[brabel]

> On the other hand, the solo traveler is a recent phenomenon largely enabled by 20th century technology and political developments.

I think people like Marco Polo were not so uncommon for most of history.

[keiferski]

Marco Polo was uncommon, which is why we remember him today. He also didn’t go entirely alone, and spent years traveling to places that can be reached in hours today. Not the same thing.