For the late-19th century version of this, check out "To the Edge of the World", Christian Wolmar's account of the construction of the Trans-Siberian and particularly the experience of traveling by land across Russia on the Trakt before the railway. Handy tips include carrying four saucers and a can of petrol, so you can place these under the legs of your bed and deter at least some of the creepy-crawlies from making their way into it.