Organizing Your Research Trip

Key points and insights

Planning a genealogy research trip can be both exciting and overwhelming—but with the right preparation, it becomes an efficient and rewarding experience. In the webinar “Organizing Your Research Trip” by Genealogy Guys Learn, expert Drew Smith guides viewers through every phase of travel, from planning to post-trip processing. This practical session offers a comprehensive roadmap for making the most of limited research time on the ground, particularly when accessing archives, libraries, or family collections. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the globe, the strategies shared here are essential for genealogists looking to maximize results while avoiding common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways:

• Thorough Pre-Trip Preparation Is Essential: Researching repositories online before your trip is critical. Understanding what collections exist, what’s missing, access restrictions, and operational hours saves valuable time on-site. Utilizing finding aids, requesting materials in advance, and monitoring local events or closures helps avoid disruptions.
• Use Tools to Stay Organized and Flexible: From digital packing lists and itinerary apps like TripIt to mobile research offices outfitted with laptops, scanners, and storage drives, technology plays a major role. The webinar emphasizes creating reusable packing templates and incorporating tools such as Evernote or Packing Pro to streamline both planning and packing.
• Document Everything—Before, During, and After: Note not only what you find, but also what you don’t. Record conversations with archivists, cite all sources accurately, and scan physical notes promptly. After returning, update templates, back up all data, and send acknowledgments to helpful staff to build lasting relationships for future research trips.

To experience the full depth of strategies and recommendations, viewers are encouraged to watch the entire webinar. It provides actionable checklists, recommended tools, and insider tips that only come from years of field experience.

For those serious about advancing their genealogical research skills, this webinar is a must-watch. Be sure to also explore the additional resources included in the accompanying syllabus, which expands on many of the tools and techniques discussed. These supporting materials will ensure that your next research trip is not only productive but also professionally executed.