Exploring Your Family Heritage Through Travel: Insights from a Genealogist

DNA test kits are a fantastic gift for anyone eager to uncover their ancestry, and you can enhance that journey by planning trips inspired by your findings.

In a recent episode of the Dinogo podcast, Let's Go Together, host Kellee Edwards spoke with genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith about how DNA testing can spark ideas for your next adventure.

In the episode titled "Unlocking the Past Through DNA Heritage Travel," Sewell-Smith discusses how DNA research has opened up new avenues for individuals to discover their history and connect with their ancestral roots.

Sewell-Smith remarks, "DNA has truly transformed the fields of genealogy and family history."

Thanks to DNA research, Sewell-Smith has delved into her own ancestry, traveling to various locations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. She also notes her family’s connections to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and their eventual migration to Chicago. In her quest to trace her lineage, she has even visited Cameroon and Benin in Africa.

"It's as if that profound inner self begins to resonate with a part of us we weren't aware existed," she reflects on the podcast. "It's like a recollection of what was there, even if it escaped our memory before we arrived."

She offered valuable advice for those planning trips inspired by their heritage and DNA findings.

Release any preconceived notions.

Sewell-Smith often observes that people's perceptions of a culture can differ significantly from the reality on the ground. For example, local cuisine may not resemble what you're accustomed to at home. She notes that in many rural regions, including those in the United States, you can't always rely on rideshare services like Uber, so it's important to adjust your travel plans to reflect these local variances.

"We can sometimes arrive in these places with a perspective that differs from those who live there," Sewell-Smith explains on the podcast.

Verify travel requirements.

If your DNA findings motivate you to travel internationally, ensure you've taken care of the essentials before diving into your journey. Sewell-Smith emphasizes the importance of having all necessary travel documents, such as visas, vaccinations, and your passport. It's crucial to allow ample time before your trip to secure all the required permissions and paperwork.

Particularly in the wake of COVID-19, Sewell-Smith notes that some individuals may prefer to drive or take a train within their own country rather than fly. She stresses the importance of exploring heritage travel opportunities right in your own backyard.

Engage a local guide.

Sewell-Smith advises that regardless of your travel destination, enlisting a knowledgeable local can significantly enrich your experience by providing insights into the area's history.

"It's vital to have a knowledgeable companion who can illuminate aspects of life that many might overlook," she suggests.

Even within the United States, Sewell-Smith emphasizes that a local guide can clarify misunderstandings between what you may have learned and the actual history of a place, particularly regarding topics like the transatlantic slave trade and the historical gaps affecting many Black families due to this legacy.

Investigate the region in advance.

DNA tests may uncover connections to locations that aren't the most accessible or widely visited. Sewell-Smith advises doing your homework on the region to grasp its political and social context, helping you avoid potential issues and ensuring your safety.

Immerse yourself in the local culture.

Sewell-Smith warns against overplanning your trip or sticking too closely to your comfort zone. She encourages trying local cuisine and exploring markets to truly engage with the culture and the people of the area.

"I sought to be fully immersed," she reflects. "I wanted to connect with the locals, engage in conversation, and experience the cultural sights and sounds around me."

No matter where your DNA findings take you, planning a heritage travel experience offers a remarkable opportunity to delve into your family lineage and uncover your global heritage.

23andMe Ancestry Kit

Available for purchase at: amazon.com, priced at $99