16 Forgotten ’90s Travel Gadgets That Are Obsolete
Many travel gadgets from the 1990s were once essential but have become outdated due to modern technology.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1990s were a time when travelers relied on physical tools and devices to stay organized, entertained, and connected. These gadgets helped with navigation, music, communication, and planning. Today, many of them are no longer used, having been replaced by smartphones and digital tools.
1. Portable CD Player
Vika Glitter on Pexels
Portable CD players, like the Sony Discman, were common for listening to music during travel. Travelers carried stacks of CDs to use with them. They often skipped if moved too much or shaken while in use. MP3 players and smartphones eventually replaced them.
2. Travel Alarm Clock
Friedrich Haag on Wikimedia Commons
Small battery-powered alarm clocks were packed for trips to ensure timely wake-ups. They often had folding covers to protect the screen and buttons. Travelers used them in hotel rooms before mobile phones became common. Today, phone alarms have made them nearly useless.
3. Paper Maps
cottonbro studio on Wikimedia Commons
Fold-out road maps were essential for driving in unfamiliar places. Travelers had to read them carefully and plan routes before leaving. Mistakes were common, and updates required buying new maps regularly. GPS and map apps now handle all of this instantly.
4. Disposable Cameras
Rudolfo42 on Wikimedia Commons
Disposable cameras were sold in plastic cases with a roll of film inside. They were used to take photos on trips without risking an expensive camera. Pictures had to be developed after returning home. Digital cameras and smartphones made them unnecessary.
5. Film Canisters
R. Henrik Nilsson on Wikimedia Commons
Travelers carried extra rolls of 35mm film in small plastic canisters. Each roll allowed about 24 to 36 photos. People had to store and protect them from heat and light. Digital storage has made film obsolete for most travelers.
6. Cassette Adapters
Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons
These adapters allowed portable CD players to connect to car stereos through the cassette deck. They were used before cars had auxiliary inputs or Bluetooth. The cord connected to the headphone jack of the music player. They became outdated with newer car audio systems.
7. Travel TV or Radio
Joe Haupt on Wikimedia Commons
Small battery-operated TVs or AM/FM radios were carried for entertainment during long trips. Some had built-in antennas and could only catch a few channels. The image and sound quality were limited. Today, travelers stream shows and music directly on mobile devices.
8. Pocket Translator Device
Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons
These handheld devices offered basic translations for common travel phrases. They worked without internet and were often used in airports or restaurants. Vocabulary was limited, and pronunciation was not always clear. Apps now offer real-time voice translation in many languages.
9. Travel Iron
Armin Pangerl on Wikimedia Commons
A compact electric iron was brought to smooth clothes during longer trips. It was especially used by business travelers for keeping shirts wrinkle-free. Many hotels provided them, but people still packed their own for convenience. Today, wrinkle-release sprays or hotel irons are more common.
10. Address Book or Rolodex Card
Poolcode on Wikimedia Commons
Travelers carried pocket address books to write down phone numbers and mailing addresses. These were used for contacting hotels, friends, or businesses during the trip. They also included emergency contacts and important info. Smartphones now store all this information digitally.
11. Travelers Checks
Pittigrilli on Wikimedia Commons
Travelers carried checks that could be exchanged for local currency or used like cash. They were seen as safer than carrying large amounts of money. They required ID and often long waits at exchange counters. Credit cards and digital wallets have made them unnecessary for most travelers.
12. Plug Adapter Kit
Bill Abbott on Wikimedia Commons
Travelers to other countries needed adapter kits to use their devices with foreign outlets. Kits came with multiple plug shapes and sometimes voltage converters. They were essential for charging any electronics. While still needed in some cases, many newer devices now have built-in voltage compatibility.
13. Language Phrasebook
Victor Korniyenko on Wikimedia Commons
Printed phrasebooks helped travelers communicate in countries where they didn’t speak the language. These small books contained translations for basic terms and questions. Travelers would point to phrases or try to say them aloud. Apps and online translation tools now handle this more effectively.
14. Handheld Video Games
leighklotz on Wikimedia Commons
Devices like the Game Boy were brought on trips to keep kids and adults entertained. They required batteries and game cartridges. The screen was small and often hard to see in bright light. Mobile phones have replaced these for most casual gaming during travel.
15. International Calling Cards
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Calling cards were used at payphones or hotel phones to make long-distance or international calls. Users dialed an access number and entered a long code. Rates were cheaper than using regular phone services. Today, people use video apps, texting, and Wi-Fi calling instead.
16. Mini Flashlight or Keychain Light
Jonas Bergsten on Wikimedia Commons
Small flashlights were packed for use in dark hotel rooms, outdoor settings, or emergency situations. They were powered by AA or AAA batteries and came in lightweight designs. Travelers kept them on hand in backpacks or keyrings. Most phones now have built-in flashlights.