If you’ve ever dreamed of walking where your ancestors walked, you’re not alone. A heritage trip is a powerful way to bring your genealogy research to life. Whether you’re heading to a village in Scotland or the next town over from where you live, seeing it in person gives you a connection you can’t get from records alone.
But a heritage trip is more than just hopping on a plane. The best trips start long before your suitcase is packed. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to plan your heritage trip, what to do once you’re there, and tips for writing about it once you’re home.
I’m planning my first overseas heritage trip to England and Scotland. There’s so much to do before my feet hit the ground in Europe.
Before You Go
A heritage trip starts at your desk with genealogy research.
1. Choose a research goal/family line
Ask yourself: What do I want to learn or see? Are you hoping to find a specific house, walk through the parish church, or visit a local archive? Having a goal helps you make the most of your time.
Choose a family line from the location you’re going to visit. I’m headed to England and Scotland and focusing on my Scottish roots. Those surnames include McCuistion (many spellings), McKamey (McKimmie roots), and Scott. I will need to research these lines as far back as I can, to ensure I will be visiting the correct ancestral homeland.
My McKamey surname stems from the McKimmie name and is a sept of Clan Fraser. I’m a HUGE Outlander fan and am thrilled to be associated with that clan.
2. Pin down the exact location.
This is key. Narrow it down to the town or village. If you can, get the name of the street or property. Use census records, old maps, land records, and directories. Double-check boundaries, especially in rural places. If your family dates back to the 17th or 18th centuries, make sure to know if those boundaries changed over time.
3. Learn the local history.
What was going on when your ancestor lived there? Was it a farming village? A mining town? Did a war or industry change the population? Knowing the context adds depth to your visit.
4. Check for surviving buildings.
Some homes and churches are still standing. Others are long gone. Use historical maps, street views, and local archives. Sometimes churches or cemeteries hold key clues even if the buildings are new. Google Maps can be your friend here. Take a look around the village you’ll be visiting to acquaint yourself with the landscape.
5. Contact local resources.
Reach out to local archives, genealogical societies, and even churches. Ask if they hold records you can’t find online. If you’re lucky, someone may even offer to meet with you after you arrive.
Be sure to know the hours of operation and whether an appointment is necessary. Do they have parking, and will that cost? What about meals – are there places to eat nearby? I always have a power bar and water with me when I leave the house. Snacks are a good to have onhand, but may not be allowed in buildings.
What to Pack for a Heritage Trip
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to plan what you’ll take with you. In addition to the normal things you’d pack for a trip, include:
- A folder (physical or digital) with key records, maps, and family trees.
- A good camera or smartphone with extra storage (an extra thumbdrive is good, too).
- A notebook or journal and some pencils. Most repositories don’t allow pens.
- Comfortable walking shoes—you’ll likely be on foot in old towns or graveyards.
- Power adapters if you’re coming from abroad.
- A printed itinerary with addresses, hours, and contacts. Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable.
- A small backpack or travel purse. I’m going to be using the Wander bag.
Once You’re There
Now the real adventure begins. Being there in person can bring up all kinds of emotions, so leave space to take it in. Be present in the moment and curious of everything you see.
1. Visit your ancestor’s town or village.
Walk the streets slowly. Look at the buildings. Visit the local church, graveyard, and town center. Stop in a pub or cafe. Take photos of everything, even small details like doorways or signs. These things help you tell the story later.
2. Go to local museums or visitor centers.
Even if they don’t mention your ancestor by name, they can give you a feel for how life looked at the time. Some have old photos or maps you can’t find anywhere else.
3. Eat the local food.
Food can make time travel possible. Try dishes your ancestors may have eaten. While in England, I’ll definitely try the Sunday roast. It’s part of the full experience.
4. Talk to locals.
Ask questions. Mention why you’re there. Some may know the family name. Others may offer tips on places to check. You never know what you’ll uncover just by chatting.
5. Visit archives, if you’ve made an appointment.
Smaller archives may not be walk-in friendly, so plan ahead. If you do visit, bring a photo ID and follow their rules for taking notes or pictures. Focus on local records that aren’t online, like poor law records, school lists, or property records.
Tips for Taking Meaningful Photos
Photos tell your story as much as your words do. Here are a few tips:
- Take wide shots and close-ups. Capture the whole village, but also the gravestone inscription or house number.
- Include yourself in some photos. You’re part of the story.
- Don’t just photograph buildings—photograph signs, menus, even the train station.
- Take notes about what you’re photographing so you don’t forget later. At the end of each day, write a little about what you saw, so it doesn’t become a big jumble in your head when you get home.
Once You’re Home
The trip may be over, but the story is just beginning. It’s time to share!
1. Organize your notes and photos.
Label your photos right away. Sort them by place or date. Write captions while the memory is fresh. If you wrote in a travel journal, pull out quotes or impressions you want to remember.
2. Reflect on what the trip taught you.
Did you feel more connected to a particular ancestor? Any surprises? Did it shift how you view your family’s story? These thoughts are powerful and make your story more than just a timeline.
3. Write a blog post or create a scrapbook.
If you write a blog, share what you did and what you learned. Include photos. Keep the tone personal. People love stories, not just facts. Even if you don’t blog, you could create a scrapbook or photo book to share with family.
4. Add your findings to your tree.
Did you find new records? Take photos of a family home? Add those to your genealogy software or website. Be sure to cite where you found them, even if it’s “photo taken in person on site.”
5. Plan your next steps.
Often, a heritage trip raises new questions. Make a list of what you want to follow up on. Maybe you saw a new surname on a gravestone or found an unfamiliar name in a church record. Use that momentum to keep your research moving.
For more on writing up genealogy research, check out my blog post, “7 Reasons To Stop Your Genealogy Research and Write.”
Finally
A heritage trip is a gift you give yourself. Standing where your ancestor once stood is something no document can replace.
But planning makes all the difference. Do the research ahead of time. Take it slow once you’re there. Keep your eyes open for clues you didn’t expect. And once you’re home, take time to tell the story.
I hope these tips help you get ready for your journey. If you’re planning a heritage trip (or dreaming about one), I’d love to hear where you’re going and who you’re hoping to learn more about. Feel free to share in the comments or send me a message.
Genealogy tip: A simple heritage trip to the next county or state may be just what you need to get started if an overseas trip is not possible. You don’t need to go far to feel your ancestors’ presence.
If you’d like to take a heritage trip, but feel the research is too daunting, give me a call. We could discuss what family lines to focus on and get you started on the path to your own journey. Click below to begin.
