Adventure-seekers frequently retrace the routes of famous travelers. Though the modern versions might be less epic in scope, they do have a way of showing off just how good we've got it in terms of transportation, and that's kinda special. To traverse the North American continent or the nation of Japan once required a significant chunk of time, and now with a Land Rover Evoque->ke3666 or bullet train at your disposal, the trip across Japan, at least, can be dispatched in a matter of hours.

Modern transportation has changed the face of the world, and nowhere is that more clear than in this infographic, which compares the time originally taken to complete famous journeys with the amount of time it takes now. The time comparison makes sense, coming as it does from watches2u.com, but the comparison of technology is definitely of interest to gearheads. The 2,481-mile trip from Chicago to Los Angeles took over three months in 1800, but a new car cuts that time down to eight days (apparently the writers of this infographic only plan to drive for five hours a day), as well as accomplishing the trip in air-conditioned comfort and with plenty of restaurants along the way. Similarly, in the 1960s the 503-mile jaunt from Tokyo to Hiroshima was a nine-hour trip by car. With modern bullet trains the trip is down to just over four hours, including bus transfers.

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Why it matters

The world's not getting any smaller, but we're definitely getting better at moving through it. As the time required to reach our destination grows smaller, the ability to forge strong connections over longer distances becomes greater. It's one of the ways in which cars->ke175 (often criticized for being an isolating force in modern society by separating commuters) are able to bring people closer together. Now, doesn't that make you want to go for a long drive and make some new friends?