Do you know your ancestry and what their lives were like? Do you still have distant relatives living in the places your ancestors once called home? If you are like most, you have some idea, based on family stories, older relatives you knew when you were young, perhaps something like old family bibles, photographs or other records. Ancestry research, uncovering lost family histories, and even traveling to their ancestral homelands to walk in the footsteps of their forebears are some of the areas of niche travel that inspire many to leave the comforts of home to seek out past paths others have walked.
For beginners, tracing family history can often feel overwhelming. There are endless records to sort through, confusing DNA test results to interpret, and the challenge of planning a meaningful heritage trip. Many start their genealogy journey with little idea of where to begin. No doubt there are many frustrating dead ends, and felt lost trying to turn my research into an actual travel plan. But there is a relatively simple process that makes ancestry research and heritage travel both rewarding and achievable.
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s clear up some common misconceptions that often stop beginners from getting started.
Many feel like they have to know a great deal about their family history before even getting started. However, even if your starting point is no more than your grandparents’ names, you have enough to begin. Genealogy research builds upon small details, and professional researchers often start with just a name, birthdate, or location.
While DNA tests like AncestryDNA or 23andMe can provide insights, they don’t replace traditional genealogy research. They can point you in the right direction, but you’ll still need to verify and expand on those findings using historical records. DNA tests are a great start, but they are only a start, and need to be one of the clues with which you work.
Remember, too, that heritage travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Many records are free, and budget-friendly travel options—like staying with local relatives, using ancestry-focused tour packages, or visiting archives instead of expensive attractions—make it accessible. With online genealogy databases, local historical societies, and social media, connecting with distant relatives is more achievable than ever.
The best place to begin is with your own family. Start with gathering any documents you or other family member might have. Birth certificates, marriage records, immigration papers, family Bibles, and old photographs can all provide clues. Talk to parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Ask about family origins, names, and any known migration history.
Use a simple family tree chart or a free online tool to assist you with organizing your discoveries.
Once you’ve gathered available family details, it’s time to dig deeper. Here are the best beginner-friendly genealogy websites:
- Ancestry.com – The largest paid database for census records, immigration documents, and more.
- FamilySearch.org – A free resource with millions of historical records.
- FindAGrave.com – Useful for locating burial sites and obituaries.
- Ellis Island & Castle Garden Records – If your ancestors immigrated to the U.S., these archives can help.
- MyHeritage.com – Great for European ancestry research.
- FamilySearch.com – Another free resource
DEPARTURE FROM THE OLD HOMESTEAD, 1862 photograph by George Barnard shows a American family on the move during the Civil War. The pipe smoking woman may be a descendant of early Scotch-Irish settlers.
Ellis Island provided new immigrants with services to prevent their exploitation by dishonest moneychangers.
Newly arrived European immigrants at Ellis Island cerca 1921-23
Italian men await admission processing at Ellis island, were among the 2,000 Italian immigrants the arrived on the Prinzess Irene which grounded on Fire Island sandbars
Immigration records
The Tenement Museum, NYC
A DNA test can help confirm ethnic origins and connect you with distant relatives. The best options:
- AncestryDNA – Best for building family trees.
- 23andMe – Great for ethnicity breakdowns and health insights.
- MyHeritage DNA – Best for European ancestry.
Let’s address African American genealogy research. In a word, it can be challenging due to historical record-keeping practices, but the effort can also be a rewarding journey. Here's a guide to resources and strategies:
- Record-Keeping Gaps: Slavery led to fragmented or missing records, including birth and death certificates, making it difficult to trace family lines.
- Name Changes: Slavery often resulted in name changes, making it difficult to trace family lines across generations.
- Oral History: Oral traditions and family stories can be valuable sources of information, especially when formal records are scarce.
- Genealogical DNA Testing: DNA testing can help connect individuals to broader family networks and identify potential relatives.
When it seems most difficult, think of the successes of Alex Haley.
Once you've traced your ancestors to a specific location, it’s time to visit!
- Set a Goal – Do you want to visit an ancestral village, explore historical sites, or meet distant relatives?
- Work with a travel advisor – choosing the right tour operator that has experience in genealogy research is important.
- Research Local Archives – Many countries have regional archives or church records that aren’t online.
- Find Local Guides – Genealogy tour specialists or local historians can provide valuable insights.
If your research uncovers potential distant relatives, it may be possible to connect with them. Facebook genealogy groups as well as the DNA databases can help as Ancestry.com allows messaging DNA matches. Finally, some local ethnic heritage centers keep family records. It is best to be in touch prior to showing up!
Organize your research to keep your discoveries available to you without rummaging through folders and boxes. Programs like Family Tree Maker help keep everything in one place. As you travel take photos, write notes, and record interviews. Keep in mind, too, that genealogy is a lifelong journey; new records are always being uncovered!