When did humans start Travelling?

Groups of modern humans—Homo sapiens—began their migration out of Africa some 60,000 years ago. Some of our early ancestors kept exploring until they spread to all corners of Earth. How far and fast they went depended on climate, the pressures of population, and the invention of boats and other technologies.



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The first evidence of human travel comes from the migration of Homo erectus from Africa to Eurasia over a million years ago. Quite logically, our ancestors traveled in search of food, water and better living conditions (we still do).

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In the 1920s, plane windows were just open holes, and airports were more like garages. During the Prohibition era, cargo trains were searched for alcohol. Traveling by cruise ship was a black-tie affair.

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The first means of transportation was the human foot. People used to walk large distances to reach places.

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It was common to travel to the islands of Lesbos, Rhodes, and Chios, and the islands of Ionia. Greek cities in Asia Minor and important settlements such as Athens were also popular tourist destinations. Roman tourists were attracted to sites such as the Colossus of Rhodes and Satyr of Protogenes.

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Around 4000 BC, humans learnt to domesticate animals and, use them for transport and trade. Capable of travelling long distances and carrying heavier loads, the use of animals made travel and trade easier and more efficient, leading to trails and tracks in the land.

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Before the invention of trains and automobiles, animal power was the main form of travel. Horses, donkeys, and oxen pulled wagons, coaches, and buggies. The carriage era lasted only a little more than 300 years, from the late seventeenth century until the early twentieth century.

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In the 21st century, the average U.S. citizen travels about 16,000 miles a year. In 1900, the average American only traveled 340 miles.

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