Motivations and Experiences of Middle-Class Romanian Leisure Travelers in the Early 20th Century: Drivers of Modernization

In the early 20th century, social and economic developments in Romania enabled the middle class to experience international leisure travel, a privilege previously accessible only to the upper class. This paper aims to analyze notable travel writings to uncover the travel motivations and experiences of middle-class Romanians and their effects on Romanian society. The travel notes of the following individuals are qualitatively analyzed: Constantin I. Istrati (doctor, chemist, and politician), Nicolae Iorga (poet, literary critic, historian, and politician), Dimitrie Marinescu (typographer and labor activist), Radu D. Rosetti (lawyer, poet, and writer), Gheorghe Ionescu-Șisești (agronomist and politician), and Iuliu T. Mera (doctor and prose writer). The analysis revealed that the Romanians who traveled abroad found inspiration in the cultural development and social organization of Western European countries such as France, Great Britain, and Germany. Their travel motivations included cultural exploration, leisure, relaxation, and social and political enlightenment.