People travel for work, for pleasure and for more, but the way in which this is done has changed a bit in the past 50 years. A lot of things have changed the way we travel.

The modes of transportation have been updated, as have the rules and guidelines associated with planes and other vehicles. The help that is received, in order to get from one place to the next, is different than it was back in the day. The activities that are enjoyed while traveling are not necessarily the same as they once were.

Even the thoughts surrounding taking a trip, the things brought along on the trip and the outfits selected for a trip have all seen some transformations. Let’s go back in time and see 20 ways that traveling 50 years ago was different.

20 Flying Was Glamorous For All

Today, flying can bring about some stress, with purchasing tickets, waiting in lines, checking luggage, getting through security, waiting on bags and boarding. Back in the day, though, this was a glamorous thing that looked a lot different than it does in our current times.

19 People Got Dressed Up

There are a variety of outfits that are seen on airplanes, but many people tend to dress for comfort. That was not the case 50 years ago, however! People dressed up for their travels, as seen by this group in their hats and their furs.

18 There Was So Much More Room On Planes

There was also more room during traveling when looking back in time. And while modern-day vehicles are wonderful inventions that do make trips more efficient and enjoyable, the legroom always seems to be nonexistent. Imagine having this much space while on a plane, though… Wow.

17 Including For Activities & Luggage

Reading the paper, getting a snack, playing with toys, enjoying the view, stowing away a carry-on bag… All of these activities were also given more space. Just look at this vintage photo here, taken on a plane years ago. It is quite spacious in there!

16 Speaking Of Luggage

What could be found in luggage 50 years ago that wouldn’t be found today and vice versa? In 2020, a person may pack technological devices, Kylie Cosmetics and a pair of Yeezy tennis shoes. Back then, there would have been clothes and accessories, but no earbuds or iPads.

15 Security Wasn’t As Strict

One huge part of traveling by plane is security; there are checks and questions and scanners that make sure no one is bringing along something they should not. Of course, events such as 9/11 have tightened security, so 50 years ago, things were a bit different.

14 There Were Groovy Recreational Vehicles

The looks of things associated with trips have changed, as well. Just study this RV here… How groovy! It looks like it came straight out of The Brady Bunch, with its colors and shapes. It may not be in style anymore, but back then, it was the coolest thing around.

13 Like These From Ford

This advertisement goes further, to show what types of transportation were available and how they were positioned. Imagine being a kid in the ‘70s, then coming home to find out that the family now owned a recreational vehicle! That would open up a lot of adventurous possibilities.

12 There Were Family Cars

Sometimes, travel was done in a simple family car. It may have not been a sleek SUV or a modern minivan, like in today’s time, but it got the job done. From getting to school and taking weekend trips to annual family vacations that required weeks on the road, this 1978 Mitsubishi Lancer could have done the trick.

11 There Were Station Wagons

A conversation about travel 50 years ago can’t exist without at least mentioning station wagons. These were pretty popular during that time, and they did provide lots of space for people and possessions. They may not appeal to everyone, but they helped expand what travel was and is, for sure.

10 Which Took Travelers To The Newly Opened Disney World

Here is a fun piece of information: Disney World, in Florida, opened up on October 1, 1971. So 50 years ago, families were just able to visit this theme park for the first time ever. And it didn’t have some of the rides, attractions and/or restaurants that are most popular in 2020.

9 Or To A Smaller & Less Bold Version Of Times Square

While travel has changed, some things have stayed the same. For instance, New York has always been a top destination… It just looked a little different 50 years ago. Times Square, specifically, is always getting new stores and signs and surprises, as it keeps growing and growing and growing!

8 Gas Was Cheaper

Gas prices are always fluctuating, and as time goes on and on, prices go up, generally. This means that decades ago, travel was cheaper than it is today, as gas, plane tickets, road trip snacks and hotels all cost less back then than they do in today’s time.

7 Pics Didn’t Get Shared To Social Media

One of the best parts of seeing new places is getting to share said places online. However, 50 years ago, social media did not exist. Crazy, right? So any photographs taken would just have to be put in an album, which could only be seen in person.

6 Gadgets Didn’t Help Pass The Time

Preparing for a road trip today may mean gathering up a phone, a Kindle, a laptop, a video game console, a portable charger, and a selfie stick. The kids seen in this picture did not have anything like that, so they may have read, colored, sang or played with toys.

5 The Speed Limit Was Lower

Another aspect of travel that has changed would be speed limits. Based on the time and place, these laws will vary and have varied. And 50 years ago, the limits were different, meaning the time it took to travel from one place to the next was different, as well.

4 Clothes & Hairstyles Were Different

Of course, the clothes and styles that people are into today are not the same as they were 10, 25 or 50 years ago. So when people traveled, their outfits, their hairstyles, and their accessories went with the time period, showing even more change from then to today!

3 Seat Belt Laws Weren’t As Important

When driving today, one will probably see several reminders about buckling up, as this is a law. This was not always the case, though; rules and guidelines have changed over time and in various spots, meaning a photo like this, that does not appear to feature seat belts, was normal.

2 And Google Maps Didn’t Exist

In 2020, we use map apps on our phones to navigate. When we were children, some of us may have seen or used a paper map a time or two. But 50 years ago, that was the only way to get around, and there were not digital updates or automated voices that provided any help.

1 Yes, Traveling Has Changed A Bit In 50 Years

Yes, things have changed. The way we travel, what we do while on the road, what we wear on our trips, the rules that go along with it all… There have been many transformations in the past 50 years. We enjoy looking back on it all and can’t wait to see what the next few decades hold!

Welcome to the Future: 20 Ways Air Travel Has Changed Since the 1950s