10 Things British Families Used to Do Before Going on Holiday That Today’s Kids Wouldn’t Understand

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Going on holiday used to be a whole different game! Before the internet and smartphones changed everything, British families had their own set of traditions when planning a trip. From visiting travel agents to handling loads of physical cash, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and look at what families used to do before setting off on their adventures.

1. Visit a travel agent to book the trip

Long before you could book a trip with a few clicks online, planning a holiday meant a visit to the travel agent. You’d sit in a cozy office, flipping through brochures of exotic destinations while the agent did all the legwork to find the best flights and hotels. It was a personal experience and often, the agent became a part of the family’s holiday stories. They knew the ins and outs of travel, ensuring you got exciting deals and the best spots that no internet search could give you at that time.

2. Buy traveller’s cheques

Before debit cards and online banking were the norm, traveller’s cheques were a safe way to carry money abroad. You’d buy these from your bank, sign them, and then cash them in or use them like cash in most places around the world. Losing cash was a worry, but losing traveller’s cheques? No sweat, as they could be replaced if lost or stolen. They were a holiday essential, giving peace of mind when travelling.

3. Exchange cash before leaving home

Exchanging money was a crucial step before any trip abroad. You’d visit the bank or a currency exchange spot, check the rates and swap your pounds for foreign currency. Holding different colorful bills in your hand made the upcoming trip feel all the more real. This ritual also meant you had to guess how much money you’d need for the whole trip, which was always a fun gamble!

4. Write down emergency phone numbers

Can you imagine not having a mobile phone with all your contacts at your fingertips? Before this luxury, writing down important phone numbers was essential. You’d have a little notebook or papers filled with numbers for your bank, the local embassy, relatives back home, and the hotel. It was your lifeline in case anything went awry, and losing this little piece of paper was a real concern!

5. Print directions for the airport

Today, GPS takes us directly to our destination, but back then, printing out directions was the way to go. You’d plan your route carefully, sometimes even highlighting a physical map. This preparation phase was almost as exciting as the trip itself, with everyone gathered around to discuss the best routes and pit stops, turning the whole experience into a great family bonding activity.

6. Ask a neighbour to collect the post

Leaving your house unattended meant your post would pile up, a clear sign no one was home. To keep things safe and tidy, you’d ask a trusted neighbour to collect your letters and parcels. This simple act was a testament to community trust and the close-knit relationships people had. It also meant returning the favor when your neighbour went away!

7. Arrange for someone to water the plants

If you had a garden or houseplants, going on holiday posed a unique challenge. To keep your green friends thriving, you’d arrange for someone to come over and water them. It could be a friend, a relative, or that same trustworthy neighbour. This wasn’t just about keeping the plants alive; it was about maintaining the homey feel for when you came back, to a lively, green space.

8. Record favourite TV programmes on VHS

There was no pausing live TV or subscribing to streaming services to watch your favourite shows anytime. If a much-loved programme was airing while you were away, you’d set up your VCR to record it on a VHS tape. This way, you wouldn’t miss out on your favorite episodes, and it was always a fun post-holiday activity to catch up on what you’d recorded.

9. Leave relatives the hotel’s telephone number

Staying reachable while away was not about mobile phones but about leaving the hotel’s phone number with your family. It was a way to ensure that in case something important came up, they could get a message to you through the hotel’s reception. This practice made everyone feel secure, knowing they could reach each other if needed.

10. Tell everyone they’d speak to them again when they got home

In times before social media and instant messaging, saying goodbye meant you might not hear from each other until the trip ended. There were no quick texts or photo updates. Instead, you’d tell your friends and family you’d catch up and share stories when you got back. This added an element of excitement and anticipation to returning home and made sharing your travel experiences a special, in-person treat.