The History Press – Holidays and High Society: The Golden Age of Travel

Step into the golden age of travel

In the nineteenth century, the phenomenon of 'going abroad' gave rise to a world where coastal towns, elegant spas, and renowned resorts became the playground of royalty, celebrities, and the ultra-wealthy. Holidays and High Society traces that era through evocative archival material and carefully curated visuals, revealing how travel, fashion, and social rituals interwove to shape a remarkable chapter in leisure history. The book invites readers to imagine drawing rooms filled with conversation, the scent of perfumed air, and the soft shuffle of luggage through grand hotel foyers.

Drawing on the Mary Evans Picture Library archives and contributions from Galleria L’IMAGE, Lucinda Gosling guides readers through iconic destinations—from Monte Carlo and Maidenhead to Biarritz and St Moritz—and into the lives of the privileged travelers who made them famous. Expect a richly textured tapestry of destinations, outfits, and social moments that defined an era when travel was as much about image as itinerary.

What you’ll experience

• Vivid portraits of fashionable destinations, hotels, and resorts that defined leisure travel, with period detail that sparks the imagination.
• Insights into how travel, style, and social life flowed together, shaping rituals, gossip, and public perception.
• Visual culture such as vintage travel posters, brochures, and fashion spreads that illuminate the era’s aesthetics and ambitions.
• A glimpse into the social dynamics of elite society, where destinations became stages for display, interaction, and cultural exchange.
• Context on the evolution of travel infrastructure, from grand hotels to early resort facilities, that supported aspirational journeys.

Why this book matters

• Rich, archive-based storytelling that brings history to life with atmosphere and texture, rather than dry chronology.
• A mood-rich guide to how travel influenced fashion, design, and attitudes toward leisure and exploration.
• Inspiration for readers curious about iconic places, luxury culture, and the social theater of travel in the past.
• A thoughtful balance of gossip, glamour, and real life, offering a nuanced view of a celebrated era.

Whether you’re a history buff, a design enthusiast, or simply drawn to the drama of past escapades, Holidays and High Society offers an evocative journey into a world where travel was more than movement — it was a statement of style and a social experience that shaped what came next in modern leisure.