Page 57 - Introduction to Tourism

Twenty - first - century travelers, tiredly pulling

their carry - on bags from the overhead bin and

waiting to walk down the jetway to a foreign

destination, may think their experience is

uniquely modern. But they are the latest in a long

line of travelers reaching back to antiquity. From
earliest times, “ all modes of carriage (from

animal to the sonic jet) and accommodations
(from the meanest hovel to the five - star luxury

hotel) have given a livelihood to countless
legions. ” Like today ’ s travelers, these travelers

did not do it alone. “ Guiding, counseling, and

harboring the traveler is among the world ’ s

earliest vocations. ”

Typically, modern travelers enlist a travel agent

to make plane reservations, book some hotels,

and make recommendations for special tours

upon arrival in Athens or Madrid. Despite

specialized help, they frequently arrive feeling

dirty and tired, complain about the crowded flight,

and hope to clear customs without waiting in a

long line. A middle - aged couple ruefully recall

that the travel agent was not able to book a hotel

57