Why Ancestry Tourism is So Popular
People choose to go on vacation for a number of different reasons. Often, it’s simply to relax and unwind, to get a much-needed break from the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life.
However, some people are driven by more significant factors. Ancestry tourism is becoming increasingly popular. Let’s find out what it is and why it appeals to so many travellers today.
What is Ancestry Tourism?
There’s something undeniably exciting about looking back over previous generations of your family. Finding out where and who you came from can give you a fresh perspective about where you are going.
There are numerous ways of tracing your family tree, and special services can offer DNA profiling that can identify the geographical locations of your ancestors. However, some people find they want to do more than just read over these results from home and take the decision to actually visit the countries of their forefathers in person.
This is what we mean by ancestry tourism. It’s an increasingly common motivation for travellers visiting new countries. Just why is it so popular? Find out below.
An Excuse to Explore
Sometimes you need a little push to actually take a vacation. What better excuse to explore the world than being able to learn more about your family in the process? Ancestry tourism doesn’t just involve researching and perusing old records to trace your ancestors, you’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and have fun in the process.
For example, if your ancestors are from Ireland and you decide to visit to learn more about them, you’ll be able to experience this fantastic country while you’re there. Have a look at all the things to do in West Cork, you’ll quickly realise just how many fun opportunities you’ll have on your trip.
Learn More About History
When researching your family tree and the stories of your ancestors, you’ll be surprised at some of the places they came from. Over generations, people have moved all across the world, bringing families with them or starting new families in far-flung corners of the globe.
Ancestry tourism gives you the chance to learn more about this history and will give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of the lives of your past relatives. You’ll be able to learn not just about them, but about their generation as a whole.
For example, if your ancestors are from Ireland, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn about the extensive history of Irish emigration.
An Emotional Experience
There are a number of countries that are particularly popular for ancestry tourism. We’ve already touched on Ireland, and countries like Italy that have large diasporas are also hotspots.
Visiting one of these countries and learning about your ancestors can be an incredibly emotional process. If you can find an old family home or if you’re lucky enough to meet some distant relatives, your vacation can become an experience you’ll never forget.
Conclusion
Digital technology means it’s now easier than ever for people to trace their family trees. As a result, we’ve seen an increase in ancestry tourism. It offers people a chance to explore new countries and learn more about history in what can be an incredibly emotional experience.