Travel these days is the most efficient it’s ever been, but does that mean this is the best time to be a traveller? I yearn for a time when passengers, decked out in over-the-top hats and trailing lace gowns, were served from silver trays in elegant train cars or dressed for a classy dinner at the Captain’s table on board a hulking passenger liner. The Golden Age of Travel may be over in our time, but it’s not over in our hearts! I’m planning to recreate the luxury and elegance of that age in all my travels, as much as I can, so here’s everything you need to know if you want to do the same.
The Golden Age of Travel 1880-1839
While travel was still happening before and after these dates, the Golden Age of Travel was a time in which the journey became a part of the experience rather than just a way to get from place to place. In the 1800s, long-haul travel could be just that: long. And trying, and often not the most comfortable experience to have. This all began to change when travellers decided to romanticise travel and aimed to have the experience of moving from destination to destination be as opulent and luxurious as the destinations themselves were in those days. Steam-powered travel (luxury train trips like the original Orient Express and sea voyages on cruise liners like the Queen Mary) took off, and more transatlantic travel became possible thanks to the Industrial Revolution. Though they were still far from private jet travel and bullet trains, infrastructure expanded rapidly to cater to the increased demand for luxury travel. Economic growth meant there were more wealthy travellers ready to spend their money on experiences, and colonisation (which we understand today differently than the travellers of the day) made more “exotic” destinations available for Westerners.
This Golden Age of Travel peaked in the 20s and 30s when excess and opulence among the wealthy upper classes were at their highest, but saw a decline when air travel became possible and offered travellers a much faster way to get from place to place.
Hallmarks of the Time
- A slow, stately pace was favoured over rushing to get where travellers needed to be. Having all that time available to travel and enjoy the experience was a sign of prosperity.
- High glamour and an incredible level of luxury. There were no hard plastic seats on trains during the Golden Age of Travel, and no paper napkins at the best hotels. Ships and passenger liner interiors were bedecked in the finest textiles, gilt frames and down bedding. The service was white glove, the crystal was real, and so was the silver.
- The time spent travelling was just as important (and as much of a chance to show off your wardrobe and breeding or achievements) as at the destination. No expense was spared, no corners were cut.
Golden Age Destinations
Cairo
Stay at: Mena House. Opened in 1886.
Europeans and Americans in particular were drawn to the ancient land of Egypt, specifically Cairo. Access to newly discovered tombs and other ancient wonders, the River Nile and the general mystique of the place made it exciting to visit.
Paris
Stay at: Le Meurice. Opened in 1835.
Paris has always been known as one of the most refined and elegant cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that it drew travellers from all over the world during the Golden Age. Paris was a hub for intellectuals, artists and fashionistas, and visiting some of its iconic destinations was a status symbol.
Rome
Stay at: Hotel d’Inghilterra. Opened 1845.
Roma was another location prized for its ancient wonders and artistic masterpieces, and the Eternal City was already used to welcoming foreigners. Hence, infrastructure and the tourist economy were already in action, but boosted by the Golden Age. Rome’s connection to the Catholic church attracted many religious pilgrims, especially those who liked to travel in style.
London
Stay at: The Savoy. 1889.
London is a city of innovation, with a new invention around every corner. Its connection to royalty made it a destination of choice for well-off Americans in particular. The literati of the day and many thespians wished to visit London to pay homage to men like Marlowe and Shakespeare.
Delhi
Stay at: Oberoi Maidens Hotel. Founded in 1903.
Delhi’s cultural significance in “British” India drew Westerners from all over the world. The home of the Mughal Empire, cultural practices mostly unknown in the rest of the world and an air of mystique were all draw cards.
How To Add Golden Age Glamour to Your Travels
- Choose the Right Transport
If time is of the essence, choose private jet travel. This combines the elegance of beautiful interior design with old-world comforts like a glass of champagne, delicious chef-made meals, excellent service, and exclusivity with efficient modern travel speeds. If time is abundant, travel on one of the world’s most exclusive train routes: the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, the Maharajas Express, or the Royal Scotsman for a classic experience.
- Dress the Part
Dressing beautifully was a big part of luxury travel during the Golden Age. While corsets and white gloves may no longer be practical for travel (or comfortable), you can still put together elegant travel outfits that harken back to yesteryear. Outfits consisting of tailored pants and a silk blouse, an A-line midi skirt, a simple knit tee, tea-length frocks, and pencil skirts for nice dinners will look lovely.
- Go Slowly
Plan your itinerary with enough time to move slowly and languidly through destinations and activities. Take time to smell the flowers: wait at a wine window, watch the sun set behind the pyramids, and indulge in a delicious high tea just because you can.
- Enjoy Elegant Activities
While all travellers of every gender can now participate in all the different activities they could ever want, keep things classy by choosing activities that echo those enjoyed in the Golden Age of Travel. Instead of taking a Jeep over the dunes, enjoy a leisurely camel ride. Sip French wines at a sidewalk cafe in your best dress, and pose for a portrait while you’re at it.
Golden Girls (and Guys)
Live the excitement and intrigue of the Golden Age of Travel on your next vacation, and you’ll never look at travel the same way again. Indulge in elegance, embrace luxury and remember that any trip is what you make it.