In preparing this volume for the press the author of "How to Travel" has endeavored to supply a want whose existence has long been apparent to him. Having journeyed somewhat over the earth he is frequently consulted by friends and acquaintances who are about to travel, and wish to know what to do before setting out on their undertakings, and how to meet the various perplexities that are sure to arise. In preparing this book he has answered a great many interrogatories that have been addressed to him in person, and if the manner of his response should be considered didactic, he begs the reader to remember that the author is endeavoring to meet the questions of the would-be traveler, and, therefore, addresses him in the second person. As nearly as possible he has embodied in "How to Travel" as much information as could be wrung from him by a vigorous and thorough interrogation of a couple of long winter evenings, conducted by an inquisitive couple who were about starting on a journey around the world and up and down its surface.
With the changes that are constantly going on, some of the information here given may be found slightly inaccurate, but it is hoped that instances of this sort will be rare. Prices of hotels, steamships, railroads, and the like are subject to alteration, and consequently no absolute rule can be laid down. But the author believes that in the instances where his figures may be found astray they are so near the mark that they will prove of material assistance to the traveler.
As the author is neither a lady nor a lawyer, he has found it desirable to invoke the aid of those important members of society in the preparation of the book. A reference to the table of contents will show the assistance they have given him, the one in a chapter of "Special Advice to Ladies" and the other in "Legal Rights of Travelers." All other parts of the book are of his own production and the results of his experience in travel, covering a period of more than 20 years and embracing many lands and seas.
With this explanatory preface, and trusting that the volume will be a sufficient apology for its existence, the author delivers it to the hands of the traveling public, and hopes for a verdict in its favor.
T. W. K.
New York, February, 1881.
CONTENTS.
| CHAPTER. | PAGE. | ||
| I. | General Advice Applicable to all Kinds of Travel, | [9] | |
| II. | Railway Travel in the United States and Canadas, | [20] | |
| III. | American Steamboat Travel, | [28] | |
| IV. | Sea and Ocean Travel, | [37] | |
| V. | Sea Sickness and How to Avoid it, | [48] | |
| VI. | Special Advice to Ladies, by a Lady, | [55] | |
| VII. | Daily Life at Sea, | [64] | |
| VIII. | Going on Shore—Hotels, | [76] | |
| IX. | The System of Fees, | [87] | |
| X. | English and Continental Money, | [102] | |
| XI. | Languages and Couriers, | [108] | |
| XII. | Railway Traveling on the Continent, | [118] | |
| XIII. | Steamboat Traveling in Europe, | [133] | |
| XIV. | Sea-going Steamers in European Waters, | [139] | |
| XV. | Sea and Ocean Steamers in Various Parts of the World, | [147] | |
| XVI. | Travel by Stage-Coach, Diligence, and Post, | [155] | |
| XVII. | Traveling with Camels and Elephants, | [167] | |
| XVIII. | Traveling with Reindeer and Dogs, | [174] | |
| XIX. | Traveling with Man-power—Palankeens, Jinrikishas,and Sedan Chairs, | [179] | |
| XX. | Pedestrian Traveling—Mountain Climbing, | [186] | |
| XXI. | Traveling Without Money—Round the World for $50, | [193] | |
| XXII. | Skeleton Tours for America and Europe, | [201] | |
| XXIII. | } | General Directions for a Journey Round theWorld, with Routes, Distances, etc., etc., | [207] |
| XXIV. | } | ||
| XXV. | Legal Rights of Travelers, by a Lawyer, | [230] | |
| XXVI. | Wilderness and Frontier Travel, | [242] |
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL ADVICE APPLICABLE TO ALL KINDS OF TRAVEL.
There is an old saying of unknown origin that a light heart and a thin pair of trowsers are the principal requisites for a journey. The proper texture of one's garments depends largely on his route of travel and the difficulties to be encountered; thin ones would be desirable in hot countries and for lounging on the deck of a ship in low latitudes, while they would be eminently out of place in the region of the north pole or in the rough traveling of the wilderness. But no one will deny that a light heart has much to do with the pleasure of travel, and the man who can be serene under all circumstances, who laughs at mishaps, and accepts every situation with a smile of content, or at least with a feeling of resignation, is the model voyager. For him the miles go by as on the wings of a bird, while to the grumbler and misanthrope they are weighted with lead. The former comes back from his wanderings refreshed and instructed while the latter is no better in mind and body than when setting out on his journey. For your own comfort and happiness, and your own mental and physical advantage, start on your journey with a determination to see the bright side of everything and to endure as cheerfully as possible the jolts and buffetings and petty disappointments that are sure to be your lot. And in the same proportion that a light heart makes you better for yourself it makes you better and more agreeable for those who may be traveling with you.