When did people start going on holiday? Valentina Otero, Mexico City

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Only a privileged few could afford to go on holiday in pre-industrial times (and before the advent of the railways). The earliest known holiday postcard, however, dates back to Roman times. The text, in full, reads: “Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres. Utinam hic esses.” EddieChorepost

People certainly went on holiday during the Roman empire – actually travelling, not just nipping off to your villa on the coast for the summer, as many rich people did – because we’ve found the souvenirs. There are at least two “A present from Hadrian’s Wall” cups, decorated