How Was Tourism Like in the Early 20th Century?

Introduction to Early 20th Century Tourism

Today, we live in an era of mass tourism, where travel is accessible to people from all walks of life. However, during the early 20th century, tourism was reserved for the elite and the wealthy. The lifestyle and pleasures of travel from that period are truly fascinating and provide a glimpse into a bygone era.

My Parents' Honeymoon in 1934

My parents were born in 1894 and 1911, which is a 17-year age gap common for the time. Their honeymoon trip, in 1934, went from Budapest to St. Moritz in Switzerland. This journey took a full week each way, but not because of traffic congestion — the travel took time due to the technology and travel methods of the era.

My father drove an open two-seater, likely a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, and their luggage was carried behind them in another Rolls-Royce gifted by my mother’s aunt, who was the largest owner of such vehicles in the region. This aunt, who resided in Subotica, was noted for her prestigious car, which was also the largest in all of Yugoslavia.

Travel in the 1930s required extensive planning and preparation. In the prestigious Palace Hotel of St. Moritz, guests were expected to change outfits multiple times daily, as etiquette required. A typical guest would require at least four outfit changes throughout the day to appear in public at different social events such as tea, dinner, and evening events.

Premium Travel Experiences in St. Moritz

Skiing in St. Moritz had already gained popularity by the 1930s. Traditionally, skis were rigidly fixed to the feet with a single large-sized stick to help with balance. During their stay, my mother broke her kneecap while skiing, ending her active participation in the sport.

The afternoon bridge games were well-respected social events, adhering to strict conventions and requiring a high level of mental concentration. My parents, having been given private lessons, never appeared ridiculous. Their greatest success, however, came when they demonstrated the Hungarian csàrdàs, a traditional dance, instead of the popular foxtrot. This dance earned appreciation and admiration, even after the tragic event involving my mother's injury.

Therapeutic Travel for the Older Generation

For the older generation, tourism meant "taking the waters," a term used for health-focused travel, especially to places known for their thermal waters. One popular destination was Karlsbad, where treatments involved not only bathing in warm thermal water but also drinking the water multiple times a day to help cure various conditions, such as intestinal problems.

Musical and Social Aspects of the Era

Music played a significant role in these trips. My grandfather, a keen fan of Franz Lehàr, particularly enjoyed his opera, "The Merry Widow." He was knowledgeable about various arias and often shared them with others. While not everyone was an opera connoisseur, the younger generation provided entertainment by playing piano for the audience. These performances were not as exciting as today’s shows, as recorded music was not yet widely available.

These stories from the early 20th century illustrate how travel was once reserved for the privileged, involving extensive planning, formal etiquette, and significant differences from today’s mass tourism. Understanding these aspects provides valuable insight into the social and cultural norms of the past.