Have you ever wondered where your ancestors came from, how they lived, or what their daily lives were like? Roots tourism, also known as Heritage Tourism, is more than just a travel trend—it’s a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, connection, and storytelling. It’s a chance to trace your lineage, explore your family’s roots, and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions that shaped your ancestors.
Why Roots Tourism Matters
Roots tourism invites you to reconnect with your past by exploring the places, traditions, and stories that shaped your family’s history. For many, it’s not just about satisfying curiosity—it’s about understanding their identity, finding a sense of belonging, and creating a personal connection to history.
A few months ago, I attended the Roots In workshop in Matera, in the region of Basilicata, southern Italy. This event is held yearly as a gathering that celebrates and promotes heritage tourism. It was inspiring to meet people from around the world who shared similar stories of reconnecting with their roots. I also had the opportunity to network with service providers and collaborators who can help me deliver a high-quality, effective experience with roots tourism.
While in Basilicata, we also explored the charming town of Rotondella (the round city), where we experienced traditional crochet-making, the creation of a typical U Pastizz and other local products, learned how to make fresh pasta, and enjoyed nostalgic games, followed by a tasting of local delicacies. This is the kind of authentic experience you won’t find anywhere else, especially with big tour companies.
For me, the decision to focus on this exciting and rapidly growing travel trend is not just a strategic business move—but a deeply personal decision. Let me tell you why:
Tracing My Family's Roots in Brazil
I was born in the South of Brazil, in a state called Rio Grande do Sul. Between the 1820s and the 1930s, Southern Brazil—particularly the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná—experienced significant European immigration, notably from Italy, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. This influx was driven by Brazil’s post-independence efforts to populate and develop its southern regions, as well as by economic and social challenges in Europe.
My European Roots
Starting around 1875, Italian immigrants, predominantly from the Veneto region (where my great-great-grandfather, Benvenuto Zanella, was born), established communities in the highlands of Rio Grande do Sul, founding towns like Garibaldi and Bento Gonçalves. By 1880, the influx led to the creation of additional colonies, including Caxias do Sul. These settlers significantly influenced local agriculture, particularly in viticulture, with the region becoming renowned for its wine production! Today, the South of Brazil stands out as an emerging gem for high-quality wine tourism, offering a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination for enthusiasts to explore (and I can help with that). But let’s get back to roots tourism.
While German and Italian immigrants were predominant, there were also notable numbers of Spanish and Portuguese settlers. Portuguese immigrants, including those from the Azores, had been settling in Southern Brazil since the 18th century, particularly along the coast of Santa Catarina and in Porto Alegre. Spanish immigrants, though fewer in number compared to Germans and Italians, also contributed to the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
Recently, I embarked on a personal mission to deepen my understanding of my family history. Using tools like the “create a family tree” feature on sites such as MyHeritage and FamilySearch.org, combined with DNA testing, I discovered fascinating connections to relatives beyond Italy. For instance, I traced ancestral links to Rouans, France, a city rich in history, and to Catalonia, Spain, known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture. Cross-comparing records and genetic results opened a window to new narratives about my family’s journey across Europe.
These discoveries added layers to my roots tourism experience, allowing me to connect with multiple European cultures that shaped my identity. The process of uncovering these stories wasn’t just an academic exercise—it was an emotional and transformative journey. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others explore their European heritage, guiding them through both the logistical and emotional aspects of reconnecting with their family’s past.
The Impact of European Immigration on Global Communities
These waves of European immigration were not unique to Brazil. Across the Americas, European immigrants sought new opportunities, shaping the cultural landscapes of various countries. In the United States, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese immigrants contributed to the growth of cities like New York and Boston, while German communities thrived in the Midwest. In Argentina and Uruguay, Italian and Spanish immigrants left a profound mark on the culture, cuisine, and architecture of cities like Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Even in Canada, Portuguese communities established roots, particularly in Toronto. This widespread migration highlights how individuals from countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany influenced societies far beyond Europe.
The Role of Heritage Tourism in Preserving Cultural Identity
This diverse European immigration has left a lasting impact on the cultural, economic, and social fabric of many countries, with communities preserving their ancestral traditions, languages, and customs to this day. This rich heritage forms the foundation of a growing travel trend known as heritage tourism.
Heritage Tourism, often referred to as Roots Tourism, invites descendants of immigrants to reconnect with their past by exploring the places, traditions, and stories that shaped their families’ histories. In recent years, more people have become interested in tracing their lineage, uncovering where their ancestors lived, and experiencing the cultures their families left behind.
Roots Tourism: A Sustainable Approach to Travel
Roots tourism, often intertwined with the concept of heritage tourism, offers more than just an opportunity to trace your ancestry—it aligns closely with the principles of slow travel. By focusing on smaller, off-the-beaten-path destinations, roots tourism encourages visitors to immerse themselves in authentic local experiences. These journeys often take travelers to towns and villages outside the typical tourist routes, where the impact of mass tourism is minimal, and the cultural richness is intact.
As travelers explore the historical and cultural landscapes that shaped their ancestors, they also contribute to the local economy by supporting small businesses, local artisans, and family-owned accommodations. In this way, roots tourism fosters positive social impact by nurturing communities, preserving traditions, and helping to sustain local cultures. In an age where overtourism threatens the well-being of many popular destinations, heritage tourism presents an alternative that allows us to travel in a more thoughtful and responsible manner. By choosing roots tourism, travelers not only reconnect with their past but also protect the future of the places they visit.
Why is Roots Tourism such a transformative journey?
Roots tourism is about more than just visiting a place—it’s about experiencing the culture, meeting people, and understanding the historical context that shaped the lives of your ancestors. Many travelers are drawn to these journeys for deeply personal reasons, hoping to reconnect with lost family stories, visit ancestral homes, or even discover long-lost relatives.
But tracing your ancestry often requires careful planning and expertise. From genealogy research to uncovering family documents and navigating bureaucratic systems, roots tourism is a unique challenge. This is where tailor-made organized travel becomes essential. Personalized services can provide the expertise and resources needed to make this journey meaningful and seamless.
Personal Experience: Tracing My Italian Ancestry
My own experience of delving into Italian records, visiting the village my ancestors called home, and finally obtaining my Italian citizenship was both bureaucratic and magical, highly stressful yet incredibly educational. It wasn’t just about the documents—it was about feeling connected to the land and people who shaped my family’s legacy.
The process of tracing your ancestry often starts with documents: birth certificates, marriage records, and even church archives. These pieces of paper tell stories of movement, resilience, and identity. In Italy, the search was as much about navigating government offices as it was about connecting with the landscapes and communities my ancestors once knew.
In my case, this journey took me to San Gregorio de Veronella, a small town 40 minutes east of Verona. From the quiet piazza where my ancestors might have gathered to the church that likely witnessed their most significant moments, visiting those places felt like stepping back into history. It was a deeply emotional journey, but not without its challenges. I decided to move to Italy and complete the citizenship process there with the help of a specialist. The entire process was much faster than it would have been had I applied from my birth country. After a few months, I held my Italian passport in hand—a truly memorable and joyful moment!
Becoming a European citizen was a game-changer for me. Living in Spain, another European Union member state, my new status eliminated the need for a visa to legally reside there. This personal experience deepened my appreciation for how transformative reconnecting with one’s roots can be. That`s why I am so passionate about helping my clients navigate the complexities of genealogical research and citizenship processes, ensuring they can connect with their heritage in a seamless, enriching, and fulfilling way.
Other European Destinations for Roots Tourism
The journey doesn’t stop in Italy. Across Europe, countries like Spain, Greece, Portugal, and France are opening their doors to roots tourism. Each offers its own rich tapestry of history and culture, inviting travelers to uncover their past while enjoying the present. Whether it’s exploring medieval towns in France, retracing maritime routes in Portugal, or visiting ancient villages in Greece, roots tourism lets you experience history through a deeply personal lens.
In Spain, regions like Catalonia and Andalucia draw descendants from Latin America eager to explore their roots, while Greece offers those with Greek ancestry a chance to discover ancient villages and temples. Portugal and France also offer rich experiences, with Portuguese Americans visiting places in Madeira or Porto, and French descendants exploring towns like Provence or Brittany.
How Experience Wanderlust Can Help you plan your Heritage Trip
At Experience Wanderlust, we specialize in creating personalized itineraries that guide you through your ancestral journey, from visiting historic villages and family landmarks to uncovering genealogical records. Whether you’re traveling to Italy, Portugal, Greece, France, or Spain, we design tailor-made travel experiences to help you connect with your roots.
Our expertise includes offering genealogical research services, providing access to local archives, and helping you navigate the complex processes of obtaining documents, including those seeking European citizenship. With curated local experiences and expert assistance, we ensure that every step of your roots tourism journey is as seamless and enriching as possible.
Practical Tips for Roots Tourism Travelers
For those starting their roots tourism journey, here are some practical tips to get you started:
- Start with Family Records: Begin by collecting documents from your family, such as birth certificates, marriage records, and letters. These can help you narrow down where your ancestors lived.
- Use Digital Genealogy Tools: Services like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage or FamilySearch can provide a great starting point for building your family tree.
- Consult Local Experts: Consider hiring a local genealogist or historian to assist you in uncovering deeper family connections in your ancestral homeland.
- Visit Local Archives: Researching family history often involves a visit to archives, church records, and municipal offices. Being prepared with specific dates and locations will make your search more efficient.
Reconnecting with Your Roots
For those embarking on this path, I can promise you one thing: reconnecting with your roots isn’t just about the past—it’s about understanding who you are today. Roots tourism offers an incredible opportunity to discover not just where you come from, but who you are, and how your heritage shapes your identity. If you’re ready to start your own journey, consider the possibilities that await: walking the streets your ancestors once did, visiting the churches where they celebrated life’s milestones, and tasting the flavors that defined their everyday lives.
At Experience Wanderlust, we specialize in curating personalized journeys that bring your family history to life. Whether you’re uncovering documents, exploring ancestral towns, or connecting with distant relatives, we’re here to make your experience seamless and deeply meaningful. Roots tourism is more than travel—it’s a bridge between the past and present, and an opportunity to enrich your understanding of yourself through the lens of your heritage.
Start your journey today, and let us help you turn your family history into an unforgettable adventure!
