Heritage Travel

In an era where travel has become more than just sightseeing and beach lounging, a new trend is emerging that takes exploration to a deeply personal level: heritage travel, also known as genealogy travel or DNA travel. This form of travel is not just about visiting new places; it's about discovering your roots, tracing your ancestry, and connecting with the stories of your past. 

What is Heritage Travel?

Heritage travel is more than checking destinations off a bucket list, visiting well-trod paths, seeking out the most adrenaline pumping activity you can imagine, or getting away from the city and into nature. Heritage tourism is walking in the steps of your ancestors, exploring the villages they called home, and meeting relatives you didn’t realize you had. It’s traveling to your roots to discover more about yourself. For some, that may include DNA testing, while others simply want to walk through the streets where their grandparents grew up. Each of us has a desire to know where we came from and who came before us. Heritage travel helps us discover that. 

But heritage travel isn't just about the past; it's about the present too. It allows you to connect with the living culture that your ancestors helped shape. You might learn traditional crafts, savor regional cuisine, or even participate in local festivals. Each experience adds another layer to the rich tapestry of your heritage. Creating these special moments through experiences is where Ker & Downey comes in. 

Planning Ancestry Travel

In your research about your family ancestry, you might discover that you have roots in Ireland, tracing back to a small village nestled among emerald hills where you could share a Guinness with a distant relative. Or perhaps your DNA reveals ties to the vibrant cultures of West Africa, prompting a journey to Ghana. 

You might discover your Italian heritage. Imagine immersing yourself in the art of pasta-making in Tuscany, where distant relatives perfected the craft. Or perhaps you have links to Japan, so you travel there to participate in a tea ceremony and discover the history of samurai. Or maybe your ancestors were part of one of the great Scottish clans so you travel to the Highlands and walk their paths through the castles and ruins. 

The possibilities are as diverse as the world itself.

Explore Your Heritage with Ker & Downey

DNA travel is more than a vacation; it's a pilgrimage to our roots. It's a chance to honor the sacrifices and triumphs of our ancestors, understanding that their stories are woven into the fabric of who we are today. So, if you're seeking a travel experience that transcends the ordinary, consider embarking on a journey tracing your roots with Ker & Downey.

Your adventure awaits; contact a Ker & Downey travel designer to start exploring your heritage. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.