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Hoggettes' hints for

travelling genealogists

Who or what are the Hoggettes? Follow this link ......Pigs do fly!

Research Tips

Preparation. This will save you frustration and time while away

E Go through all certificates, documents and files you have and make up Pedigree Charts and Family Group Record sheets so that all the information for each person and their family are together, making it easy to see the relationship between them all. Obviously this is especially important as your family tree grows (unless you happen to have a photographic memory!)

E For each country, make a list of the locations you want to visit (some family history software will generate this for you) and find out all you can about it - the world wide web is a wonderful place to learn and make maps for locating repositories and accommodation)

E Make up a "to-do" list for each branch of the family and for each location you are intending to visit.

E Look for living relatives and try to make contact (isn't email a wonderful thing) before you go.

E Check out repositories before you go. e.g , what's available in the places your visiting, opening times, locations, costs to use the facilities, photocopy, purchase CD's to save material, etc

E Check the catalogues of repositories (through their website) before going and reserve material with them before you arrive or make a list of what you want to look at when you arrive. This will save a lot of precious time.

E Many people have found using one colour (e.g blue, green, red and yellow) to code the information for each of the branches of their tree - blue for grandfather's line, green for his wife and red for the other grandfather and yellow for his wife. This does make family branches easy to identify

While out researching

E Use a trolley bag/case to carry all your research material or you might prefer a strong backpack but they can become heavy, so try out which you prefer.

E Define the scope of your research and stick to your objectives.

E Decide to work on one branch at a time and take the papers dealing with that branch to the repository that day. This is less confusing, and papers don't get mixed up.

E When taking notes write on one side of the page only.

E Allow some time at the end of each day to record the information you have found. If left too long it can become confusing and you may forget about some info that could help while you're travelling.

E ALWAYS, ALWAYS record what repository, which book, what page, which film or fiche or other form the source took. Record every detail that would enable you or some one else to know exactly where to find that piece of information again

You will never remember it all when you get home and you and others will want to be sure that your research is dependable and does, or does not need to be verified any further.

Travel Tips

Q Travel light. If you think you "might?" need it - leave it home.

Q Colour co-ordinate a few outfits and consider taking 2 lighter items rather than one heavier one - this gives you more options to add or subtract as the weather changes.

Q When packing your case, roll your clothing instead of folding.

Q Set a limit of 2 pair of shoes maximum, (one for walking and walking and walking), black's a good go-with-anything colour.

Q When you've packed your case unpack it and repack it (several times, if necessary) to keep everything to a minimum and packed the most efficient way.

Q Pack a jacket suitable for all weather and a lighter one to keep you comfortable in the repositories - some of them can be very cool.

Q Using zip lock bags not only makes it easier to see what's in the bags but saves on weight and space if you press them flat to expel the air. These are ideal for cosmetics, stationary, electrical cords, food, etc

Q Place any bottles or tubes of liquid inside plastic bags to hold any leakage.

Q Use a bright distinctive coloured ribbon or fabric to tie around or on each piece of your luggage for easy identification

Q Make sure your case has wheels and a collapsible handle for pulling it. Don't automatically think you have to take the biggest case (it's amazing what you can do without!)

Q Ring airports to check on the size, number of pieces of hand luggage and what's allowed to be taken aboard and organize an aisle seat for easy and fast disembarking to catch connecting flight. If you are unable to walk distances, when booking your ticket, don't be afraid to ask for wheelchair assistance at your destinations - some of these airports have very, very, very long distances to walk to connecting flights.

Q Make sure you organize good travel insurance

Q Be sure you have the addresses, phone numbers of all your accommodation places and travelling companions mobile phones so if you are separated you can keep in touch.

Q Keep all your travel documents together and in the same place so they're easy to find when needed.

Q Use a waist or shoulder bag to carry money, passport, etc so its close to you and your hands are free for other things.

Q If going to Britain, consider purchasing a Britrail Pass as they can be very cost affective.

Q Before getting on any form of transport, stop and check how many pieces of baggage you have and then, before alighting, do another count to check.

(After 6 weeks of imputing research information, one little Hoggette (who shall remain nameless!) left her computer on a bus and, but for the bus driver, who took it to airport "Lost and Found" would have been crying "wee, wee, wee", all the way home!)

Have a wonderful, safe time

adding branches and twigs

to your family tree.

This list is by no means complete. If you have some travel

and research hints you would like to pass on,

please email us using our link below.

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Email - milduragenealogy@gmail.com

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