While most of us don't need an excuse to take a vacation, more and more Australians are traveling for one reason: to learn more about where they come from.
Recent data shows that 50% of respondents agree that history and culture strongly influence their choice of holiday destination, with Australians looking to reconnect with their culture and explore the unexplored lands of their parents, grandparents and ancestors.
It's something Rachael Sarra can relate to, after a recent trip to Italy sparked her passion for her grandfather's culture.
“I have this connection to home, as an Aboriginal person and still spiritually connected to country and spirit, which inspires my work creatively,” Sarra, an artist and business owner, tells 9Honey.
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The 31-year-old always wanted to visit Italy, to discover the emotional and spiritual connection she felt with this country. She always felt somewhat distant from her Italian heritage, as her grandfather died before she was born.
“Italian culture wasn’t as ingrained in my daily life as my native culture,” she explains. “So I was just really interested in going there and seeing if I had the same feeling (in Italy).”
“There was something really special about being in a place where you felt that connection.”
Recent data indicates that cultural and heritage tourism is on the rise: the global value of this type of tourism is estimated at well over $1 billion, with the Asia-Pacific region contributing $327 million.
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Sarra has an Italian grandfather who emigrated to Australia where he met his indigenous grandmother.
Embarking on her solo journey of discovery through Italy, Sarra chose to join an Intrepid group tour, the perfect balance between solo travel and travel with friends. For her, it’s all about feeling free as a solo traveler, but also having a group you can join without feeling unsafe alone.
“Being able to put this together on a group trip without you knowing, without the stress of planning a vacation and the stress of traveling solo, it makes it easier and more fun,” she says of her choice.
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“Not only are you on vacation, but the people you meet and the conversations you have between places are sort of really therapeutic,” she says, adding that they're a great way to travel long distances and travel. save time in “really digestible moments”.
Sarra recommends that everyone take the time to explore their heritage and, if possible, take a trip there.
“There’s something beautiful about exploring your ancestry and your heritage, because I think it really strengthens your sense of identity,” she shares.
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Australia is truly a country shaped by immigration, meaning many first, second and third generation Australians have a rich cultural heritage that began overseas.
“I know a lot of people I talk to say, 'I'm really jealous that I have this beautiful connection to my (Aboriginal) culture,'” Sarra says, adding that she's realised it's something bigger than herself.
