The Edwardian era, spanning the reign of King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910, was a time of rapid social, cultural, and technological change. Train travel was booming, ocean liners were the epitome of luxury, and the world’s first budget airlines were still decades away. It was also an age when many British families began to travel abroad for leisure, a novel concept for those who had spent centuries in the UK’s green fields.
With a wealth of guidebooks, travel advice from newspapers, and even tips from well-heeled travel writers of the time, the Edwardian period was a treasure trove of travel wisdom. Fast forward over a century, and much of this advice still rings true. Whether it’s packing tips, travel etiquette, or money-saving strategies, the Edwardians certainly knew how to travel in style (without going broke). In this article, we’ll look at Edwardian travel advice that’s still incredibly relevant today.
1. Pack Light and Pack Right
One of the most enduring pieces of advice from the Edwardian era is the importance of packing efficiently. A hundred years ago, when trunks were bulky and packing methods were more art than science, the Edwardians realised that light and smart packing could make the difference between a stressful journey and a pleasant one.
- Quality over Quantity: Edwardian travellers often travelled with a limited wardrobe and high-quality clothing that could be mixed and matched. The advice of the time was to select versatile pieces that could serve multiple purposes. For instance, a tailored jacket could double as both formal evening attire and a smart daytime coat.
- Modern Take: This advice is still sound today, especially with budget airlines enforcing strict luggage limits. Packing light not only saves money (hello, avoid those baggage fees), but it also makes for a more comfortable travel experience. After all, who wants to drag a massive suitcase through airport security, train stations, and hotel lobbies?
2. Plan Your Itinerary, But Leave Room for Adventure
Edwardian travel writers were big fans of a well-planned itinerary. However, they also encouraged a certain degree of flexibility—after all, part of the joy of travel is the unexpected.
- The Right Balance: Guidebooks and advice columns recommended having a rough itinerary of where you’d go, what you’d see, and when, but leaving space for spontaneity was key. An unexpected encounter with locals, a new exhibition in a city you didn’t plan to visit, or even an unplanned detour to a little-known historical site could enrich your trip in ways that strict schedules simply couldn’t.
- Modern Take: In the age of Google Maps and apps like TripAdvisor, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-planning every second. But take a leaf from the Edwardians: leave room for wandering. Whether you’re on a road trip or in a foreign city, take a day or two to explore without a plan. You’ll be surprised what treasures lie just around the corner when you let go of your schedule.
3. Be Prepared for Delays (But Keep a Positive Attitude)
The Edwardians had a healthy understanding of the unpredictability of travel. With trains running on steam power and early ocean liners susceptible to the occasional delay or weather issue, travellers were encouraged to prepare for disruptions without letting them ruin the trip.
- Patience is a Virtue: Travel in the Edwardian era often meant long waits in station waiting rooms or delays caused by bad weather at sea. Patience was key, and travellers were advised to take a calm approach and simply enjoy the moment.
- Modern Take: Today, while we have planes, high-speed trains, and luxury coaches, delays still happen (hello, storms and airline strikes!). The same Edwardian attitude of acceptance and resilience can save us from frustration. Pack a book, listen to music, or just people-watch—a delay doesn’t have to derail your whole experience.
4. Respect Local Culture and Etiquette
Edwardian travellers were often quite aware of the importance of understanding and respecting local customs and etiquette. Whether it was a local tradition in a European village or the manners of high society in Paris, they understood that travel was about more than just seeing sights—it was about engaging with the culture.
- Politeness Goes a Long Way: In Edwardian times, manners were incredibly important. Whether you were on an ocean liner or in a grand hotel, you were expected to dress appropriately, use good manners, and respect the social norms of wherever you were visiting. The Edwardians even had a phrase for it—“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
- Modern Take: This is just as important today, especially in our globalised world. Whether you’re visiting a bustling city like Tokyo or a quiet village in France, understanding local customs—like how to greet people, tipping practices, or dining etiquette—can make your travels much more enjoyable and respectful. So, do a little research on the customs of your destination before you go, and always approach new cultures with an open mind.
5. Take the Train for Scenic Journeys
The Edwardians loved to travel by rail, and the train was often their preferred method of transport for both convenience and scenic enjoyment. During the Edwardian era, luxury train journeys were the epitome of opulence, but even ordinary travellers appreciated the scenic views and the slower pace of life that trains offered.
- The Scenic Route: Trains of the era were known for their stunning routes through mountain landscapes, coastal views, and through picturesque villages. Travelling by train allowed people to experience the country’s natural beauty in a way that modern cars and planes just can’t replicate.
- Modern Take: Even though high-speed rail is now the norm, taking a scenic train journey remains one of the most rewarding travel experiences. From the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada to the Glacier Express in Switzerland, train journeys today still offer unparalleled views and a more relaxed, scenic way to travel. So, next time you’re booking a trip, consider taking the train for the experience, not just the destination.
6. Don’t Forget to Take Time to Rest
While the Edwardians were busy with sightseeing, shopping, and exploring, they also understood the importance of rest. Whether it was enjoying afternoon tea or taking a quiet stroll along the promenade, the Edwardians believed that travel wasn’t just about activity—it was about rejuvenation.
- Balancing Activity with Relaxation: The advice of the time was to make sure you pencilled in moments of rest amidst your busy sightseeing schedule. It was often recommended to take a moment in a quiet garden or enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café to regain energy for more exploration.
- Modern Take: In today’s busy travel world, we often rush to tick off sights from our bucket lists. But, taking time to pause and recharge is just as important today as it was in the Edwardian era. Whether it’s an afternoon nap or a peaceful walk in a local park, give yourself permission to rest during your travels—you’ll enjoy your trip so much more.
What to Know More?
For those looking to learn more about the travel advice of the Edwardian period or how it shaped the modern tourism industry, here are some resources to explore:
- Travels with a Gentleman: A Guide to Edwardian Travel by John Soane
- The Edwardian Era: A Historical Travel Guide by Sarah V. Thomas
- The Golden Age of Rail Travel: Exploring Edwardian Journeys by Alistair McBride
- Leisure and Travel in the Early 20th Century by Harriet F. Franklin
