Why Travel: Genealogy

A draft from my three-month trip to Europe questioned the purpose of such an endeavor. This wasn’t from a lack of enjoyment; I soaked in every bit of the experience I could. But I realized something. That trip revolved around exploring culture and challenging myself. There are other reasons to explore, and one I’ll be leaning on very soon is genealogy. Using genealogy for travel really comes down to a few things: doing the research, wanting to connect, and navigating whatever challenges come with that, like language and logistics.

Research

In 2023, wandering the land and cityscapes of Europe, I knew where I came from only in broad strokes. I knew the countries (Italy, France, Ireland), but not the people. Now, looking ahead to 2026, the actual research begins. There’s plenty to sort through: who I’m tracing, where they lived, what their families looked like, what their daily lives held, and what was happening historically around them.

Right now, I’m starting with Mathieu D’Amours. He left Paris, where his father served as a judge for the king, and crossed the Atlantic for Quebec. Through Ancestry and a family book, I know where several of his homes were and where the seigneurial lands granted to him and his sons were located. He served as Major of Quebec, held a seat on the council, and dipped into trade. There’s even more to learn, especially how the intellectual and political currents of his time might have shaped him.

Connection

The deeper I get into this project, the more I see just how much research it demands. I hope to make my trips next year, but I also want to do right by the history and by the man himself. This whole enterprise has one central purpose: figuring out how I came to be. It’s wild to think about how many people had to survive, meet, and choose each other for me to exist at all. I’m curious whether I share anything with Mathieu despite nearly four centuries between us. I have guesses about who he was; I’d like to find evidence to back any of it up.

Challenges

Every trip comes with challenges. On this one, the language barrier will be sharper. In 2023, I stuck mostly to cities, where there are plenty of bilingual or even trilingual people. Next year, I want to explore smaller towns, the places that shaped the story. Fewer English speakers. Which means I need to improve my French.

Then there’s the camera. I’ve watched enough travel vloggers to know it’s doable, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about theft or damage. Bringing a friend would make filming easier (and give the camera a babysitter), but even solo, I’ll be traveling light: one camera, one lens, two little mics. Manageable.

Conclusion

Each trip needs a purpose: culture, history, food, family, whatever drives you. Back in October 2023, I kept trying to remind myself why I was traveling. This next round, Paris and Quebec will be sharply focused on uncovering the personality behind the name Mathieu D’Amours. I’m still in the research phase, but it won’t be long before I’m boarding a plane with a camera and a list of interviews. That thought alone gets me excited.

Why do you travel?