Historical Travel- Why You Should Do It & How I Can Help

It should be no surprise to anyone reading this, An Historian About Town, would be a proponent of historical travel. Travel is a worthwhile venture for anyone, and is the best education. You learn about the world, you are pushed out of your comfort zone, and you always return home with a new perspective. However, I believe that historical travel is the best kind of travel. Today’s post is all about why you should be seeking out historical travel whenever you can, and how I can help you with your historical travel!

Historical Travel- Why You Should Do It 

Obviously an historian would do anything they could to promote the study of history. However, historical travel is one of the most engaging ways to take in history, and usually doesn’t require any training or studying. You simply need the time off, a passport, and probably some reliable walking shoes. So, why exactly should you be doing this?

There is a History of Everything 

My own historical interests are largely royal history, fashion history, literary history, and Irish history. (Henceforth why that is most of what you see here.) However, everyone is interested in something different. And guess what? Every subject, place, and topic has its own history to dive into. So, if you are interested in video games or French cooking or suspension bridges, there is a history. And there is something quite different about seeing history in front of you. It brings it home and makes it entirely real, and sometimes leads to epiphanies.

History Can Be Relaxing 

I will admit, I wouldn’t describe my own historical travel as relaxing. I like maximising my travel and fitting in as much as I can. However, you can certainly take the relaxed approach. When you visit a museum, take your time wandering throughout the whole museum. And enjoy a slow cup of tea in the cafe before heading out. And you can stay in a historic area so that you are able to see more simply by stepping outside your accommodations. If you are a “I only lay on beaches on vacation” person, I probably won’t sway you. But if you’ve ever wanted to wander Paris on your holidays or drink tea like the Queen, that is easily made relaxing.

History Can Even Be Fulfilling 

Knowing the history and context behind places and things can often make them more fulfilling and enjoyable. Sure, Hampton Court Palace is fun day out for anyone. However, once you know the history behind it- Henry VIII and his rather unfortunate ex-wives, William and Mary’s Georgian designs, the suffragettes of the early twentieth century- it becomes much more meaningful and interesting. Occasionally knowing the history behind something can make it harder to enjoy. ( Coco Chanel’s Nazi ties have ensured I will never purchase from the house, or set out to research anything on her…) I’ve found that this is few and far between though. Embracing the things that you love, including their history, is one of the joys of adulthood.

Historical Travel- How Can I Help? 

I’ve been planning historical travel for myself, my family, and my friends for years. I’ve planned trips for royal history buffs, knitters,  and soccer/football enthusiasts. It probably stems from my research skills that I’ve learned in my historical training, but I’ve developed a good eye for doing this. I made a few mistakes myself, and learned pretty quickly from them. If you are from North America, or anywhere else with not a ton of paid vacation time, you want to make the most of your historical travel. So, how can I help you with that?

An Historian About… Travel Guides!

I am happy to announce that I will be releasing An Historian About Town travel guides to help you with your own historical travel. I have learned a lot over the years. Like when I planned a trip to Paris from Sunday morning to Monday evening… only to figure out that we arrived too late to get to Versailles on Sunday and it is closed on Monday. And when I tried to take a day trip to an Irish island, only to realise that due to seasonal weather, they wouldn’t be happening for months. The time when I planned to head to a London museum at 4, when it closed at 5. And who could forget trying to visit a small but historic church only for it to be locked? Historic travel is wonderful but there can be quite a few snags.

Beginning in September, you will be able to purchase An Historian About Town travel guides. I’ll be sharing my favourite tips and tricks to make the most out of your trips, hidden history gems, and all of those things that you don’t think of. My experiences can help you! These aren’t meant to be a trip itinerary, but to help you in planning your trip. You can expect to see a general London guide, a royal London guide, a Dublin guide, and more throughout the fall. There will also be a general historical travel guide! If there are any guides that you want to see, please let me know. And prices will be affordable; the maximum cost for a guide will be $20 CAD/ £15 GBP.

And if you would like help planning a historical travel trip somewhere, I am also available to help with planning. I can provide bespoke advice, specific to where you are going. There are a lot of differences and things to consider when you are travelling on different countries and continents, and I can help smooth out the planning process!

Please note: I’m not a travel agent, and I don’t book anything for anyone. (Please don’t hand out your credit card or passport number to people, no matter what they promise…) This is advice and planning, not booking!

For my tips on cultural and historical travel, you can visit here and here!

What has been your experience with historical travel? 

Cheers,
The Historian
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