For all the Internet's charms, it doesn't have everything you need to find your family tree. Eventually, you'll have to pack your bags, buckle your seat belt and get yourself to the state archives or library that has your ancestors' records. There, you'll find the original records listed in all those online indexes, documents that haven't been microfilmed or posted online, unique manuscript collections and regional resources that aren't anywhere else. Of course, preparation is a prerequisite for a successful, productive research trip. So get in gear with these expert planning tips.

Oh, the places you'll go