16 Forgotten International Hotspots That Were Big in the ’90s

Travel trends have changed dramatically since the 1990s, shifting the spotlight away from once-popular global hotspots. Many destinations that used to draw massive tourist crowds have faded into the background, overtaken by modern favorites.

Tricia Quitales
July 16, 2025
6 min read

16 Forgotten International Hotspots That Were Big in the ’90s — Mike Glezos on Pexels

In the 1990s, international travel had its golden moments, with certain cities and regions gaining legendary status among explorers and vacationers. Over time, many of them slipped from the spotlight, replaced by newer trends and digital influence. But these forgotten places still carry the spirit of discovery and unforgettable memories. Let’s revisit 16 of those once-iconic destinations that captured the imagination of ’90s travelers.

1. Acapulco, Mexico

Jakof BR on pexels

Once hailed as Mexico’s premier beach resort, Acapulco was the playground of Hollywood stars and spring breakers. The vibrant nightlife and dramatic cliff divers were major draws during its heyday. In the ’90s, it offered a combination of glamour and affordability that made it a top choice. Safety concerns and newer destinations like Cancun eventually overshadowed it. Still, the stunning bay and legacy of luxury remain.

2. Goa, India

Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

Goa was the ultimate backpacker paradise in the ’90s, attracting hippies, spiritual seekers, and rave enthusiasts. With its Portuguese heritage, sun-soaked beaches, and trance music scene, it offered something different from the typical beach vacation. Cheap accommodations and an open vibe helped it flourish. It has since become more commercial and crowded. However, echoes of its bohemian roots still linger along the coast.

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Aakash Goel on Pexels

Long before the “Game of Thrones” fame, Dubrovnik was a peaceful medieval city drawing tourists with its charm and Adriatic views. In the ’90s, war disrupted its rise as a major destination. However, travelers still sought it out for its history and resilience. Restoration efforts in the late decade slowly brought it back into view. It now thrives again but was nearly forgotten in between.

4. Bali, Indonesia

Oliver Sjöström on Pexels

Bali was already beloved in the ’90s for its natural beauty and rich spiritual traditions. Long before influencers arrived, it was a haven for surfers, artists, and seekers. The unique culture, affordable travel, and peaceful energy made it a go-to for long stays. As tourism exploded, its popularity diluted its once-underrated charm. Those who visited in the ’90s remember a simpler, quieter Bali.

5. Santorini, Greece

Mihaela Claudia Puscas on Pexels

Before Instagram made it world-famous, Santorini was a low-key Aegean escape for European travelers. Its iconic white buildings and caldera views enchanted visitors seeking romance and serenity. In the ’90s, the island was affordable and less crowded than today. Now, its fame has brought higher prices and crowds, changing the vibe completely. However, its magic was most authentic when it was less known.

6. Búzios, Brazil

Edward Eyer on pexels

Known as the “St. Tropez of South America,” Búzios captivated the rich and adventurous in the ’90s. With over 20 beaches and a charming town center, it had a laid-back yet exclusive appeal. French icon Brigitte Bardot helped popularize it, and the buzz carried through the decade. Today, it has faded under the radar internationally. Still, its raw coastal beauty remains untouched.

7. Koh Samui, Thailand

KE PHUAH on Pexels

Koh Samui was a rising star among Southeast Asia’s island escapes in the 1990s. Known for its coconut palms, beach huts, and full moon parties, it struck the right balance of relaxation and revelry. Budget travelers and honeymooners both found paradise here. Overdevelopment in recent years changed its laid-back character. Yet it once offered one of the most balanced island getaways in the region.

8. Prague, Czech Republic

Pat Whelen on Pexels

Emerging from the Velvet Revolution, Prague became Europe’s hottest city in the ’90s. It offered a fairy-tale vibe with cobbled streets, Gothic towers, and cheap beer. Backpackers and students flocked here for the arts and affordability. Its rise was quick, and it symbolized post-Cold War freedom. Although still popular, its explosive 1990s popularity was unmatched.

9. Tangier, Morocco

Taryn Elliott on Pexels

Tangier carried a mystique in the ’90s that drew artists, wanderers, and literary fans. It was a crossroad of cultures, with a blend of African, European, and Arab influences. Though slightly worn around the edges, it offered intrigue and affordable exploration. In recent decades, other Moroccan cities gained prominence. Tangier remains rich in history but less traveled than before.

10. Vang Vieng, Laos

Do thiew Lao on Pexels

In the 1990s, Vang Vieng was a sleepy town becoming a hotspot for offbeat travelers. The surrounding karst mountains and river made it ideal for adventure and serenity. Tubing down the river became a rite of passage for backpackers. Eventually, over-tourism and safety issues led to a slowdown. Yet, for a time, it was Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret.

11. Tallinn, Estonia

Maria Geller on Pexels

Fresh from regaining independence, Tallinn emerged as a futuristic medieval city in the ’90s. Its digital innovation and Old Town charm made it unique among European capitals. Travelers appreciated the contrast between ancient walls and tech-friendly cafes. It was a favorite for budget-conscious explorers. Today, it is modernized, but its retro appeal from the ’90s is harder to find.

12. Rotorua, New Zealand

Pixabay on pexels

Rotorua captivated adventure seekers and nature lovers in the 1990s. With bubbling mud pools, geysers, and Maori culture, it offered a taste of authentic New Zealand. It was a key stop for those taking road trips or gap years. As Queenstown took the limelight, Rotorua’s fame waned. Still, it holds the geothermal charm that once made it unforgettable.

13. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Vika Glitter on Pexels

Sharm El-Sheikh became Egypt’s beach jewel in the ’90s, known for its diving and desert scenery. Luxury resorts and coral reefs lured travelers from Europe and beyond. Its Red Sea coastline was considered among the world’s best for underwater exploration. Political instability later affected its visibility. But in the ’90s, it was seen as an exotic yet accessible escape.

14. Lviv, Ukraine

Artem Lysenko on Pexels

Lviv was an under-the-radar destination in the ’90s, slowly emerging from Soviet influence. Its Austro-Hungarian architecture and coffeehouse culture drew curious travelers. It was affordable and offered a glimpse into a preserved, lesser-known Europe. Few knew about it back then, which added to the charm. Now, its popularity is rising again, but it was a hidden gem back then.

15. Da Nang, Vietnam

Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

In the ’90s, Da Nang was a quiet city with emerging tourist potential. The Marble Mountains and nearby beaches made it an appealing, peaceful stop. Travelers heading between Hue and Hoi An found it a hidden retreat. Modern development has changed its skyline and energy. It was far more relaxed and mysterious in its earlier days.

16. Port Douglas, Australia

Josh Withers on Pexels

Port Douglas had its moment in the 1990s as a chic gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Celebrities and eco-tourists alike were drawn to its laid-back, tropical vibe. Its small-town charm and access to Daintree Rainforest made it unique. As Cairns grew in prominence, Port Douglas quietly slipped into the background. Yet, it was once the best-kept coastal secret in Australia.