What did people do before airplanes were invented?

Before airplanes were invented, people relied on various forms of transportation for long-distance travel, including trains, ships, and horse-drawn carriages. The advent of steamships and railroads in the 19th century significantly accelerated travel times across continents. Additionally, hot air balloons and airships were experimented with for aerial travel, albeit with limited success and safety. Overall, travel was generally slower and more labor-intensive compared to modern air travel.