A Glimpse of Travel Through the Decades

Traveling from point A to point B hasn't always been as straightforward as online reservations, Global Entry, and Uber rides. The transition from horse-drawn carriages to cars, planes, and even private jets happened more recently than one might think.

What was traveling like at the turn of the century? If you were embarking on a trans-Atlantic journey at the dawn of the 20th century, your only option was by boat. For cross-country trips, travelers faced a few choices: carriage, car (for those who could afford it), rail, or electric trolley lines — especially as people migrated from rural areas to urban centers.

In the early 1900s, leisure travel was primarily reserved for the wealthy elite. As the early to mid-20th century progressed, trains and cars became popular modes of transportation. The first regional airlines began operations in the 1920s, but the airline industry didn't truly take off until decades later. By the 1950s, a significant portion of the American population owned cars, allowing them to embrace the open road and the American dream.

By 1960, airports had expanded worldwide, offering both international and domestic flights to travelers. Air travel evolved into a luxury industry, transforming transcontinental trips into mere short hops.

What's on the Horizon? The leisure travel industry has a remarkable legacy to uphold — how about a fancy trip to Mars? Here, we explore how travel (especially transportation) has transformed over each decade of the 20th and 21st centuries.

1900s

The 1900s revolved around horse-and-carriage travel. Horse-drawn carriages were the primary means of transport, as cars had yet to make their debut. During this era, roadways were scarce, so most travelers navigated waterways, particularly rivers, to reach their destinations. The 1900s marks the final decade before significant developments in canals, roads, and railways took hold in the U.S., embodying a slower, more antiquated mode of travel compared to the advancements of the rest of the 20th century.

1910s

Cross-continental travel flourished in the 1910s as ocean liners gained immense popularity. During this decade, traveling to Europe meant sailing on a steamship. The most iconic ocean liner of this time was the Titanic, which was the largest ship in service when it set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912, bound for New York City. Tragically, on April 14 at 11:40 p.m., the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank beneath the North Atlantic three hours later. Nevertheless, at the time of its construction, the Titanic was the largest man-made moving object on Earth, symbolizing the pinnacle of travel in the '10s.

1920s

The roaring '20s truly unveiled the allure and thrill of travel. During this era, U.S. railroads expanded significantly due to World War II, encouraging travelers to board trains to explore out-of-state resorts. This decade was marked by economic prosperity, allowing middle-class families for the first time to indulge in a vital travel luxury: owning a car. In Europe, luxury trains experienced a resurgence, drawing inspiration from the design glamour of La Belle Epoque, despite high-end train travel having roots in the mid-1800s with George Pullman's introduction of private train cars.

Additionally, ocean liners rebounded after the events of 1912, gaining such popularity that the Suez Canal had to be expanded to accommodate the influx. Travelers eagerly embarked on cruises to beautiful destinations like Jamaica and the Bahamas.

1930s

Enter the '30s, when airplanes made their grand entrance into mainstream travel. Although the Wright brothers invented the airplane in 1903 and commercial air travel began in the '20s, flying remained a cramped and turbulent affair, primarily for the wealthy elite. In the 1930s, air travel became slightly more comfortable, with larger flight cabins and plush seats reminiscent of living room furniture, though it still catered mainly to affluent business travelers.

The game-changer came in 1935 with the Douglas DC-3, a commercial airliner that was larger, more comfortable, and faster than its predecessors. Major airlines like Delta, TWA, American, and United quickly adopted the DC-3. This decade also marked the advent of trans-Atlantic flights, spearheaded by Pan American Airways, which began its commercial flights across the Atlantic in 1939.

1940s & 1950s

The golden age of road trips was alive and well in the '40s, with cars evolving significantly. From stylish convertibles to spacious family station wagons, vehicles were becoming larger, more advanced, and increasingly luxurious. This surge in comfort led to longer journeys, paving the way for the highway boom of the 1950s.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Interstate system, championed by President Eisenhower. Before the 'I' routes were established, road trippers relied solely on the Lincoln Highway, which stretched from New York City to San Francisco. However, the Lincoln Highway was often an uneven journey, with unpaved sections contributing to its rough reputation. Eisenhower faced significant pressure to enhance the nation's roadways, leading to the smoother, more efficient Interstate system that revolutionized travel and commutes.

1960s

The 1960s marked the dawn of the Concorde era, igniting excitement for supersonic travel. In a groundbreaking collaboration, France and Britain set out to create the world’s first supersonic aircraft, aptly named Concorde. This iconic jet symbolized the future of aviation with its remarkable speed. Construction began in 1962, the aircraft was unveiled to the public in 1967, and its first flight took place in 1969. However, public noise complaints soon dampened enthusiasm, leading to the production of only 20 units, with just 14 entering commercial service with Air France and British Airways before retirement in 2003. Even today, nearly two decades later, the allure of supersonic jets remains strong.

1970s

Amtrak was established in 1971, marking a significant period of brand development within American travel. Initially, Amtrak operated in 43 states (plus Washington D.C.) along 21 routes. In the early '70s, the company built railway stations and extended its services into Canada. Amtrak aimed to reduce car travel, particularly for commuters. However, it wasn't until 1975 that the introduction of Pullman-Standard Company Superliner cars positioned Amtrak as a viable long-distance travel alternative. This fleet of 235 cars, costing $313 million, included overnight cabins as well as dining and lounge facilities.

1980s

The '80s marked the era when long-distance air travel truly became the standard. Although the previous decades saw an increase in air travel's popularity, many still viewed it as a risky luxury. However, by the '80s, jet-setting had firmly established itself as the primary means of long-haul transportation.

1990s & 2000s

The groundwork for hybrid vehicles began in the '90s. The Toyota Prius, a gas-electric hybrid, debuted in Japan in 1997 and expanded to international markets in 2001. By 2007, Toyota had sold over 1 million Priuses globally. This hybrid movement from '97 to '07 paved the way for the rise of Teslas, chargeable BMWs, and the widespread adoption of electric cars we see today, significantly influencing both road trippers and everyday American commuters.

2010s

Cue up "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," as the 2010s marked the era when air travel reached new heights of luxury. In 2017, Qatar Airways unveiled their extravagant Qsuites, while business-class-only airlines like La Compagnie emerged in 2013, showcasing that private jets weren't the only way to experience high-end flying.

2020s

While we can't predict the 2020s transportation trend just yet, it’s clear that this decade is poised to become the era of commercial space travel. With Elon Musk developing an impressive SpaceX rocket and ambitious plans for a Mars mission, coupled with the upcoming world's first space hotel slated to open in 2027, the future of commercial space exploration looks promising.