When Tomasz Szymkowiak first visited the U.S. in the early 2000s, he was amazed by the immense interest and curiosity shown by Polish descendants towards his homeland, Poland.
A genealogical tour was almost unheard of back then, especially in Poland.
Complicated arrangements and language barriers discouraged travelers from visiting the countries where their family members lived long ago.
He suddenly got a great idea.
“Why don’t I start a tour business to bring people to explore their heritage in Poland?”
He saw an opportunity and founded a company that offers customized tours to connect people with their roots and discover their family history.
The following is what Szymkowiak shared about how his tours have helped people to come to terms with their roots.
Growing Interest in Genealogical Tours
Genealogical tours are gaining popularity due to the growing awareness of their potential. They give people a chance to really delve into who came before them. Szymkowiak said, “Genealogical tours have been on many people’s wish lists, but back in the day, many people had no knowledge of how to go about planning a trip like this.” The language barrier compounded with logistical challenges made navigating a foreign country much more overwhelming. However, with private genealogical tours that handle the entire process now available, traveling to trace one’s roots has become easier than ever.
Tracking Down Relatives from Long Ago
According to Szymkowiak, “Every single tour is unforgettable! Even though I’ve personally guided hundreds of them, I could probably rattle off each one from the top of my head. Do you know why? Because each of them was incredibly unique and special.” What excites Szymkowiak the most is when he manages to track down living relatives for his clients. They are usually second or third cousins. Moments like these make the trip truly exceptional. Getting ahold of these people prior to the visit is recommended—it gives both parties sufficient time to prepare for the visit, such as getting the old photos from the attic or bringing along other family members who are also interested in meeting their cousins from across the ocean. Szymkowiak said, “Some of our clients enjoy participating in research. In this case, our visits and meetings are a big surprise for their Polish cousins.”
Do It Sooner Rather Than Later
If you’re interested in taking a genealogical tour, it is important to act sooner rather than later. As time goes by, there will be fewer and fewer people who have information about the past. “If you’d like to meet someone who remembers your grandmother, has great stories to share, and perhaps even has pictures of her before emigration, it’s better to do so within the next few years,” Szymkowiak shared.
Discovering your roots is like unearthing a mysterious chest hidden away in the attic. As you brush off the layers of dust, break the heavy-duty chain, and open the chest, a ray of understanding shines through and guides your journey into the past. And this transformative, genealogical travel journey can be truly life-changing.