Even into the twentieth century travelling in Europe was quite an adventure. Most people just stayed at home in their town or village. A voyage over water was not particularly fast but it was safe. On the other hand, travel by road was much more difficult.

Almost all the roads were dirt tracks. There were many boundaries and turnpike-roads which caused delay. During one’s travels good hotels were not always available along the route.

For those who had no desire to walk there was a choice of riding on horseback, mule or donkey, or going by carriage. At first the carriage was a simple hooded cart, but from the 17^th century onwards, it developed in various ways. For long distance travels special types were built, and many companies organized public transport.  

Along the main roads posts were placed where spent horses were exchanged for fresh ones. Travel by carriage was expensive but was well organised from the 18^th century onwards.

The introduction of the steam locomotive in 1830 caused a revolution in travelling. The train made travelling fast, safe and cheap. Successively fewer carriages were used for long distances. From 1900 onwards the motorcar replaced the carriage altogether, half a century later the carriage had disappeared from the streets in almost all of Europe.

Now we only see carriages being driven during historical pageants, royal occasions or tours in towns of historical interest. When travelling we take the car, bus or aeroplane.