New research from Brightsun Travel has revealed a growing appetite among British holidaymakers for a return to the simpler, more tactile travel experiences of the 1980s, with many saying modern, screen-heavy planning has taken the magic out of going away.

Brightsun surveyed 2,000 holidaymakers across the UK, to find out what's most important to people in the approach to the post-Christmas peak booking season. The research revealed that over a third (35 per cent) of respondents who were alive in the 1980s thought that travel was less stressful then, while 31 per cent believed there were fewer crowds. 20 per cent of people missed postcards and film cameras, while physical maps and guidebooks were also listed.

Screens, and the abundance of information they provide access to, were identified as a negative factor in the holiday experience. Almost 20 per cent of people said they missed having more time together as a family, and 15 per cent said that less digital planning made things more spontaneous and fun. “We're surrounded by connected technology now, so it's hard to believe there was a time when you had to wait weeks for your holiday photos to be developed or take a phrase book with you to be understood by the locals,” said Mala Schneider, Head of Global Marketing at Brightsun Travel.

“There was a lot of fun to be had, though, living adventures and experiences in the moment, without worrying about missing something or capturing the day to digital perfection.

“'Hard copy' holidays had a lot going for them.” The survey marks the start of Brightsun Travel's 40th birthday celebrations, which are happening throughout 2026. To celebrate, the company is offering a series of fantastic holiday deals during the year, starting with 80s holiday favourite Spain, which almost 40% of travellers still visit frequently.

The deal is 7 nights half board in the four-star Bakour Garbi Cala Millor hotel in Mallorca, for just £549 per person. In fact, Spain and Spanish territories proved to be a perennial favourite in Brightsun's research, with 27 per cent of respondents having visited Spain and Spanish territories more than twice during the jet-setting 80s. When asked about how holiday habits have changed, people admitted to spending more on holidays now. 30% of respondents pack less now than they used to - no doubt due to more stringent flight baggage regulations - and 20% of people fly long haul more often. 13% of travellers now travel solo more often, a trend reflected in Brightsun Travel's own bookings.

“We're encouraging holiday makers to slow down, plan offline and rediscover the joy of anticipation,” continued Mala Schneider.

“Trips don't need to be complicated to book. The best deals are often to be had via package bookings, and it's worth keeping an eye out for bargains, especially if you can be flexible when you travel.”

What we miss most about 1980s travel: when asked what they miss most about travelling in the 1980s, respondents talked about a desire for fewer screens and more spontaneity:

  • Lower expectations and simpler holidays - cited by around one third of respondents, who said they were more content with the basics
  • The excitement of postcards and film cameras, named by more than one in five
  • More quality family time without screens, also highlighted by around 20%
  • Physical maps and guidebooks, missed by nearly one in five
  • Less digital planning and more spontaneity, with many saying holidays now feel over-engineered

Others also said they missed children having more freedom to explore, the inability to work remotely while away, and even long car journeys complete with cassette tapes and road-trip rituals.