Take to the open road

Ah, the open road… Just you and that endless path inviting you to explore the world – unlimited, unrestricted, free. Each traveler has his or her own definition around the idea of exploring the world, self-contained and unfettered.

Wally Byam was clearly the free spirit of his own time. In 1929, he built the world’s first travel trailer… an Airstream. It started out as a sort of tent that he added to the top of a Model T chassis! It was evidently far from rainproof so he tried again; this time replacing the tent with a teardrop-shaped, permanent shelter. He also added a stove and ice chest.

It was easy to tow and captured a lot of attention on the road. In fact, he received enough attention to decide to make this a business. In 1931, Airstream was founded to build a travel trailer that would “move like a stream of air, be light enough to be towed by a car, and create first-class accommodations anywhere.”

This purely American creation has endured and flourished. Remarkably, Airstreams of the 1930s can still be seen on the road today! And they have spread across the globe.

You can enjoy your own luxury Airstream stay – complete with air conditioning, bathroom with hot water, cable TV, terrace, dining room and outdoor Jacuzzi – in remote Guatemala on our newest President’s Pick: Adventure Guatemala & Panama journey. This extraordinary adventure also includes a luxury tented camp stay, stunning hiking opportunities, white water rafting and so much more.