My Ancestor's Journey

12/11/2024

Creating a well-planned travel itinerary is key to maximize your time and make sure you don’t miss any of those must-see spots. Here’s why setting up an itinerary ahead of time is a game-changer:

1. Prioritize the places that matter most to your (ancestors’) story: 📜 Start by listing all the cities, villages, and landmarks connected to your ancestors. Then, decide which ones are top priority and map them out. This way, you’ll have a logical route and more time to explore those places that mean the most, instead of scrambling around or running out of time!

2. Avoid travel day surprises 🚄: Germany is wonderfully efficient and there is a vast network of public transport. However, some places (especially the smaller towns and rural areas, where many ancestors are from) might have limited public transport options.

3. Balance sightseeing with down time 🕰️: There’s so much to experience in Germany, but remember, this is also a vacation. Be sure to leave space for quiet moments, whether it’s enjoying coffee at a local café or strolling through a quaint town square. Planning these slower moments into your itinerary lets you savor the trip without feeling rushed.

One of my own favorite parts of planning these ancestral journeys is helping guests find that perfect balance between historical sites and local experiences.

If you want more insider tips and hacks, join the non-binding waiting list for the next “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass” – my online course designed to create your travel itinerary with ease and answer all your burning travel questions in our monthly live calls on Zoom.

Sign up now and you’ll be the first to know when the next class opens for enrollment! 👇

11/11/2024

Today is “St. Martin’s Day” – a traditional festival in Germany (and other parts of Europe) in honor of Saint Martin of Tours, a 4th-century bishop known for his charity.

Who was Saint Martin?

Saint Martin of Tours was born around 316 AD in Pannonia (present-day Hungary). Initially, Martin was a soldier in the Roman army, presumably as early as from the age of 15, and stationed in what is now France.

On a cold winter’s day, Martin was riding on his horse when he met a poor beggar who was freezing and asking him for help. According to legend, Martin did not hesitate and split his warm cloak with his sword in half. While he kept one half, he gave the other to the beggar.

The following night, Jesus Christ appeared to Martin in a dream and revealed himself to be the beggar. This event was the trigger for Martin to become a Christian and quit his service in the Roman army.

Later, Martin was elected Bishop of Tours and canonized by the Pope after his death. Since then, St. Martin has been considered the patron saint of beggars, soldiers, weaponsmiths and domestic animals.

Traditions on November 11 in Germany:

In the evening of November 11, children traditionally walk through the streets in lantern processions and sing songs about the light leading us the way through darkness. 🏮

A man dressed as a Roman soldier rides ahead on a horse. At the end of the procession, the soldier often shares his coat with a beggar, based on the good deed of Saint Martin.

The lantern processions replace the St. Martin’s fires, which may be remnants of pre-Christian, Germanic harvest festivals.

At the end of the parade, children are often rewarded with so-called “Stutenkerl” – a beloved pastry, often made with sweet dough, shaped like a figure of a man, and decorated with sugar or raisins for eyes.

In different regions of Germany, this little man known by many different names, such as “Stutenmännchen”, “Weckmann”, “Weckmännchen”, “Krampus” or “Grittibänz”.

In some parts of Germany, the pastry is also a popular treat on St. Nicholas Day, December 6, as a small gift for well-behaved children.

St. Martin's Day is always on November 11th. However, it is not a public holiday in any federal state in Germany. People therefore do not have the day off and shops remain open.

My St. Martin’s Day story:

As a child growing up in Germany, one of my favorite fall traditions was the St. Martin’s Day parade.

But one year, I carried a lantern, which I think was supposed to be a sun with a face, that really frightened me! It just didn't look friendly at all! 😱😂

Somehow, I managed to pull through and the light eventually showed me the way through the darkness to the light.

Halloween wasn’t traditionally a big thing in Germany back then, although it’s become more popular in recent years thanks to American movies and pop culture.

However, for many German kids, St. Martin’s Day parades remain the main event of the season. It’s a way to welcome the dark winter months with warmth, light, and kindness rather than frights.

Something, I think is especially important again today. Instead of hating each other so much, why can we not live in peace and respect different points of view and different ways of life? It seems so simple, but yet is so difficult.

After all, a very good lesson to teach children though: Instead of fearing the dark and unknown, always let the light guide you and be kind to others.

10/11/2024

When you’re tracing your roots in Germany, one of the best things you can do is dive into the country’s history – especially the big events that shaped it.

Here’s why learning about German history before you go is essential: 🕰️

1. Bring your ancestors’ lives into context: Knowing what Germany was like during your ancestors’ time explains so much about their decisions. Were they leaving due to economic hardship, political upheaval, or perhaps war? Studying this before you arrive helps you to truly understand their lives and walk in their shoes when you’re here.

1. Make sense of landmarks and museums: When you know the historical significance behind the places you visit, it transforms what you see. Instead of just a beautiful building, you’ll recognize the town hall where key decisions were made or the square where historical events took place. Even museums come alive when you can connect exhibits to your own, personal story of an ancestor who lived through a specific historical period!

2. Understand and appreciate the modern Germany you will encounter on your trip: Today’s Germany is shaped by its complex history. Knowing about World War 2 from a German perspective, will help you understand why it was still very frowned upon to raise a German flag up until 2006. And you will, still today, see less flags that for example in the USA. This is, by the way, a question that previous ancestral guests of mine often wondered about.

Curious to know more, including why the year 2006 specially plays such a crucial role? Then I have got something for you: In my upcoming online travel planning program, the “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass”, you’ll get access to a dedicated German history course designed to bring your ancestry journey to life!

What’s special about this course is that it will be told from the ordinary people’s perspective, rather than tell you just about the kings, queens and politicians. Thus, history really comes to life with 10 personal stories told from the perspective of ordinary Germans, such as your ancestors.

👇

Sign up for the non-binding waiting list now and be the first to get notified once the next class opens for enrollment:

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

07/11/2024

One of the best things you can do before your ancestry-inspired trip to Germany is dive deep into researching your ancestors’ towns and the surrounding culture!

It’s amazing how much richer your journey will feel when you have that background knowledge ready to go. 💡 Here’s why doing this research from home makes your actual visit all the more meaningful:

1. Understand the local culture and traditions: Every German region has its own customs, dialects, and even foods that add so much character to each place. Researching these details beforehand lets you recognize and appreciate them right away – like spotting a local festival or trying a traditional dish or drink (beer in many areas, but also German wine) that your ancestors would have enjoyed.

2. Pinpoint key locations: From town centers and old streets to specific buildings, having a list of places connected to your family history means you’ll know exactly where to go once you’re there. You can even map out old churches or town halls to visit, making each day of your trip feel like a personal time-travel experience.

3. Save time for unexpected discoveries: When you’ve done the big prep work at home, you free up time to wander, chat with locals, and soak in those spontaneous moments. One guest told me she learned about a cousin in a neighboring village just because she researched online for a local historian who showed her around the area! The jackpot is of course if you find that your ancestral home is still there. Several previous guests of mine have actually achieved this goal because they researched out to local historians and genealogists before their trip to Germany.

If you’re excited about making every day count on your German ancestry journey, be sure to join the non-binding waiting list for my upcoming Germany Trip Planning Masterclass. I’ll help you unlock all these travel hacks, so you can focus on connecting to the past while you are on your ancestry-inspired trip in Germany! 👇

Sign up for the non-binding waiting list now and be the first to get notified once the next class opens for enrollment:

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

05/11/2024

If there’s one secret to a relaxed and rewarding ancestry trip to Germany, it’s to do most of your ancestry research before you leave! 🧳🔍 Here’s why getting the groundwork done at home makes all the difference for a smoother, more enjoyable journey.

1. Save precious vacation time ⏳: Germany is full of sights, tastes, and experiences that are best enjoyed in person! Instead of searching for records or browsing through old books, plan to immerse yourself fully in each ancestral hometown by having most of the research done ahead of time. This lets you relax, explore, and soak up every detail of your surroundings.

2. Avoid language barriers 🗣️: Although you’ll find helpful folks in Germany, records and archives are often in old German script – and that can be a puzzle, even for German speakers! By organizing the records and key documents at home, you’ll sidestep tricky language barriers that can slow things down, leaving you free to focus on the sights and sounds around you.

3. Map out your visit locations in advance 🗺️: When you’ve gathered info ahead of time, you’ll know exactly which places to visit – whether it’s your ancestor’s church, the house they once lived in, or a local cemetery. Having this itinerary allows you to dive right into those emotional, personal moments instead of spending time piecing together where to go.

One of my clients told me she’d never have found her ancestral home, which is still a working farm today, if she hadn’t done her research from home. Those meaningful discoveries were all ready for her arrival!

Want more tips like this? Join the non-binding waiting list for my upcoming online course, the “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass”. In this course, I gathered all the information you need to help you prep every step of the way and make the most of your precious vacation time while in Germany! 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

03/11/2024

Visiting your ancestors’ church is one of the most moving parts of an ancestry-inspired trip. Here are three essential tips to make your experience unforgettable: 🕍✨

1. Research and reach out in advance: Many small-town churches have specific visiting hours or might only open on certain days. To make sure you can attend your church when you are there, look up the church opening and mass times online (many have websites these days). You can also send them an email before your trip. Trust me, a little planning here goes a long way.

And you never know: You might learn a lot more about the fascinating history of your ancestral church. They might even have “Kirchenbücher” (church records), which hold additional information about your German ancestors (including new-found ancestors you might not know about yet).

2. Attend a Sunday mass: There’s something very special about experiencing a service the way your ancestors did. Even if it’s in German, being part of that timeless ritual is like stepping back into their world. And who knows? You might meet some locals who share your family name and turn out to be related to you!

3. Find the baptismal font: Imagine touching the same baptismal font where generations of your family were baptized. It’s a surreal feeling, like reaching across time. Take a moment to absorb it all – you’re standing in a place that’s been part of your family for centuries.

And if you’d like the full experience, going with a local guide can bring out the hidden details and stories that make this visit all the richer.

For more practical tips and insider knowledge to make the most of your ancestral journey to Germany, join the non-binding waiting list for my upcoming online course, the “Germany Trip Planning Masterclass”. I’d love to help you dive deep into your ancestry journey. 🧬🌳✨

👇
https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/

31/10/2024

Stand where your ancestors stood!

Imagine standing in the same place your ancestors once did, feeling the connection between past and present. I’ve seen it time and again – people overcome with emotion when they realize they’re walking in the footsteps of those who came before them.

But the challenge many face is figuring out where to start and how to turn their research into a real journey. 🤔

That’s why I created the “Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide” – so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. Instead, you can confidently plan a trip that brings your ancestors’ story to life. 🤩

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Start by downloading the guide, where you’ll find an overview of the must-visit locations in Germany on an ancestry-inspired trip. These include places like Bremen and Bremerhaven – key ports in your ancestors’ emigration journey.

Step 2: Use the checklists and “Ancestor Fact File” in the guide to organize your plans and ensure you’re fully prepared for an emotional, immersive experience.

Step 3: Review the “18 most popular activities on an ancestry-inspired trip” to make sure your trip has a balance of discovery, history, and those “wow” moments that make an ancestry trip go from “meh” to “mesmerizing”.

By the time you step foot on German soil, you’ll have a clear plan and the confidence that you’re about to walk the same paths your ancestors once knew. 😍

Download your guide here: 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/

29/10/2024

Your ancestor’s story is waiting to be discovered!

I’ll never forget helping one guest retrace the steps of her great-great-grandfather. She had pieced together so much about his life from records and documents, but wasn’t sure how to translate that research into a trip. By the end of her journey, she didn’t just have facts – she had memories, emotions, and a deep connection to her past. 😍

This is what an ancestry trip is all about – moving beyond the research and into the experience. And it’s why I put together the “Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide”, so you can start planning the kind of journey that will truly connect you with your family’s story. 🤩

Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the guide and discover the 18 most popular activity-inspired activity ideas that will help bring your ancestors’ story to life. You’ll learn about the best heritage sites and cultural experiences in Germany.

Step 2: Organize your research with the “Ancestor Fact File” – this will help you plan visits to places customized to your ancestors’ journeys.

Step 3: Follow the guide’s checklists to make sure you are not missing out on the most helpful places to visit if you want to find out more about your German ancestors, such as the emigration towns of Bremen and Bremerhaven.

With these simple steps, you can turn your family history into an unforgettable, personal journey – one where their story becomes a part of your own.

Download your guide here: 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/

24/10/2024

Create the dream trip to your German hometown(s) – in just 2 hours of your time!

🎉 It’s my birthday! But I have a gift for YOU! 🎉

Normally priced at $249, my “Hometown Package” (a private consultation in two Zoom calls and all-inclusive tour booking of all services) is now a whopping 24 % off.

To celebrate my birthday on October 24, 2024 (or 24.10.24 as it’s written in German), enjoy an extra 24% off when you enter the code "24OCTOBER24" at the checkout. That’s just 189.24 Dollars for an unforgettable journey into your German heritage! 🌍❤️

Ready to step into your family’s past and explore your German roots? 🇩🇪✨ Book your Ancestral Germany Hometown Package consultation today and transform your dream trip into reality!

Imagine walking the same streets as your ancestors, visiting the places that shaped their lives, and connecting with your heritage like never before. All you need to do is share your vision in 2 hours of your time...
... and I’ll take care of the rest, from arranging accommodations to creating a personalized itinerary that brings your family history to life.

So you can travel to your ancestral German hometown(s) with peace of mind that everything has been thought of!

Don’t wait any longer to connect with your roots. Schedule your consultation now and let’s start planning your extraordinary trip to Germany! 🌍✈️

Click the link below to book your session and begin your journey to discovering your German heritage:

https://myancestorsjourney.com/tours/ancestral-germany-hometown-tour-package/

23/10/2024

Hi everyone!

Those who are on Instagram as well: I have a brand new profile there for "My Ancestor's Journey!

So anyone who like to get their dose of ancestry travel inspiration on Instagram, follow me there!

I would mean a lot since I am just starting out!

Dankeschön! 😊

1 Followers, 23 Following, 3 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Sonja Irani | Visit Germany and explore your German heritage. 🇩🇪 ()

22/10/2024

🎉 New tour dates released for my emigration-themed weekend tour in and from Bremen! 🎉🥳

Due to the feedback I received this year, I made the tour one night, one breakfast and one dinner longer! 🤩

In July, August and September 2025, the tour will start on a Thursday evening to give everyone time to arrive, cure your jet lag and get to know the others at a relaxed welcome dinner in the Schnoor quarter.

On Day 2 (Friday) we will explore Bremen on a guided walking tour in the morning. In the afternoon, you will have time to either join one of our optional activities or just enjoy some free time for shopping, an extended lunch or “Kaffee and Kuchen” (coffee and cake).

On Day 3 (Saturday) we will visit the Emigration Museum in Bremerhaven and travel there just like our ancestors did - on a scenic river cruise by boat.

Day 4 (Sunday) will be a day trip to the open-air museum in Cloppenburg. During a guided tour in English, we learn more about what daily life (and the daily struggles) of your German ancestors were really like.

And on Day 5 (Monday) we will unfortunately have to say "tschüss" to each other according to the German saying, “all good things have an end, just the sausage has two”. 😂

However, you will no doubt have learnt a lot about emigration from northern Germany and the living conditions of your German ancestors prior to their emigration.

The Tour Dates 2025 are:

Tour 1: Thursday, 31th of July to Monday, 4th of August 2025

Tour 2: Thursday, 28th of August to Monday, 1st of September 2025

Tour 3: Thursday, 18th of September – Monday, 22nd of September 2025

For further information, check out this link:

https://myancestorsjourney.com/tours/3-day-emigration-themed-weekend-tour-in-bremen/

🇩🇪🏡🌳

Have you ever wondered what the emigration experience was like for your ancestors? Find out on this 6-day guided group tour through northern Germany in 2023.

21/10/2024

Today, I have a short Germany Travel Tip for you:

"Define your trip's purpose"

Before planning your journey, it's important to define the purpose of your ancestry trip. Are you visiting ancestral hometowns, researching family history, or exploring local traditions? Having a clear objective will help guide your itinerary and make the trip more organized and focused.

20/10/2024

Think you need 20 years of ancestry research to plan your trip? Chillax! You just need to know these 3 things to make your ancestry trip to Germany a success!

Wanna walk in your ancestors’ footsteps? Check out our upcoming tours in and around Bremen, northern Germany: https://myancestorsjourney.com/tours/ 🇩🇪

17/10/2024

Unlock the secrets of your ancestors’ journey!

Have you ever stood somewhere, knowing that your ancestors walked those very streets, and wondered what their lives were like? It’s a powerful, emotional experience. 😍

But sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started with the planning. I’ve seen it time and time again with my clients – they feel overwhelmed by options, unsure of how to build a meaningful trip.

That’s exactly why I created the “Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide” – to help people like you unlock the mystery of your ancestors’ journey with confidence.

Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Download the guide and dive into the 18 most popular activity ideas for ancestral travelers to Germany. I have gathered these ideas from hundreds of previous ancestral travelers I have either accompanied as guests on my tours, have helped planning their itinerary or interviewed for my Master thesis on ancestral travel to Germany. From personal heritage sites to living history museums – these ideas are guaranteed to spark inspiration for your very own ancestry trip.

Step 2: Use the “Ancestor Fact File” section to organize everything you know about your German ancestors and turn that research into real travel experiences. A super exciting planning task! 🤩

Step 3: Follow the checklists in this guide to keep track of what to see, how to get around, and which places you want to prioritize on your trip.

This guide takes the stress out of planning and puts the focus where it should be: on creating a journey that connects you with your family’s past in a way that’s personal and unforgettable.

Download your guide here: 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/

15/10/2024

Ever wondered what it was like to live in a Roman city in Germany 2,000 years ago?

Well, you can, in fact, travel back in time when you visit this amazing archaeological open-air museum in Xanten, North Rhine-Westphalia:

At the LVR Archaeological Park Xanten, you can travel back to Roman times. Step into the time machine with me and explore an ancient Roman city in Germany.

13/10/2024

Find out the real 3 reasons why you keep postponing to plan your ancestry-inspired trip to Germany… 🫣

So… if you don’t know where to start, why not start with something fun? 😁Discover the 18 most popular activity ideas for an ancestry-inspired trip to Germany in my 0 Dollar Mini Guide.

Download it now from: https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/ 🇩🇪

10/10/2024

Discover the country your ancestors left behind!

When guests on my tours finally stand in the places their ancestors once called home, they often feel an incredible connection to history. The streets, the architecture, the local traditions – it all brings to life the stories they’ve researched for years.

But planning a trip like this can feel daunting when you’re not sure what to see or how to experience the most meaningful parts of your family’s past. 🤯

That’s where the “Germany Trip Planning Mini Guide” comes in handy. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of your ancestry trip and make your planning process as smooth as possible. 🤩

Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Download the guide and explore the 18 most popular activity ideas, including visits to key emigration sites like the “German Emigration Museum” in Bremerhaven, which offers insights into your ancestors’ emigration journey.

Step 2: Use the overviews and checklists in this guide to plan your trip efficiently. With all the logistics organized, you’ll have more time to focus on enjoying your experience.

Step 3: Create your own personal travel story by using the “Ancestor Fact File”, which helps you tie together your research with real locations connected to your own personal family.

Standing in those places, where your ancestors lived, worked, and made life-changing decisions, is an experience you’ll never forget. So let’s make sure you’re ready for it!

Download your guide here: 👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/mini-guide/

09/10/2024

How to navigate Germany’s train system like a pro on your ancestry-inspired trip:

Germany’s train system is large and well-connected. So it’s a fantastic way to travel across the country during your ancestry-inspired trip. 🚆

However, this vast train system can also be overwhelming for visitors.

So here are some tips for traveling around Germany like a local: 🚂

📲1. Download the Deutsche Bahn (DB) app: This app (available in English, too!) is your new best friend for train travel in Germany. You can buy tickets, check train schedules, or get real-time updates on changes, delays and cancellations. A real lifesaver in my opinion. It’s like having a personal travel assistant right in your pocket! 😁

💼 2. Carry your own luggage: Unlike in some other countries, you won’t find porters or much help with your bags. Make sure you can handle your own luggage, especially when navigating through busy stations. Thus, it’s best to pack light and smart!

🚉 3. Let those who exit get off first: Sounds simple, right? But trust me, it's an unspoken rule. Stand to the side, wait until everyone has exited, and then board the train. It'll keep things running smoothly, and no one gets side-eye from the locals. 😉

🚄 4. Reserve a seat on high-speed trains: If you're taking an ICE (Germany’s high-speed train), especially during busy times, always reserve a seat. Otherwise, you might end up standing in the hallway or sitting on your suitcase! It’s a different game for the regional trains, such as the ones labelled “RB” (Regionalbahn). Here, it’s often not necessary and sometimes not even possible to reserve a seat.

⏱ 5. Leave some buffer time: Make sure to arrive at the platform ahead of time and always calculate a buffer into your travel time in case of unforeseen delays or cancellations, which unfortunately happen quite frequently. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Want more insider tips for planning your ancestry-inspired journey to Germany? 🚆✨

Hop on the waiting list for my upcoming online course, where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about planning the perfect trip – including, but not limited to, insider train hacks and tips from a German native. 🙋🏻‍♀️🤩

Join the non-binding online course waiting list:

👇👇

https://myancestorsjourney.com/waitinglist-masterclass/