Abstract

This paper examines the historical context of educational travel in the west as it gave rise to humanism. Traveling then became an enterprise for the sons and, later, the daughters of the elite. It was seen as broadening because it inculcated habits of tolerance and moderation. Today the social expectations and outcomes are similar, even though travel is easier and less expensive and can be achieved in a shorter time span. Trips to the field using modern research methods to capture the essence of the experience are still seen as humanistic ventures that turn young people into tolerant adults.