Some travelers have discovered that having a purpose or goal associated with their adventures makes the experience all the sweeter. Combining a love of travel with another interest can not only be loads of fun, but it can help you learn more about yourself and develop deeper friendships. Be inspired by these travelers who have discovered that purposeful traveling is the way to go.
Purpose: Ancestry
Diane Meister, 67, has a leg-up on lots of people who travel to discover more about their ancestors because she worked as a research librarian and genealogist at the Kentucky Historical Society for two decades. Along with her husband, Doug, 73, she has traveled extensively both in the US and beyond its borders to find documents and distant relatives.
One of the best things about genealogical travel is that it takes you beyond the touristy locations into unexpected situations. During a trip to Germany, Diane and Doug stopped for ice cream and began chatting with locals about why they were visiting such a small town. They were introduced to a woman who worked for the local government. “She unlocked the city building, took us into this room, and asked what family name we’re looking for,” Doug says. She handed them a book of church records from the Black Forest dating from 1500-1930, which they were able to purchase. “It was a gold mine,” Diane says.
The next day, they visited the tiny town of Seitzental, Germany, by way of one road winding through the Black Forest, which was pitch dark at 10am due to the densely packed trees. When they saw a man leaving the local beer garden, Doug asked if he knew any Hermanns. “Third house on the left,” the man replied. A few moments later, a woman opened her window to call for her sons, which gave the Meisters the opportunity to ask her a few questions. They learned that Diane’s great-great grandfather had built the Hermann house, and they were able to meet some of Diane’s distant cousins the following day.
By Carrie Vittitoe
P.S. If you missed it, check out part three in this series here.
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