Page 77 - Introduction to Tourism

was accomplished by observing the position of

the sun and stars, ocean swells, clouds, and bird

flights. Considering the problems of fresh water

and food supplies, such sea travel was

astonishing. Later, navigation by the early

explorers was facilitated by using a sandglass to
measure time, a “ log ” line trailed behind the ship

to measure distance, and a compass to gauge
direction.

Europeans

The collapse of the Roman Empire in the fourth

and fifth centuries spelled disaster for pleasure

travel and tourism in Europe. During the Dark

Ages (from the fall of the Western Roman

Empire, 476 C.E. , to the beginning of the

modern era, 1450 C.E. ), only the most

adventurous persons would travel. A trip during

this period in history was dangerous; no one

associated travel with pleasure. The most

notable exception to this in Europe during the

period was the Crusades.

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