Genealogy Chat

Hi, I am going on a trip to Wales in research of my Welsh roots. The problem is getting organised. I have so much information on paper, as well as my computer!! I want to make sure I visit as many places as possible. How do you get organised before going on an ancestral trail? Any ideas would be appreciated. Regards Andrea

nudge

Make a list of all the places you want to visit. Mark them all on a map of Wales, then plan the best route between all the sites. Make an estimate of time to visit each site, time to travel along the route. Book your B&Bs/ hotels before you go if you can, preferably in your ancestors home town or village. Leave plenty of time each evening for a bit of a walk round, for writing up your day’s results, and for taking your time over a leisurely evening meal. Have a great time!

Thanks Edward, for your great advice. I have booked a hotel for a couple of nights in South Wales. Got some ancestors in mid-Wales too, so thinking of booking a B&B up there.

Don't forget a camera, you never know how useful it might be. Lucky you, I have ancestors in South Wales too. Hope the trip goes well,

I always find a pocket sized A-Z of the area very handy. I am often going off in search of relatives and it is so useful to locate churches etc. I know this is a really expensive idea but a lap top is good to have. I got fed up going to places then wishing i had the info on something with me. Also very useful to scan everything into so you can check back on certificates etc. I was lucky as i got mine as a present, although i think it has something to do with the fact that i was always on the computer and hubby couldn't get on to it!

Silly Sid - whereabouts are your welsh ancestors from. Mine are from areas around Pontypridd and Maesteg area. Lisa - good idea about the laptop. My hubby did buy a cheap laptop and we were debating whether to take it or not. Thanks for your help! It is appreciated, as I'm supposed to be getting organised tonight. Travelling tomorrow to see living rellie, then off to Wales on Monday.

Hi, I always write down what I want to find out in a notebook so I don't have to carry heavy files everywhere. I do print outs from family tree maker of the family I am researching. I telephone or email the Record Office in advance and check they have what I want and book a reader. Gwynne

Andrea I had a street map with me and I'd marked the areas of the most interest to me before we went. Had all my census returns etc in a plastic wallet - good job - it poured down! Camera of course. Have a great time! Debby