23 Things We Used To Do When Traveling On Holiday (But Don’t Anymore)
While the core idea of taking a break to recharge remains unchanged—many of us still step away from our daily routines, seek out a sunny destination, and return refreshed—the way we experience vacations has transformed in exciting ways over the past few decades. What was once a simple week at a British seaside town or a trip to the Spanish coast has now expanded into a world of limitless possibilities. Thanks to innovations like social media, affordable air travel, and evolving perspectives on what travel should be, our adventures are more diverse and accessible than ever.
Curious about how travel habits have changed? Let’s explore some fascinating shifts!
1. Choose a hotel from a brochure
"Wow, look at this catalog—so many beautiful hotels to choose from! Each one has its own charm, and those ocean views look incredible. Time to start dreaming about the perfect getaway!"
Flipping through a hotel brochure felt like the start of an adventure. With pages full of stunning beachfront resorts, cozy mountain lodges, and stylish city stays, it was easy to imagine yourself unwinding in a dream destination. Sure, the photos could be enhanced a little—after all, no ocean is that impossibly blue—but that just adds to the excitement of discovering the real thing.
2. Be out of contact
Decades ago, saying "see you in two weeks" meant fully immersing yourself in the adventure ahead. Today, constant updates—from a quick text before leaving the driveway to a social media post about road conditions—can make it harder to truly disconnect.
Tip: Give yourself the gift of being present. Instead of a video call from the airport about long lines, savor the excitement of the journey. Let your time away be a refreshing break, and when you reconnect, you’ll have amazing stories to share!
3. Say goodbye to people at the departure gate
In the mid-1990s, you could walk right up to the gate to say goodbye to friends and family before they boarded their flight. Now, there's a fee just to drop them off at the airport, and trying to pass security without a boarding pass might just get you acquainted with some eager lawyers.
Tip: While security measures have changed, there are still plenty of ways to make farewells special! Many airports offer designated drop-off areas, and some even have great pre-security lounges or restaurants where you can share a final coffee or meal together before they take off.
4. Smoke on planes
It’s almost unimaginable today, but there was a time when lighting up a cigarette mid-flight was completely normal. Airlines even designated separate smoking and non-smoking sections, though, in reality, the smoke didn’t exactly respect those invisible boundaries. Thankfully, as awareness of health risks grew and air travel evolved, cabins became completely smoke-free, creating a fresher, more comfortable experience for everyone onboard.
5. Watch the same in-flight movies
Before personal screens became standard on planes, air travel had a unique kind of cinematic charm. Passengers would gather their attention toward a single communal screen, watching the same film together—often creating an unspoken, shared experience. Whether it was a classic blockbuster or an unexpected hidden gem, this tradition added a touch of nostalgia to flying, sparking conversations and even laughter among travelers.
6. Enjoy in-flight dining
Air travel has evolved in many ways over the years, and one noticeable change is the way we dine onboard. There was a time when even economy-class passengers could expect a hot meal with real cutlery, while first-class travelers enjoyed multi-course gourmet dishes paired with fine wines and vintage ports.
Today, airline dining has become more streamlined, with many flights offering light snacks like pretzels or sandwiches instead of full meals—especially on shorter routes. While this shift may seem like a downgrade, it has also led to new opportunities. Many airlines now allow passengers to pre-order specialized meals, catering to dietary preferences with healthier and more diverse options. Additionally, premium lounges in airports have elevated the pre-flight dining experience, giving travelers a chance to enjoy a high-quality meal before boarding.
Although the days of elaborate in-flight feasts may be behind us, the focus has shifted toward convenience, efficiency, and more personalized choices. So, while we may miss the nostalgia of dining at 30,000 feet, modern travel offers new ways to enjoy delicious food along the journey.
7. Carry Around a Heavy Key
There was a time when hotel keys weren’t sleek little cards but large, clunky metal ones—sometimes attached to oversized keychains so guests wouldn’t forget them. While there was a certain charm to handing your key to the front desk before heading out, today’s keycards (and even smartphone access) make checking in and out smoother than ever. Sure, a demagnetized card can be a minor inconvenience, but it beats lugging around a hefty key all day!
8. Slather on Sunscreen and Hope for the Best
Sunburn used to be an unfortunate rite of passage on summer vacations. Many of us remember the sting of peeling skin after a little too much time in the sun. These days, with better awareness and stronger SPF formulas, we’re more proactive about sun safety—meaning we can enjoy the beach without the painful souvenir. Plus, stylish UV-protective clothing makes it even easier to stay safe while looking great.
9. Completely Unplug and Indulge
Once upon a time, vacations were all about switching off—no emails, no social media, just pure relaxation (and maybe a few extra desserts). While we still enjoy indulging, many travelers now incorporate wellness into their trips, from morning yoga on the beach to sampling local healthy cuisine. It’s less about restriction and more about balance—so you can savor that gelato and take a scenic hike without guilt.
10. Send Postcards from Every Destination
There was something special about picking out the perfect postcard, carefully crafting a short message, and mailing it off to loved ones. While the excitement of receiving a handwritten note has been largely replaced by instant photos and video calls, the spirit of sharing our travels remains. Some travelers still embrace vintage-style postcards as keepsakes, proving that some traditions never truly fade—they just evolve.
11. Use Traveller’s Cheques for Every Purchase
There was a time when traveller’s cheques were the safest way to carry money abroad. Carefully signed and securely stashed, they provided peace of mind—but also required frequent trips to banks or currency exchanges. Today, with credit cards, mobile payments, and fee-free travel banking options, managing money while traveling is easier and more seamless than ever. While they may hold a certain old-school appeal, we certainly don’t miss the paperwork!
12. Collect Travelers’ Cheques
Before credit cards and digital banking, travelers' cheques were the safest way to carry money abroad. Tourists would queue at exchange counters to cash them in, carefully signing each one in front of a teller. While they offered security, they were also a hassle, requiring identification and often involving unexpected fees. Now, with contactless payments and ATMs on every corner, they’ve all but disappeared.
13. Dress Up for the Airport
Once upon a time, flying was considered a glamorous event, and travelers dressed accordingly. Suits, dresses, and even hats were the norm, as air travel was a luxury experience with full meals, spacious seating, and a certain sense of sophistication. Today, comfort takes priority—leggings, hoodies, and noise-canceling headphones are the new first-class uniform.
14. Buy Souvenir Castanets
There was a time when every holiday required bringing back a stereotypical souvenir—whether it was a pair of castanets from Spain, a miniature Eiffel Tower from Paris, or a novelty shot glass from any given airport. Today’s travelers lean toward more meaningful keepsakes, such as handcrafted goods, local delicacies, or even digital memories.
These changes reflect not just evolving tastes but a deeper appreciation for authentic cultural experiences.
15. Judge Knobbly Knees at Holiday Camps
Some holiday traditions make perfect sense in their time, and others… not so much. Decades ago, it wasn’t unusual for resorts to host lighthearted competitions like “Knobbly Knees Contests,” where middle-aged men proudly showed off their bony legs for a panel of judges. While these quirky events have largely vanished, their spirit lives on in today’s fun-filled beach games and social resort activities.
16. Get Confused by Multiple Currencies…
Before the euro, hopping across Europe meant keeping track of a handful of different currencies. Travelers juggled Deutsche Marks, francs, lira, and pesetas, often struggling with conversion rates. “Wait, so how much is this in pounds again?” Now, digital banking and widespread currency unification have made spending abroad easier than ever.
17. …While Carrying Around Pockets Full of Foreign Coins
Remember coming home with a wallet weighed down by foreign coins, most of which were too small in value to exchange? That pile of leftover pesetas or drachmas often ended up in a kitchen drawer, never to be spent. Today, with contactless payments and mobile wallets, fumbling for change is becoming a thing of the past.
18. Carry a Heavy Guidebook Everywhere
Before smartphones and travel apps, a hefty guidebook was the ultimate travel companion. These books contained everything from hotel recommendations to restaurant reviews, albeit with slightly outdated phone numbers. While guidebooks still have their charm, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and AI-driven travel assistants have largely taken over, offering real-time recommendations at your fingertips.
19. Worry About Getting Lost
Traveling before GPS was an adventure in itself. Unfolding massive paper maps on windy streets, trying to make sense of foreign road signs, and debating whether to ask a stranger for help were all part of the journey. Now, with navigation apps and ride-hailing services, getting lost has become almost impossible—unless, of course, you want to be.
20. Think Normandy Was a Long-Distance Holiday
For many families, a trip to northern France once felt like a grand voyage. Hours spent packing the car, queuing for the ferry, and navigating unfamiliar roads made it feel like a true adventure. Today, with budget airlines and high-speed trains, destinations once considered “far-flung” are now easy weekend getaways.
21. Go Camping Without Luxuries
Camping in the ‘80s and ‘90s was a character-building experience—pitching leaky tents, sleeping on lumpy ground, and braving the elements. Despite the occasional misery (and an inevitable ant invasion), families stuck it out for the sake of tradition. Now, camping has evolved into “glamping,” offering heated tents, comfy beds, and even Wi-Fi. Roughing it? Not so much.
22. Pay a Fortune for an International Phone Call
Making a call home from abroad used to be a costly ordeal. Whether it was feeding coins into a payphone or suffering through hotel phone rates, a quick “Hello!” could leave a dent in your wallet. “£47 for two minutes of static?!” With free Wi-Fi calling, roaming plans, and messaging apps, staying in touch is now effortless—and much cheaper.
23. Drop Off a Roll of Film to Develop Holiday Photos
Before smartphones, capturing holiday memories meant carrying film rolls, carefully selecting each shot, and hoping for the best. The excitement of picking up developed photos was often met with disappointment—blurry landscapes, overexposed selfies, and, of course, the dreaded “thumb in the frame” shot. Today, instant digital photos allow us to capture, edit, and share moments instantly.
Conclusion
While travel habits have changed, the joy of exploring new places remains the same. Whether reminiscing about the past or embracing new trends, every era brings its own magic to the experience. Who knows—maybe in 20 years, we’ll be looking back at our current travel habits with just as much nostalgia!
