Cost and Finance:

When traveling abroad, there are five common methods of financing the Grand Tour. Most tourists rely on paper instruments of credit. They draw on the foreign correspondence of his London banker for a certain sum. Also, people pay for the tour by taking bills of exchange that can be exchanged by any banker on the continent; yet, some resist this method because bills may turn out to be useless and false. Two less common methods of financing the tour are to take British money and to borrow from British envoys. The final method is obtaining money, pounds from well-intentioned local people. However, one must be aware that in all of these financial situations commissions are charged by bankers for dealing with bills of exchange, other financial devices, and the rates of exchange offered by these bankers, often times causes the tourist to complain. Many bankers are British, yet remain largely unregulated and free to charge or offer what they choose. Another problem when arranging one’s finances is ensuring the possibility of obtaining a banker’s service. Exchange rates, shortage of coins, and the wide variety of currencies within the countries make it difficult and costly.

For some, financing the Grand Tour is not only a burden but also an impossibility. For these unfortunate persons, the students who happen to be attending a university have the privilege to request financial aid from their respective universities. In this situation, the student is expected to pay for food and gifts, but the university can help with the cost of lodging and transportation. People restricted with financial burden can also depend on the Queen herself for support. The Queen chooses to aid young courtiers on their tour abroad with the understanding that when these courtiers return, they will advise her foreign affairs based on their experiences abroad. One can always travel for less by searching for inexpensive food and accommodations, traveling on foot rather than carriages, refraining from gambling, drinking, and other social engagements, and budgeting one’s expenses wisely.

 

Financial advice for mainstream travelers:

  • It is most useful to arrange allowances expressed in terms of so much per month or even year. Prices should be agreed upon in advance, but also may be bargained if staying for an extended period of time. The average Grand Tourist spends 300 pounds per year. A servant or a tutor to promote one’s traveling comfort usually accompanies the wealthier Grand Tourists. These servants add an additional 50 pounds to the yearly allowance or cost of the Grand Tourist.
  • Be prepared to spend less on food and accommodations and more on transportation, especially purchasing carriages. Land travel is the most expensive means of transportation.
  • One may cut costs by purchasing food at the market. However, most of the time foreigners pay more than the locals.
  • When packing, be aware that one may very well have to replace items of clothing, which is very expensive, when abroad for long periods of time. One is always expected to dress well, especially when appearing in court society.
  • Attending the theatre or musical entertainments is not expensive. However, tourists are usually defrauded, so be careful.
  • Tipping is also a constant drain on the traveler’s financial budget. Tipping is widespread and every worker receives a tip from the sailors to the servants.
  • Be aware that gambling is a main part of social life on the continent. Horse racing, boxing, billiards, and cards are forms of gambling that are particularly popular within the social scene.

 
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