Remember when we could fly with our nail files and mini shampoo bottles without fear of being grilled by the TSA? Sadly, those days are gone, and with them the simpler times when trips were less stressful and journeys were free of electronic distractions and transit red tape. Don't get us wrong — technology can make things easier sometimes, but it can also take away some of the romance of traveling and exploring new places. We're nostalgic for some of the '90s ways of taking trips, and here's why. Source: Instagram user pipeanuts
Places weren't as crowded and overcommercialized. Technology took the backseat to the actual experience. Source: Reddit user Contastic
We didn't have to take laptops out of our luggage every time we went through customs, because what laptops? Source: Film Biz Recycling
We explored new places, and if we needed help, we had to speak with real human beings who knew the area instead of using our phones. There was no Yelp or TripAdvisor to fall back on!
Paper maps were a thing — the ones not of the Google variety. Source: Instagram user pipeanuts
No one in their right mind would try to steal our disposable cameras, because they cost a few bucks and got thrown away after the film was used up. Bonus: the pictures looked like they came out with Instagram filters already on them. Source: Giphy
We used to be able to surprise loved ones when they got off the plane or run through the airport chasing our true loves (well, in our dreams, at least), but airport security prevents that these days.
We could stuff our makeup, shampoo and conditioner, and other toiletries into our travel bag without putting them into a million little plastic baggies. Source: Reddit user emanueledc
Meaning we didn't have to essentially remove everything on our bodies to get past it. Source: Giphy
Getting pictures developed meant we had a physical photo album to look at and share with friends and family.
Without social media, we would actually catch up with people when we got back from our trip, since they didn't get a play-by-play online every day that we were away. We also didn't waste time trying to document every single minute of our travels on our iPhones.
There was no photographic evidence on Facebook for everyone to see!