16 Forgotten International Destinations Once Popular in the ’90s
These international travel spots were all the rage in the ’90s, but most travelers have moved on.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Back in the ’90s, these destinations were popular choices for vacations and big trips. People loved them for their beaches, culture, or unique sights. Over time, travelers moved on to newer or trendier places. These once-loved spots are now mostly forgotten.
1. Nassau, Bahamas
Der-wuppertaler on Wikimedia Commons
Cruise ships used to flood Nassau’s harbor with tourists snapping photos of pastel buildings and straw markets. Now, it is often skipped in favor of more secluded or modern beach getaways. Nassau’s charm has not changed much, but it rarely makes today’s top travel lists.
2. Lucerne, Switzerland
Daniel Kraft on Pexels
In the ’90s, Lucerne was a go-to European stop for its picturesque bridge and snow-capped mountain views. Tour buses lined the streets, dropping off visitors to snap photos and buy Swiss Army knives. These days, it’s been overshadowed by flashier Alpine spots.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas on Wikimedia Commons
Back then, Chiang Mai was the “other” Thai city for travelers who wanted culture over clubs. It was known for quiet temples, mountain air, and elephant encounters. Today’s crowd leans more toward Bangkok or Phuket, leaving Chiang Mai in the background.
4. Caracas, Venezuela
Wilfredor on Wikimedia Commons
Caracas was once a shining city for adventurous travelers heading into South America. It had lively nightlife, stunning national parks, and a gateway to Angel Falls.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia (Pre-Game of Thrones)
Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons
Long before it became known as King’s Landing, Dubrovnik was a favorite destination for those seeking walled cities and stunning Adriatic views. In the ’90s, it drew travelers craving history without the usual crowds. Now, it is packed for a different reason, and the original magic feels distant.
6. Sapporo, Japan
Tomoyuki Miyauchi on Wikimedia Commons
Known for its beer, snow, and the Winter Olympics, Sapporo had its ’90s moment. It was a cool weather destination for travelers avoiding Tokyo’s buzz. Today, it is more of a niche spot than a must-see.
7. Agra, India
Taj_Mahal,_Agra,_India_edit2.jpg: Yann; edited by King of Hearts derivative work: Jbarta (talk) on Wikimedia Commons
Everyone wanted a photo in front of the Taj Mahal in the ’90s. Agra was a top honeymoon destination thanks to its romance and grandeur. These days, many opt for other Indian cities and skip the classic photo op.
8. Baguio, Philippines
Rowena Harbridge/AusAID on Wikimedia Commons
Baguio was the summer capital before cooler escapes like Sagada or Batanes became trendy. Its foggy mornings, pine trees, and ukay-ukay shops drew crowds in the ’90s. Now, it is seen more as a stopover than a destination.
9. Rotorua, New Zealand
Krzysztof Golik on Wikimedia Commons
In the ’90s, Rotorua was the face of New Zealand’s geothermal wonders and Māori culture. Sulfur springs, bubbling mud, and cultural shows were on every itinerary. Interest has since shifted to adrenaline towns like Queenstown.
10. Acapulco, Mexico
GusVal96 on Wikimedia Commons
Acapulco was a celebrity hotspot and honeymoon paradise for decades, including into the ’90s. Travelers were drawn to the cliff divers and oceanfront resorts. Now, other parts of Mexico have taken the spotlight.
11. Kathmandu, Nepal
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia Commons
Kathmandu used to be a backpacker’s dream, filled with temples, trekking shops, and cheap tea houses. In the ’90s, it was the gateway to adventure in the Himalayas. These days, it’s often bypassed for direct mountain routes or wellness retreats.
12. Gdańsk, Poland
Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons
Gdańsk was the unexpected gem of Eastern Europe in the ’90s. It had a rich maritime history, rebuilt charm, and very few crowds. Now, it’s quietly waiting for a second wave of discovery.
13. Petra, Jordan
Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons
Long before Instagram travelers posed in the Siq, Petra was the Indiana Jones destination everyone wanted to see. In the ’90s, it was shrouded in mystery and fewer tourists made the trek. Today, it is popular again, but its quiet heyday feels lost.
14. Salzburg, Austria
Roberto Ferrari on Wikimedia Commons
Thanks to “The Sound of Music,” Salzburg became a tourist favorite through the ’90s. People flocked to trace the movie’s steps and enjoy baroque beauty. Now, Vienna and other cities often steal the spotlight.
15. Marrakesh, Morocco
Jakub Hałun on Wikimedia Commons
Marrakesh was once the exotic getaway on every travel show’s list. Spices, markets, and mosaic tiles drew curious tourists in the ’90s. These days, newer Moroccan hotspots and digital nomad scenes have shifted the focus.
16. Funchal, Madeira
Ввласенко on Wikimedia Commons
Funchal was a quiet escape for retirees and honeymooners in the ’90s. Its coastal views, gardens, and old-world vibes gave it a slow-travel appeal. Today, it’s often passed over for more active or influencer-approved islands.