Have you ever wondered where certain travel traditions originated from? Honeymoons, crossing the equator, and updates from cruise captains have been norms passed down through generations and we often don’t question how they got started. 

Even some old traditions have been passed unto new mediums of travel like airlines using terms that started with railroads such as “mainline” and “station”.

Travel Pulse recently shared that many of the travel traditions we’ve come to know today originated at sea. 

Here’s how these travel traditions came about:

Captain’s Update At Noon While Cruising

Usually, the captain will give a daily update on the ship’s progression at noon. This has been a tradition to update passengers on navigation and overall performance. 

Cruising for pleasure is a fairly new travel tradition, dating back to 1922. According to Travel Pulse, the first ocean liner to make it’s way around the world for vacation purposes was the Cunard Line’s Laconia. The route lasted four months from New York to New York in the winter of 1922 and stopped in 22 ports. 

Bon Voyage Sendoffs

Originating from the beginning of sailing for pleasure, family members and friends have been participating in bon voyage sendoffs of their loved ones. The sendoffs started because sailing the seas were known to be dangerous and oftentimes fatal. 

When sailing for pleasure first began, food was not provided. This resulted in the passengers’ loved ones sending them off with fruit baskets and provisions.

Honeymoons

Today, when a couple gets married, one of the first questions people ask is “where are you going for your honeymoon?”

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This tradition got its start in Great Britain. Traditionally the bride and groom of higher social rank would travel after getting married to visit their relatives who were not able to attend the wedding.

Eventually, these travels turned into a vacation, which we know of today as the honeymoon. 

Taking A “Gap Year”

Often times after high school, recent graduates would take a gap year before attending college. This tradition stems from the British travel tradition known as the Grand Tour. 

Beginning in the 17th Century, sons who recently completed university would travel the European continent to experience the history they learned about while studying at Oxbridge. 

Americans began participating in the tradition during the 1920s when rail travel became more accessible and affordable. 

Crossing The Equator

Crossing the equator is really exciting and worth celebrating. This tradition began on passenger and navel ships whenever someone would cross for the first time. 

Although it’s not as big as a deal before, some people still celebrate when they cross the line.