Long distance traveling was invented much earlier than 20th and even 19th century.

Here's an isochrone — travel time — map from 1881, centred on London. Note the legend uses tens of days to measure time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Isochronic_Passage_Chart_...

Speed and scale of long-distance travel are obviously the relevant factors, not just "is it possible to go far".

Air travel is faster than horse, and carries more people.