1. CB Radios
“Breaker, breaker, one-nine!” CB radios weren’t just for truckers—they were a staple of road trips, too. Families would tune in to get traffic updates, report speed traps, or just chat with other travelers. And who didn’t love coming up with a cool handle?
There’s something magical about a good old-fashioned road trip—the open road, the snacks, the music, and the thrill of discovering something new. But road trips weren’t always about GPS, podcasts, and rest stops packed with fast-food chains. Back in the day, hitting the road meant embracing quirky traditions, clever hacks, and unique trends that made the journey just as memorable as the destination. Let’s take a nostalgic look at 12 road trip trends from the past that have faded into memory but still bring a smile to those who lived them.
2. Folding Maps
Before GPS and smartphones, navigating meant wrestling with a paper map the size of your car seat. Whether it was the gas station freebie or a trusty Rand McNally road atlas, plotting your route was an adventure in itself. And let’s not forget the art of folding it back up—if you could!
3. Car Bingo
This was the ultimate backseat distraction. Kids would eagerly scan the roadside for cows, stop signs, or gas stations to mark off their bingo cards. It was low-tech fun that kept “Are we there yet?” at bay for a while.
4. Customized Station Wagons
The family station wagon wasn’t just a car—it was your mobile living room. From wood-paneled sides to rooftop luggage racks packed high, these iconic vehicles were built for adventure. Some families even installed curtains or makeshift beds in the back for ultimate road trip comfort.
5. Drive-In Diners
Stopping for a bite didn’t mean pulling into a drive-thru. Instead, you’d roll up to a drive-in diner where waitresses on roller skates brought burgers and shakes to your window. It was as much about the experience as the food itself.
6. Mix Tapes for the Road
Long before playlists, road trip music came in the form of carefully curated mix tapes. Picking the perfect songs to match the journey was an art form, and flipping the cassette over mid-drive felt oddly satisfying.
7. Window Crank Air-Conditioning
In the days before every car had A/C, staying cool on the road meant rolling down the windows (manually, of course) and catching the breeze. It wasn’t ideal on a scorching summer day, but it sure added to the adventure.
8. Souvenir Pennants
Every stop along the way had its own collectible felt pennant—perfect for decorating kids’ rooms or recapping the trip for friends back home. From national parks to quirky roadside attractions, they were must-have mementos.
9. Roadside Motels with Theme Rooms
Forget the big hotel chains—road trips were all about finding the quirkiest roadside motels. Whether it was a jungle-themed room or one shaped like a wigwam, these unique stays made overnight stops unforgettable.
10. The AAA TripTik
Before apps like Waze, AAA members relied on the trusty TripTik—a spiral-bound booklet with custom maps and routes marked for the journey. It even highlighted gas stations, restaurants, and attractions along the way.
11. Picnic Stops at Rest Areas
Fast-food joints weren’t always the go-to for road trip meals. Families packed coolers with sandwiches, sodas, and potato chips and stopped at roadside rest areas for impromptu picnics. Some even had grills for a quick cookout.
12. Postcards Sent from Every Stop
Road trips weren’t just about the memories you kept—they were about the ones you shared. Sending postcards from every major stop was a way to say, “Wish you were here,” long before Instagram existed.
These forgotten trends remind us of a simpler time when road trips felt less about the destination and more about the little joys along the way. While technology has made travel easier, there’s something magical about revisiting the charm and creativity of these old-school traditions. What trends would you bring back for your next adventure?
