If You Remember These 20 Travel Fads, You’re a True Child of the 80s

Travel in the 1980s was a unique blend of analog pleasures and the first whispers of digital convenience. This decade saw significant shifts not only in the way people moved around but also in how they captured and remembered their journeys.

For those who experienced it first-hand, these travel fads offer a nostalgic look back at a time that set the stage for the technological leaps just around the corner.

The Golden Age of Frequent Flyer Programs

The 80s were when airlines perfected the art of customer loyalty with miles programs that seemed almost too good to be true. Travelers could earn extensive rewards, leading to an era where collecting miles became as important as the travel itself. For many, this was a first introduction to the perks of sticking with one airline over others.

Carrying a Walkman on Every Trip

Sony’s Walkman was a revolutionary gadget of the 80s. It allowed people to bring their personal soundtrack anywhere, from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the beaches of Cancun. The freedom to tune out the noise of travel and tune into your favorite music made every journey a personal escape.

Neon Luggage

In an era of bold colors and statement fashion, neon luggage and tags were practical and stylish. They made spotting your suitcase on a crowded carousel easier and added a touch of 80s flair to any traveler’s journey.

Traveler’s Checks

Before digital banking, traveler’s checks were the safe and preferred method of carrying money abroad. Accepted worldwide and easily replaced if lost or stolen, they provided peace of mind for travelers in unfamiliar places.

I remember my parents going to the bank before we went on vacation to get travelers checks. They were so big, that I thought for sure they were worth a lot of money.

Road Trip Games

Remember road trips before iPhones and portable games? My sisters and I would spend hours playing games to pass the time while we were on vacation.

We played the license plate game, shouting out different states on the plates. We played Ispy. We waved at other cars and counted how many waved back. We made up games as we went sometimes too! The games all had one thing in common: someone always ended up crying by the end. Good times.

Wearing Fanny Packs Everywhere

The fanny pack was the ultimate hands-free bag for tourists. Whether you were sightseeing in London or hiking in the Rockies, it kept all your essentials securely strapped to your waist.

Fanny packs went from being super cool to being an embarrassing item only dads wore, and they have now circled back to being pretty cool again! It’s funny how things circle around, huh?

Polaroid Cameras

Polaroids offered instant gratification in an age before digital photography. The joy of seeing a photo develop right before your eyes was unmatched, making Polaroid cameras a popular choice for capturing travel memories.

Polaroids have come back lately with teens buying them to take images of their friends and activities.

Tourist T-Shirts as Souvenirs

Picking up a T-shirt from each destination became a way to chronicle travel adventures. These shirts were often worn as badges of honor, showcasing everywhere you had been.

A friend of mine took all her souvenir t-shirts and turned them into a quilt of memories, which is a really cool way to preserve and enjoy your shirts for years to come.

Using Paper Maps and Printed Travel Guides

Before smartphones and GPS, paper maps and travel guides were essential tools for navigation. They added a layer of adventure and unpredictability to travel, often leading to unexpected discoveries.

I remember printing out 12 pages of MapQuest directions because I was never very good at reading actual maps (or folding them back together!).

Boomboxes at the Beach

The 80s beach scene wasn’t complete without a boombox. These large, portable sound systems brought the party wherever they went, blasting the latest hits for everyone to enjoy.

Hairbands anyone?

Riding in the Very Back of the Family Station Wagon

For many, the back of the family station wagon was the best seat for long road trips. Facing backward, watching the world retreat behind you, was a quintessential part of family vacations.

Looking back now, it’s pretty funny how much we fought for this seat. I would fight to NOT have to sit back there now!

The Popularity of Timeshares

Buying into a timeshare was a hot trend, offering a cost-effective way to guarantee a getaway spot without the full expense of owning a vacation home. This concept appealed to many looking to secure a spot at popular destinations year after year.

Camcorder Tourism

The bulky camcorders of the 80s didn’t deter tourists from documenting their travels. These devices were a common sight everywhere, from amusement parks to national monuments.

My poor dad! He’d have to lug this gigantic suitcase around so we could make funny faces and dance in front of the camcorder for hours on every trip.

The Supersonic Appeal of Concorde Flights

The Concorde made it possible to cross the Atlantic in record time and with unmatched style. During its heyday, it symbolized the height of luxury travel.

MTV Spring Break

MTV’s Spring Break coverage made certain tropical locations a must-visit for young travelers, turning them into seasonal hotspots that promised sun, music, and celebrity sightings.

Hawaiian Shirts

The bright, bold patterns of Hawaiian shirts matched the relaxed vibe of vacation life, making them a popular choice for both men and women looking to unwind in style.

Honestly, though, my kids still wear these when we go on vacation, so even though it topped most 80s lists, it’s still popular today.

Backpacking Across Europe with Let’s Go Guides

Armed with a Let’s Go guidebook, backpackers could explore Europe on a shoestring budget, staying in hostels and meeting other travelers along the way.

Rubik’s Cube Challenges to Pass Travel Time

The Rubik’s Cube wasn’t just a fad; it was an icon of the 80s that provided entertainment during long flights or car rides, challenging the mind as the miles flew by.

Shoulder Pads in Every Outfit

Even travel clothing wasn’t immune to the decade’s fashion trends. Shoulder pads found their way into jackets and shirts, adding a touch of dramatic flair to travel wardrobes.

Collecting Hotel Key Cards

As more hotels moved from traditional keys to magnetic cards, collecting these became a new hobby for many travelers, serving as modern mementos of their journeys.

Train tickets, concert tickets, and other paper items were also turned into souvenirs.