Here in North America many of use come from European decent, me for example come from Irish,Scottish,English,and Italian background.
Before you head over seas, talk to your grandparents to see if you still have family where you are going, I am using Europe as an example but this can apply to ANY where in the world. I know I have family in Scotland, and I know I do have fome distent family in Australia. The next time I go I will do a little search of my family history...What a great connection it would be, as well as a cost saving factor when hopefully they offer you food and a place to sleep
It should not take alot of effort to go back a coup[le of generations to get this kind of info, and ya never know, it could bring a long lost family back togeather!