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Visiting Japan has never been easier thanks to Thomas Cook’s Japan holidays . Thomas Cook provides you with a range of Japan tour packages customized to suit your every need. Choose from Thomas Cook’s range of Japan holiday packages ranging from a time-efficient 6 nights and 7 days to a more elaborate, immersive 12 nights and 13 days. Each of these vacations to Japan is available on the Thomas Cook website starting from a budget of INR 2,68,440 to a splurge-worthy INR 4,41,420. Booking your Japan trip couldn’t be easier and Thomas Cook wants it that way. Why worry about the nitty-gritty of booking, planning and searching for deals, let Thomas Cook handle the hard parts of your Japan tour, all you need to do is pack and show up on time.

All Japan tour packages from Thomas Cook are meticulously planned and curated by our team of travel experts whose mission is to ensure your Japan holiday is as memorable as possible. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides and scrumptious meals Thomas Cook strives to make vacations great again. Thomas Cook also provides the best offers for your Japan trip to discover more than anyone else such as the " Get Upto INR 45,000 off Early Bird Discount per family* "! Don’t forget to add excursions to your selected Japan packages.

With Japan holiday packages available from all major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Ahmedabad getting to Japan with Thomas Cook is convenient and comfortable.

Most popular japan tour packages, about japan, interesting facts about japan, best time to visit japan, how to reach japan, best places to visit in japan, things to do in japan.

Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Japan visa for Indians

Food to Eat in Japan

Cuisine in Japan

Inspired by exotic regional produce and fresh seasonal ingredients, Japan creates gastronomical delights that continue to take the world by the storm. Some of its best and most traditional dishes include sushi (raw fish in fermented rice rolls), sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish), tempura (battered seafood/vegetables), yakitori (chicken skewers), tsukemono (pickles), udon (noodles) and sukiyaki (beef). Historically influenced by the Chinese, today Japanese cuisine has opened itself up to the influences of western cuisines. So, even when browsing through available Japan travel packages that include meals, make sure to do your own research on the local cuisine to get the best out of your trip.

Take a ramen tour of Japan

Ramen, known worldwide as an instant convenience food, is an artform in Japan. Witch types and styles of ramen that vary from prefecture to prefecture, taking a ramen tour of Japan makes perfect sense for the gastronomically inclined. Slurp ramen with miso, corn and plump scallops from Hokkaido, or try the shoyu ramen in Tokyo, with its light flavourful broth. Purists can try the tonkatsu ramen at Yokohama’s Chinatown, where this hearty dish was born on their Japan tour.

Train like a sumo wrestler

Tokyo’s Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is the birthplace of sumo wrestling. Your Japan tour must include a pitstop at this temple to check out the temple and the neighbouring Ryogoku district where you will find dohyo’s or dojo’s or schools where sumo wrestlers live and train. Watch these gentle giants in action as they push, pull and throw each other around. Some dojos will allow you to partake in the action with a one-day sumo training course after which you can sit down to a hearty meal of Chankonabe, a specialty soup eaten by sumo wrestlers.

Climb Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, affectionately called Fujisan by the Japanese is an active volcano and Japan’s most iconic geographical landmark. It lies to the south west of Japan’s capital- Tokyo. One of the adventurous things to do in Japan is to climb the popular Mount Fuji in the months of July and August. Visitors can even enjoy the breath-taking views from either of these places- the Shin-Fuji station, from the top of the Chureito pagoda or any of the five lakes that surround the mountain. Experience Mount Fuji and various other Japanese wonders with the Japan travel packages by Thomas Cook.

Cheer Yourself Up with Japanese Cherry Blossoms 2024

The Cherry Blossom festival is Japan tourism’s biggest draw. People flock to gardens all over Japan to enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and music under the newly blossomed cherry trees and celebrate the view of the delicate pink sakura and ume flowers. Being in the Honshu region of Japan during the months of March and April is one of the best things to do in Japan.

But when is the best time to visit? How to celebrate the cherry blossom festival? Read on to get answers to all your questions about the Japan cherry blossom.

When is the Japan Cherry Blossom Season 2024?

You can witness the beautiful colors of the cherry blossom season from April to May . However, the exact time depends on the location and weather conditions.

The blooming period lasts two weeks on average. And the flowers remain in full bloom for a few days. That's why you must plan carefully if you want to catch the beauty of the cherry blossom season in Japan.

The blossoms start from north to south. That means the Kanto and Kansai regions will be the earliest to witness the flowers. And the Tohoku region would witness it latest.

Best Places to See Japan Cherry Blossom

You can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in many places in Japan. There are many parks and gardens where the cherry trees are in full bloom during spring.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Osaka are the favorites of tourists for enjoying the beautiful blooming flowers. Tokyo has several large parks and gardens where you can see the flowers and have picnics with your friends and family.

Here are some of the top places to enjoy the Japan cherry blossom season –

Ueno Park, Tokyo
Meguro River, Tokyo
Philosopher’s Walk, Kyoto
Mount Yoshino, Nara Prefecture
Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori Prefecture

How is the Japan Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrated?

The Japanese appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms. The celebrations' main goal is to recognize life's transient nature. Just like the beautiful flowers, nothing is permanent in life.

They call their celebrations Hanami. It means flower viewing. Families gather outdoors and have picnics and parties while admiring the flowers.

Want to take part in Hanami? It's easy.

Look for the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Now, get your food and drinks ready.
You can then sit back and relax with your loved ones. Minutes will turn into hours and you will still long for more.

Start Planning for the Cherry Blossom Japan 2024 Festival

People from across the globe visit Japan during the cherry blossom season. So, you have to plan in advance if you want to make the most of your visit.

Party in Shinjuku

Shinjuku district in Tokyo is undoubtedly Tokyo’s party capital. Dotted with sake bars, karaoke clubs, video game arcade and the world-famous Robot Restaurant in Kabuki Cho which is a surreal look into a possible future for humanity. You needn’t worry while partying because Japanese culture dictates hospitality towards guests and visitors which means you can party without a care in the world. Worried about getting back home? You can ask a friendly Japanese policeman for a ride and they will ensure you are dropped off home safe and sound, a unique experience on your Japan tour for sure.

Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Japan is the only country in the history of the world to have been attacked with an atomic weapon. The tragic day of August 9, 1945 is still remembered all over the world. To honour those who lost their lives in the incident and the efforts of the Japanese Government to spread awareness about the repercussions of the weapon used in the regions of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, led to the establishment of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Visiting this museum on your Japan trip is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war.

Spend a day at Disney Sea

Disney Sea in Tokyo is one of Disney’s most famous amusement parks worldwide. Thomas Cook’s Japan tours give you the option to visit this magical place where you can spend the day taking exciting rides and having fun with a host of cartoon characters from your childhood.

Visit the KitKat Museum

If like us you’re a fan of KitKat, the KitKat Chocolatery Museum in Tokyo is a must visit. Here you can find delicious flavours such as strawberry cheesecake, matcha (green tea) and almond cranberry. You can explore the processes behind the manufacture of these tasty treats and even customize your own with a wide assortment of ingredients. This is sure to add magic to your Japan tour.

Indian nationals planning their foreign trip to Japan should know that they are required to have a Japan visa in order to gain entry into the country. To do so offline, individuals will need to apply for it at the Japanese embassy or consulate in India (Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata). On the other hand, they can also apply for a Japan visa online. Some Japan tour packages include visas as a part of the package. The validity period of a Japan tourist visa is up to three months after its issuance. This type of visa is a single-entry visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days. Individuals are required to submit all the necessary documents and pay the visa fees when applying for this visa. Even though Indian tourists will need to get a tourist visa prior to their arrival in Japan, it is suggested not to apply for it earlier than 45 days from the planned date of travel. In general, the essential documents that Indian citizens are required to produce when applying for a Japan tourist visa include a valid passport, fully filled and signed visa application form, an original passport, accommodation proof, flight ticket details, a couple of recent photographs, financial statements, etc.

For your visa-related requirements, consider checking out the online visa services offered by Thomas Cook. To book your Japan tourist visa online, just head over to the online visa page, enter the necessary details (such as destination country, visa type, preferred branch, etc.), provide your contact information and submit it to get a quote. After that, provide the additional details, pay online, submit the necessary documents online or at a nearby offline branch and receive your visa in just a few days.

Food to Eat in Japan: Local Dishes to Try

A trip to Japan is incomplete without trying out at least a handful of the most popular local dishes. Here are some of the best local dishes in Japan that you must try;

Sushi is among the most famous Japanese dishes and needs no new introduction. It is a type of dish made using vinegar sushi rice, and a number of other ingredients, especially raw fish and other seafood. Served in small finger-sized bites, sushi both looks and tastes great and is available all across the country. The best way to eat sushi is by dipping it in wasabi mixed soy sauce. The most common types of Sushi you can try in Japan include kabura sushi, inari sushi, maki sushi and nigiri sushi.

Ramen is yet another widely popular local dish you must try during your Japan trip. It is basically a type of noodle soup that contains four main components, wheat noodles, broth, kaeshi or tare (seasoning) and various toppings. The four main types of ramen are shoyu, shio, miso and tonkotsu. It is a very delicious local Japanese food enjoyed by both locals and tourists and is available across thousands of eateries and restaurants in the country. So, when looking for Japan travel packages, research the best places to grab this dish during your visit.

Miso soup is a well-known local dish you can try after finishing a hearty Japanese meal. This dish is not just extremely delicious but is also quite nutritious. A traditional miso soup in Japan is made using miso paste, dashi and other ingredients, including fish, deep-fried tofu, vegetables, etc. Some people even prefer miso soup over any kind of dessert after concluding their meal.

Alongside Ramen, Udon is a well-known local noodle dish you can try during your Japan tour. It is a thick and chewy traditional Japanese wheat noodle dish that is topped using ingredients like fish cakes (Kamaboko), tempura, abura-age, chopped scallions, etc. Unlike Ramen, Udon is more favoured for its noodles and not broth. During your Japan tour, make sure to try a distinct style of Udon from Nagoya called Kishimen.

During your Japan tour, make sure to try Sukiyaki in a social dining setting to get a clearer picture of Japanese cuisine, culture and tradition. Sukiyaki is a local hot pot dish containing a variety of thinly sliced vegetables, raw beef, noodles, etc., cooked together in a small pot with boiling broth, usually at the centre of the table. It is a hearty, mouthwatering dish you simply can’t miss out on.

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What is Japan famous for?

Japan is known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional arts and cuisine.

Is it expensive in Japan?

The average tourist cost per day is approximately 15,000 yen.

Is Japan a safe country to live in?

Japan is the 26th safest country in the world.

What is the best time of year to visit Japan?

March to May and September to November are the best times to visit if you’re not going for snow sports. You can easily find some of the best Japan tour packages for these months on our website.

How much money should I bring to Japan?

The average weekly cost for a tourist is 105,000 yen. So, alongside looking for the best available Japan tour packages from India, make sure to create a spending budget for the trip.

What should I avoid in Japan?

Certain things to avoid include tipping service professionals, going into people's homes with your shoes on and don't try to hug people you have just met.

What do people wear in Japan?

The kimono is the traditional dress of Japan, although western wear is usually supported for work and recreational purposes.

How many days can tourists stay in Japan?

Tourists can stay in the country for up to 180 days per year and 90 days per visit. On our website, individuals can find Japan tour packages from India for a duration of 6 Nights/ 7 Days for starters. There are tons of other Japan tour packages from India with different trip itineraries, but the highest trip duration is 12 Nights/ 13 Days.

Do I need a Japanese visa?

Yes, you require a tourist/business visa to enter the country.

How long does it take to get a Japanese visa?

Typically, a visa can be issued in 5 working days if all the requirements are met.

All about Japan

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Things to do in Japan – Top 5 timeless experiences

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Even today, there are many countries that are still unexplored. One such places in the magical country of Japan. The country is ideal for any kind of travellers. Its swimming in culture, history, architecture, festivities, beautiful sights and natural wonders. Its home to some of the best restaurants in the world and is the only country where you can enjoy a Sushi Breakfast and all you can eat Sushi Buffet. Japan tourism has flourished in the last decade or so thanks to increased globalisation and advents in modern technology. It has quickly become a top tourist destination in the world. There are numerous things to do in Japan , so don’t waste any time and book your epic family vacation.

You are spoilt for choices when it comes to shopping be it electronics, cosmetics, clothes, jewellery etc. There is an endless list of indoor and outdoor activities and numerous spas where you can enjoy traditional massages and rejuvenation treatments. Japan is a year around destination indeed, and you are guaranteed a completely different experience each in every season as the topographic is continuously changing and the food items are extremely seasonal.

The busiest tourist season is, of course, the spring as it coincides with the cherry blossom season. The quietest tourist season is the winters, but if you are a skiing enthusiast, then you must head to the Japanese Alps that know less in grandeur and beauty to their European counterparts. If big crowds and busy streets are not your things, then you can visit during late summer or autumn season and enjoy the breath-taking and equally beautiful foliage season when the maple trees are in full bloom.

Things to do in Japan for the entire Family!

1.a day trip to the magnificent mount fuji.

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There are many priceless jewels in Japan, however, the crowning jewel has to be the Magnificent natural wonder that is Mount Fuji. Since, time immemorial, this magnanimous peak has been an integral part of the Japanese way of life. For a tourist, it’s an attraction but for the locals is a sacred sanctuary, surrounded by many shrines that are frequented by worshipers on a daily basis. So it’s no surprise that it is among the most visited places in Japan and has been an inspiration to many artists over the centuries.

Mount Fuji, rights claim its place on our recommended list of things to do in Japan. Don’t, do the mistake of not including a day trip to Mount Fuji. Its landscape, views, scenery, surrounding tea gardens and natural beauty are unmatched in Japan. And very few places in the world come close in comparison.

Distance from the Airport: The nearest airport is Shizouka Prefecture, located nearly 84.5 km from the peak.
How much Time to Spend: Is only restricted by your tour timings
Operating Hours: NA (Depends on your tour)
Approximate Cost for Two: Entry fees are approx. INR 500/- Per Person. However, there may be other expenses and tickets.
Trip Advisor Rating: 5/5

Mount Fuji is the perfect escape from busy city life. Here you can enjoy fresh air, breathtaking view, gorgeous sunrises, hiking, trekking among other things.

2.The Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park-things to do in Japan

As the name suggests, this famous hot springs in Japan is popular for two things. First, bubbling hot waters and second a flock of mostly friendly but extremely mischievous snow monkeys. The springs are a [perfect weekend getaway to escape the extreme winters of Japan.

Distance from the Airport: Narita International Airport is the nearest airport located in the capital city of Tokyo
How much Time to Spend: As long as you like, but you have to exit at 6pm
Operating Hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Approximate Cost for Two: Single Day Pass costs approx. INR 1600 Per Person
Trip Advisor Rating: 5/5 Star Rating

Brace yourself for a 4-hour train ride and multiple changeovers. However, don’t let that discourage you as the ride is spectacular and the destination is enthralling. And remember it’s a train ride in Japan, these guys excel at everything that runs on rails. In fact, the train rides itself are one of the not-to-be-missed things to do in Japan.

3.Hiroshima

Hiroshima needs to introduction; the city was the epicentre one of the biggest tragedies in human history. However, it has long since recovered and stands tall as string reminder of great human error but also as a testimony to the strength, endurance and perseverance of the Japanese people. You must include a visit to Hiroshima on your list of things to do in Japan . The city is a major part of modern history and it is important to understand as well as per respects to the falls soldiers and people who became collateral damage.

Distance from the Airport: Hiroshima airport is located approx. 53.5 km away.
How much Time to Spend: Your entry tickets only allow a 30-minute access to the memorial; however, you may be able to extend that by paying extra.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm
Approximate Cost for Two: INR 25 per person for a 30-minute entry

There is a wonderful memorial park, which includes many monuments, shrines as well as a stadium for tourists to visit. You can easily book a day tour via your hotel or travel agent.

Also Read: You Simply Cannot Miss These Majestic Places To See In Japan

Things to do in Japan: Shopping

Japan is a paradise for shopping, everywhere you go, you will find an abundance of branded goods, trendy fashion, traditions crafts, anime goods and electronic gadgets. Shops in cities like Japan you could imagine or want to buy. Many popular tourist attractions, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, are surrounded by shopping districts each with their characteristics and specialities. Your things to do in Japan list must include a day just for shopping.

Here is a list of the best shopping places:

Shinjuku: Electronic Goods
Shibuya: Youthful Fashion Trends
Harajuku: High-end fashion as well as street shopping
Ginza: High-end shopping stores
Nihonbashi: Century-old outlets and shops
Marunouchi: A little bit of everything from fashion, electronics and household items.

Things to do in Japan: Adventure Sports

There are numerous Things to do in Japan , that will appeal to the adrenaline junky in you. In fact, it has something for everybody. There are many monuments, temples, shrines, etc. that are a testimony to the rich and historical past of this fascinating nation. There is numerous shopping destination where you can buy everything from a pin to an elephant. Several dining out options that suit everyone budget, taste buds and preferences. But no holiday is complete without spending a day feeding the adrenalin junkie within ourselves. And Japan surely doesn’t disappoint when it comes to thrill-seeking activities.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding-things to do in Japan

Japan is a skiing paradise. Unlike its European counterparts, it’s not extremely busy during skiing season and enthusiast can enjoy the activity in peace and serenity.

Location: Honshu Region
For: Family with Kids, Couples only, Friend’s Group
Difficulty Level: High
Cost: One-day pass cost approx. INR 2000 per person
Why you should do it: Japan has some of the best ski resorts in the world and since this is low tourist season you can enjoy skiing here during this time. No wonder it ranks among one of the Top things to do in Japan.
Tips: Carry all necessary gears and appropriate winter clothing.

2. Hiking in Japan

Japan natural beauty is unmatched to any other place in the region. Hiking and trekking is a great way to enjoy and soak up the natural beauty of the area.

Location: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Chichibu-Tama National Park, and Takao-san
For: Family with Kids, Couples only, Friend’s Group, Senior Citizen
Difficulty Level: Medium to Hard
Cost: Free unless you hire a guide.
Why you should do it: Japans natural beauty is unmatched to any other place in the region. Hiking and trekking is a great way to enjoy and soak up the natural beauty of the area.
Tips: Hiking gear, water, sun protection, etc.

Most Recommended: Enjoy A Memorable Cruise In Hong Kong With Japan

3. Watersports

Once some melts all the excess water in the many Japanese rivers make for an ideal scenario for water sports activities such as Kayaking, water rafting, and canoeing.

Location: Minakami in Gunma-ken, Shikoku, and Niseko in Hokkaidō, Iya Valley, and Shimanto-gawa, Hakuba in Nagano-ken Minakami in Gunma-ken
Difficulty Level: Between level 1 and 2
Cost: Depending on the activity you choose and duration you can be expected to pay approx. INR 4500 to INR 10,000 per activity
Why you should do it: Although there are very few places in the world you can enjoy these water sports, hardly any match the scenic views and pleasant weather of Japan.
Tips: Make sure you carry an extra pair of clothes and waterproof footwear.

Japan is the last unexplored golfing destination in the world. Japan has some genuinely remarkable golf courses in addition to unparalleled cultural and culinary experience.

Location: Lakewood Golf Club, Niseko, Ashinoko C.C., Aqualine golf club, Belle View Nagao Golf Club, etc.
Difficulty Level: Low
Cost: A round of golf can cost approx. INR 1500 to INR 20,000 (high-end courses) per person.
Why you should do it: You should just go golfing in Japan because hands down it has the most scenic golf courses anywhere in the world.
Tips: Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.

Check out the Japan tour package if you are planning to have a holiday

5. Surfing and Diving

Surfing and Diving-things to do in Japan

Japan is an archipelago and is blessed with scenic coastal lines, making it an ideal location for surfers and divers. In fact, when seasoned surfers aren’t braving the waved in Australia or Hawaii they can be found on the southern coast of Japan batting the waves of the North Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, due to industrialisation, there aren’t any many beached you can enjoy. If you want to visit beaches, you are going to have to travel away from the mainland to the island of Okinawa or the Ogasawara, and Izu island locates south of Tokyo.

Location: Shikoku and Kyūshū
For: Family with Kids, Couples only, Friend’s Group,
Difficulty Level: Hard
Why you should do it: The thrill of Surfing, skyboarding and other watersports activity is one that you can seldom experience in other places and activities.
Tips: surfing boards, swimwear, sun cream, etc.

1. What is the best time to visit Japan?

Spring is the best Season to visit Japan . This is the busiest tourist season in Japan and numerous tourists from all over the world travel to the country to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. This is without a doubt the most popular time to visit this majestic Island country. Among the numerous attraction in Japan , Cherry Blossoms are hands down the winner.

2. What is the best way to travel to Japan from India?

The best way to reach Japan from India is via flights. Japan is well connected to India, and there are flights available from all major cities in India to Tokyo Japan. All flights from Delhi to Tokyo, Japan are direct and usually of a shorter duration. But flights from all other major international airports such as Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Cochin make a stopover at Delhi before continuing their onward Journey to Japan. While flying out the duration of the flights is usually 35 hours or more because they are first directed to Delhi and have to bear long layovers. So, it would be best to make your arrangement to Delhi and then book a return flight from there to Japan.

3. What are the different things to do in Japan ?

Here are the different things to do in Japan :

Day trips to Mount Fuji, Hiroshima and Jigokudani Monkey Park
Skiing and snowboarding
Watersports
Surfing and Diving

4. What are the famous Golf Courses in Japan?

Here is a list of some of the famous Golf Courses in Japan

Lakewood Golf Club
Lakewood G.C. Sunpark Akeno Course
Golf in Niseko, Asia’s Answer to Whistler
Ashinoko C.C.
Aqualine Golf Club

5.What are the famous places to skiing in Japan?

Famous places for skiing in Japan are:

Nozawaonsen

6. What are the different activities to do at Mount Fuji?

Here is a list of 5 things to do when visiting Mount Fuji:

Take a cable car ride up to Mount Tenjo
Visit the Fuji Subaru Line 5 th Station for some remarkable views of Mount Fuji
Visit the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
Visit Chureito Pagoda
Take a dip in the Onsen bath at Benifuji Onsen

7. What all can you see in Hiroshima?

Here is a list of all the places to see in Hiroshima, most of these are located within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park:

Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Hiroshima Castle
Children’s Peace Monument

8.What is the best way to travel within Japan?

Japan has an extensive and well organised public transportation system. There are some busses, local trains and of course bullet trains connected various cities. The bullet trains are a must try when visiting Japan, it is a surreal experience.

9. What are the best places to shop in Japan?

Japan is a paradise for shopping, everywhere you go, you will find an abundance of branded goods, trendy fashion, traditions crafts, anime goods and electronic gadgets. Shops in cities like Japan you could imagine or want to buy. Many popular tourist attractions, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, are surrounded by shopping districts each with their characteristics and specialities. A trip to Japan is incomplete without a visit to at least one of its many famous markets and shopping districts. Here is a list of the best shopping places:

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Thomas Cook History: The Tale of the Father of Modern Tourism

Last updated: March 21, 2021 - Written by Jessica Norah 42 Comments

Do you know who Thomas Cook was and what contribution he made to the history of travel? Perhaps you have heard the name, seen it on the travel agencies that still carry his name, or maybe you’ve even taken a Thomas Cook tour. But my guess is that, like me, you don’t know too much about the man or how he fits into the history of travel.

Thomas Cook was a passionate man who was born into a world where most working class people worked long 6-day weeks and never traveled more than 20 miles from their home towns. Thomas would begin work at age 10, laboring in a vegetable garden for 1 penny per day; but with a lot of determination and hard work, this working class man would eventually build one of the largest travel companies in the world.

This post is dedicated to the memory of Thomas Cook and his role in history and will give you a good overview of Thomas the man, Thomas the travel pioneer, and a glimpse of what it was like to travel in the Victorian age.

Thomas Cook Thomas Cook & Son travel history

Table of Contents:

Who was Thomas Cook?

Thomas Cook was born in 1808 in the small town of Melbourne, England but would be best known for his time living in Leicester. He would finish his schooling at age 10 to begin working, often for only a penny a day, to help support his family.

Throughout his life, Thomas Cook would work as a Baptist preacher, carpenter, furniture maker, printer, publisher, political advocate, and travel organizer. As a Baptist preacher, he would walk thousands of miles and earned so little that he often worked in the dark to conserve candles and oil.

After seeing the effects of drunkenness at an early age, Cook believed that alcohol abuse was one of the major roots of the many social problems in the Victoria era and would spend much of his time and talents supporting the Temperance movement in England for the rest of his life. In fact, Cook’s beginnings as a travel organizer would come about because of his temperance beliefs.

In 1841, he would arrange for a special train to take over 500 people from Leicester to Loughborough to attend a temperance meeting. For 1 shilling, passengers got round trip train travel, band entertainment, afternoon tea, and food. Not a bad deal!

T he Birth of Thomas Cook & Son

Then in 1845, he would organize his first railway excursion for profit, and the following year he would begin offering trips outside England to Scotland, a country that captivated Cook and would remain one of his favorite destinations. For many of his early passengers, this was their first time aboard a train and the furthest distance they’d ever traveled from their home.

His trips kept getting bigger and in 1851, Thomas got the chance to organize railway travel and travel accommodations for people from the provinces to travel to London to attend the Great Exhibition orchestrated by Prince Albert. Thomas would transport over 150,000 people to London during the 6 months of the exhibition. This was one of the largest events in England and one of the largest movements of people within Britain!

Up until this point in time, most people in the provinces would be unlikely to travel to a town 20 miles away, let alone to the city of London. It must have been quite a shock for many people, who likely had never attended an event bigger than a county agricultural fair, to witness the Great Exhibition, where many of the greatest industrial inventions of the time were on display, in the bustling capital city of London.

His early tours would be marketed towards the working class, but later his company would go on to escort more middle class passengers and even organize travel for royalty, the military, and other important figures given his increasing reputation for being able to efficiently organize travel.

Interestingly, a large percentage of Cook’s travelers would be single or unescorted women who likely would not have been able to travel on their own (remember these are the days of Gone with the Wind ), but being part of an escorted tour provided them with both protection and independence.

Cook would rapidly expand operations, escorting tours throughout Europe, North America, and even led the first commercial tour around the world. But perhaps no destination was more sacred to Thomas than his tours to Egypt and the Middle East. Here Thomas could witness firsthand the Biblical lands he had read and preached about all his life, and spending time in the Holy Land was truly a realization of many of his dreams as a young man.

A Man with Many Personal Obstacles and Struggles

Although Thomas Cook & Son would thrive and go on to become one of the largest travel agencies in the world, things did not work out as well for Cook in his personal life. Thomas’ father died when he was very young as did his stepfather, and young Thomas was left to be raised by his widowed mother.

As an adult, he would suffer the tragic sudden death of his only daughter Annie—a young woman on the cusp of marriage—who shared a close relationship with her parents. Thomas’ wife would suffer a long period of ill health following her daughter’s death, eventually dying and leaving Thomas alone with his own failing health that left him almost blind.

In his later years, he had a very strained relationship with his only son and business partner John Mason Cook. Thomas felt that he was being pushed aside in his own company and eventually John Mason Cook would take over all operations from his father. The father and son never truly reconciled and spent very little time together towards the end of his life.

While Thomas’ poor health and eyesight made it increasingly difficult, he continued to be active in travel and temperance activities until near the end of his life. His son would continue to expand the travel business.

What was it like to Travel During the Victorian Era?

Thomas lived during the reign of Queen Victoria—the Victorian era—and while romantic imaginings of spending time aboard the famous Oriental Express, sailing on luxury White Star Line steamships, and staying in grand palatial hotels may have been partially true of the wealthiest of travelers, these are far from the accommodations you could expect as a working class or middle class traveler.

Before widespread railway transport, the stagecoach reigned as the quickest way to get around and only the wealthy could afford such conveniences. So poorer people often walked, hitched rides on the back of wagons and carts, or, if lucky, rode a horse or donkey. In the early days of railway travel, third class train accommodations were open wagons, some without seats, where passengers would have to worry about the wind, sun, dust, locomotive smoke, and glowing hot embers.

During Cook’s travels—particularly his early trips—you would need to worry about germs and disease as very little was understood about germs at the time and the lack of widespread refrigeration and hot water heightened the chances of disease. Restaurants, flush toilets, and even running water were not staples in Great Britain, let alone the rest of the world. Communication was slow and done primarily by postal mail, sometimes taking weeks to confirm reservations or transmit a message back home.

However, things were not all bad. During Thomas’s life so much would change that would make travel faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than ever before. Improvements in the postal service, use of the steam engine, opening of the Suez canal, and the great expansion of the railways would make it possible for Thomas Cook to accomplish things that would not have been possible a generation before him.

Thomas Cook’s tours, with their discounted organized group rates, made it possible for a lot of working and middle class people to travel for the first time. Cook believed that travel could help educate and enlighten people who, like him, often did not have a proper school education, eliminate prejudices and bigotry, and be a healthy leisure alternative to visiting pubs, gambling halls, and whorehouses.

However, these new travel opportunities for the lower classes was not something that was widely appreciated by many of those in the upper classes of society. Until the nineteenth century, popular tourist destinations were almost exclusively the playground of the wealthy who could afford the time away and expensive cost of travel. The upper classes did not want to mix with the lower classes when traveling.

As Thomas Cook and others began to offer affordable excursion tours to popular destinations such as English country homes (e.g., Chatsworth House), the Rhine River valley, the French Riviera, Egyptian pyramids, and the Swiss Alps, wealthy travelers complained about what they saw as a bunch of uncouth, uneducated common people invading their exclusive travel paradises.

They criticized Thomas Cook and the excursion travelers, and this criticism likely wounded Thomas, who although he strongly believed in the right for all people to be able to travel, he also strived to be accepted by the upper echelons of society. Despite his success, he never was accepted by the upper classes as he was not of gentle birth, but was a working man and a Baptist in a country still largely controlled by wealthy Anglicans.

However, despite all the criticism, the demand for discounted organized travel would only continue to increase. The number of travelers from London who crossed the Channel to continental Europe rose from 165,000 in 1850 to 951,000 by 1899. Travel agencies and organized travel were here to stay.

Why Thomas Cook was a Travel Pioneer

Thomas Cook was a travel pioneer who built one of the largest travel businesses in the world, a business that started very humbly as a way to transport travelers to nearby temperance meetings. Thomas was able to “organize travel as it was never organized before” and with the help of the railways and the steam engine, he was able to do it on a scale that would have never before been possible.

Although not the first to come up with most of the ideas, Thomas would make things like travel vouchers, traveler’s cheques, and printed guidebooks common and widespread. Cook would use his talents as a printer to print travel advertisements, bulletins, magazines, guidebooks, and train timetables. In fact, Thomas Cook Continental Timetables would be published from 1873 to 2013 (last edition was published in August 2013) and were for many decades considered the bible for European train travelers.

His religious fervor would make him seek out exotic locations such as the Middle East and his determination would lead to Thomas Cook & Son opening offices around the world. Perhaps his greatest legacy is that he helped make it possible for a new group of people to engage in leisure travel. Cook understood well the drudgery of hard work and trying to support oneself on a meager income, and his tours provided working and lower middle class people the opportunity to explore a world they could have only have read about otherwise.

The Thomas Cook & Son name continued to exist as a travel company, offering travel tours until 2019. The company traded for 178 years. But it had not been a family-run business by the Cook family since the 1920’s when Thomas Cook’s grandsons, Frank and Ernest, sold the company to the Belgian Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens, operators of most of Europe’s luxury sleeping cars, including the Orient Express .

In the 1940’s it would become state-owned by the British Transport Holding Company. It would continue to change hands over the years. In 2001, it would become owned solely by C&N Touristic AG, one of Germany’s largest travel groups, who renamed the company, Thomas Cook AG.

Thomas Cook became one of the world’s largest travel agencies and the oldest in the UK. Its famous slogan developed by advertising expert Michael Hennessy: “Don’t just book it….Thomas Cook it” became well-known around the world.

The Bankruptcy and Closure of the Thomas Cook Travel Agency in 2019

Sadly, the travel agency and airline that carried the Thomas Cook named declared bankruptcy in September 2019, leaving about 150,000 British travelers “stranded” all over the world (as well as a number of other nationalities). Perhaps the most devastating effect has been the immediate loss of thousands of jobs for people in the UK and abroad.

The travel agency, however, was properly insured and protected and most of those who booked a trip can apply for a refund, and those left “stranded” on trips were repatriated by the UK. It was the largest repatriation effort since World War 2.

In October 2019, it was announced that all the Thomas Cook travel agency offices in UK will be taken over by Hays Travel and rebranded under their name. Most of the reopened offices are being staffed by former Thomas Cook employees. Hays Travel is now the largest independent travel agency in the UK, and you can read more about them here .

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on all sectors of the global travel industry and Hays Travel was forced to close its travel offices in the UK for a large part of the year. Many of the former UK Thomas Cook offices have now been permanently shuttered and many of the employees who had been rehired were sadly made redundant. You can read more about that here .

Although the future of the Thomas Cook name in travel may be uncertain, I would be very surprised if the name does not continue to be associated in some way with a travel agency.

In fact, although all the UK based companies have stopped trading, some Thomas Cook owned resorted, like Cook’s Club are still operating. Some of its subsidiaries in some other countries are still trading as normal but are also in danger of closure.

What I Learned from Reading about Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook was a quite extraordinary self-made man. He had so many occupations and business ventures and so many setback and failures, even declaring bankruptcy at one point, but he was so persistent and never gave up. He was a passionate man who fought for his Baptist faith, beliefs in equality for all people, and for temperance.

In addition to being impressed by the determination and innovativeness of Thomas Cook himself, I was also quite intrigued in the ways that travel has changed and the ways it has not. We have come a long way since Thomas Cook escorted his first tour as we can travel so much lighter, faster, and more conveniently than would have seemed possible to Victorian age travelers who would accept unheated train cars, month-long ocean crossings, and hotels without hot water.

Cook, a teetotaler until his death, would likely be shocked by the tourism industry’s promotion of sun, sea and sex and the partying and drinking associated with many travel destinations. Indeed, many of these locations are the most popular destinations for British travelers on package holidays.

However, some things have not changed very much. Criticisms of organized travel remain with the notion that independent travel is better and people love to make the subjective “traveler” versus “tourist” distinction. There are also still locations that remain primarily the playgrounds of the wealthy although never like during the Victorian age. Travel remains class segregated as those who can afford to do so can fly in first class seats, dine in the finest restaurants aboard ships, and sleep in the best cabins with little need to spend much time with other class passengers.

One of the things that I found perhaps the most interesting was the destinations promoted by Thomas Cook still remain, with few exceptions, major tourist destinations today. The country house of Chatsworth House is one of the most notable country houses in England today and people are still flocking to the Scottish highlands, Paris, Rhine River Valley, Swiss Alps, Egypt, the ancient city of Petra, Australia, and most of the other destinations promoted by Thomas Cook in the 1800’s.

While things have changed in some ways beyond recognition, many of the world’s wonders and great destinations continue to awe visitors as they must have awed those first pioneer tourists led by Thomas Cook.

Want to Learn More about Thomas Cook and Victorian Age Travel?

Resources about Thomas Cook (I used these in writing this article) :

-Hamilton, Jill. (2005). Thomas Cook: The Holiday Maker . The History Press.

-Piers Brendon. (1991). Thomas Cook – 150 Years of Popular Tourism . Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd.

-Withey, Lynne. (1997). Grand Tours and Cook’s Tours – A History of Leisure Travel, 1750 to 1915 . William Morrow & Co. [This book focuses on a broader view of the history of travel including a lot of attention to Thomas Cook tours and their impact on tourism]

-A great Wikipedia link to some of Thomas Cook’s Traveler Handbooks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook%27s_Travellers_Handbooks

Another book related to Thomas Cook on my to-read list:

-Swinglehurst, Edmund. (1974). The Romantic Journey – The Story of Thomas Cook and Victorian Travel . Pica Editions.

So what do you think about Thomas Cook and the Victorian Age of Travel? If you are interested in another article on travel during the Victorian age, check out our post on t wo American women who race around the world in less than 80 days .

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There are 42 comments on this post.

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Baskin Post author

February 28, 2024 at 3:26 am

Wow, so fascinating to read about the history of Thomas Cook, the visionary behind modern tourism. I definitely learned a lot from this about how His legacy continues to shape travel and hospitality industries, very educational post!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

February 28, 2024 at 10:20 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad to hear you enjoyed our article on Thomas Cook. And yes his contributions to the travel industry can definitely still be seend today!

Best, Jessica

Chandra Gurung Post author

May 9, 2023 at 4:15 am

Very interesting post, thanks for the great travel History !!

May 13, 2023 at 8:06 am

Hi Chandra,

Glad you enjoyed our post on Thomas Cook, thanks for taking the time to comment!

Karim Post author

October 29, 2022 at 3:01 pm

Thanks for your blog post on Thomas Cook, very helpful, nice to read.

October 31, 2022 at 10:04 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad you enjoyed our post on Thomas Cook and a bit of the history of the man and his company 😉

Jeanne Gisi Post author

May 24, 2022 at 1:06 pm

While cleaning out some boxes filled with mementos of my travels over the years, I came upon an Itinerary prepared by Thos. Cook & Son for a 6 week European trip in 1965 for my parents & I (I was 13)! It was so fascinating to see the level of detail for each stop, which included England, France, Italy, Spain & Germany; and the beautiful cover & fancy paper used to produce the itinerary. I went looking on the internet to see if they were still in existence & found your blog, which I found so informative about the founder & the many iterations the company had gone through. Probably the most amazing detail in this itinerary was discovering that for hotels in 4 different cities, train rides, rental car & private transport for the entire trip was shown at $328 per person! Astounding! Appreciated reading your historical information about this venerable company.

May 25, 2022 at 5:10 am

So glad you enjoyed our article on the history of Thomas Cook.

Oh, wow, that must be wonderful finding old treasures from your family travels. I love things like that. And yes a 6 week trip for $328 per person (about $3,000 per person in today’s money) would still be a good value today for all that was included for a 6-week trip. And it would have taken longer to put together an itinerary then as the travel agent would have needed to call or mail for inquiries and reservations rather than clicking buttons on a computer.

Yes, Thomas Cook has gone through a lot in recent years. Hays Travel purchased most of the Thomas Cook offices/stores and hired back a lot of the staff in 2019. But then of course the COVID-19 pandemic came soon after, and many of the stores have since re-closed and a number of people had to be let go. For example, our local travel store (in Bath, England) went from a Thomas Cook to a Hays Travel to being empty again in about a year’s time. It will be interesting to see what will happen with traditional travel agencies like this as international travel goes back to 2019 levels and if they will continue to flourish in the face of online competitors.

Ruth Deeks Post author

March 21, 2021 at 8:39 am

Very interesting. My parents who were Baptist missionaries in India had told me that Thomas Cook was a Baptist and gave a special rate to missionaries travelling by boat to and from India, the journey taking 5 weeks approx. I am talking about the 1930s to 1950s. What a shame the The Thomas Cook co. was sold out of the family and went bankrupt.

March 21, 2021 at 9:05 am

Glad you enjoyed our article on Thomas Cook and the history of his travel business. He is an interesting man combining his religion with travel.

Yes, it is sad that the Thomas Cook business went bankrupt. Sadly, the UK travel company which took over most of the Thomas Cook offices in the UK, Hays Travel, has now had to close many of these offices in 2020 due to the coronavirus. This has also sadly left many of the former Thomas Cook employees, many of which were then re-hired by Hays Travel, without a job again. It’s been a very tough couple of years for UK travel agents. Hopefully, 2021 will be a better year for them.

Uwingabire Faustine Post author

November 28, 2020 at 1:03 pm

Hello I was inspired by the theory of Thomas Cook, but wanted to know above all that why was he important in tourism industry?

November 29, 2020 at 7:05 am

Glad you enjoyed our post on Thomas Cook and learning about his life. Hopefully you found your answer about why Thomas Cook was important in the tourism industry from the article. But if not, I’d go back and read the “Why Thomas Cook was a Travel Pioneer” section as that covers a good summary of his achievements related to travel and his importance in the tourism industry.

If you have any further questions, please let me know!

Seba Campos Post author

July 30, 2020 at 6:49 pm

Hi! I am a tourism student from Argentina, I really liked your article and it was extremely revealing for me. I’m working on the Thomas Cook story.

Do you have any information about his family? Why did they decide to sell the company? Why did your son remove him from the company? Thank you so much!

August 1, 2020 at 5:28 am

Glad that you are finding my article helpful in writing your paper on Thomas Cook.

If you are looking for additional information, I’d recommend checking out one of the books about Thomas Cook such as this one by Jill Hamilton published in 2005. The books will give you more details and context than you’ll find online. You should be able to buy it online through Amazon or ebay.

The Thomas Cook company website used to have some good historical information but that information has all been removed since Thomas Cook closed in the UK.

Hope that helps, Jessica

Colin Post author

October 6, 2019 at 5:41 am

Hi Jessica, I was just searching about Thomas Cook after the recent bankruptcy as I was one of the people affected. Luckily for us, we were not on the tour and it was booked several months away, so it seems all will be well in terms of getting our money back. We also have plenty of time to rebook our holiday, so we are luckier than most.

What a great post and what a detailed history of Thomas Cook and his travel company. I have used Thomas Cook to book holidays for years and never knew anything about Thomas Cook, the man or his background. This was a very interesting read!

October 6, 2019 at 6:09 am

Sorry to hear that you were one of the people affected by the Thomas Cook bankruptcy and closure. But I am happy to hear that it sounds like you will receive a full refund for your booked trip and will have plenty of time to rebook your holiday.

So glad you enjoyed our post. Yes, the history of Thomas Cook as a person is very interesting and he was definitely a pioneer in the field of tourism. I am sure the Cook name will continue to be associated with a travel company in one way or another in the future since it is so well recognized worldwide.

Happy travels, Jessica

Eran Post author

December 26, 2018 at 10:21 pm

Hi, Great post! Towards the end of it you mention that a lot of things haven’t changed in travel. However, I think in recent years, with the rise of low-cost flights, now tourism is more reachable to all segments than ever before…

December 27, 2018 at 3:37 am

Hi Eran, Yes, it is amazing how much hasn’t changed and in other ways how much things have changed since the time of Thomas Cook!

I do think that low cost travel has enabled more people to travel, but in more recent times it is probably more due to better economic conditions in countries than things like budget airlines, as we are seeing huge increases in the number of travelers from places like India, China, and Latin America. Travel for leisure is commonplace in many countries, but still remains something for those with money as much of the world’s population can not often afford to travel internationally for leisure. According to Hans Rosling, it is estimated that only the richest 1 billion people in the world live where they can easily afford airplane tickets, and 2 billion people spend less than $2 a day.

Interesting to look at travel from a global perspective as it can be easy for Western people to take it for granted.

Alok kumar mandal Post author

August 17, 2018 at 8:15 am

very interesting and useful facts about Mr. Cook…

August 17, 2018 at 11:32 am

Hi Alok, Yes, Thomas Cook was an interesting man and we the see the effects of his legacy on modern travel all over the place, especially since we are now living in the UK. Best, Jessica

Bryant Kerr Post author

November 4, 2017 at 10:08 pm

I have a old traveling trunk that have the names Colonel Thomas Cook and Sons the other name is Lieutenant Colonel Rodger Young military number 03443 79 New Delhi does anyone know anything about this trunk

November 7, 2017 at 8:29 am

Hi Bryant, I don’t know anything about the trunk, but there is a fairly well-known American from Ohio that was in the military named Rodger Wilton Young although not sure if he was ever in New Delhi. There was also a Thomas Cook who served at the Addiscombe Military Seminary in 1837. But the Thomas Cook & Sons are probably just the ones that arranged the travel so you’ll probably have better luck tracking down Young. Best of luck!! ~ Jessica

Taranath Bohara Post author

January 31, 2017 at 5:09 am

I love this guy Thomas Cook, who helped bring affordable tourism to the world. Many people are involved and have followed his principles. He was a great who taught the lesson of tour and travel. Great blog post!

January 31, 2017 at 6:20 am

Hi Taranath, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, I really love the story of Thomas Cook and I don’t think a lot of people know the influence he had on the modern tourism industry but at least his name is still carried on in the company he founded. Glad you enjoyed our article! Best, Jessica

LOUIS GEEN Post author

January 31, 2017 at 9:11 am

Could this be the same man? I am a Freemason and a member of the Port Natal Masonic Lodge in Durban, South Africa. The Lodge is almost 160 years old, having been consecrated on 12th August 1858. According to our records Thomas Cook was Master of the Lodge during the Masonic year 1883 – 1884. The Lodge is in possession of a beautiful oil painting of Thomas Cook that was donated by him to the Lodge. Until I discovered Thomas Cook’s name in the Port Natal Lodge’s records, I was not aware that the Father of Modern Tourism resided in South Africa. Could our Thomas Cook be the same man that turned tourism into the industry it has become?

January 31, 2017 at 10:22 am

Hi Louis, How interesting and thanks for commenting again on this post! It is possible of course as Thomas Cook lived from 1808-1892, but I don’t think that Thomas Cook was a freemason and I don’t remember reading about him spending time in South Africa. Thomas Cook is a fairly common name. However, I am no expert, and to find out for sure, I’d contact the Thomas Cook Group and they should be able to easily verify if the painting is of the same Thomas Cook of the travel agency. Let me know if you have any difficulty contacting them and I’d love to hear what you find out even if it turns out to be another Thomas Cook! Best Jessica

Tim Post author

June 7, 2016 at 7:22 am

Thanks for all this information on Thomas Cook! I am looking to for copy of one of the recommended books on Amazon!

travelcats Post author

June 13, 2016 at 7:30 am

Hi Tim, You are very welcome for the information on Thomas Cook. Amazing story and an important person in modern travel history and the current state of tourism. Good luck finding the book! ~ Jessica

Kerstin Post author

May 24, 2016 at 6:43 am

Meanwhile, Diccon Bewes has written a book on Cook’s Grand Tour of Switzerland, which I highly recommend to anybody interested in Victorian era travel: Slow Train to Switzerland , ISBN 9781857886092.

May 24, 2016 at 7:27 am

Hi Kerstin, Thanks for that book recommendation. I have not read it but it does have good reviews and I think it would be great for those readers interested in Thomas Cook tours to Switzerland or early mass tourism to the Alps! Best, Jessica

Louis Geen Post author

November 12, 2014 at 1:26 am

Thomas Cook was certainly an interesting character. Another interesting fact about this amazing man is that he was a Freemason and that he was Master of the Port Natal Lodge in Durban, South Africa, from 1883/1884. The Lodge now 156 years old, still exists and has in its possession a beautiful oil painting of Thomas Cook in its original gilded frame, which he donated to the Lodge.

November 15, 2014 at 9:28 am

Hi Louis, I did not know this. I don’t recall any reference to the freemasons or even South Africa during my readings and research on Thomas Cook. Do you have a reference for this for those interested in reading more about this? I couldn’t find any info about the lodge online.

Nic Post author

November 7, 2013 at 9:03 am

The quotes from Thomas Cook are great.

November 7, 2013 at 10:14 am

Agreed:) I really like the one in the green box.

Meghan Post author

November 6, 2013 at 6:24 pm

This is so interesting! I’m always so fascinated by stories about travel in the past. I recently learned that it wasn’t until the last few centuries that people began traveling for pleasure. I’ve even read that in some parts of the world, people think it is a little strange for a person to travel just because, and not for some business or personal errand. But all this information I never knew. I’ve never even heard of Thomas Cook until now. Thanks for sharing!

November 7, 2013 at 10:12 am

I know, it is so interesting to read about travels in prior centuries. That’s interesting about how some people see travel as strange today but I imagine in places where people have very little money, leisure travel is not much of a possibility.

bevchen Post author

November 5, 2013 at 11:51 pm

I knew only some of this. It’s very interesting!

November 6, 2013 at 7:20 am

Yes, it is a fascinating history.

Meredith Post author

November 5, 2013 at 9:52 pm

Wow, I had no idea! I’d heard the name but didn’t fully realize the history behind it. I feel like I owe him a big thank you! Even now there are some places in the world that would’ve been difficult for me to see without a tour group. Fascinating!

November 6, 2013 at 7:19 am

Yes, there are definitely several places in the world that make more sense with organized travel or travel guides than on your own. Thomas Cook’s company actually also helped people book unecorted independent travel and just made all the travel arrangements, allowing people to do it on their own. BTW, did you see how he was also captivated by Scotland (made me think of you).

Kate Post author

November 5, 2013 at 5:19 pm

Not only am I amazed I didn’t know any of this, but I am fascinated as to how much history there really is behind Thomas Cook!

November 5, 2013 at 7:21 pm

Yes, it really is an interesting history. The British, like Thomas Cook, were really the pioneers that started the modern tourism industry. It didn’t hurt that the British Empire stretched across the world:)

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July 25, 2018 Ride with Ola and win a getaway to Mauritius from SOTC

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Thomas Cook and the Invention of Mass Tourism in Victorian Britain

Harry Sherrin

03 mar 2022.

After its inception in the mid-19th century, the travel agency Thomas Cook pioneered the development of mass tourism, launching the world’s first travel guidebooks, package holidays and round-the-world tours.

Thomas Cook grew from humble beginnings, carrying temperance activists to meetings by train in the English Midlands, into a vast multinational company. In the 19th century, its tours catered to increasingly wealthy Victorians during the height of the British Empire , successfully championing a travel revolution.

But in 2019, Thomas Cook declared bankruptcy. It was the world’s oldest and longest-serving tour operator at the time, having existed for more than a century and a half and endured world wars, economic crises and the rise of the internet.

Here’s the story of Thomas Cook and the advent of global mass tourism.

Temperance trips

Thomas Cook (1808-1892), a devout Christian and advocate of the temperance movement, organised a one-day rail excursion for a temperance meeting in 1841. The trip, on 5 July, involved a train journey between Leicester and Loughborough, courtesy of an arrangement with the Midland Counties Railway Company.

Cook continued this practice over the following years, organising railway journeys for temperance activist groups around the Midlands of England. In 1845, he organised his first for-profit excursion, in the form of a trip to Liverpool for passengers from three locations – Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.

For this tour, Cook crafted a passengers’ handbook, now widely considered a precursor to the popular travel guidebook that would be produced to accompany travel excursions for decades to follow.

Branching out to Europe

English tourist agent Thomas Cook and party in the ruins of Pompeii, Easter 1868. Cook is seated on the ground, just to right of center, in this carte-de-visite photograph.

Image Credit: Granger Historical Picture Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

By the 1850s, Cook had his sights set further afield than England. For the Paris Exposition of 1855 , for example, he organised guided trips from Leicester to Calais.

That same year, he also oversaw international ‘package’ tours, carrying parties from England to various cities in Europe, including Brussels, Strasbourg, Cologne and Paris . These excursions offered passengers everything needed to sustain them on their journeys, including transport, accommodation and meals.

By the 1860s, Cook’s sporadic temperance trips had grown into a profitable mass tourism operation – thought to be the first in global history. In response to his newfound success, Cook opened his first high-street store in London’s Fleet Street in 1865.

That same year, the London Underground opened as the first subterranean railway in the world. London was the most populous city on the planet at the time, and the enterprises of the British Empire saw wealth pouring into mainland Britain. With this came disposable income and, by extension, more Britons willing to spend large sums on international holidays.

For Cook, business was booming.

Going global

After tackling Europe, Thomas Cook went global. Now a father-son business comprising Thomas Cook and his son, John Mason Cook, the tour agency launched its first US tour in 1866. John Mason guided it personally.

A few years later, Thomas Cook escorted passengers on the company’s first trip to North Africa and the Middle East, stopping in Egypt and Palestine.

Tourism for Britons at the time was intimately tied to the endeavours of the British Empire. As British armies entered Egypt and Sudan in the late 19th century, so too did tourists, traders, teachers and missionaries, eager to capitalise on the newfound accessibility of far-flung nations and the relative safety offered by the presence of British forces there.

Thomas Cook and Son was even responsible for delivering military personnel and mail to British Egypt in the late 19th century.

1872 marked a huge moment in the history of Thomas Cook and indeed global tourism. That year, Thomas Cook escorted the first known round-the-world tour. The lengthy excursion, which lasted more than 200 days and covered nearly 30,000 miles, was targeted at wealthy Victorians – those with the time, funds and proclivity to see the world’s many cultures.

In that decade, Thomas Cook also helped invent the traveler’s cheque: the company offered a ‘Circular Note’ to its passengers which could be exchanged for currency around the world.

In the 1920s, Thomas Cook and Son launched the first-known tour through Africa. The excursion lasted some 5 months and took passengers from Cairo in Egypt down to the Cape of Good Hope.

Conquering air and sea

John Mason Cook took over primary leadership of the company in the 1870s, overseeing its continued expansion and the opening of various new offices around the world.

With this expansion came the launching of Thomas Cook’s company-owned steamers in the late 19th century. In 1886, a fleet of luxury steamers opened to passengers, offering cruises along the Nile.

A Thomas Cook flyer from 1922 advertising cruises down the Nile. This kind of travel has been immortalised in works such as ‘Death on the Nile’ by Agatha Christie.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Thomas Cook eventually took to the skies in the 1920s, overseeing its first guided tour involving air travel in 1927. The trip carried 6 passengers from New York to Chicago, and also included accommodation and tickets for a Chicago boxing fight.

Into the modern era

During World War Two , Thomas Cook was briefly enlisted to assist with the ‘enemy mail service’, essentially the covert delivery of post from Allied regions to occupied territories.

The company went on to change hands several times during the 20th century, yet it managed to stay afloat despite various buyouts, economic crises and the rise of online travel agents.

In 2019, Thomas Cook was handed a bill of some £200 million by the Royal Bank of Scotland and other financial institutions. Unable to source the funds, the company declared bankruptcy.

At the time, Thomas Cook was responsible for more than 150,000 holiday-goers abroad. When the company collapsed, new arrangements had to be made to return every stranded customer home. The UK Civil Aviation Authority, which assisted with the repatriation efforts, called it the largest-ever peacetime repatriation in British history.

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