The Washington herald., 1908-02-16
BY THE ARBETER.

Zip kiu1 DFAUitit tAtE AeAotttfAttAhtE hhtitAt-'
the successful rival ID Florida and the
Bahamas. and al this season the worm
out marons and jaded bellies of society
are turning their eyes toward the sunny
shores OF Italy and longing for the dolce
far uiente of a vacation there No nos
trums that have ever been compounded,
no one Of the numberlesss cures that have
sprung up in the past few years can COM
pare with the long sea voyage that carries
one 10 the Land Of Saturn and the in
souciant existence of a few weeks there,
as cure for the woEld weariness that
settles down upon one after strenuous
season. That this fact is fully appreciated
by Americans is shown by the swaTms
that infest that earthly paradise in the
spring, and their visits have greatly in
creased Italy's exchequer. and localities
that were once povertylstricken have be-
come fourishing centers through the Law
ishness and generosity of Uncle Sans
travelling children.
Years ago when it WAS an event to go
abroad once in a lifetime, and those who
were so fortunate as 10 go twice or three
times We're pointed ont as ouriosities,
much was written regarding preparations
for the voyage and conduct while travel
ing; such advice would seem 10 be un-
necessary now that every other person
one meets has crossed at least once. and
many dozen times. while a certain few
go over" every summer; but the changes
that are constantly taking place, the new
fashion in traveling-fOr there is a pas
sion in this as in everything else-make
"a few hints as 10 what to carry, how to
act, and what TO see when going TO Eu-
rope as important as ever
The European traveller from this side
makes the mistake generally Of taking
toe much steamer luggage. Ali that is
needed for either the northern or south
EN- route can be packed in a grip and a
suamer trunk. any more baggage than
tbs in a stateroom is very much in the
way. In the last few wears It has become
tie fashion on some Of the transatlantic
Ines for the men TO wear evening clothes
Dr dinner, and fer the women To appear
Il the conventional gaJb that society at
Tome demands. often in low neck and
lared arms. No matter how popular this
custom may be. nothing can excuse il.
for it IS both uncomfortable and impracti-
-able. To begin with, to make an elabo-
tate toilet on a rolling ship in the limited
confines of a stateT0oIn is difficult: then.
no matter how tight the ship. the con-
stant opening of the doors that lead 10
the decks make unavoidable draughts. and
fUrs must be worn to insure any degree
of comfort.
After dinner it is the invariable custom
10 80 up on deck. and to sit there in a de-
coliete gown and thin slippers is de-
hberately inviting illness. Besides. 10 ap-
pear in her ball gown on a steamer looks
as though woman so garbed had no
other place 10 exhibit them or that she is
a thoroughly inexperienced traveller.
All that a woman really needs for ten
days on a steamer Is abundance of
lingerie, since il is impossible to have anv
washing done in transit, a warm and at
tractive bath robe, smart tailor made
travelling dress. two extra skirts. one
OF woolen and one Of silk. with which
fancy waists can be worn. a half dozen
linen shirt waists. TWO OF light flannel or
silk, and one or two lace or silk waists
for evening wear. A man should never
be without his evening clothes. and
though il is not good taste to dress in
them for dinner on = steamer. he must
do so for the captains dinner, and there
are often other functions given during
lhe voyage where the men are expected
TO appear in full regaHa.
The impetus travelling has taken in the
last quarter of a century makes the world
seem much smaller place than it did
formerly. one never takes an ocean
steamer without nnding, If he does not
run across personal friends. some one
who is the friend OF some friend, and so
an endless chain Of acquaintance extends
around the globe. The stiff-necked con-
regards il as questionable form
10 make steamer friends. and yet TO the
cosmopolitan this Is one of the most
agreeable experiences in life Many last
ing friendships have been formed on the
decks Of the transatlantic and trans
Pacific liners, to say nothing of the mar
riages that have resulted from the firta-
tons that were begun on the "bOnny,
blue deep No one gets half as much
pleasure out of travelling who insists upon
himself in a cloak OF unap-
2roachabIe reserve, for it is not only
scenery architecture. and art that the
globe trotter should seek, but a more in
Innate knowledge of his felloW-men as
.hey exist in different countries and under
different conditions from his own. The
most intelligent man is the man who
pest understands human nature. and there
is no study IN a college curriculum so
much worth while and so fascinating: Sc.
then, do not discourage advances that
may be made TO you aboard ship. for.
although there may be biacklegs. con-
nCence men, and professional gamblers
among the passengers. thev form but a
small minority, and :hey. even they. are
10 the student Of human nature well
worth knowing.
Travelling in Europe is much facilitated
by knowledge of French and German
II is, Of course, an easy matter to get
along without speaking any tongue but
English. but one is able 10 travel cheaper
and TO secure better service if he is mas
ter Of the language Of the country in
which he is travelling. Indeed, there is
quite a different price for those who
speak the language and those who don't.
a fact confessed TO The Arbiter by the
of hotel in the Tyrol. who
could, or would, not be convinced that
ne was wrong TO take an advantage of
the tourists who did not happen to be
linguIsts.
The best companion for a long jour
ney Is perennial cheerfulaess. A smiling
Lace and gracious manners are open