HISTORY140 - Vacations

My last several blogs have been about the history of entire countries (Greenland, China, and Iran), and even a continent (Africa).  That’s pretty heavy stuff and I needed a break for something simpler and lighter.  Pat came to rescue again, suggesting “vacations” as a topic.

So, after an introduction to the subject, I will write about the history of vacations from ancient times to today, breaking the historical timeline into appropriate eras.  I will finish with a snapshot of trends for future vacations.

As usual, I will list my principal sources at the end.

 

Introduction

A vacation is a period of time spent away from work, school, or regular duties for the purpose of rest, travel, or recreation.  The word originates from the Latin vacatio, meaning "freedom," "exemption," or "leisure.”  It comes from the verb vacare, which means "to be empty" or "to be free from duty."

People often take a vacation during specific holiday observances or for specific festivals or celebrations.  Vacations are often spent with friends or family.  Vacations may include a specific trip or journey, usually for the purpose of recreation or tourism.

Some people differentiate between tourism and a vacation.  They would say that tourism (or traveling) focuses on exploring new environments, engaging with local cultures, and often involves a fast-paced, educational itinerary.  For them, a vacation is designed for relaxation, rest, and recharging, frequently featuring all-inclusive resorts, beach lounging, or familiar comforts.  Tourism is about experience, while a vacation is about escape.

A few of the many types of vacations in modern times.

Following is a long (but incomplete) list of types of vacations:

Common Vacations

·         Beach Vacations: One of the most popular choices, focused on sun, sand, and ocean activities like snorkeling or surfing.

·         City Breaks: Short, high-energy trips to major metropolitan hubs like New York or Paris for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

·         Adventure Travel: Designed for thrill-seekers, these involve physical challenges like hiking through Patagonia, white-water rafting, or climbing.

·         Cultural & Historical Immersion: Focused on experiencing the traditions, art, and history of a destination, often involving museum visits and local workshops.

·         Cruises & Resorts: "Floating resorts" or all-inclusive stays, where lodging, food, and entertainment are provided in one place. 

Specialty & Emerging Styles

·         Nature & Wilderness Retreats: Reconnecting with the outdoors through camping, luxury camping (glamping), or visiting National Parks like Yellowstone.

·         Wellness & Spa Retreats: Journeys centered on self-care, yoga, and mental rejuvenation.

·         Culinary Tourism: Traveling specifically to explore a region's food and drink through cooking classes or Michelin-starred dining.

·         Volunteer Travel (Voluntourism): Combining a trip with community service, such as wildlife conservation or building schools.

·         Staycations: A low-budget alternative where you take time off to explore your local area or relax at home. 

Groupings by Companion

·         Solo Trips: Increasing in popularity for those seeking complete freedom and self-discovery.

·         Family Vacations: Trips tailored with kid-friendly activities, often at theme parks or family resorts.

·         Romantic Getaways: Often chosen for honeymoons or anniversaries, focusing on intimacy and scenic locations.

The history of vacations has evolved from a luxury reserved for the elite in ancient times to a standardized, accessible part of life for the modern middle class.

 

Ancient Times

Recreational travel for vacations traces back over 2,000 years to Ancient Rome.  Wealthy Romans established the first "summer vacations" by fleeing the heat of the capital Rome for coastal villas in places like Pompeii and the Bay of Naples, about 150 miles southeast of Rome.  But, rather than the one to two weeks we strive to get away for, wealthy Romans would look to get away for months or even a few years!

Wealthy ancient Romans vacationed in Pompeii and the Bay of Naples.

The Romans were the first nation to travel for leisure because vacations required a period of peace and prosperity.  The Roman Empire was the first civilization to enjoy such periods and put the infrastructure in place to allow for vacations to happen.  This early tourism was supported by a vast road network that allowed for the establishment of inns, restaurants, and tour guides. 

As the Roman empire grew, the amenities of Roman life were spread to other parts of the world.  This meant that you could travel a long distance without ever being in a “foreign land,” away from the luxuries of home.  The work of the Roman army and navy in securing borders and transport against banditry, along with the ever-expanding borders of the empire, gave citizens freedom to travel without ever technically leaving Rome’s jurisdiction. 

The Romans even had guidebooks, with Greek geographer and traveler Pausanias’ Description of Greece (2^nd century AD) setting the standard for what a travel guide could look like.  It’s a classic of its kind, providing insights on everything from the geography of Greece to religious art and architecture.  But it came in 10 books, and was more of a shelf filler than something to idly flick through while you traveled. 

 

Medieval and Renaissance Europe

With the fall of Rome in AD 476, travel in Europe, throughout much of the Medieval Period, until about 1500, happened for one of two reasons - finding new land to call your own, or raiding the lands of your enemies.  New wars began and it was no longer safe to travel long distances.  This constant threat of battle, combined with unsafe travel routes meant that for most people across Europe, the furthest they ever travelled was to their neighboring village to celebrate the occasional wedding or holy day.

The exception was people who felt a religious calling to embark on a pilgrimage, where thousands of people traveled to religious sites like Canterbury Cathedral in the UK or Santiago de Compostela in Spain for spiritual fulfillment.

Without access to anything more sophisticated than a horse or a boat, foreign travel was a lengthy undertaking.  And, as with most luxuries from this period, traveling for pleasure was restricted to a tiny minority - those wealthy enough to go without work, but also without any significant responsibilities to discharge in their home towns.

In the UK, during the Tudor period (1485 -1603), leisure travel was reserved for royalty and the court.  Vacations taken by monarchs were called “royal progress,” and usually involved the King or Queen traveling to different towns where they would stay, sometimes for as long as a month.

Although some royal progress was taken purely for leisure, monarchs mainly traveled to other towns for publicity; the King or Queen rode around each town on horseback, meeting important people and providing the common people with a glimpse of his or her face.   In 1535, King Henry VIII took a progress to present his new wife Anne Boleyn as Queen, and to promote the reformation of the Church.

 

Queen Elizabeth I on progress

Progress usually happened twice every year, once in summer and once in winter.  As summer saw London rife with diseases, uncomfortable heat, and bad smells, progress was particularly popular during this season.  An escape to the quieter neighboring towns provided the court with a chance to relax, hunt, and enjoy the warm weather.  During winter progress, the monarch travelled around the Thames Valley and hosts provided indoor entertainment and feasts.

Generally, around 1,000 people accompanied the monarch on progress.  On one occasion, Henry VIII took 4,000 people with him. 

The Tudors did not have to worry about customs and baggage allowance, which was lucky as it was commonplace for the monarch’s luggage to extend to dinnerware, tapestries, bedding, and even beds!  In true diva-King style, Henry VIII was usually accompanied by his own cook, organist, and choir on his travels. 

During the early Renaissance period in the 15^th century, travel was mainly used for trade and battle.  Means of travel were limited; roads were uneven and treacherous, with robbers lurking and setting traps.  Only the rich could afford to travel safely, with groups of soldiers protecting them.  Sea travel was also dangerous, with pirates patrolling the seas, and storms frequently wiping out whole ships.

Inns provided shelter and were popular among travelers.  However, they were expensive, dirty and uncomfortable, with guests often sharing single beds.  These inns were commonly used by merchants, not by vacationers.  Those people lucky enough to be on vacation would usually be found staying with friends or relatives, where they could receive the comfortable accommodations that they’d expect to find at home.

The Renaissance era in the late 15^th and 16^th century did see a rise in the popularity of exploring.  Advances in shipbuilding saw galleons replace rowing boats, which encouraged more men to take to the sea in their curiosity for the undiscovered world, and to experience sights and sounds that none of their peers ever had.  Explorers like Columbus took to the seas and made history. 

 

17^th - 18^th Centuries

In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the concept of a "vacation" as we know it - short, annual breaks for the working class - did not exist.  Travel for leisure was almost exclusively the province of the wealthy. 

In Europe, the most iconic form of travel during this period was the Grand Tour, a multi-year journey through Europe undertaken by young, upper-class men.  It served as an educational rite of passage, allowing young aristocrats to finish their education by experiencing the art and history of classical civilizations firsthand.  Popular stops included Paris, Rome, Venice, Florence, and Naples.  A typical tour could last from one to four years.  Travelers spent months in major cities, visiting museums, commissioning portraits, and taking lessons in dancing, fencing, and riding. 

Beyond the Grand Tour, other forms of leisure travel emerged:  Wealthy families often visited spa towns (like Bath in England) to "take the waters" for health and social status.  By the late 18^th century, "polite society" began to appreciate the seaside for rest and recuperation, with towns like Brighton on the south coast of England becoming fashionable retreats.

Ladies enjoying Brighton seaside in the late 18^th century.

Traveling in the 18^th century was arduous and often dangerous:  Travelers relied on horse-drawn carriages, boats, or their own feet.  While major cities offered nice apartments, travelers in smaller towns often had to endure "harsh and dirty" inns with shared beds and poor hygiene.  Common travel worries included bandits, smugglers, and unreliable innkeepers.

Vacations in America in the 17^th and 18^th centuries were rare, expensive, and often combined with business, serving mainly the wealthy elite.  Travelers, usually men, took dangerous journeys via horse or ship, occasionally visiting coastal cities like Newport, RI, or Philadelphia for health or social connection.  Occasional trips to large towns like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York were made for socializing, attending court sessions, or religious conferences.  Travel was by horse, stagecoach, or boat, taking weeks to travel relatively short distances.  Travelers often relied on the hospitality of acquaintances or stayed at local taverns

 

19^th Century

19^th - century vacations were primarily a luxury for the wealthy, evolving from elite "Grand Tours" into summer resort stays by the late 1800s.  Early travel was difficult, relying on slow stagecoaches and ships but the rise of railways enabled faster, though crowded, journeys.  Destinations often focused on health, such as seaside spas or nature retreats, with strict social etiquette often in place. 

American participation in Grand Tour became common, with travelers exploring Europe for culture, education, and social status.  But getting abroad was a mission in its own right. There was no passport control, and crossing borders was notoriously difficult.  Travelers and their luggage were frequently searched, and countries placed high taxes on the import of luxury items such as tobacco.  Smuggling became a popular way to sneak luxury goods into countries, and many travelers took to bribing customs officers.

Key eras

·         The Early Century (1800 - 1840s): Travel was grueling, with roads that were often, rocky, muddy, and rutted. 

·         Mid-to-Late Century (1850 - 1900): Steamboats opened up sea travel to the masses.  Of course, these journeys still took a lifetime compared to the plane rides we enjoy today - a steamboat crossing from London to New York took an endurance testing nine days.  Railways revolutionized land travel, making it faster and more affordable to the middle class.  The Orient Express ferried people across Eurasia.  The first American steam train made its first journey in Baltimore in 1830, and within a few years the steam train was the most popular form of mass transport.  Buoyed by the availability of affordable travel options, Americans flocked to the beaches of Florida and California where they built “sandmen,” promenaded on purpose-built piers and indulged in refreshing ice creams. 

19^th- century vacationers flocked to the beaches of Florida and California.

·         The "see and be seen" culture grew, with people visiting seaside resorts and mountain hotels to escape polluted, crowded cities.

·         The Rise of Modern Tourism: In 1841, Englishman Thomas Cook founded the world’s first travel agency for the public, providing guided group tours, and laying the groundwork for the travel industry.  The company grew into a global empire, organizing the first "round-the-world" tour in 1872.

·         Travel Insurance: Modern vacation travel insurance began in the mid-19^th century.  In 1864, James Batterson founded The Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford, Connecticut.  Originally, it was a luxury product for the upper class who could afford to travel by steamship, stagecoach, or railroad.  Later, as international travel and commercial flight grew, policies expanded beyond simple accidents to cover medical emergencies, hospitalizations, and canceled flights.

·         Vacation Travel Guidebooks, and Maps: Beginning with pioneers like Englishman John Murray, these media democratized travel by offering practical logistical information, maps, and cultural context to travelers.  In the mid-1800s, Murray began publishing handbooks to provide "exhaustive rational planning" for travelers.  This era transitioned from personal narratives to structured practical advice on hotels, transportation, and culture.  Murray used star symbols to grade sights, a system that influence which sites tourists frequented.

Key Destinations and Activities

·         Seaside Resorts: Coastal towns became popular, but with strict rules of propriety.  Women used "bathing machines," wooden, roofed carts for changing into swimwear and entering the sea privately.

·         Spa Towns: For health, people flocked to thermal bath resorts like Bad Gastein and Karlsbad in Europe and Saratoga Springs in America, "taking the waters.”

·         Nature and Adventure: The wealthy began visiting places like the Adirondacks, building massive "cottages" to enjoy the rustic landscape.  The term "vacation" became common when wealthy families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers began to literally "vacate" their city homes for "great camps" in the Adirondacks.

·         Grand Tour Honeymoons: Couples would often spend months traveling through Europe, visiting destinations like Paris, Rome, and Venice as a wedding celebration. 

Travel Experience

·         Challenges: Travelers faced rough conditions, including, crowded, uncomfortable, stagecoaches, broken wheels, and unruly, unpaved, roads.

·         Accommodations: While luxury hotels existed for the elite, most hotels in the late 1800s lacked modern amenities, like running water or toilets.  Modern amenities on vacations evolved from exclusive, high-end luxuries in the 19^th-century hotel industry to the standardized comforts of the 1950s motel boom and the all-inclusive experiences of today.  Key developments included the introduction of private bathrooms and electric lighting in the 1800s, the "Golden Age" of motel amenities like air conditioning and swimming pools in the 1950s, and the rise of all-inclusive, activity-filled resorts starting in the 1970s. 

 

20^th Century

Vacations in the 20^th century evolved from exclusive, long-term retreats for the wealthy into a widespread, middle-class phenomenon enabled by the automobile and air travel.  Key trends included the rise of the American road trip in the 1920s-50s, popularization of national parks, and later, the growth of jet-set international travel and leisure resorts.

Early 20^th Century (1900s - 1920s)

·         Elite Exclusivity: Initially, travel was for the rich, who frequented spots like Newport, Rhode Island or took European "Grand Tours."

·         Passport Control: Passport Control for international vacation travel transitioned from voluntary, loosely enforced safe-passage documents in the 19^th century to mandatory, standardized booklets following World War I.   Mass tourism accelerated in the 20^th century, leading to standardized, biometric, and digital controls to manage high-volume border crossings.  In 1920, the League of Nations established a standard booklet format, including photos and identification, which became the basis for modern travel documents.  Mass leisure travel brought widespread, mandatory passport checks. Innovations like biometric passports, electronic records, and Mobile Passport Control (now available at over 30 U.S. airports) shifted focus to computerized screening.

·         "Taking the Waters:" Elite travelers visited spas like Karlsbad in the western Czech Republic for health, involving bathing in, and drinking, mineral waters.

·         Transportation: Trains were primary for long distances, with steamship travel popular for international trips.

·         Early Motor Camping: As cars like the Ford Model T became available, "auto camping" began, with families staying in primitive, often free, roadside camps.

·         The Borscht Belt: The Catskill Mountains became a popular summer destination, especially for Jewish families, featuring bungalow colonies and early stand-up comedy. 

 

Mid-20^th Century (1930s - 1960s) 

·         Rise of Atlantic City: Once promoted as a health resort for the wealthy, Atlantic City began to attract a broader crowd thanks to the completion of its famous boardwalk. In 1910, Atlantic City had 3 million summer visitors; in 1939 that number was up to 16 million.

·         Shortened Work Week and More Efficient Manufacturing: The shortening of the work week and industrialization of work processes allowed workers the freedom to get away from the daily grind.  Henry Ford was one of the first employers to offer his workers a five-day workweek.  Other businesses soon followed suit and the “weekend” became a cultural norm.  And along with additional time for recreation, the industrial revolution produced machinery and factories that enhanced the manufacturing process.  Work became more efficient and fewer workers were needed to complete the same job, meaning companies could afford for workers to leave on trips without a large inconvenience or drop in productivity.

·         Union Victories: While the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 regulated work hours and pay, it did not mandate paid vacation.  Instead, unions like the American Federation of Labor and United Auto Workers fought for paid time off in collective bargaining agreements.  By 1940, roughly 50% of hourly employees had vacation coverage.

·         Road Trip Boom: The rise of affordable car ownership, pioneered by Henry Ford, gave families the freedom to take road trips on cross-country routes like Route 66.  Post-WWII prosperity and increased car ownership made road trips mainstream, leading to the rise of motels and roadside attractions.  The construction of the interstate highway system and the opening of attractions like Disneyland fueled a massive increase in family road vacations.  Destinations like Yellowstone National Park saw a massive surge in visitors, transitioning from train-based to car-based tourism.

Desert road trip in the 20^th century.

·         Air Travel: Commercial aviation began in the 1920s, but exploded in the 1960s, allowing for faster travel, and putting international destinations within reach for the average traveler.  Or for those who wanted to stay in America, air travel enabled much quicker domestic trips.

·         Maps, Tour Books, and Brochures: Maps and detailed tour books from organizations like AAA provided vital mile-by-mile guidance, which became vital for the growing culture of automobile road trips.  Travel brochures evolved with the tourism industry to showcase destinations through photographs and advertising to promote rail, car, air, and resort travel.

 

Late 20^th Century (1970s - 1990s)

·         Rise of Non-Bank Foreign Exchange Providers: These specialized businesses give consumers an easy way to exchanges one country’s currency for another when going abroad.  By the mid-80s the bureau de change was a staple part of the travel industry and a fast and easy way for travelers to get their hands on local currency.  Often found in airports or city centers, these offices, or "currency exchanges," buy and sell foreign cash and traveler’s cheques.

·         Package Holidays: The latter half of the century saw the rise of all-inclusive resorts and pre-packaged travel, making international, sunny destinations accessible to many.

·         Cultural Sites: Tourism increasingly focused on major city attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. 

·         Golden Age of Travel Agents: Travel agents became "go-to" sources for booking complex itineraries, airlines, trains, and cruises, catering to the working class with mass-market package tours.  The rise of Online Travel Agencies allowed travelers to book directly, bypassing traditional agents.  Today, travel agents have pivoted to become specialized travel advisors, focusing on luxury, complex, or curated experiences, and providing high-touch customer service during travel disruptions.

·         Rise of Group Tours:  Group tours evolved from mid-century coach travel to highly educational excursions to well organized, variable-paced adventures.  Many top-rated companies now offer specialized itineraries designed for attractive content, accessibility, safety, and social connection with peers.  Group tours offer convenience, expert insights, and pre-planned logistics, making them ideal for senior travelers.  Senior tours offer convenience (transport/hotels handled), safety in numbers, expert guides, and access to exclusive activities.

 

Modern Era

Between 2000 and 2026, in the digital environment, vacations shifted to hyper-connected online directed travel, AI-driven, and experience-focused trips.  Technology revolutionized booking and sharing, while the 2020s brought a focus on wellness, "bleisure" (business + leisure), and "The Vacation Value Reset," where travelers in 2026 seek meaningful, cost-conscious experiences amid record-high costs. 

Key Trends in Vacations

·         2000s - 2010s: The Digital Transformation: The rise of smartphones, online booking, social media, and platforms like Airbnb (launched in 2008) destroyed the old travel agent model, making travel more accessible but less private.

 

Smartphone travel planning has revolutionized the vacation industry.

·         2020s: "Revenge Travel": Following COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, travelers sought to make up for lost time and canceled trips, and prioritized "bucket list" trips and "vacations of a lifetime.”

·         2026: The Vacation Value Reset: Facing record-high costs, 58% of Americans plan to spend less on travel in 2026, opting for "bleisure" (extending business trips), intentional experiences, and "dry tourism" (alcohol-free trips).

·         AI and Personalization: In 2026, AI agents took over trip planning, while travelers increasingly sought "quiet, wellness-focused vacations to escape constant connectivity.”

·         Active Travel: A shift toward active, experience-led vacations (marathons, unique local experiences) rather than just relaxation. 

By 2026, the purpose of travel has become less about mere escape and more about intentional experiences, authenticity, and personal growth. 

 

Note: Today, vacations are recognized as essential for work-life balance, though the U.S. remains the only rich country that does not legally guarantee paid vacation. The figure below shows how far behind the rest of world the U.S. is in providing vacations and holidays to its work force.

 

Future

Based on recent trends and forecasts, the next 25 years of vacations will be defined by a shift toward hyper-personalized experiences, a deep integration of technology for seamless travel, and a rising imperative for sustainability. 

Key trends emerging for 2025-2026 and beyond include:

·         The "Re-discovery" of America: With the USA’s 250^th anniversary in 2026, travel will focus on American history, including Route 66’s 100^th anniversary, East Coast rail tours, and major July 4^th events in Boston.

·         Active and Immersive Experiences: Travelers are moving away from passive leisure, focusing on "dry tourism," ancestry travel, and luxury train journeys.

·         "Set-Jetting" and Pop Culture: Travel inspired by movies and television, such as The White Lotus, continues to drive destination choices, such as Croatia and Northern Ireland.

·         Astro-Cruising: A new focus on stargazing and cruises tailored to celestial events like solar eclipses. 

The Next 25 Years: A Shift in Travel Philosophy

·         Sustainability and Regenerative Travel: The future of travel is focused on protecting the environment, with initiatives like Dominica's Sperm Whale Reserve setting the stage for tourism that actively improves the destination.

·         Technology-Driven Convenience: From AI-driven trip planning to increased usage of digital tools like digital immigration forms, the friction of travel is being reduced.

·         Blending Work and Play: "Zoom from the beach" culture will likely evolve into more integrated work-vacation hybrids, with travel routines adapting to include flexible, long-term stays.

·         Extreme Personalization: The market is moving toward highly personalized travel plans, created specifically to meet individual preferences, interests, and pacing, moving away from cookie-cutter packages. 

·         Pre Trip Virtual Inspections: It will soon be commonplace to virtually experience some elements of a future vacation.  For example, integrating the latest reviews into the virtual experience you can peruse each element of, say, a cruise ship and get not only a visual sense of the magnificent dining room but a factual sense as to whether the service is worth the cash.  Marriott hotels are already offering virtual reality services to their clients and we’ll see more and more chains offer the same in the future. Advanced tools will make virtual reality something all of us can enjoy, rather than a hobby for the techie few.

·         New Destinations:

Space vacations are becoming a reality through companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, offering suborbital flights for approximately $450,000 to over $! million, featuring weightlessness and views of Earth.  Future plans include orbital space hotels and extended stays by the 2030s, though high costs, training requirements, and safety risks currently make this a niche, high-end experience. 

A hotel in Earth Orbit could be operational within five years.

Undersea vacations are rapidly evolving from niche luxury experiences into immersive, sustainable, and high-tech adventures. By 2026, fully submerged resorts like Aquatica Deep in the Persian Gulf allow extended stays, while upcoming projects like PROTEUS™ aim to merge tourism with ocean research. Trends include private submarine excursions, panoramic underwater dining, and regenerative tourism. 

Whether we’re plumbing new depths or ice-skating on Mars, the vacation will continue to capture our imaginations. We’ll continue to push the boundaries of our own experiences, striving to achieve those perfect moments we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.

 

Sources

My principal sources include: “Vacation,” wikipedia.com; “The History of Vacations,” medium.com; “Did the Ancient Romans Go on Vacation?” unrv.com; “The American Family Vacation: A History,” weneedavacation.com; plus, numerous other online sources, including answers to many queries using Google in AI-Mode.