So many are traveling to far off countries in search of their roots. I decided to give it a try and realized, by meeting my long-distance relatives, what the draw was and now, like so many others, I am hooked on "genealogy travel."
Meeting my Irish cousins, albeit at least fourth generation, was a most unique, enriching experience. I was treated like family while being shown around the "family" lands, which had hosted my ancestors for centuries.
I was in a state of amazement throughout my stay. Before my trip, I thought having a family meant what I had, a mom and a sister, and my heritage was growing up in a tract house in Southern California. Now, along with some uncanny similarities I share with my sudden, huge, extended family, I found that I have an ancestor who is up for sainthood and I have a piece of rock from the house where he lived - 500 years ago!
Thinking of it now, it was more like I was in a state of shock than amazement, a real wake up call to all that is still out there waiting to be discovered, which is what a good travel experience will do for you. I would definitely recommend such a "genealogy excursion" to anyone.