Evolution of Travel Over the Last 100 Years: + An Adventure in France in 2026 - CleanTechnica

The article contrasts the evolution of long-distance travel over the past century through a personal narrative spanning from 1927 to 2026. In 1927, the author's father traveled from Utah to East Germany using a combination of coal-powered steam trains, Great Lakes steamers, and transatlantic ships, taking about 20 days to complete the journey. This multi-modal, time-intensive travel reflected the technology and infrastructure of the early 20th century. In contrast, the author's 2026 trip from Utah to central France involved a 10-hour nonstop flight on a modern twin-engine Airbus 330-200, followed by a 4.5-hour drive on France’s extensive toll highway system, totaling approximately 18 hours of travel time. The flight utilized efficient polar great circle routes, highlighting advances in aviation technology and route optimization. The article also explores contemporary travel experiences in rural France, including renting electric bikes to explore former railway lines repurposed as bike trails, illustrating shifts in transportation modes and