Cost of a European Trip - 1910

The cost of a European trip depends entirely on the time consumed, the route, and the type of accommodations the traveler requires. In planning a European trip, the expense can be arrived at very closely by adding together the cost of ocean passage, both eastward and westward, not forgetting to allow for ocean fees, usually amounting to about $7.00 each way, and for other expenses which may be incurred at sea.

Add to this the cost of the railroad and steamship fares abroad. These can be readily obtained from any reliable tourist agency, which will furnish the tickets without increasing costs for a lump sum.

This saves money when buying tickets, changing money, etc. After obtaining the cost of the ocean and land transportation, allow about $3.00 a day for hotel expenses, baggage transfer, etc.

If the visitor goes to the very best hotels, this amount can, of course, be increased to almost any figure. But it is possible, even in London and Paris, to live comfortably for $3.00 a day, although it would perhaps be wiser to allow $4.00 a day in London and Paris, also possibly Berlin and Vienna.

First Class Ritz-Carlton Restaurant on a Hamburg-American Steamship circa 1910. | GGA Image ID # 179613145f

The second series, called "B," provides for the bedroom, lights and attendance, and meat breakfast and dinner at the table-d'hôte.

The third series, called "C," provides for full board, bedroom, lights and attendance, plain breakfast, luncheon at the table-d'hôte, where customary, if not liberal luncheon and dinner at the table-d'hôte, at a rate of ten shillings sixpence, or thirteen francs a day, which with the fees would bring the expense up to about $3.00 a day, which may be reckoned as a fair average for the hotels in Europe. Of course, during the height of the season or in great travel centers, such as Munich in the year of the Passion Play, rates are likely to be higher.

On the other hand, accommodations can often be obtained at a much lower rate, especially for a stay of several days. Rates allowance can usually be secured. It should not be assumed that it is necessary in all cases to spend as much as $3.00 a day on actual living expenses.

Many people make considerable stays in Europe and never pay over $2.00 a day outside, even in the four cities named. But the average visitor, especially if he is not particularly familiar with foreign languages and if his time is limited to six or eight weeks, hardly feels like shopping around for a very moderate-priced hotel or cares to do the necessary bargaining to secure slightly decreased rates.

The North German Lloyd Express Steamer "Kronprinzessin Cecilie" Abaft the tall buildings of lower New York Length: 707 Feet; Tonnage: 20,000; Horsepower: 45,000. | GGA Image ID # 17964f3a2e

If the very smartest hotels are to be patronized, about $5.00 a day should be allowed in these cities. Hotel coupons issued by a big tourist agency often save much trouble; they come in various forms. Thus, one series provides for a bedroom, lights and attendance, plain breakfast and dinner at the table-d'hôte at a uniform rate of eight shillings, ten francs, or $2.00 daily.

The rates in hotels in England are very high for furnished accommodations. The same concern of tourist agents also issue a series of coupons for hotels of the second class. These are issued at seven shillings sixpence, or nine francs twenty-five centimes, a day. This is equivalent to $1.85 in American dollars.

While the writer has had no personal experience with any but the highest-class hotel coupons, an examination of the lists of hotels where they are available seems to indicate that while they are not perhaps of the first class, they are well spoken of by Baedeker, and the editor would be greatly pleased to know the experience of anyone who has used these hotels.

We have shown how to compute the transportation and living expenses, and the amount stated should be sufficient to include baggage transfers and the necessary hotel fees. However, the amount given does not include wines or other beverages, cigars, ice, etc.

The expense of sightseeing varies significantly in different places; thus, in Switzerland, where guides are often needed for excursions, the expense is greatly increased.

Sometimes, the expense of sightseeing is under 50 cents; other days, it may be $2.00. A great deal depends on the number of cabs used and the number in the party.

The fees for showing a party of three or four over a castle or through a gallery are often greater than the fee for one person. With reasonable care, a European trip for $400.00 is possible, and for $500.00, the trip could be made with great comfort.

The cost of living in Europe has increased, as has the cost of living in this country. Twenty years ago, it was possible to make a trip to England, Belgium, Holland, Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich, the Passion Play, Switzerland, Italy, as far as Naples, and the Riviera, as far as Nice, for between $600.00 and $700.00. The same trip today could cost less than $900.00 to $1,000.00.

Those obliged to limit their expenditures can join a specially conducted party. However, the traveler will probably be much more satisfied traveling alone or with a small group of friends.

However, a large tourist agency has set up an "Inclusive independent" system for traveling without trouble. This will commend itself to American travelers who do not wish to be seen in the company of a large party with blatant conductors and who nevertheless desire to be relieved of the worries and details connected with independent traveling tours, which go far to mar the full enjoyment of the tour abroad.

By "Inclusive Independent" travel, we mean that not only is the traveling expenditure necessary to a tour included in the quoted fare but that the details for the entire journey are so thoroughly worked out and arranged beforehand that no more trouble is experienced by the traveler than is incurred by giving orders to his servants at home.

A Gathering of Women Passengers Enjoying Their Afternoon Tea in the Palm Garden. | GGA Image ID # 179664b465

For instance, imagine a man planning a trip for his wife and family. He submits an itinerary outline to a tourist agency, which handles every detail. At each stop, an omnibus from the pre-booked hotel awaits, welcoming them as expected guests. This seamless process ensures a stress-free journey.

If you want to include a drive to a place of interest or a sightseeing guide, it's just a call away. At the end of each stay, the travelers are smoothly transferred to the next mode of transport. This flexibility allows them to shape their journey according to their preferences, enhancing their travel experience.

It may be said to resemble a succession of visits to friends' houses. This method can be applied to tours where one wishes to travel reasonably as well as to tours where the acme of luxurious travel is desired. Second-class tickets may be secured if desired, and still, the traveler will have traveled without trouble.

As an instance of the case, let us take a three-week tour from London by the following route: Harwich, Antwerp, Brussels, Luxemburg, Strassburg, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, the Rhine, Cologne, Amsterdam, and The Hague.

For those seeking second-class accommodations with rooms on the second floor and sightseeing, the cost is 2.3 guineas, or $173.30. At an inclusive price of $5.58 a day, which is remarkably low compared to the costs in this country, these tours are designed to be affordable. The endless combinations and the option to extend the trips further add to the financial comfort of the travelers.

No person needs to be deterred from a European trip if a reasonable amount of money is forthcoming. It is only necessary to write to one of the great tourist agencies and outline what is required and, generally, the amount of funds available.

Expert estimators will take up the matter, and their reply will be forthcoming in a few days. With the information and advice given in this book and the cost of the tours as outlined, working out the approximate trip cost should be a little difficult.

A Busy Scene at the Landing Stage at Riverside Station, Liverpool. | GGA Image ID # 17968afc38

Lowest Transatlantic Ocean Rates - 1910

Comparison of 1910 Rates for Transatlantic Travel by Steamship Line, To and From New York, English, and Continental European Ports, by Steamship for First and Second Class Travel.

(Subject to change without notice)

American Line

Ships: New York, St. Paul, St. Louis, and Philadelphia

• First Class To or From Europe: $92.50
• Second Class To or From England: $50.00
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $57.50

Philadelphia-Liverpool

• First Class To or From Europe: N/A
• Second Class To or From England: $45.00
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Atlantic Transport Line

Ships: Minneapolis, Minnehaha, Minnetonka, and Minnewaska

• First Class To or From Europe: $82.50
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Anchor Line

Ships: Columbia, Caledonia

• First Class To or From Europe: $72.50
• Second Class To or From England: $47.50
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Ship: California

• First Class To or From Europe: $67.50
• Second Class To or From England: $47.50
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Ship: Furnessia

• First Class To or From Europe: N/A
• Second Class To or From England: $45.00
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

View of the Bridge of the RMS Lusitania of the Cunard Line. | GGA Image ID # 17969aeb02

Cunard Line

Ships: Lusitania and Mauretania

• First Class To or From Europe: $125.00
• Second Class To or From England: $62.50
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Ships: Campania and Lucania

• First Class To or From Europe: $102.50
• Second Class To or From England: $52.50
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Ships: Carmania and Caronia

• First Class To or From Europe: $97.50
• Second Class To or From England: $55.00
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Boston-Liverpool Service

Ships: All Steamers

• First Class To or From Europe: $82.50
• Second Class To or From England: $47.50
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Mediterranean Service

Ship: Carpathia

• First Class To or From Europe: $80.00
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $65.00

Ship: Pannonia

• First Class To or From Europe: $72.50
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $65.00

French Line

Ship: La Provence

• First Class To or From Europe: $107.50
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $62.50

Ships: La Savoie and La Loraine

• First Class To or From Europe: $97.50
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $60.00

Ship: La Touraine

• First Class To or From Europe: $87.50
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $57.50

Ships: La Bretagne and La Gascogne

• First Class To or From Europe: $77.50
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $52.50

Ship: Chicago

• First Class To or From Europe: N/A
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $57.50

Ship: Floride

• First Class To or From Europe: N/A
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: $50.00

Fabre Line

Ship: Madonna

• First Class To or From Europe: $80.00
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A

Ships: All Other Steamers

• First Class To or From Europe: $75.00
• Second Class To or From England: N/A
• Second Class To or From European Continent: N/A