Following historic routes
Some of the most rewarding travel involves tracing, loosely, the path of an earlier expedition. The Silk Road, the Inca royal road, the Lewis and Clark route. None can be followed exactly today, but the rough line gives a journey a shape.
What you get is geography that has meant something to many travellers across time, rather than a route assembled for tourism.
Routes worth considering
The northern Silk Road through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and western China is increasingly accessible. Towns like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are remarkable in their own right.
The Camino in Spain follows a medieval pilgrimage route. The Camino Frances is the famous version, but there are several others, including the Camino del Norte along the coast.
Lewis and Clark's route across the American Northwest can be followed loosely, with the Columbia River sections particularly evocative.
Slocum's solo circumnavigation in the 1890s left a path you can read alongside a modern map. Several sailors have retraced it.
Modern equivalents
You don't need to actually walk a Silk Road segment or sail Slocum's route. Reading the original account and travelling some of the geography modernly is a form of slow travel that rewards the effort.
Take the book with you. Read it where the writer wrote about.
Etiquette of historic routes
Many historic routes pass through communities that have lived along them for centuries. Some have suffered from the original travellers. Behave accordingly.
Visit local museums to understand the route from the perspective of the people who lived along it, not just the foreigners who passed through.
Travel tips
- → Read the original account before you travel
- → Visit local museums for the resident perspective
- → Allow extra time for stops along the route
- → Travel slowly to honour the original pace
Best season
Varies by route. Many follow trade routes that were used in cooler months.
How to get there
Multiple flights and overland connections, depending on the route. Plan in segments.
What to expect
Geographical continuity with historic narratives, varied infrastructure, and the slow accumulation of meaning that comes from a thematic trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide?
Helpful for context but not always required. Many routes are well-signed for modern travellers.
Visa considerations?
Many historic routes cross multiple countries. Plan visas well in advance.
Can I do part of a route?
Yes. Most historic routes are too long to do in one trip. Choose a meaningful section.
