“The Queen” Newspaper
As the title suggests the Book of Travel is the fourth edition of a guide compiled by the newspaper’s Travel Editor – M. Hornsby and published by “The Queen” newspaper (now known as Harper’s Bazaar).
The guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements. However, each entry varies wildly from just stating facts about population numbers, soil type and annual rainfall, to an extract that appears to have been taken directly out of a tourist board brochure.
“The Queen” Newspaper was a magazine aimed at fashion and culture for upper class women and founded in 1861 by Mrs Beeton’s husband Samuel Orchart Beeton, then was sold and merged the following year to become the “The Queen: The Ladies Newspaper and Court Chronicle”.
Over the years it merged and evolved into what is now know as Harper’s Bazaar.
Copies of various editions of “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel can still be purchased both online and at various second hand book shops.
Tourism and travel for UK female residents in 1907
Tourism and travel for UK female residents in 1907 were shaped by the social, economic, and technological context of the Edwardian era, a period marked by significant shifts in British society. During this time, the foundations of modern tourism were being laid, influenced by advancements in transportation, changes in social customs, and the emerging middle class’s growing disposable income. However, the experience of travel in 1907 for UK female residents, particularly those who ventured abroad, would have been vastly different from today’s standards, and even within the varied strata of society.
Social Context
Class Influence: Travel experiences were largely determined by social class. Upper-class and affluent women had the means to embark on grand tours, visiting continental Europe, North Africa, and occasionally farther afield, indulging in cultural and leisure activities. Middle-class women also participated in travel, though their trips were typically shorter and less extravagant, often focusing on domestic destinations or nearby European countries.
Chaperonage and Companionship: Respectable travel for unmarried women almost always required the presence of a chaperone. Older, married, or widowed women had more freedom but still faced societal scrutiny. Group travel or tours were becoming popular, providing a socially acceptable way for women to explore new places.
Educational and Health Tourism: Travel for education and health reasons was common. Women visited cultural capitals of Europe for education, while spas and seaside resorts in the UK and abroad were popular for health and wellness retreats.
Technological and Infrastructure Developments
Transportation: The expansion of railway networks in Britain and across Europe, along with the advent of luxury ocean liners, significantly facilitated travel. These developments made travel faster, more comfortable, and accessible, though still primarily for those who could afford it.
Communication: Advances in communication, including the telegraph and later the telephone, made travel safer and more convenient by allowing travelers to stay in touch with family and manage logistical arrangements more easily.
Travel Experiences
Accommodation and Leisure: Hotels, boarding houses, and guest houses were the mainstays of accommodation. The more luxurious establishments catered to the upper classes with high standards of comfort and service. Leisure activities varied by destination but often included visiting cultural landmarks, attending social events, and participating in outdoor activities like hiking or boating.
Dress and Etiquette: Traveling attire was an important consideration, with women expected to wear outfits appropriate to their destination, the time of day, and the activity. This often meant packing multiple changes of clothing for different occasions.
Documentation and Permissions: Travel abroad required a passport, a relatively new requirement at the time. Married women’s passports were issued in their husband’s names, reflecting societal norms that viewed women as dependents.
Challenges and Limitations
Societal Attitudes: Despite the growing acceptability of travel for women, societal attitudes remained a constraint. Independent travel was often viewed with suspicion, and women travelers could face prejudice and harassment.
Economic Barriers: The cost of travel was prohibitive for many, limiting tourism and leisure travel to those of sufficient economic means.
