In continuing research my attention is turned to travel in the Nineteenth Century. Lady (Annie) Brassey had some quite considerable travel companions in the form of pets, children and ‘staff’, among other accoutrements which I sadly will be missing…however, I think I’ve found the next best thing in discovering “Hints to Lady Travellers”. Originally published in 1889, Lillias Campbell Davidson gives an insight into travel at the time. Lady Brassey gets a mention as one of her contemporaries, as she offers helpful information and advice on topics from what to do with your ‘soiled linen’ to an entire chapter dedicated to the teapot. Eat your heart out Lonely Planet!
A Royal Geographical Society publication, the first chapter is alarmingly titled ‘Accidents’. This does, however include the warning not to travel without a flask of brandy and (when travelling by train) to ensure that you “…are not seated beneath anyone else’s ponderous possessions.” (for fear they may fall on you. The chapter ends with the uplifting statement to “Banish all sense of danger and all anticipation of accidents, if you want really to derive joy and advantage from your travels.”
This may yet serve me well.