#2 Jefferson County Mobile Library, Texas' First Mobile Library
#3 200-Year-Old Wooden Bridge In Dagestan, Built Without The Use Of A Single Nail
“The Golden Age of Travel” is the group’s name for a reason; its description states that the phrase is often used to describe the period between the 1830s and the early 1950s (excluding the two world wars).
The description also states that the posts should relate to where vacationers went, what they saw, or how they got there, and they can include “posters, old photos (or modern, if they depict interesting passenger transportation or beautiful old buildings, such as castles), advertisements” and similar formats.
#4 Bmw Isetta Bubble Car Custom Conversion, 1950s. And, Of Course, A Picnic Basket
Currently boasting close to 630k members, the group was created back in 2018. Talking about how it all started, its founder Bill told Bored Panda that as a world traveler and author, he always enjoyed reading about early travelers.
“I thought it would be fun to join such a group, but I was surprised to find that none existed. When I started it, I published many vintage posters and old travel photos,” he said, adding that after creating the group, his sister joined the endeavor.
#8 London In The 1920s. A Policeman In A London Street Giving Directions To The Three Children On A Bicycle. The Bicycle Is Specially Made For Three Persons
Bill shared that in order to be posted on the group’s page, the pictures have to be from within the time frame of the 1830s to the 1950s. But other than that, members are quite welcome to expand the limits of the group’s field of interest.
“Members have caused the group to evolve and grow. They introduced archeological finds, vintage cars, modern pics of vintage buildings,” the founder noted.
#9 The First Subway Ride In New York City History, 120 Years Ago. Original, 1904
Research into the golden age of travel suggests that while the roots of travel go back to the 18th century, back then it was still a novelty for the general masses. However, the situation started changing from the 1930s onwards, as the growing availability of the motor car—and later the development of the aircraft—made traveling increasingly available to certain classes of people, reportedly especially in Europe.
#12 Baby Strollers Strapped To The Front Of The Bus In Opawa, New Zealand (1950s)
#13 Car Seats Were Not Equipped With Any Straps To Keep Baby Seat On The Seat. Instead, These Seats Depended On The Mother Extending Her Arm To Prevent The Baby From Toppling Forward. 1958
Nowadays, many people can’t imagine their lives without traveling. Though the pandemic had brought it to a halt for a moment there, it seems to be picking up speed again, at least based on the leisure tourism spending worldwide, which was consistently rising between 2019 and 2023. Last year, such spending worldwide added up to over $5,100 billion US dollars.
#15 A Victorian Home Being Moved Via Horse Power In San Francisco, 1908
#16 An Amazing Capture Of Changing Times In Transportation By Photographer O. Winston Link
When asked how he felt about the response the group receives from the online community, Bill admitted feeling surprised and delighted. In his opinion, “The Golden Age of Travel” and similar groups provide people with entertainment and allow them to delve deeper into history and art, which can benefit quite a few curious minds out there.
If you’re one of such curious minds, looking to delve deeper into all things travel or history, browse Bored Panda’s list of lesser-known travel destinations next, or check out these fascinating pictures from the past for more similar content.
#19 1950s, “Flying Cars” Amusement Park Ride. The Drum Rotated And You Controlled A Brake In The Car. The Cars Would Go Completely Up And Over The Loop
#20 Salvador Héctor Sarida, Little 6-Year-Old Motorcyclist. Buenos Aires, 1936
