Why You Should Travel Back to Your Homeland: A Journey of Heritage and Self-Discovery
Written by Lindsey Chronert
My mom was born in Scotland. She emigrated through Ellis Island as a child and left most of her family behind. My uncle married her sister and has fully embraced the Scottish culture. He doesn’t have a drop of Scottish blood in him, but he’ll wear a kilt to any occasion. He loves exploring the Highlands, finding live music in a local pub, and sharing cups of tea with cousins.
When I was twelve…
A few years ago…
When I was twelve, my uncle took me on my first grand adventure—just the two us. We stayed in bed and breakfasts along the coast, and if I beat him in cards the night before, I could sleep in the bigger bed. Now, twenty-something years later, I’m here with him again picking out our favorite treats in the never-ending snack aisle at Tesco, the grocery store.
I realized before we left how much this trip meant to him. It’s not just another vacation. It's not about sightseeing or adventure. It’s much deeper than that. It was about sharing the love of Scotland with me while he's still healthy enough to travel. This is the most important gift he could pass down to me. It's his legacy. It’s a gift of identity, belonging, and pride in where I come from.
I know it’s easy to overlook the significance of returning to your homeland— especially when there are more exotic destinations that beckon. As I stand on the land where my ancestors were born and buried, I realize that this journey is among the most enriching and meaningful I will ever undertake.
Here’s why returning to your homeland is worth considering:
Reconnect with Your Heritage
Traveling to your homeland offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and history that shape your identity—whether you know it now or not. You should experience the customs and practices that have influenced your family’s way of life for generations. Participating in traditional festivals, tasting local cuisine, and visiting ancestral landmarks can deepen your appreciation and understanding of your heritage.
Strengthen Your Family Bonds
A visit to your homeland often means spending valuable time with distant relatives who still live there, or traveling with your parents. This connection may not always be at the top of your list, but it is crucial. These family members provide unique insights and stories about your shared history and foster a sense of connection. It will help you see them, your parents, your family and yourself in a new light. It also offers the opportunity to relate to them in more meaningful ways.
Discover Your Roots
Understanding where you come from can be a powerful experience. Traveling to your homeland gives you the opportunity to explore the places where your ancestors lived, worked, and thrived. Walking through ancestral villages, visiting family homes, and paying respects at family gravesites can offer a profound sense of connection to your lineage and personal history.
Cultural Immersion and Learning
Every homeland has its unique cultural nuances and traditions. By immersing yourself in these cultural practices, you gain a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for your own background. Learning the language, understanding local customs, and participating in cultural activities can be incredibly rewarding. You gain a richer perspective and appreciation for your own background.
Preserve and Pass Down Traditions
Traveling to your homeland enables you to preserve and pass down traditions to future generations. Sharing stories, recipes, and customs with your children or grandchildren ensures that your cultural heritage remains vibrant and alive. This transmission of knowledge and tradition strengthens family ties and cultural identity.
Visiting your homeland is a journey that enriches your soul, strengthens your identity, and deepens your connection to your heritage. It's a voyage that offers profound insights into who you are and where you come from. If your homeland is a small village, a bustling city, or a picturesque countryside, consider making that journey back. The rewards are immeasurable, and the experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.
