History’s Most Famous Travel Adventures

by Kraig Becker on

There is no doubt that history has a level of influence on the places that many of us visit. We read about far off places and exotic adventures, and it fires our own imaginations, sometimes compelling us to take a journey of our own, and experience the things that we’ve dreamed about.

Forbes Traveler has put together an excellent list of the greatest travel adventures from history, not only putting them in historical context, but also explaining why they remain a great travel experience even to this day. Each of the journeys on this list include a link to a travel service than can help organize your own adventure, following in the footsteps of explorers and adventurers from the past.

Some of the famous journeys that make the list include the Lewis and Clarke Expedition’s exploration of the American West, which modern day travelers can experiencing for themselves by spending five days paddling more than 60 miles of the Missouri River. Prefer something a bit more exotic? Then how about a 34-day, 4850+ mile journey through South America, by motorcycle no less, that retraces the travels of Che Guevara. Want to go even further back in time? Then head to the Far East to travel the Silk Road, much the same way that Marco Polo did in the 13th century.

There is a little something for everyone on this list, from the physically demanding to the luxurious. But they all share one thing in common, they are some of the greatest journeys in history, and they are still inspiring travel years, and sometimes centuries, later.

GADLING TAKE FIVE: Week of October 27–November 2

by Jamie Rhein on

Pretend this is Friday for a moment. That’s when the Gadling Take Five would have come out if it wasn’t Halloween this week, my daughter’s birthday and, well, whatever. Since looking back over the week at Gadling so I can throw kudos to my fellow bloggers is a highpoint for me, I wanted to not totally pass up the chance to toot a horn or two. It’s really hard to pick, though.

First up is dear, dear, Leif who has such wit and charm and knowledge of Burma (Myanmar) that it can make a person’s head spin. Although, I am always interested in what Leif writes, the “A Keyhole into Burma: You have something on your face” made me laugh. heartily. I just read it again and laughed.

Kelly always picks reads that sound fascinating, and Women Travelers: A Century of Trailblazing Adventures 1850-1950 caught my attention. I’d love to read about Robert Louis Stevenson’s wife and her travels, for example. I never knew he had a wife, but can recite his poem, “The Swing” by heart.

Considering that this was Halloween week, Matthew’s post ” Big in Japan: Asia’s biggest Halloween Party!” gives an insider’s look at one heck of a party attended by a wild cast of characters. Sounds like fun. I hope he’s recovered.

Neil’s post on the Museum of Broken Hearts almost broke my heart. I wondered what pitiful memento I have squirreled in a box somewhere. The museum sounds to me like the objects are odes to lost love–and a interesting history on how people tick and don’t click.

Then there’s Abha’s post on the 10-year-old who taught himself 10 languages. That’s enough to make me feel quite inadequate. I finally learned passable Wolof when I lived in The Gambia because I absolutely had to. I do not have a great ear. Yep, 10 languages, 10 years old. I’m impressed.

Okay, that’s five, and you’ll get five more in five days. That’s symmetrical.