Travel has changed significantly over the past few decades. With technological advancements, globalization, and changing travel trends, the way people travel today vastly differs from how they did 40 years ago. From the mode of transportation to the type of accommodations, there have been numerous changes in the travel industry.
Forty years ago, traveling was a more time-consuming and expensive affair. People had limited options for booking flights and accommodations, and travel agents played a crucial role in planning trips. The Internet was not yet widely available, and travelers had to rely on guidebooks and recommendations from friends and family to plan their trips. Moreover, the cost of air travel was significantly higher, making it a luxury that only a few could afford. As a result, people traveled less frequently and for longer durations.
Today, the travel industry has undergone a massive transformation. With the advent of budget airlines and online travel agencies, travel has become more accessible and affordable. The internet has made it easier for travelers to research and book their trips, and they can now choose from a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Additionally, the rise of sharing economy platforms like Airbnb and Uber has disrupted the traditional travel industry, giving travelers more options and flexibility.
Researching a Trip the 1980s vs. now

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When it comes to researching a trip, there are various resources available to travelers today that were not available 40 years ago. Here are some of the most popular ways to research a trip and they ways it had to be done 40 years ago.
Researching Travel Then: Guide Books, Recommendations, Mail Out for Information

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Guidebooks have been a popular source of information for travelers for decades. From Lonely Planet to Fodor’s, guidebooks offer a wealth of information on destinations, including accommodation, restaurants, and attractions. They are particularly useful for first-time travelers who are unfamiliar with their destination.
Recommendations from friends and family members who have already visited a destination were also helpful. They provided insider tips and advice unavailable in guidebooks.
Another way to research a trip was to mail out for information. Many tourist boards and travel companies offered brochures and maps that can be mailed to travelers free of charge. These materials provided valuable information on the destination, including local customs, attractions, and events.
We planned our entire honeymoon to Quebec City and Prince Edward Island with tourist board information, calling local hotels, and booking train travel all with letters and phone calls. It would have been so much easier today!
Researching Travel Now: Travel Blogs, YouTube, and Guidebooks

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In recent years, travel blogs and YouTube channels have become increasingly popular sources of information for travelers. These resources offer a more personal and authentic perspective on destinations, as they are often written or filmed by travelers who have visited them. They can also provide up-to-date information on the latest attractions and events.
Guidebooks are still a popular source of information, but they have evolved to include more digital content. Many guidebooks now offer online resources, such as interactive maps and downloadable PDFs, to make planning a trip even easier.
Overall, travelers today have more resources available to them than ever before when it comes to researching a trip. Whether using guidebooks, recommendations, or online resources, travelers can find the information they need to plan the perfect trip.
Booking Travel Then vs. Now

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Booking travel has changed more than almost any other element of travel. Moving from travel agents to self booking online.
Traditional Booking Methods of the 1980s

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Before the Internet, booking travel was much more time-consuming and complicated. Travelers often had to rely on travel agents to book their flights, hotels, and activities. This could be expensive and limit the options available to the traveler. A good travel agent was as precious as gold in the 1980s, and you wouldn’t dream of booking with someone else.
Guidebooks were also popular for travelers, providing information on everything from accommodations to local attractions. However, these books could quickly become outdated and you would have to go to a bookstore to get the newest edition.
The ease and convenience of booking travel has greatly improved in the past 40 years. With the rise of technology, travelers now have more options and resources than ever before.
Ease of Booking today

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Booking travel has become much easier in the last 10-15 years. With the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) and travel booking websites, travelers can now book flights, hotels, and activities with just a few clicks of a button. These websites often offer competitive prices and allow travelers to compare options before deciding.
In addition to OTAs, many airlines and hotels now have their websites where travelers can book directly. This can sometimes result in even better deals and perks, such as loyalty program points or free upgrades.
Mobile apps have also made booking travel more convenient than ever before. Travelers can now book and manage their trips on the go, receive real-time updates, and even use their phones as boarding passes.
Plus, you can view the hotels and reviews of hotels before you go, making sure it will be a good fit for you!
Keeping in Contact while traveling 1980s vs. now

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If you were traveling in a larger group in the 1980s, you had complicated methods of ensuring you could meet up at an appointed time. In my family, we set up a meeting time and would meet there every 30 minutes until everyone had returned. Sometimes, that meant meeting at the same meeting place every 30 minutes for hours.
If you wanted to contact someone from home, you made a very expensive long-distance call or sent a postcard.
Today, you can stay in contact with your travel party and your family and friends at home like you would if you weren’t traveling. There are still issues with sim cards, e-sim cards, and your service provider, but they are so much improved.
Getting an idea about where you are going now vs 40 years ago

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Regarding travel, getting an idea of the destination is key to having a good experience. There are two main ways to explore a destination before actually going there: physical exploration and virtual exploration. Before the last 15 years, you really didn’t have a whole lot of an idea about the place you were traveling.
You may have seen the location in a movie, read about it in a book, or heard from friends about how great a destination was.
Today, you can travel to almost any location virtually before you go. Learning about a new location is at your fingertips, from YouTube to blogs and TV documentaries.
Types of Luggage and Luggage Allowance in the 1980s

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Forty years ago, the types of luggage used by travelers were vastly different from those used today. Hard-shell suitcases were the norm, and travelers would often pack large, heavy bags that were difficult to maneuver. No rolling suitcases then.
Airlines did not have strict requirements for luggage size or weight, and passengers were allowed to bring multiple bags on board.
In the 1980s, the average traveler would pack around 2-3 bags, weighing around 70-80 pounds. However, this caused problems for airlines, as the weight of the luggage would often exceed the weight limit of the plane. As a result, airlines began to restrict the number and weight of bags passengers could bring on board.
In addition, the restrictions about what you could take on a plane was a very short list. You didn’t have to worry about the rules on liquids either.
New Kinds of Luggage but Less Luggage on Planes

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Today, travelers have a wide range of luggage options, including hard-shell suitcases, soft-shell suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags. Almost every suitcase made has wheels and a telescoping handle for ease of travel.
Luggage technology has also advanced significantly, with many suitcases now featuring built-in charging ports, GPS tracking, and lightweight materials.
However, airlines have become increasingly strict about luggage requirements despite the wide range of luggage options available. Many airlines now charge extra fees for checked luggage, and passengers can only bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The size and weight of these bags are also strictly regulated, with many airlines imposing a maximum size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a weight limit of 40 pounds.
Many budget airlines have shrunk luggage on board down to a personal item without paying for a carry-on.
Overall, while the types of luggage travelers use have changed significantly over the past 40 years, the amount of luggage passengers are allowed to bring on board has decreased. Travelers must now carefully consider their luggage options and ensure they comply with airline regulations to avoid additional fees and delays.
Cost of Travel Then and Cost to Travel Now

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Although I have not looked at prices comparing inflation in 2023 to the prices in the 1980s, I will tell you that the median salary in 1980 was $21,020. The median salary in 2023 is $89,000 in the US.
Cost to Travel Then

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Forty years ago, traveling was more expensive than it is now (at least when you are comparing basic ticket prices.). In the 1980s, a round-trip flight from the United States to Europe would cost around $500 to $600. However, this price did not include additional fees such as baggage, seat selection, or other surcharges that are now common.
Accommodations were equal to today or slightly more expensive. In the 1980s, a budget traveler could find a hostel bed for as little as $5 per night, while a mid-range hotel room would cost around $50 to $75 per night. Food and transportation were also much more affordable, with meals costing around $5 to $10 and local transportation costing only a few dollars.
Cost to Travel Now

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Today, the cost of travel has actually gone down compared to the past. The average round-trip flight from the United States to Europe can cost anywhere from $800 to $1200, depending on the season and destination. In addition to the base fare, travelers now have to pay for various fees such as baggage, seat selection, and other surcharges that can add up quickly.
Although you aren’t likely to get a free meal on your flight, you entertainment options on the seat in front of you can keep you entertained the entire flight.
Seats are smaller, but airlines are safer today then they were in the 80s and less expensive to boot.
Accommodations have also become less, with budget travelers paying around $20 to $30 per night for a hostel bed and mid-range hotel rooms costing around $100 to $150 per night. There are more chain hotels and loyalty programs that allow you to find something in your budget anywhere in the world.
Airports Then vs. Now

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Airports haven’t changed a lot in terms of function, but they have changed in what there is available at the average airport.
What to do at airports in the 1980s

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In the 1980s, airports were seen as a necessary inconvenience for travelers. Passengers would arrive at the airport, check in, and then wait for their flight in a dull and uneventful terminal. There were limited options for entertainment or food, and the only way to pass the time was by reading a book or magazine.
Airport security was also less strict in the 1980s. Passengers would walk through a metal detector and have their bags checked, but there were no full-body scanners or pat-downs. This made the airport experience quicker but also less secure.
What to do at airports now

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Today, airports are a destination in themselves. Many airports have been transformed into shopping and dining hubs, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Passengers can also enjoy spa treatments, art exhibits, and even movie theaters at some airports.
Airport security has also changed significantly. Passengers must remove their shoes, belts, and jackets and go through full-body scanners. This has made the airport experience longer but also more secure.
Technology has also changed the airport experience. Passengers can now check in online, track their flight status, and even order food and drinks from their phones. This has made the airport experience more convenient and streamlined.
Most airport seats are equipped with chargers for phones and laptops and more and more airports are creating work environments with desks for commuters. Plus they have added playgrounds to occupy the kids!
Overall, the airport experience has changed significantly over the past 40 years, from a dull and uneventful experience to a destination with a wide range of entertainment and dining options.
Conclusion: Travel Now vs 40 years ago

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Travel has undergone significant changes over the past 40 years. From how people book their trips to how they navigate new destinations, technology has played a major role in making travel more accessible and convenient than ever before.
One of the most significant changes has been the rise of online booking platforms. With just a few clicks, travelers can now compare prices and book flights, hotels, and rental cars from their homes. This has made travel more accessible to a wider range of people, as they no longer have to rely on travel agents or spend hours on the phone with airlines to book their trips.
Another major change has been the proliferation of mobile apps that help travelers navigate their destinations. Apps like Google Maps and Yelp provide real-time information about local restaurants, attractions, and transportation options, making it easier for travelers to explore new places on their own. Additionally, apps like Airbnb and Couchsurfing have made it possible for travelers to connect with locals and experience their destinations more authentically.
Of course, there are still challenges associated with travel, such as language barriers and cultural differences. However, overall, the changes that have taken place over the past 40 years have made travel more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for millions of people around the world.
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