16 Forgotten ’90s Travel Accessories That Feel Obsolete
Traveling in the 1990s looked very different from today, and so did the gear people brought along. As technology advanced and travel became more streamlined, many of these accessories quietly disappeared from suitcases everywhere.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Travel gear from the 1990s reflected a world before smartphones, digital navigation, and cloud storage. What was once cutting-edge or must-have is now seen as bulky, inefficient, or unnecessary. These accessories capture a nostalgic moment in travel history when preparing for a trip took a little more time and a lot more packing. Revisiting these tools highlights how far travel convenience has come in just a few decades.
1. Portable CD Players
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A portable CD player was the go-to music device for flights, road trips, or long waits in the terminal. It required a steady hand and anti-skip technology to keep music playing smoothly. Travelers carried around bulky CD cases filled with their favorite albums. Battery life was limited, and scratched discs could ruin the mood. Today, streaming apps have replaced them completely.
2. Disposable Cameras
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These cameras were popular for their affordability and simplicity during vacations. Travelers would snap 24 or 36 photos without the ability to review them instantly. Developing film was part of the travel routine once back home. While charming, the lack of control and low image quality made them less practical over time. Digital cameras and smartphones made disposable models nearly extinct.
3. Printed Road Atlases
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Before GPS, road atlases were essential for long drives across states or countries. These thick books featured detailed maps, exit listings, and scenic route suggestions. Drivers had to plan routes ahead and flip pages mid-trip. They were cumbersome and not ideal for sudden changes or detours. Now, digital maps and live traffic updates have taken over completely.
4. Money Belts
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Worn under clothing, money belts were used to hide cash and important documents while traveling. They were often bulky and uncomfortable, especially in warmer climates. Travelers worried constantly about theft, even with the belt in place. Modern travel wallets, digital payments, and RFID-safe gear have made them less relevant. Few travelers use them today unless going to high-risk areas.
5. Language Phrasebooks
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Phrasebooks helped travelers communicate with locals using translated common phrases and basic grammar tips. They were lightweight but limited in vocabulary and pronunciation help. Learning a few phrases was part of trip preparation. Now, translation apps offer real-time voice support and much broader coverage. Most people rely on their phones rather than flipping through pages.
6. Plug Adaptors for Each Country
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Back in the ’90s, travelers often needed different plug adaptors for each country or region. That meant carrying a bag of adaptors that fit specific sockets. Universal adaptors were rare and often unreliable. Today, compact multi-country adaptors and USB-compatible devices have simplified this issue. Tech travelers no longer need to pack a collection of plugs.
7. Fold-out Travel Maps
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These large, colorful maps were often handed out at airports or picked up from hotel lobbies. Tourists would unfold them to navigate cities and landmarks. They were difficult to handle on windy streets and impossible to refold correctly. GPS and interactive apps like Google Maps have completely replaced them. Now, they’re mostly souvenirs or decorative pieces.
8. Neck Pillows Filled with Microbeads
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These soft travel pillows filled with tiny beads were popular for long flights. They promised comfort but often lost shape quickly and offered little support. They were difficult to clean and retained odors. Memory foam and ergonomic travel pillows eventually replaced them. The microbead version is rarely sold today.
9. Travel Alarm Clocks
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Tiny battery-operated alarm clocks were packed to avoid relying on hotel wake-up calls. They had plastic cases, loud beeps, and were easy to misplace. Some even folded open like compact mirrors. With smartphones offering alarms, timers, and time zone updates, these clocks became unnecessary. Most travelers no longer pack them at all.
10. Film Canisters for Storage
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Film canisters were repurposed by travelers to store coins, medications, or even small valuables. Their tight lids and compact shape made them surprisingly handy. Once film faded from everyday use, so did the canisters. Today’s travelers use pill organizers, zipper pouches, or smart containers instead. These little plastic tubes have vanished from travel kits.
11. International Calling Cards
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Calling cards were a lifeline for staying in touch before global cell coverage. Travelers scratched off codes and dialed a string of numbers to connect home. They were often unreliable and difficult to refill abroad. Messaging apps and global data plans made them obsolete. Few people remember the frustration of dropped minutes and access numbers.
12. Inflatable Footrests
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These plastic footrests were designed to give travelers more comfort on long flights. They needed to be inflated manually and often deflated mid-flight. Storage was awkward, and they were rarely approved by airlines. Travel gear evolved toward more durable, compact solutions. Now, comfort upgrades come in far more efficient forms.
13. Zip-up CD Binders
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CD binders were travel must-haves for music lovers and long drives. Some held over 100 discs and were often stashed in glove compartments or carry-ons. The effort to keep them organized was constant. As digital libraries took over, these binders became a thing of the past. Streaming platforms eliminated the need to carry any discs at all.
14. Manual Currency Converters
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These plastic converters used sliding dials to estimate exchange rates. They were better than guessing but far from accurate or up-to-date. Travelers needed to keep a printed conversion rate on hand to check. Mobile currency apps now provide instant, real-time rates and conversion. Manual converters are entirely obsolete in today’s digital world.
15. Travel Iron
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Compact irons were carried to keep shirts and suits crisp during travel. They often had a single heat setting and took time to cool down. Many travelers burned items or found them impractical in tight hotel spaces. Today, wrinkle-release sprays, garment steamers, and hotel laundry services are more common. The travel iron rarely makes the packing list anymore.
16. Camcorder Shoulder Bags
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To capture memories on tape, travelers once carried bulky camcorders inside padded shoulder bags. These cameras required batteries, tapes, and careful handling. The bags were heavy and often needed their own space in carry-ons. Now, smartphones record in high definition with ease and convenience. Camcorders and their oversized cases have been retired.