BootsnAll Travel Community

A few years ago, I picked up a small, old travel guide to the entire world entitled All About Going Abroad, written by a certain Harry A. Franck and published in 1928. Here are some quotes, giving an idea of what travel was like 80 years ago:

"To perhaps eighty percent of Americans, going abroad means going to Europe. With a few exceptions, that is the part of the world outside our boundaries most easily to be reached." pg. 11

"The simple trip" : Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

"The semi-simple trip": Spain, Scandinavia, Greece and Austria, "and perhaps Czecho Slovakia"

"Countries in which it is still rather difficult to travel" : Central Europe, Balkan States.

"Countries in which travel for pleasure is all but impossible": Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia. (11-12)

"The third category (of travellers) are those who eschew tours, preferring to thravel alone. For these also certain tourist agencies have a type of service which has become more and more popular. Those which specialize in this generally call it their 'Independent Travel' service.

In this case the traveler arranges with the agency for an itinerary which meets with his or her exact wishes and requirements, for which the agency then submits an inclusive rate."
" (20)

"There is no reason why the young, active, healthy, and not too proud man or woman with $500 should hesitate to plan a six weeks' or two months' sojourn in western Europe." (24)

Note: $500 in 1928 would equal approximately $6,000 today.

"For those with brief vacations, a pleasant two week's trip to Porto Rico (sic) may be made for as little as $150." (26)

"In place of currency there are two safe means of carrying funds abroad; letters of credit and travel cheques.

Letters of credit are issued by banks and serve as an introduction of the holder to certain specified foreign banks in specified cities. They are an authorization to the banks named to advance the holder money up to the total amount for which they are written. For example, you have a letter of credit for $5000 and draw $500.00 on it at a bank in London, that amount is entered on your letter, leaving a balance of $4500, against which you may draw when you again need currency." (32-33)

"Cabling is rarely necessary for the average traveler for pleasure abroad." (47)

"RADIOGRAMS may be sent from the ship to other ships or to land. Inquire at the purser's office, or of the radio operator direct." (51)

"France allows twenty cigars or cigarettes, if declared. Patent medicines, perfumes, playing cards, spirits, matches, soap in quantities, and typewriters are prohibited there...Spirits, perfumes, candy, and alcohol are the chief forbidden articles in most European countries." (62 - speaking of customs)

"Round trip on the "Flying Scotsman" first class - £12 9s 0d; third class £7 19s 3d. From Berlin to Munich, 399 miles; $12.61 in second class; $8.17 in third (as compared with $14.29 for the same distance between New York and Buffalo). In England the same distance costs $12.12 third class; in Switzerland, $12 second; $8.45 third...modest tourists bent on saving money to be spent on better advantage elsewhere may travel 427 miles in fourth class in Germany for $5.52" (so, Berlin to Munich is $148 in second class, and you can travel 427 miles in "fourth class" - whatever that is - for $65.40) (68)

"Commercial aviation, especially for passengers, has reached a point in Europe far ahead of the United States...Half a dozen or more passenger planes of the Imperial Airways, Ltd. cross from London to Paris and vice versa daily. Cost about $30 ($360); time, two and one-half hours; danger, slight; chances of seasickness greatly reduced. The price includes automobile conveyance to and from almost anywhere in the two cities. Only hand baggage taken, but heavier luggage will be forwarded at cost by the company"

"Those who wish to reach the isolated capital of Colombia may spare themselves the tedious steamer up the Magdalena River, but at the cost of about $250 ($3000) for a single day's flight"

"Flying saves time; it gives beautiful bird's-eye views under proper weather conditions; it is an experience to have at least once and be able to tell about at home. But it is one of the poorest ways of "doing" a country in the sense that the average tourist wishes to "do" it." (71-72)

"Automobiles of all types, from decrepit Ford exiles to excellent foreign cars of the Cadillac standard, are available in most large cities of western Europe. In England a car of this type, with competent chauffeur who will take care of his own expenses and those of the car en route, may be hired for long and short journeys at a cost of about 30 cents a mile." (74)

"The average charge for a guide is around $5.00 ($60.00) a day in Europe, in addition to his trasnportation. This charge will vary, however, in different places. In Spain, Naples, and a few other places, he may be worthy his hire for driving off beggars and other annoying persons." (75)

"In England shoes (called "boots" there unless they are what we know as "Oxfords") are left outside the bedroom door upon retiring, whether in hotels or private houses."

"In Italy say nothing that can by any chance be construed as a criticism of the government or of the dictator or king." (85)

"In Brazil it is illegal to appear on the streets of a city without a coat, although those to whom fate has been unkind may dispense with the shirt" (86)

"Gentlemen seldom appear in public in Great Britain, in most continental countries, and in the higher social circles of Latin-America without a walking stick. To be without one is to be mistaken for a man rather than a gentleman, and to use the word "cane" is inadvisable." (86-87)

Think the current pound - dollar exchange is bad? In 1928, it was £4.8665 = $1. (103)

Ha! Great post!

Sao Paolo would be easier on the eyes were this law still in full effect:

quote:

Originally posted by Jacob G. Norlund:
"In Brazil it is illegal to appear on the streets of a city without a coat, although those to whom fate has been unkind may dispense with the shirt" (86)

Brilliant post jacob.

quote:

"Gentlemen seldom appear in public in Great Britain, in most continental countries, and in the higher social circles of Latin-America without a walking stick. To be without one is to be mistaken for a man rather than a gentleman, and to use the word "cane" is inadvisable." (86-87)

I'm sure even today 80% of Americans go to Europe, that has not changed much.

quote:

Originally posted by Madhu:
I'm sure even today 80% of Americans go to Europe, that has not changed much.

Actually travel destinations have changed quite a bit. I can think of lots of possible reasons for that but don't have the energy ti list them. Anyway, here's a chart of overseas travel destinations for Americans for 2004:

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0778210.html

Europe is now down to 40%.