary of specific towns or even a standing home where their family once lived. Websites like Ancestry or MyHeritage can help people piece together the story of their genealogy and can provide guidance and trip planning.  Concierge genealogy tourism can be pricy, however. 

While on a heritage trip, visitors will want, of course, to take photographs.  It’s also a good idea to bring a journal to write down stories and other details about the adventure to share with family.   For those new to the arena, since its launch in 1983, Ancestry has sold more than 10 million DNA kits for about $100 – a fairly inexpensive way to get a good picture of where your family originated.  The results can be surprising and lead to many new discoveries.