The DNA Journey competition is open once more! Head to Let’s Open Our World, and tell us how you would open the world through travelling for a chance to win a DNA kit. You never know – you might be going on your very own DNA journey…
‘Would you dare to question who you really are?’ It was the question we asked at the launch of The DNA Journey, a campaign and competition destined to showcase that an open world starts with an open mind.
We offered up the chance for people from 17 different countries to learn a little bit more about their background and win one of 500 DNA kits. After a staggering 170,378 people entered the competition and movement, we handpicked our favourite 500 contestants and sent out the kits. By filming themselves reading their DNA results, they entered momondo’s competition to win a holiday based on their very own DNA journey, to the value of €1,000.
Melody Barta is our proud winner of The DNA Journey in Canada. Melody’s DNA reveal video shows that her heritage is more diverse than she had expected and now she looks forward to learning more about the world and where she comes from.
To celebrate her nationwide victory, we spoke to Melody and asked why she decided to get involved in The DNA Journey, and how learning more about her DNA has shaped her outlook on the world.
1) What compelled you to join The DNA Journey?
I thought it would be interesting to find out more about the places my ancestors come from.
2) What did you already know about your heritage and DNA?
I knew there was a lot of the standard Western European DNA, but I didn’t know any more detail than that!
3) What did you expect to find in your results?
Lots of United Kingdom!
4) How have the results and the “new found you” effected the way you see yourself within the world?
I learned that there’s a lot more Scandinavian background then I realised! I watched a movie set in Norway the other day and realised “my family could have lived there”.
5) How have the results changed the way you will travel?
It will likely be a different perspective when I travel. I will think about the places I see in a more personal way.
6) Why is knowing your DNA important to you?
I think it’s important for people, individually and as a group to have an understanding of where they come from – so they have a better idea of where they’re going.
7) How does your DNA affect your national identity?
As a Canadian, I know we are very multi-cultural, but it was fascinating to find out HOW multi-cultural I personally am.
8) Why do you think the purpose behind The DNA Journey matters for the UK?
Living in a country that stands for a multi-cultural and peaceful place – it is incredible to think how connected we all are to one another. We have a lot more similarities than we do differences!
9) Where will you go with your €1,000 prize fund, and what will you do there?
I hope to travel to Amsterdam! I want to eat Dutch food and go to the art and history museums. The Anne Frank Museum is definitely on my list!
10) Up until now, what has been your most amazing/memorable travel experience, and why?
I’ve never traveled outside of North America but in 2013 I went to field school in New Orleans. This was such a valuable and enriching experience!
Winner bio:
- Name: Melody Barta
- Age: 29
- Occupation: Travel Agent
- Citizenship: Canadian
- City and country of residence: Nanaimo, BC, Canada
DNA Results:
- Europe West 32%
- Great Britain 28%
- Ireland 20%
- Scandinavia 9%
- Finland/Northwest Russia 4%
- Iberian Peninsula 4%
- Europe East 2%
- European Jewish < 1%
- Italy/Greece < 1%
