Although most of us don't need any excuse to take a holiday, more and more Aussies are travelling for one specific reason: to learn more about where they came from. Recent data shows that 50 per cent of respondents agreed that history and culture strongly influence their choice of holiday destination, with Aussies seeking to reconnect with their culture and explore the uncharted countries of their parents, grandparents, and ancestors. This is something Rachael Sarra can relate to, after a trip to Italy ignited her passion for her grandfather's culture.
"I have that connection at home, being Aboriginal and always spiritually connected to country and to spirit, which inspires my work creatively," Sarra, an artist and business owner tells 9Travel. READ MORE: Sleepy NZ surf town loved by tourists from around the world The 31-year-old has always been drawn to visit Italy, to explore the emotional and spiritual connection she felt with the country. She's always felt somewhat removed from her Italian heritage, as her grandfather passed away before she was born.
"Italian culture was not as immersed in my day-to-day life as my Aboriginal culture is," she explains. "So I was just really interested to kind of go over and see if I had that same feeling [in Italy]." "There definitely was like something special about being somewhere where you feel that connection to.
" Recent data indicates that culture and heritage tourism is rising: the global value of this kind of tourism is estimated to be well over $1 billion, with the Asia Pacific region contributing a significant $327 million. READ MORE: Tried and tested travel hacks after 22 flights in 8 weeks Sarra has an Italian grandfather, who emigrated to Australia where he met her Indigenous grandmother. Embarking on her discovery trip to Italy alone, Sarra chose to join an Intrepid group trip, as the perfect balance between solo travel and travelling with friends.
For her, it's all about feeling free as a solo traveller but also having a group that you can go join without feeling unsafe on her own. "To be able to have that in place in a group tour without you know, the stress of planning a holiday and the stress of travelling solo, it just makes things easier and more fun," she says of her choice. READ MORE: Everything you need to know about solo travel "Not only are you on a holiday but the people that you meet and the conversations you have in between locations are just really therapeutic in a way," she says, adding that they're a great way to travel long distances in make up huge ground in "really digestible moments of time.
" There are lots of great tour companies that host small group tours all around the world, offering people a great opportunity to follow in their family's footsteps. Right now, 9Travel readers can take $100 off on a 12 Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland . You'll start with sophisticated Zurich and then see Switzerland the best way, on world-famous scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps.
Discover idyllic alpine landscapes, snow-capped peaks, charming mountain villages and luxury resort destinations. Sarra would recommend everyone take time to explore their heritage and, if possible, take a trip there. "There's just something beautiful about exploring your ancestry and heritage because I think that actually strengthens your sense of identity," she shares.
Australia truly is a country shaped by immigration, meaning a lot of first- second- and third-generation Aussies have a rich cultural heritage that began overseas. "I know a lot of people that I talk to are like, I'm actually really jealous that I have this beautiful connection with my [Aboriginal] culture," Sarra says, adding that it's something she's realised is bigger than herself." Nine may receive a commission when you buy from some of the links on our site.
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