Nostalgia alert! Take a trip down memory lane as Reddit users revisit 10 once-popular vacation destinations from the nineties that have fallen off the radar today. P.s some of these spots are still a hoot:
10. South Africa
In the 90s, South Africa saw a boom in tourists going for wildlife safaris. This was mainly thanks to the end of Apartheid. While it was one of the top bucket list destinations back then, a host of reasons, such as high crime rates, have slowed down international tourism severely since.
9. Acapulco, Mexico
Acapulco was a thriving beach destination in the 90s and the place to go. But rising crime, murders, and gang violence in the years that followed scared most tourists away. In fact, the destination still maintains its reputation as one of Mexico’s deadliest cities.
8. Vietnam
Vietnam’s tourism saw a turning point in the 90s after being isolated since the war. Tourists from all over the world went there in droves and, unlike today, it was a lot more popular than other Southeast Asian countries, like Thailand and Cambodia.
7. Moscow, Russia
The Iron Curtain was lifted in the 90s. As a result, tourists from all across the globe traveled there to uncover the long-kept secret land. Moscow turned into one of the most popular tourist destinations. We think it’s safe to say that recent events with Russia invading Ukraine will have drastically impacted tourism to the country.
6. Cancun, Mexico
While people definitely still travel to Cancun, it’s nothing like the 90s, when people flocked to its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Unfortunately, tourist resorts quickly crowded the beachside to accommodate them all and the untouched beauty disappeared.
5. Kerala, India
Today, Goa holds the medal for being the most popular beach destination in India. In the 90s, though, it was Kerala. Trust us when we say it’s still worth visiting! Palm-lined beaches, tranquil houseboats, and yoga sessions followed by fruit smoothies. What else can you ask for?
4. Hungary
Thanks to the end of communism, tourism flourished in 90s Hungary. Amazingly, it was rated the 5th most visited country back then – something that’s now changed significantly. But with affordable prices, vibrant cities like Budapest, and historical small towns, this could shift in a heartbeat.
3. Chile
Chile was once a hot travel destination that mainly thrived on tourism in the 90s. While its dazzling natural wonders still attract travelers, it is no-where near as popular as it was back then. Indeed, nearby countries like Brazil and Argentina have taken over the lead in the South American popularity contest.
2. Venezuela
There’s no denying it: Venezuela is one of the most beautiful nature destinations on the planet. While it was popular to go there in the 90s, though, recent political events have put a stop to tourism. It’s now rated among the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world.
1. China
After the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, international tourists started flooding into China. In the 90s people felt safe visiting the country again, and tourism boomed. Visitors were compelled by the deep history and culture. While plenty of travelers still visit the country today, political disagreements dissuade growing numbers of people from going there.
Have You Been Anywhere on This List?
Are you a child of the nineties or earlier? Did you travel a lot back then? Did you visit any of the destinations on this list? Or others that aren’t featured here? Or did you prefer to travel locally? Drop a comment below to let us know your favorite nineties travel destinations.
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