What Is the Retro Travel Trend?

Have you ever dreamed of traveling not just to a destination, but to a specific moment in time? With retro travel, you can do just that. This vacation trend is all about creating new memories in nostalgic settings. Imagine sipping a malted milkshake at a 1950s-style diner or watching a St. Tropez sunset aboard a classic 1960s-era Riva boat. Retro travel invites you to bridge the gap between past and present, connecting you to your favorite moments in time — or moments you wish you could have experienced firsthand. Find out how to celebrate the joy of “the good old days” by embracing the retro travel trend.

Why Time Travel Is Trending

Nostalgic travel is on the rise. According to research from Hilton Hotels, “recreating memories” ranks as the third-most popular reason for leisure travel in the United States in 2025. Furthermore, 58% of global travelers expressed their desire to visit destinations tied to their childhood.

The term “retro,” by definition, describes something that is imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past. But the retro travel trend is also about personal connections to these memories. You might be dreaming of wandering the streets of London like your favorite band, the Beatles, did in the 1960s. Or perhaps you’d like to soak up the sun in the streets of Miami, surrounded by 1920s art deco architecture and swaying palms. Retro travel can also be as simple as taking a day trip to a drive-in movie theater or renting a spot at your favorite childhood campground. Essentially, if it stirs up memories from the not-so-distant past, it qualifies as retro. Below, explore a few ideas for your next retro getaway.

Set Out on an Americana Road Trip 

A road trip is one of the most nostalgic ways to see the U.S. While there are many worthwhile routes to choose from, none captures the essence of classic Americana quite like Route 66. Spanning from Chicago, Illinois, to Los Angeles, California, this highway features all the key elements of a bygone era, from roadside diners and motels to kitschy attractions and quirky museums.

At the eastern end of Route 66, you’ll find one of Chicago’s oldest diners still in operation, Lou Mitchell’s. This classic eatery has been fueling travelers with all-day breakfast since 1923, three years before Route 66 first opened. On the opposite end of the route lies Santa Monica Pier, home to one of the best photo ops on Route 66: the famous “End of the Trail” sign. 

Whichever way you travel, the journey is just as memorable as the destination. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for eccentric roadside attractions that make Route 66 a nostalgia-fueled ride. Oklahoma’s Blue Whale of Cantoosa, Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, are among the many highlights.

Embark on a Retro Riviera Tour

Picture this: You’re relaxing at a stylish beach club under striped umbrellas while enjoying a refreshing spritz or traditional gelato, just as iconic Hollywood stars did on the Italian and French Rivieras during the mid-20th century.

Today, you can embrace the spirit of la dolce vita (Italian for “the sweet life”) in the picturesque Italian fishing village of Portofino, where legends including Elizabeth Taylor, Humphrey Bogart, and Clark Gable frequently vacationed. One of the most glamorous hotels in the region, Splendido, was known to host royals and celebrities during these halcyon days. Elevate your stay by chartering a classic mahogany Riva boat, a symbol of sophistication during this era.

On the French Riviera, seaside retreats such as Nice, Monaco, St. Tropez, and Cannes also offer a taste of Old Hollywood magic. Explore chic hotels, retro beach clubs, and French vintage markets, or partake in some Gatsby-inspired sightseeing at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Built in the early 20th century, this bubblegum-pink villa features nine themed gardens that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. And don’t forget the timeless Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, a staple of the French Riviera, with vintage sports cars parked outside the glamorous Belle Époque-style building.

Set Sail on a Transatlantic Ocean Liner

Before the Jet Age, to cross the Atlantic aboard ocean liners often took a week or so, but those lucky travelers could take advantage of the leisurely pace with ballroom dancing, gourmet meals, and evenings beneath the stars.

Reminiscent of a floating time machine, the Queen Mary 2 is the only modern version of an ocean liner sailing today, transporting guests between New York City and Southampton, England. This isn’t your typical cruise ship — you won’t find any waterslides or thrill rides — but the Queen Mary 2 epitomizes the spirit of the classic ocean liner.

While aboard, guests are invited to take afternoon tea on the high seas, attend a black tie gala, or sip Champagne to the backdrop of live music. For an added touch of nostalgia, consider booking your getaway through a tour company like Ahoy Vintage Cruises, where you can immerse yourself in themed itineraries, such as a 1920s art deco journey aboard the ship.

Explore a Themed Hotel

Sometimes, the hotel itself is the destination, where you can fully immerse yourself in your chosen retro time period. Take, for example, the Très Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Inspired by Wes Anderson’s unique filmmaking style, this hotel features suites with names such as “the Rushmore” and “the Moonrise,” and it leans into the retro theme with a candy-hued 1960s color palette, funky decor, and mismatched furniture.

In Spain’s Balearic Islands, the Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel brings the atmosphere of Miami’s Ocean Drive in the 1970s and ’80s to the Mediterranean. This playful beachside retreat feels like stepping into a time capsule. It features bold and bright suites equipped with vintage amenities, including Marshall speakers and Smeg refrigerators.

Back in the United States, the TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport stands out as one of the most nostalgic accommodations in the country. This mid-century modern marvel transports visitors back to the golden age of air travel; in fact, it’s housed in the iconic TWA terminal at JFK that opened in 1962 and reopened as the hotel in 2019. One of its most notable features is the restored 1958 Lockheed Constellation aircraft parked outside, which has been converted into a bar called Connie. The TWA Hotel recently won the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Award for the Best Airport Hotel in North America, proving that nostalgia-influenced travel remains more popular than ever.