23 Travel Destinations Where Your Ancestors Might Have Lived

When you discover you have roots somewhere, that place becomes more interesting to explore. For a chance to win a trip based on your genetic profile, buy a 23andMe kit at 23andMe.com or enter The Golden 23 Sweepstakes for free online. No purchase necessary, visit page for rules.

1. Porto, Portugal

The view of the Douro river becomes more striking when you consider that your great-great grandparents could have sailed down the same river hundreds of years ago.

2. Madagascar

Madagascar's baobab trees are also called upside-down trees because they look like their roots are sticking up in the air. They're gorgeous on their own, but if you also have roots in Madagascar, they take on new meaning.

3. Bangkok, Thailand

Shopping in Bangkok's energetic and charming night markets is a reminder that, long ago, your relatives could have been peddling their wares here.

4. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Hiking the stunning mountains of the Lofoten Islands means you could literally be walking in the footsteps of those who came before you.

5. Southern Namibia

Southern Namibia is home to Kolmanskop, the most serenely gorgeous ghost town you'll ever see. It takes on special meaning when you consider that your distant relatives could have lived there before it was a ghost town.

6. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia's geologically unique fairy chimneys are a wonder to behold, but they gain special significance when you consider that your ancestors could have also gazed upon them many years ago.

7. Hufangalupe, Tongatapu, Tonga

If you have Oceanian hertage, walking over this impressive land bridge is a reminder that your ancestors could have walked this very same path.

8. Paro District, Bhutan

In the Paro District, you'll find the Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery. It's a great place to consider how we're all part of the same cosmic cloth or how the Paro District might be a part of you.

9. Marrakesh, Morocco

The smell of spices in Marrakesh's many vibrant souks smell even better when you think about how your great-great-great aunt might have cooked with the same spices.

10. Fiji

Swimming in Fiji's world-renowned water becomes more special when you consider that you could be the descendant of people who fished in those waters.

11. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo's cherry trees are just a little more charming when you know part of you is Japanese.

12. Portree, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is striking enough, with dramatic landmarks like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools. The Isle is more striking when you discover a family history there.

13. Uzbekistan

The people you'll meet in Uzbekistan seem just a little more friendly if you realize you share a lineage with them.

14. Fenghuang, China

This well-preserved town has buildings that are more than 1,300 years old and looks particularly vibrant by the light of lanterns at night. It could very well be the same view that your forebears saw 1,300 years ago.

15. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

You're a little more bonded to Bondi Beach if you know you have distant relatives hailing from there.

16. Jomblang Cave, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The ancient forest at the bottom of Jomblang Cave is more stunning if you too have roots in Asia.

17. The Nile River, Egypt

The Nile River is a big part of Egyptian history, and a journey down the Nile becomes more meaningful if there's even a little part of Northern Africa in you.

18. India during Holi

India is beautiful at any time of year, but it's particularly vibrant during Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. If you know you have South Asian heritage, the festival is even more vibrant.

19. Rome, Italy

The historic center of Rome is a World Heritage Site. It could be a heritage site for you, too.

20. The Serengeti, Tanzania

Visiting the Serengeti is not just a way to discover amazing wildlife and the culture of the Maasai people. If you have roots in East Africa, it's also a way to discover a part of yourself.

21. Kalymnos Island, Greece

Climbing the dramatic rocks of Kalymnos can be a major achievement. If you have roots in Southern Europe, it becomes a far more personal achievement.

22. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz, Iran

The incredible display of color inside this kaleidoscope mosque makes the building a truly remarkable example of Middle Eastern architecture. If a part of you is Middle Eastern, a trip to the mosque may mean that much more.

23. Paris, France

All images courtesy of Getty Images

Talking to locals in the cafes of Paris just feels different if you know a part of you is local, too.

There are many wonderful places to visit on Earth, but they become outright magical when you realize you have roots in those places. For a chance to win a trip based on your genetic profile, buy a 23andMe kit at 23andMe.com or enter for free online.*

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal US residents, 18 or older. Ends August 3. Must complete the 23andMe Service. Visit https://www.23andMe.com/dna-travel-rules for free entry. Number of destinations subject to rules. Void where prohibited.