Travel through time with these 7 stunning holiday adverts

17 Jan 2017

Image: Semisatch/Shutterstock

These seven superb Expedia adverts for time-travel holidays show everything from Neanderthal art classes to Pompeii photography.

If you could travel back in time to anywhere, at any time, where would it be? The quick answer is walking with the dinosaurs, but what about discovering America for the first time, or impressing Neanderthals with fire?

Expedia has mocked up a series of adverts for time travel holidays, even peering into the not-too-distant future as NASA’s bid to colonise the solar system begins to heat up.

Claiming the trips are for a time-travelling tourist with a limitless budget. Expedia’s efforts come at a time when the 21st century holiday-maker may be getting tired of the Algarve of Costa del Sol.

Walking with dinosaurs

“The biggest animals the world has ever known roamed the Earth 150m years ago. From being trodden underfoot by a Brachiosaurus to being eaten alive by a vicious 40-foot long Allosaurus, danger is everywhere! You’ll want to keep your foot on the gas as you safari through the Jurassic Age.”

“The biggest animals the world has ever known roamed the Earth 150m years ago. From being trodden underfoot by a Brachiosaurus to being eaten alive by a vicious 40-foot long Allosaurus, danger is everywhere! You’ll want to keep your foot on the gas as you safari through the Jurassic Age.”

The Ice Age

“The last ice age peaked 21,000 years ago giving every hill and mountain off-piste potential. The land roamed with giants, from the Saber Toothed Tiger to the Woolly Mammoth. So strap on your skis and set your goggles straight, you’re about to witness nature at one of its most extremes.”

“The last Ice Age peaked 21,000 years ago, giving every hill and mountain off-piste potential. The land roamed with giants, from the saber-toothed tiger to the woolly mammoth. So strap on your skis and set your goggles straight, you’re about to witness nature at one of its most extremes.”

Neanderthal art class

“The Cueva de El Castillo in Spain is home to the oldest known cave paintings in the world. But rather than marvel at today’s remains, why not travel back 41,000 years and take an art class with the Neanderthals? Paint (natural earth pigments) will be provided by your hosts.”

“The Cueva de El Castillo in Spain is home to the oldest known cave paintings in the world. But rather than marvel at today’s remains, why not travel back 41,000 years and take an art class with the Neanderthals? Paint (natural earth pigments) will be provided by your hosts.”

Markets of Pompeii

“2,000 years ago, the ‘Macellum’ of Pompeii was a thriving marketplace. Foodies will love the authentic Roman Empire bustle as you haggle for figs and olives, and hang around for a sacrificial feast in the evening. But be sure to get out of there by 79AD – Mount Vesuvius is about to blow!”

“2,000 years ago, the ‘Macellum’ of Pompeii was a thriving marketplace. Foodies will love the authentic Roman Empire bustle as you haggle for figs and olives, and hang around for a sacrificial feast in the evening. But be sure to get out of there by 79AD – Mount Vesuvius is about to blow!”

Wild West

“Bannack, Montana at the peak of the gold rush: the quintessential wild west town, complete with saloons, blacksmiths and a corrupt sheriff. You can make it big if you stay lucky in 1860s Bannack – with all those gamblers and bandits, it makes an ideal setting for your Stag or Hen party.”

“Bannack, Montana at the peak of the gold rush: the quintessential wild west town, complete with saloons, blacksmiths and a corrupt sheriff. You can make it big if you stay lucky in 1860s Bannack – with all those gamblers and bandits, it makes an ideal setting for your stag or hen party.”

Atlantis

“Travelling back through time is easy. Finding your way to the lost city of Atlantis is a different case. If you can figure out where it is, you’ll know for sure when you visit the ivory and gold pillars of the Temple of Poseidon.”

“Travelling back through time is easy. Finding your way to the lost city of Atlantis is a different case. If you can figure out where it is, you’ll know for sure when you visit the ivory and gold pillars of the Temple of Poseidon.”

Europa

“Jupiter’s sixth-closest moon has good potential for sustaining life. If NASA’s Human Outer Planets Exploration program takes place in the 2040s as hoped, there could be good infrastructure for space and time tourism by the year 2117. Imagine sipping on your morning tea, watching Jupiter rise over you – spectacular!”

“Jupiter’s sixth-closest moon has good potential for sustaining life. If NASA’s Human Outer Planets Exploration program takes place in the 2040s as hoped, there could be good infrastructure for space and time tourism by the year 2117. Imagine sipping on your morning tea, watching Jupiter rise over you – spectacular!”

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com