How I Planned My Ultimate Ancestry Road Trip Across Europe

Setting Out to Discover My Roots 

This holiday season, I’m embarking on an ancestry road trip across Europe to reconnect with my family’s heritage. From Bavaria to Belgium, I’ve meticulously planned every detail to honor the stories and mysteries left by my grandparents. Here’s a look at how I organized this journey step-by-step to make the whole experience worth while. 

Why I Chose Ancestry DNA for My Ancestry Road Trip

Planning an ancestry road trip across Europe is a big journey, and picking the right DNA testing service made all the difference in helping me get as close to my roots as possible. When I first started thinking about tracing my family history, I knew I needed more than just basic DNA results. I wanted tools that could guide me to specific places and help me uncover real family stories, not just general regions. After comparing options, I landed on Ancestry DNA—and it’s been a game-changer. Here’s why I chose Ancestry over other options and why it might be perfect for you if you’re planning something similar.

1. Incredible Detail and Precision

Ancestry DNA has one of the largest databases out there, which means that its results are detailed down to smaller regions, not just broad areas. For example, instead of giving me a vague “Western European” label, Ancestry broke down my results into smaller areas, helping me identify specific regions like Bavaria in Germany and cities in Belgium. This kind of detail helped me narrow down the exact places to visit on my road trip—cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Nuremberg.

2. A Seamless Link Between DNA Results and Family Trees

Another reason I went with Ancestry DNA is how it connects directly to family trees. Ancestry has an amazing setup where your DNA results automatically link to family records, so you can build out a complete tree with just a few clicks. When I received my results, I could instantly connect with potential relatives, view old census data, and even find family records that had dates, addresses, and marriage records. This was exactly the information I needed to plan out each stop on my trip, and it’s something I didn’t see as easily with other DNA testing options.

3. Access to Exclusive Historical Records

Ancestry has billions of historical records in its archives, and these have been the key to filling in gaps in my family story. Not only could I pull up records on my grandparents who immigrated to the U.S., but I found a lot of information about their lives before they left Belgium. Ancestry’s partnerships with government and historical archives mean you have access to documents you might not find anywhere else. This was super helpful for finding places to visit on my trip—like specific churches, neighborhoods, and even cemeteries tied to my family’s past.

4. Constantly Updated and Refined Data

One thing that sets Ancestry apart is that they frequently update ethnicity estimates as they gather more data. This means your results get even more detailed over time, with more specific regions added as their database grows. So, as I planned my trip, I felt confident that the details in my DNA results were accurate and would keep improving. Plus, Ancestry’s Genetic Communities feature gave me insights into where people with my DNA lived, migrated, and settled over generations—a unique aspect that helped me track my family’s journey from Belgium to Germany and beyond.

5. Storytelling Tools for Genealogy Lovers

If you’re like me and enjoy building a story around your family history, Ancestry has tons of tools that make it easy to document each ancestor’s life. They let you add stories, photos, and historical notes to every family member in your tree. This storytelling element made planning each city stop more personal, like I was walking in my family’s footsteps with a map in hand.

If you’re considering DNA testing to connect with your heritage, I highly recommend [Ancestry DNA](affiliate link). It doesn’t just give you ethnicity percentages; it connects you with the places, stories, and people that make up your history—bringing your family’s past to life, just as it did for my road trip.

Mapping Out Every Detail with Wanderlog

1. Building an Interactive Itinerary from Scratch

I started with a general list of places I wanted to visit, but turning those scattered ideas into a solid route was a different story. Wanderlog allowed me to add each destination (think major cities like Munich and smaller stops like Baarle-Hertog) and organize them all in one place. Here’s how I approached this:

• Drag-and-Drop Planning: Wanderlog’s interface lets you easily move destinations around within your itinerary. This was especially helpful as I refined the order of my stops based on driving times, access to certain sites, and seasonal factors. If one stop didn’t work out, I could drag it to another day or spot, saving me from a tedious shuffle of dates and reservations.

• Customizing for Family History: I set up each day with a mix of big heritage sites and personal family locations, marking essential stops like archives, cemeteries, and even certain churches where my ancestors were recorded. Wanderlog’s setup helped me see the route in one comprehensive view, so I knew exactly where each site was in relation to the next.

2. Route Optimization: Saving Time and Fuel

Since my road trip spans multiple countries and cities, optimizing the route was essential. Wanderlog auto-arranges stops based on geography, so I could maximize sightseeing time while minimizing unnecessary detours. Here’s why it’s a huge time-saver:

• Estimated Drive Times: Wanderlog shows the approximate driving time between destinations, allowing me to budget travel time for each leg of the trip and build a schedule that wouldn’t leave me burnt out.
• Fuel Efficiency: Since I’m driving a diesel SUV across Germany, Belgium, and beyond, Wanderlog’s ability to plot an efficient route also helps with fuel costs. Knowing that my route was planned to save both time and fuel was a big relief—especially given how much ground I’ll be covering!

3. Organizing by Day with Detailed Notes

Planning an ancestry trip means more than just “what to see”—it’s about knowing the specifics of each stop, including historical sites, archives, and personal details. Wanderlog’s notes feature became my digital notebook, making it simple to track key details like these:

• Important Reminders for Each City: I used notes to document essential details, like which archives to check in Brussels or the historical cemeteries in Liège where my relatives were buried. The notes keep these specifics right alongside my route, saving me from having to search through endless lists of addresses and reminders.
• Local Tips and Cultural Notes: For each location, I also added insights about local customs or practical tips, like where to find parking near certain sites or which sledding spots are best near Neuschwanstein. With all these reminders in one place, Wanderlog feels like a personalized guidebook tailored specifically for this trip.

4. Packing Lists and Reminders in One Place

When it comes to a multi-stop trip, organization is key. Wanderlog’s list-making feature allowed me to compile packing lists, gear needs, and last-minute reminders all in one place. Here’s how it helped:

• Outfit Planning: Since I planned specific outfits for each city, I could add reminders about clothes, like thermal wear for Bavaria or holiday attire for Christmas in Amsterdam. This feature kept everything tidy and accessible without me having to dig through various packing lists.
• Special Equipment: I also used lists to remember essentials like snow chains for the SUV, travel adapters, and even specific documents, like Ancestry records I’d need for visiting archives.

5. Offline Access and Real-Time Syncing

Since I’ll be traveling through areas with limited Wi-Fi, offline access is essential. Wanderlog’s offline capabilities allow me to access my full itinerary, notes, and maps without internet—perfect for remote areas or international trips where I want to conserve data. Plus, because Wanderlog syncs across devices, I can pull up my itinerary on both my phone and laptop, making it easy to check details on the go.

6. Map View for a Clear Visual of Each Day’s Journey

One of Wanderlog’s best features for visual planners like me is the interactive map view. I can look at each day’s travel visually, seeing where I’ll be going and understanding how my route flows. This feature has been perfect for:

• Spatial Awareness: Being able to see each location on a map helps with navigating big cities like Brussels or coordinating rural stops near smaller towns.
• On-the-Fly Adjustments: With a quick look, I can adjust plans based on weather or time constraints. Having the map on hand lets me plan detours or see if a specific site is too far out of the way for the day.

Selecting the Right Rental Car for Long-Distance Travel

For a road trip covering hundreds of miles in winter conditions, finding the right rental car was crucial. After extensive research, I chose Sixt for our rental and arranged to pick up the car directly at Munich Airport. Here’s why Sixt was the best option for us:

• A Diesel SUV for Fuel Efficiency and Winter Handling: I went with a diesel SUV to balance fuel efficiency with performance, especially since Europe’s diesel options are often more cost-effective for longer trips. Plus, a diesel engine can handle the distances and snowy roads we’ll encounter in places like Bavaria.

• Comprehensive Features for Winter Travel: Sixt offered the full range of features we needed: snow chains, all-weather tires, and an SUV with sturdy handling. Given that many of our stops are in colder, potentially snowy areas, this setup provides peace of mind and ensures we’ll be ready for all kinds of weather.

• Convenience of Airport Pickup: Picking up directly at Munich Airport lets us start the trip without any extra transfers or delays. Sixt’s well-organized setup at the airport means we’ll have everything ready from the moment we land, and we can get right on the road toward our first destination.

Using Sixt has simplified our car rental process, from offering the exact vehicle specifications we need to giving us easy access to additional equipment for a safe winter journey across Europe. If you’re planning a similar trip, Sixt’s selection of reliable vehicles with winter-ready features makes it a top choice for long-distance travel.

Booking Unique Holiday Experiences with Viator

One of the most exciting parts of planning this ancestry road trip was incorporating festive, local experiences to celebrate the season along the way. With Viator, I was able to secure unique activities that match the holiday spirit and add depth to our journey through European culture. Booking with Viator has been such a fantastic experience—here’s why it’s been the perfect choice for planning these adventures:

• Easy, All-in-One Booking Platform: Viator offers an impressive range of activities worldwide, making it simple to book multiple experiences all in one place. For a trip like this, where each location has its own unique appeal, Viator allowed me to browse, compare, and secure tickets for each experience, from cooking classes to holiday tours. The platform provides tons of detail on each experience, so I knew exactly what I was booking before I even hit "confirm."

• Top-Rated Local Experiences: Viator partners with well-reviewed, trusted vendors, which helped me book these activities confidently. Each experience includes honest reviews and detailed descriptions, giving a reliable preview of what to expect. This was especially important for holiday events, where I wanted to ensure each activity would enhance the festive feel of our trip.

• Flexibility and Great Customer Support: Many Viator experiences offer flexible cancellation policies, which is a huge plus when planning a trip with multiple stops. Their customer support team is available to help with any questions, making it easy to adjust plans if needed. For a long journey through multiple countries, this level of support and flexibility adds peace of mind.

Here’s a look at the memorable experiences we’ll be enjoying:

1. Waffle and Beer-Making Class in Bruges
   Our stop in Belgium wouldn’t be complete without exploring local flavors, so I booked a waffle and beer-making class in Bruges through Viator. This experience offers a hands-on approach to Belgium’s culinary staples, allowing us to make our own waffles and sample traditional Belgian beer. The holiday season adds a warm, festive atmosphere, perfect for connecting with local culture in a truly immersive way.

2. Christmas Lights Boat Tour in Amsterdam 
   Spending Christmas Eve in Amsterdam is even more magical with a Christmas lights boat tour. Amsterdam’s canals transform into a holiday wonderland, with sparkling lights on every bridge and along the waterways. This tour lets us experience the city’s iconic canals from the comfort of a cozy boat, surrounded by festive displays that highlight Amsterdam’s unique charm.

With Viator, booking these one-of-a-kind activities was seamless, making it easy to create an itinerary that combines holiday cheer with cultural depth. For anyone planning a holiday journey, Viator’s diverse offerings make it simple to find unique experiences that celebrate the spirit of each destination.

Organizing Outfits and Packing Essentials

With multiple stops and changing weather conditions, I wanted to be as prepared as possible without overpacking. Here’s how I organized my outfits to keep it stylish, practical, and stress-free each day.

1. Creating Pinterest Mood Boards for Inspiration

Since each city has its own vibe—from the historic streets of Bruges to the festive lights of Amsterdam—I created Pinterest mood boards to capture the look and feel of each destination. For instance, I saved images of classic Bavarian winter wear for Munich, cozy layered looks for the holiday atmosphere in Bruges, and chic yet comfortable outfits for Paris. By curating visuals that fit each city, I had a clear style direction and avoided packing unnecessary items.

• Why Pinterest? Pinterest allows me to create multiple boards for specific styles, so each stop has a visual guide. I can easily refer back to these mood boards while packing, helping me coordinate complete outfits in advance.
• Highlighting Practicality and Layers: I prioritized layers, knowing that European winter weather can vary. My mood boards included staple pieces like cozy sweaters, durable winter coats, and accessories that could be styled differently to keep my look fresh. The result? A travel wardrobe that’s versatile and stylish without the bulk.

2. Organizing Outfits in a Calendar Document

Once I had my mood boards set, I translated each look into a calendar document. This document outlines each day’s activities, weather forecast, and the corresponding outfit, so I know exactly what to wear each day without rummaging through my suitcase.

• Daily Planning for Efficiency: By listing the planned activities for each day (like walking tours, dinners, and historical site visits), I could match the outfits to specific occasions. This approach made it easy to see where I could reuse pieces and where to add specific items, like dressier options for evenings in Paris or warm, practical outfits for exploring German castles.
• Quick Access on the Go: I saved the document to my phone, making it easy to refer to each morning without having to rethink my wardrobe. This quick access lets me start each day confidently, knowing I have an outfit ready that fits the vibe and the day’s events.

3. Packing with Space-Saving in Mind

To keep everything organized and compact, I used packing cubes, which let me group outfits by type and day. Packing cubes also help keep things wrinkle-free and easy to access—no digging required! For outerwear and boots, I used vacuum-seal bags to save space, since I only needed to access these items once we arrived in colder cities like Munich.

• Travel Essentials and Accessories: To bring variety without bulk, I packed a few key accessories—like scarves, hats, and gloves—that could be mixed and matched. These add a different look to my outfits and provide extra warmth for colder days.
• Toiletries and Personal Items: For items like skincare and toiletries, I used travel-sized containers to minimize space. Knowing we’d be on the go, I packed everything in a clear bag, which keeps security checks quick and simple.

By combining Pinterest mood boards, a calendar document, and organized packing techniques, I’ve managed to create a travel wardrobe that’s both practical and stylish. It’s all about having each day’s look planned, so I can spend my time exploring family history instead of worrying about what to wear. Practical? Yes. Extra? Always.

Final Preparations and Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. Creating a Digital Backup of Travel Documents

One of my biggest priorities before embarking on this journey was ensuring all essential travel documents were accessible and secure. I created a digital backup for each critical document and stored everything in a cloud folder for easy access on my phone and laptop. Here’s a breakdown of what I included:

• Ancestry Records: Since part of this trip involves researching family archives, I uploaded key ancestry documents, such as family tree records and old certificates, to a cloud storage folder. This way, I have instant access to essential names, dates, and locations without needing physical copies.
• Reservation Confirmations: Each booking confirmation—from hotel reservations to experience tickets—is safely stored digitally. This includes reservation details for experiences like our [Viator Christmas lights boat tour in Amsterdam](affiliate link) and the [waffle and beer-making class in Bruges](affiliate link), making check-in smoother.
• Travel Insurance: Knowing that winter travel can bring unexpected changes, I included a copy of our travel insurance policy. This ensures quick access in case of any travel disruptions or emergencies.

By keeping these documents backed up in a cloud folder, I know they’re accessible even if Wi-Fi is spotty or printed copies get misplaced.

2. Packing Essential Gear for Winter Travel

Winter travel through Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands means preparing for a range of temperatures, potential snow, and icy roads. Here’s the essential gear I packed to ensure safety and comfort throughout the trip:

• Snow Chains and Vehicle Gear: For the road trip leg of our journey, I made sure we have snow chains for the SUV to handle icy conditions. These are essential for driving through snowy areas like Bavaria, where winter roads can be unpredictable.
• Thermal Wear and Layering Essentials: To stay warm while exploring, I packed thermal layers, including base layers, gloves, and scarves, which are easy to layer without adding bulk. For colder stops like Neuschwanstein, I also included weatherproof boots and a down coat.
• Portable Power Banks and Chargers: With navigation apps and essential travel details stored digitally, having fully charged devices is a must. I packed a couple of power banks to keep our phones charged throughout the day, especially since cold weather can drain batteries faster.
• Weather-Resistant Travel Bag: To keep everything organized and protected from winter weather, I chose a weather-resistant travel bag that keeps personal items dry, no matter the conditions.

These final preparations ensure we’re ready for whatever winter throws our way, from snow-covered roads to chilly city walks. If you’re preparing for a winter road trip, these essentials will help you travel comfortably and stay on top of any surprises that come your way.