Back in 1940, the US census took place gathering information on who lived where, what they did, and other personal information for the then 132 million residents. Now, 72 years later, the complete 1940 census data is available for the first time online.

If you are trying to determine a destination for your next travel excursion, you might want to do a bit of research on family members. Look for things like where parents and grandparents were raised and see if you would like to take a trip there to walk a bit in your own personal history. Or figure out the location of historical special family events like proposals or weddings or whatever. Having a personal tie to your destination can make the trip an adventure for all involved.

My blog for this week’s US News & World digs into this idea a bit more in depth to help lay out ways to spice up your travel destination with a bit of personal history. When you have a chance, take a look at Travel to Discover Your Family Heritage.

Then get a map, check out some old photos, do a bit of digging and get ready for a live history lesson of the most important family out there – yours!