18 Nostalgic Travel Habits From the Boomer Era

Traveling has changed dramatically over the past few decades, thanks in part to technological advancements and evolving social norms. While many of these changes have streamlined and improved the travel experience, it’s interesting to take a trip down memory lane and consider some of the outdated travel customs that baby boomers had to endure. From cumbersome paper tickets to unpredictable security measures, these 18 customs make us thankful for the conveniences of modern travel.  

Paper Tickets

 

  Before the advent of e-tickets and mobile boarding passes, travelers had to keep track of physical paper tickets. Losing or misplacing this important document meant you were essentially stranded, requiring you to go through a time-consuming and often expensive process to replace it.  

Unlimited Baggage Allowance

 

  In the good old days, airlines were far more lenient with baggage allowances, often allowing multiple bags for free. While this sounds ideal, it made for chaotic boarding processes and increased the chances of lost luggage, not to mention the added fuel costs that were eventually passed on to consumers.  

No In-Flight Entertainment

 

  The concept of personalized screens for in-flight entertainment was unthinkable. Passengers were at the mercy of whatever movie the airline decided to show, projected onto a single shared screen, often with poor sound quality and viewing angles.  

Smoking Sections on Planes

 

  It’s hard to imagine now, but smoking was once permitted on airplanes. A smoking section in such an enclosed space seems absurd today, considering the health risks associated with secondhand smoke.  

Traveler’s Checks

 

  Before debit and credit cards became universally accepted, traveler’s checks were the go-to for secure spending overseas. But finding a place to cash them could be inconvenient, and you had to keep meticulous track of each check.  

Long-Distance Calling Cards

 

  Keeping in touch while abroad used to be an expensive endeavor that involved calling cards and payphones. Today’s options like Skype and affordable international calling plans have made it much easier to stay connected.  

Pay-Per-View Hotel Rooms

 

  Hotel rooms used to make a killing off pay-per-view movies and services. These days, with the advent of streaming services and portable devices, travelers can bring their own entertainment, making pay-per-view largely obsolete.  

No Ride-Sharing Services

 

  Before the rise of Uber and Lyft, your options for transportation were limited to taxis, public transit, or rental cars. This often meant dealing with inconsistent pricing and availability, especially in less-populated areas.  

Inconsistent Security Measures

 

  Prior to centralized regulations, airport security measures could be unpredictable, varying wildly from one airport to another. Now, standardized procedures, while cumbersome, offer a more predictable experience.  

Luggage Without Wheels

 

  Believe it or not, suitcases didn’t always have wheels. Travelers were left to lug around heavy bags, making the journey from check-in to gate a workout in itself.  

In-Person Bookings

 

  Before the internet revolutionized travel, all reservations had to be made in person or over the phone. This involved flipping through brochures, consulting with travel agents, and spending time on hold to confirm availability and prices. The immediacy and flexibility of online booking have certainly made planning a trip more convenient.  

Formal Airline Attire

 

  Once upon a time, flying was an event that required dressing up. Men often wore suits, and women wore dresses and heels. The comfort-oriented travel clothing of today would have been unthinkable back in the day.  

No Online Check-In

 

  The convenience of online check-in has transformed the pre-flight experience. In the past, all passengers had to queue up at the airport counter, even if they didn’t have bags to check, leading to longer wait times and a less streamlined process.  

Handwritten Boarding Passes

 

  In the age before printers and mobile devices, boarding passes were often handwritten by airline staff. While quaint, this practice was far from efficient and left room for human error.  

Lack of Food Options

 

  In the past, airport food was synonymous with unappetizing options and lackluster quality. Now, many airports are food destinations in themselves, featuring a range of gourmet options and international cuisines.  

Road Maps and Atlases

 

  Before GPS and mobile map apps, road trippers relied on physical maps and atlases to navigate. While some may argue that this added to the adventure, it also added to the time spent lost or figuring out the best route.  

Standby Flying

 

  Flying standby used to be a common, albeit risky, practice to get discounted tickets. Travelers would wait at the airport for an empty seat on a flight, often for hours. The proliferation of budget airlines and online booking platforms has made this less common. Now, standby is usually an option mostly for missed connections or for airline employees, rather than a gamble for cheap seats.  

Dress Codes

 

  Back in the day, flying was an event that people dressed up for. Men would often wear suits and ties, while women would don dresses and heels. Nowadays, the dress code for flying is much more relaxed, focusing on comfort rather than formality.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

  The Southern United States has a rich linguistic tradition that can often be a puzzle to those unfamiliar with the region’s unique vernacular. It’s not just the charming accent, but also the colorful phrases and expressions that add a dash of spice to the language. Let’s decode 18 such Southern phrases.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

 

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Despite their attractive salaries, there are specific high-paying jobs that need help to attract candidates due to various reasons. These unique professions offer financial rewards but often require more individuals to undertake the associated challenges. Let’s explore 14 such occupations that require specialized skills or involve demanding conditions but come with significant monetary compensation. The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’

You can tell if someone is a good person based on their words and actions. You can also use the same standard to determine if someone isn’t a good person. But what should you be looking for? An online community asked its members to describe the characteristics of someone who isn’t a good person, and the results were eye-opening Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’