By Spencer Spellman, on March 4, 2014

Travel back in time with Mr. Peabody

If you could travel through time, where would you go? It’s an age-old question, and one we likely will continue to ask until we can buy tickets to yesteryear, tomorrow, or both. While numerous sci-fi movies about time travel have captured imaginations (flux capacitor, anyone?), some inventor-types have taken it more literally, with supposed “time machines” popping up on eBay and Craigslist every now and again. Our new favorite: the WABAC (pronounced “way-back”) Machine in the new movie from DreamWorks, Mr. Peabody & Sherman.

If the names Peabody and Sherman ring a bell, they should; these were two characters from the Peabody’s Improbable History segments on the 1960s animated television series, The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, a classic in its own right. Now some 50+ years later, Mr. Peabody and Sherman are back, along with the WABAC Machine, and we’re along for the ride. 

On March 7, DreamWorks’ Mr. Peabody & Sherman will hit theaters across America. In this adventure, Mr. Peabody and Sherman find themselves on another improbable saga that takes them (way) back into different parts of history. Rather than give too much away, we’d rather tease it with the trailer.

Mr. Peabody was even kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule for a brief interview with Expedia.

Expedia: Mr. Peabody, you’ve traveled all over the world. Can you narrow down your favorite destinations to a top three?

Mr. Peabody: I love visiting Paris, I feel at home in London. I also like Bora Bora. Sherman prefers Coney Island.

ExpediaMr. Peabody, has there been one trip that stands out as particularly memorable?

Mr. Peabody: We traveled with a circus through Australian Outback. Sherman tried to carry a kangaroo through customs. Utter chaos.

ExpediaMr. Peabody, of all the time periods you’ve visited, which is your favorite?

Mr. Peabody: Good question. History has shown us that every time has its milestones. I’ve always had fun during the Renaissance.

ExpediaMr. Peabody, you’ve met a lot of people during your travels. Is there one with whom you would consider traveling on an extended trip?

Mr. Peabody: Sherman has been my trusted travel companion. But if I had to choose, Mel Brooks would be fun. Obviously.

ExpediaMr. Peabody, what can people expect from your latest adventure with Sherman?

Mr. Peabody: Our film shows our adventure through time. Mistakes were made (Sherman!) and I try to fix them. Mayhem ensues.

ExpediaMr. Peabody, name three items without which you simply can’t travel.

Mr. Peabody: My glasses, my bow tie, and Sherman.

ExpediaMr. Peabody, which travel lessons would you impart to others?

Mr. Peabody: Pack light, and leave your schedule open for spontaneity. Because you can’t plan the time of your life.

Expedia: When you’re not traveling back in time, where do you and Sherman like to vacation?

Mr. Peabody: As a parent, you don’t have to go far for fun. Sometimes a pillow fort in the living room is the perfect destination.

ExpediaLast question, Mr. Peabody. Any other advice you would give to intrepid travelers?

Mr. Peabody: Keep your eyes open. There’s more to the world than we realize. Someday we’ll be history so let’s enjoy every moment.

Expedia: Thank you, Mr. Peabody, for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.

Mr. Peabody: Thank you! What a terrific chat.

But now before you rush off buying your advance tickets, there’s more: You can actually travel like Mr. Peabody and Sherman on our dime! That’s right, we’re giving away a trip for two people to the winner’s choice of some of the most historic cities of the world, France, Greece, or Italy

Meanwhile, the release of Mr. Peabody & Sherman has piqued curiosities about time travel among us here at Expedia. To what era would we travel? To what spot(s)? Our bloggers have been asking themselves these questions and will be writing essays about their answers in the coming days.

Me in the Sydney Harbour in the late 1800s

 

As for me, I’d take a trip back in time to the very late 1800s to Australia. This time period in that destination serves as one of the most important epochs in travel because of all the innovations that took place. The era saw thousands upon thousands of miles of railway laid throughout the country. The nation’s first true cars—which were steam cars, mind you—were made then. A man by the name of Lawrence Hargrave became the first Australian man to fly. And in the shipping industry, steam engines were cutting travel time in half. Being the travel geek that I am, I would walk around wide-eyed at a chance to experience first-hand all of the innovations that have helped shape travel as we know it today.

But now we want to hear from other travelers. Check back every day over the next few weeks to read about where each of our bloggers would go. Then you tell us. The 1490s in America? The Paleozoic? The year 2057? Time travel excites different people for different reasons. We’re excited to hear yours.

For more on where the Expedia Viewfinder bloggers would travel with a WABAC machine, read these posts:

Paris in the Roaring Twenties

To Egypt, with Mom

Time travel souvenirs

The ultimate baths, in Bath

Striking Klondike gold

History in the making

Revolutionary time-travel

Maui whales through time

Back to Hollywood glam

Girl power getaway

Return to Rat Pack Vegas

If you had a WABAC Machine, where would you use it to go?