39 Ways Travel Isn’t Like It Was Back In the Day

Sure, they were impossible to fold, but a map never sent you down a dead-end street or dropped its satellite signal. Side note: You might want to hang on to your map-reading skills. Science is beginning to question if our reliance on technology is eroding our brain’s natural abilities at tasks such as spatial orientation and finding our way around in unfamiliar places.

During the '50s and '60s, flying was a luxury, and passengers were pampered with gourmet meals and free-flowing cocktails. After deregulation of the airlines in the late '70s, the rise of low-cost carriers made flying increasingly accessible. But it also meant buh-bye to the charm of eating on real china and piano lounges on the upper deck.

These paper checks were refundable if lost or stolen and required ID to cash. You also had to stash the serial numbers somewhere in your luggage in case you had to make a claim. Amazingly, they’re still around, though most people now rely on ATMs and credit cards.

Tablecloths and silverware. Little bags of toiletries. Socks to keep your feet warm. Blankets and pillows. Now you’re happy if you get a free beverage!

And lugging along extra film (12, 24, or 36 exposures!) and batteries for your flash. Plus, “selfie” wasn’t even a word.

Your ticket was printed on a slip of paper with carbon copies for the gate agent to tear off! But in 1994, Southwest Airlines became the first major airline to offer ticketless travel.

Word of mouth was the way to learn about fellow travelers' experiences with hotels, airlines, and restaurants. And you definitely wouldn't run into influencers posing for the perfect shot for their Instagram.

Thanks to social media, a foreign city can feel like home with the push of a button. Thanks to Instagram, Uber, Airbnb, and Yelp your phone has become the biggest travel essential.

Postcards were first sent in the mid 19th century as a quick way to jot off a note to family and friends. When was the last time you sent (or received) one?

Believe it or not, it wasn't until 1990 that smoking was banned on domestic flights.

Dressing up was an unspoken rule of air travel and part of what made flying a special occasion. Now? Not so much.

Before the dawn of cell phones, you had to locate a pay phone, then fumble around with coins or a prepaid calling card, before you could talk to people at home.

The same goes for Wi-Fi. When the internet first spread across the globe, you'd have to find an internet café to log on and send an email, as not all hotels or homes had access to computers.

Remember poring over what you wanted to see long before you arrived? The anticipation was half of the fun.

No undressing in line required, no full body scanner, no hand swabs. Just a quick pass through the metal detector, and you were on your way.

Or seeing them off from the gate. We can't even imagine doing that today.

In 1961, TWA became the first airline to offer an inflight movie on a regular basis. No streaming. No individual entertainment options. Just someone’s head in front of you blocking the view.

You’d do it ahead of time so you’d have cash to pay for your bus ride or taxi to your hotel. Headed to Germany, Italy, and France? You’d better order marks, lira, and francs to see you through until you could find the local currency exchange.

Once upon a time, no one had yet dreamed of Uber, launched in San Francisco in 2009. Your only option was to head to the taxi stand or flag one down.

Now you’re charged for airport taxes, checked bags, overweight bags, carry ons, early boarding privileges, food, or extra legroom.