Episode 158 – Walking in Ancestors’ Footsteps: A Genealogy-Focused UK Adventure with Rita Fox

In the latest episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy sits down with Rita Fox to discuss her recent trip to England and Scotland with her wife, Katie. But this was no ordinary vacation – it was a deeply personal, genealogy-themed adventure that allowed Rita and Katie to connect with their roots and discover more about their family history.

Rita, who has always been interested in genealogy, shares how she researched their ancestry and built an itinerary around meaningful locations. She explains that the trip was not just about visiting popular tourist spots, but about walking in the footsteps of their ancestors and experiencing the powerful emotions that come with it.

The journey began with extensive research into their family history, tracing back several generations to uncover their roots. Rita and Katie were able to find out where their ancestors lived, worked, and even where they were buried. Armed with this information, they were able to plan a trip that would take them to these significant locations.

Their first stop was England, where they visited the small village of Chipping Campden, where Rita’s great-grandfather was born. They were able to see the house where he grew up and even met some distant relatives who still live in the area. Rita describes the experience as emotional and surreal, as she and Katie were able to connect with their family history in a tangible way.

Next, they headed to Scotland, where they explored the rugged Highlands and the bustling city of Edinburgh. But the highlight of their trip was a visit to the Isle of Skye, where Katie’s ancestors hailed from. They were able to visit the ruins of her great-grandfather’s croft and walk along the same paths he would have walked on a daily basis. Rita recalls feeling a strong sense of connection to her wife’s family and being moved by the experience.

But it wasn’t just about visiting specific locations – Rita and Katie also made sure to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. They attended a traditional Scottish ceilidh, tried haggis for the first time, and even learned some Gaelic phrases. Rita emphasizes the importance of fully embracing the culture of the places they visited, as it added another layer of meaning to their trip.

Throughout their journey, Rita and Katie were constantly reminded of the sacrifices their ancestors made and the hardships they endured. But they were also filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for their heritage. Rita encourages others to explore their own family history and plan a trip that allows them to connect with their roots.

As the episode comes to an end, Tracy and Rita reflect on the power of travel to not only create unforgettable memories but also to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Rita’s story serves as a reminder that travel can be so much more than just a vacation – it can be a transformative experience that connects us to our past and shapes our future.

So, if you’re feeling inspired by Rita and Katie’s journey, why not start researching your own family history and plan a trip that will take you on a deeply personal, genealogy-themed adventure? Who knows, you may uncover some surprising and meaningful connections to your past. And as Rita and Katie discovered, there’s nothing quite like walking in the footsteps of your ancestors to truly understand and appreciate your own story.