vintage travelling photos

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These vintage photos show the timeless allure of travel

Find inspiration for your next journey in these images from National Geographic’s archives.

Since the founding of the National Geographic Society in 1888, our documentary work has taken inspiration from the world around us—from fragile ecosystems that demand conservation to monuments of civilization that tell the human story—to encourage people to look closer and care more about the planet.

Our goal is rooted in the belief that knowledge comes from curiosity. Established “for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge,” the Society quickly cultivated an audience with an appetite for adventure.  

But you don’t have to summit Everest to solve its greatest mystery or plumb the depths aboard the Calypso like Jacques Cousteau to embrace the mystery and beauty around us. All you need to do is step outside with an open mind, a desire to learn, and a willingness to ask questions. All storytellers are travelers, and all travelers can become storytellers.

Inspiration helps. Whether it comes from the first scientific expedition undertaken by the National Geographic Society in 1890, led by Israel Russell to survey and map the Mount St. Elias region in North America, or the groundbreaking work of Explorer-led expeditions today, boundary-pushing journeys can “illuminate and protect the wonder of our world,” as our motto reads .  

( What it’s like to travel through time in National Geographic’s archives. )

This spirit of exploration is fueled by our visual storytellers, who for more than a century have documented epic landscapes, microscopic life forms, and far-flung communities, as well as everyday sights made remarkable through their expert lens.  

National Geographic’s photographic archive counts more than 10 million images. Here are a few of our favorites. To be sure, they document the privilege of travel and the perspectives of past photographers. But they also capture the timeless inspiration, joy, and reward of exploring the world.

Subscribe here for full access to our archives, including National Geographic’s treasure trove of vintage photographs and articles.

This gallery was originally published on November 15, 2017. It has been updated.

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This Vintage Photos Remind Us Of What Luxury Travel Once Was

By train, by plane or by automobile, our grandparents really knew how to travel in style.

Your yoga pants and sweatshirt travel attire would not cut it back then.

Ischia, Italy; June 1962

Actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton relax in the sun after filming the movie "Cleopatra" in Rome.

Great Britain; May 1961

A woman carries her luggage as she disembarks a ship in Britain.

Hatfield, Massachusetts; August 1958

A couple lounges in the reclining sleeper seats during a demonstration flight.

A man loads luggage into the trunk of a car before a trip.

A flight attendant serves cocktails to passengers on a Pan American World Airways Boeing 707 aircraft.

Southampton, England; May 1956

Two women ride a train from Southampton to London Victoria.

Great Britain; Circa 1935

A young family enjoys a countryside picnic by their car.

Vorarlberg, Austria; Circa 1935

Two women drive through the mountains of western Austria in their convertible.

Brighton, England; Circa 1935

Two passengers read as they ride on the Brighton Electric Railway.

August 1950

A young woman shows off her 1951 Packard Patrician 400 and its ample trunk space.

Texas; 1954

An American Airline hostess walks across A runway after departing an aircraft.

Bristol, England; May 1936

A little traveler asks for directions from a train station attendant.

Las Vegas, Nevada; Circa 1965

A couple is assisted off an aircraft as they arrive in Las Vegas.

United States; Circa 1955

Uniformed female gas station attendants clean a car for a customer at an Esso gas station.

United Kingdom, July 1931

A group of young adults wave out of a train car.

United Kingdom; May 1950

Two women illustrate new fashion wear as they wave to an incoming train.

Dover, England; November 1960

A couple drinks wine in a dining car of the Golden Arrow train.

New York City, New York; Circa 1956

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller drive a 1956 model Ford Thunderbird convertible to Connecticut.

Croydon, England; Circa 1939

A female flight attendant pours cocktails for the crew on a Air Speed Envoy plane from Croydon to Paris.

London, England; Circa 1930's

Two women wave to passengers of the SS Orion at Tilbury in the Port of London.

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25 photos that show how different traveling was 100 years ago

• In the 1920s, plane windows were just open holes, and airports were more like garages.

During the Prohibition era, cargo trains were searched for alcohol.

• Traveling by cruise ship was a black-tie affair.

Life 100 years ago was different in many ways, especially when it came to traveling.

Driving cross-country, boarding a train , or hopping on a cruise ship  looked much different in the 1920s than it does today.

Here's a look back at what traveling was like 100 years ago.

Commercial flights have been taking to the skies for more than a century. In the early 1920s, aviator Alfred W. Lawson built a series of passenger aircrafts with mixed success.

Lawson's C-2 biplane airliner completed flights from Milwaukee to New York City and Washington, DC, in 1919. Its introduction led to commercial air travel becoming more common, Airways magazine reported.

But when he tried to build a larger passenger aircraft designed to carry 34 people in 1921, it crashed in a field, bringing an end to his company, according to the National Air and Space Museum .

Passengers boarded planes through small doors at ground level, not enormous terminals and insulated walkways.

Lufthansa began its official flight service in 1926, according to the airline's website.

Plane windows were just open holes.

You can't stick your arm out of a plane window anymore.

It wasn't until the 1930s that the first plane with a pressurized cabin was built, Smithsonian magazine reported.

Airports weren't the glorified shopping malls they are today.

These Stinson "Detroiter" planes were the first closed-cabin planes used by a commercial airline, DBusiness magazine reported.

In the 1920s, airports were more like garages.

Charles Lindbergh flew the first nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in his single-engine plane, Spirit of St. Louis (pictured), according to Encyclopedia Britannica .

Airplane passengers used to fly in bow ties and fashionable hats.

People don't really dress up to go on planes anymore, but there can be surprising benefits if you do .

Railroads were a popular mode of transportation in the 1920s.

In addition to carrying people, trains transported mail and manufactured goods.

As with flying, passengers traveled in style.

British author P.G. Wodehouse was photographed leaving for a family vacation from Waterloo Station in London in 1929 wearing a three-piece pinstripe suit.

In transit, movies were projected onto the carriage wall in cozy theaters lined with curtains and rows of chairs.

Watching movies on your phone wouldn't become an option until much later.

Blizzards slowed down travel in the 1920s, too.

The Empire State Express (pictured) operated between New York City and Buffalo, New York, from 1891 to 1967, according to the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society .

In 1929, authorities caught crates of whiskey disguised as green tomatoes in the refrigerator car of a cargo train traveling from Holandale, Florida, to Newark, New Jersey.

By the 1920s, automobiles had been around for a few decades.

Karl Benz is widely credited as inventing the first automobile between 1885 and 1886, according to the Library of Congress .

Gas stations used to look like main street-style buildings with curbside gas pumps.

In the 1920s, they began to be replaced with drive-in pumps to decrease traffic, according to the University of Michigan .

Birthday road trips looked a little different back then.

Mayor Charles F. Sullivan of Worcester, Massachusetts, held up a sign that said, "Clear the road! This is my 20th birthday" while taking a drive in 1923.

Traffic cops' uniforms in the 1920s featured double-breasted jackets and white gloves.

There were around 82,000 police in the US in 1920, according to US Census data. By 1930, that number reached 130,000.

There was no GPS or internet to search for driving directions.

You were on your own.

There were no built-in navigation systems or touchscreen on the dashboard, either.

Cars were simply equipped with an instrument panel, steering wheel, lighting switch, and gear shift hand lever.

Bus tickets were dispensed on little paper tags.

The 1920s were known as the "golden age" of road building, according to the US Department of Transportation . Buses and trucks grew in popularity thanks to the Federal Highway Act of 1921, which funded the construction of a national highway system.

Tourists dressed up to ride sightseeing buses, which were then small electric vehicles.

These days, people turn tourist buses into tiny homes .

The New York City subway used to cost a nickel.

Before the nickel-operated turnstiles, a ticket-chopper manually cut tickets at the gate. Today, a subway ride costs $2.90.

Cruising in the 1920s was the height of luxury.

Cruise ships today have Go Kart race tracks and zip lines.

Cruise-ship passengers dressed in tailored suits and spiffy hats.

English theatrical producer Charles B. Cochran, composer Sir Noel Coward, and their entourage boarded the Berengaria in 1928 dressed to impress.

Dances were a popular social activity on cruise ships.

Guests wore gowns and tuxedos on the dance floor. On modern cruise ships , dress codes aren't enforced.

To relax, passengers wore one-piece jumpsuit-style bathing suits to swim in cruise-ship pools.

Swimsuit styles  have changed over the years.

Cruise ships remain a glamorous way to travel today.

Even though the formal dinners and ball gowns of the old days have turned into buffets and flip flops, cruise ships continue to offer a host of amenities and travel routes that keep people coming back.

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Vintage Travel Photography: The Charm of Capturing Vintage Travel Photography

• 9 minute read

• August 14, 2023

In an era marked by the lightning-fast pace of technological innovation, there exists a timeless charm that harks back to a simpler, more nostalgic time. Welcome to the captivating world of vintage travel photography, where the past comes alive through the lens of history.

As we embark on a journey through the pages of time, the alluring blend of “ vintage ” and “travel photography” takes us on a visual expedition like no other. With each photograph, we unlock a portal to bygone eras, where sepia tones and candid captures reveal narratives woven into the fabric of yesteryears.

Let’s traverse the landscapes of the past, exploring the nuances of vintage aesthetics, the art of capturing unfiltered authenticity, and the rich tapestry of cultures that emerge from each faded frame.

Join us as we unpack the mystique, nostalgia, and undeniable artistic allure that define vintage travel photography – a portal to our shared human heritage.

What is Vintage Photography?

Vintage photography isn’t just a collection of old photographs; it’s an art form that transcends time. It involves capturing images in a style that emulates the visual characteristics of photographs from a bygone era. Vintage photography aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport viewers to a different time, allowing them to experience the aesthetics and emotions of the past.

This style often emphasizes softer tones, muted colors, and a certain level of imperfection that comes with aging. It embraces the uniqueness of analog film and the quirks of early photography techniques. Vintage photography also pays homage to the techniques and limitations of photographers from history, creating a connection between contemporary photographers and their artistic predecessors.

How Do You Make Vintage Photography?

Creating vintage photography involves a combination of capturing images with a deliberate aesthetic in mind and applying post-processing techniques to enhance the vintage feel. Here’s how you can achieve it:

• Capture with Intent: Begin by understanding the era you want to evoke. Research the photography styles, equipment, and techniques that were popular during that time. Frame your shots to reflect the composition and storytelling prevalent in vintage photographs.
• Choose the Right Equipment: While modern digital cameras can create vintage-like images, using analog film cameras or cameras with manual settings can help achieve an authentic vintage vibe. Experiment with different lenses and apertures to mimic the characteristics of older photography.
• Adjust Settings: In your camera settings, manipulate exposure, shutter speed, and aperture to mimic the lighting conditions of the past. Experiment with underexposing or overexposing shots to achieve the desired vintage effect.
• Select Subjects and Scenes: Vintage photography often includes subjects that resonate with a specific time period. Consider using vintage clothing, props, or settings that evoke a sense of history.
• Post-Processing: Post-production is where the magic truly happens. Use photo editing software to fine-tune the vintage look. Apply filters that emulate film grain, faded colors, and vignettes. Experiment with color correction to achieve the right tone and mood.
• Texture and Effects: Add texture overlays to replicate the tactile quality of old photographs. This can include simulating the look of aged paper, scratches, and creases.
• Experiment with Filters: Utilize various presets or custom adjustments to enhance specific vintage characteristics, such as sepia tones, cyanotypes, or Polaroid-style effects.
• Balance Authenticity: Strive to strike a balance between authenticity and artistic interpretation. While the goal is to evoke the past, you have the creative freedom to add your own flair.

How Do I Find the Photographer of an Old Photo?

Unraveling the identity of the photographer behind an old photo can be an intriguing journey through history. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:

• Examine the Photo: Start by thoroughly analyzing the photograph. Look for any clues within the image itself, such as a signature, watermark, or studio logo. These markings could lead you to the photographer’s identity.
• Check the Back: Flip the photograph over and inspect the back. Sometimes, photographers used stamps or write their names, addresses, or other details on the back of the photo.
• Date the Photo: Determine the approximate date of the photograph. This can provide insight into the time period during which the photographer was active. Clothing styles, props, and photographic techniques can help you estimate the era.
• Local Historical Societies and Archives: Visit local historical societies, libraries, and archives that specialize in preserving historical documents and photographs. They might have records related to photographers who operated in the area.
• Online Resources: Utilize online platforms that focus on historical photography. Websites dedicated to genealogy, local history, and vintage photography often have databases of photographers and their work.
• Photography Directories: Refer to historical photography directories or databases. These directories list photographers and studios along with their locations and working years.
• Professional Organizations: In some cases, photographers might have been members of professional organizations or associations. Researching these organizations could provide valuable information.
• Expert Assistance: If you’re facing challenges in identifying the photographer, consider reaching out to experts or historians specializing in photography history. They might have insights and resources that can help.

Remember that uncovering the photographer’s identity can be a bit like solving a puzzle. Patience, persistence, and a keen eye for detail are key.

What is the Vintage Photo Effect?

The vintage photo effect is a digital technique used to simulate the appearance of aged and weathered photographs. It’s a post-processing approach that adds a nostalgic and antique charm to modern images. Here’s a breakdown of how the vintage photo effect is achieved:

• Color Palette: Vintage photographs often exhibit muted colors and subtle tonal shifts. To replicate this, the effect involves desaturating certain colors, adjusting contrast, and creating a slightly faded appearance.
• Aging Effects: The vintage look includes elements that suggest the passage of time. This can be simulated by adding artificial scratches, creases, and even simulated dust or specks.
• Vignetting: Many older photographs naturally develop a vignette effect due to the limitations of the camera lenses of the time. This effect can be recreated by darkening the edges of the image, drawing focus toward the center.
• Film Grain: Vintage photos taken on film often exhibit a characteristic graininess. Applying a controlled level of grain in post-processing helps mimic the appearance of the film.
• Light Leaks: Older cameras sometimes experienced light leaks that affected the final image. Adding subtle light leaks can enhance the vintage feel.
• Sepia Tones: Sepia-toned images were common in early photography due to the type of chemicals used in the printing process. Applying sepia tones gives images a warm, brownish hue.
• Texture Overlays: Overlaying textures, such as paper textures, can add depth and tactile qualities that evoke the feel of old photographs.
• Softening: Vintage photographs often have a soft focus due to lens limitations. Applying a controlled blur can create a similar effect.

A vintage photo effect is a versatile tool that can be adjusted to suit different eras and moods. It’s a way to infuse contemporary images with a touch of history, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past.

What Makes a Photo Vintage?

 A vintage photo isn’t merely defined by its age; it’s a culmination of elements that collectively transport the viewer to a different era, evoking emotions, memories, and a sense of nostalgia. Here’s what contributes to making a photo truly vintage:

Timeless Aesthetics: Vintage photos possess an enduring beauty that defies the constraints of time. Their aesthetic appeal remains captivating across decades, making them resonate with viewers regardless of the era.

Narrative Value: Each vintage photograph tells a story, often without words. It captures a moment frozen in time, allowing us to peer into history and the lives of those who lived before us.

Historical Context: Vintage photos are windows to the past, offering a glimpse into the way people lived, dressed, and interacted in bygone days. They hold valuable historical information and serve as visual records of cultural and societal changes.

Sense of Adventure: Vintage travel photography, in particular, encapsulates the spirit of adventure. These images take us on a journey to places and times we might never experience firsthand, igniting our imagination and wanderlust.

Escape from the Mundane: Vintage photos offer an escape from the routine and monotony of modern life. They remind us of simpler times, when the pace was slower and technology wasn’t all-encompassing.

Unfiltered Authenticity: Unlike the polished and edited images of today, vintage photos capture genuine, unfiltered moments. They showcase raw emotions and candid expressions, revealing the authenticity of the subjects.

Cultural Diversity: Vintage photos portray the diversity of cultures, fashions, and traditions that existed in the past. They serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of human history and the unique stories of different societies.

Evoke Nostalgia: The primary essence of vintage photos is their ability to evoke nostalgia. Even if we didn’t live through the times depicted, these images stir up a sense of longing for moments we never experienced firsthand.

Artistic Expression: Vintage photographers expressed their creativity through their lens. Their compositions, use of light and shadow, and choice of subjects all contribute to the artistic value of vintage photos.

Mystique and Imagination: The antiquity of vintage photos invites us to imagine the untold stories behind them. We find ourselves pondering the lives of the people in the photographs, filling in the gaps with our imagination.

In essence, what makes a photo vintage isn’t just the passage of time, but the emotions it evokes, the stories it tells, and the connection it fosters between eras. Vintage photos bridge the gap between history and the present, reminding us of the richness of the human experience across time.

Aspects that Contribute to the Charm of Vintage Travel Photography

Vintage travel photography holds a unique allure that goes beyond mere visuals. It transports us to different times and places, inviting us to experience the world through the eyes of past travelers. The charm of vintage travel photography is woven from several intricate threads:

Timeless Aesthetics: Vintage travel photos possess an enduring visual appeal that transcends eras. The composition, lighting, and framing techniques used by photographers of the past create images that remain captivating even in the digital age.

Narrative Value: Each vintage travel photograph is a visual story. These images provide a glimpse into the experiences, cultures, and encounters of travelers from days gone by. They offer a rich narrative that bridges the gap between past and present.

Historical Context: Vintage travel photography acts as a portal to history. These images capture landmarks, landscapes, and people in a context that reflects the social, political, and cultural environment of the time. They are windows into the world as it once was.

Sense of Adventure: Vintage travel photos embody the spirit of exploration and adventure. They evoke a time when travel was often a daring escapade into the unknown, highlighting the curiosity and bravery of early travelers.

Escape from the Mundane: Vintage travel photography offers an escape from the ordinary. These images transport us to exotic locales, inviting us to daydream about faraway places and experience a sense of wonder in the midst of our everyday lives.

Unfiltered Authenticity: Authenticity is a hallmark of vintage travel photos. These images capture candid moments and unposed scenes, presenting a genuine view of the people, cultures, and landscapes encountered during the journey.

Cultural Diversity: Vintage travel photography celebrates the diversity of human cultures. These images document local customs, traditions, and ways of life, showcasing the rich tapestry of our global heritage.

Evoke Nostalgia: Vintage travel photos evoke a profound sense of nostalgia, even in viewers who never experienced the depicted era. The longing for a simpler time and the curiosity about the past are kindled by these images.

Artistic Expression: Vintage travel photographers were artists in their own right. Their use of composition, lighting, and perspective adds an artistic layer to these photos, elevating them beyond mere documentation.

Mystique and Imagination: Vintage travel photos carry an air of mystery and intrigue. The limited technology of the time often left details to the imagination, sparking curiosity about the stories and experiences behind each image.

The charm of vintage travel photography lies in its ability to transport us through time and space, igniting our sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the world’s diversity and history. These images not only capture moments but also offer a multi-dimensional glimpse into the past, making them treasures for both travelers and history enthusiasts alike.

 Conclusion

In the world of photography, vintage travel photography stands as a testament to the magic of the past, the artistry of photographers who captured these moments, and the significance of preserving our collective heritage. Beyond mere images, vintage travel photography encapsulates the essence of eras long gone, inviting us to explore and appreciate the world through the eyes of those who journeyed before us.

Each photograph becomes a time capsule, holding within it stories, emotions, and experiences that bridge the gap between the past and the present. The charm of vintage travel photography lies not only in its visual aesthetics but also in the emotions and narratives it carries. It serves as a portal to history, a window into different cultures, and a reminder of the beauty that exists beyond our modern world.

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Vintage Travel Photography FAQs

  how can i achieve the vintage photo effect with modern equipment.

To achieve the vintage photo effect, use photo editing software to apply techniques such as adjusting colors, adding texture, introducing light leaks, and mimicking film grain. Experiment with different settings to achieve the desired nostalgic look.

  Are there specific filters or software for creating vintage photography?

Yes, there are various software options and filter packs available that specialize in creating vintage effects. Popular choices include Adobe Lightroom, VSCO, and various presets available online.

  Where can I find resources to trace the history of an old photograph?

Local historical societies, libraries, and online platforms dedicated to genealogy and history are valuable resources. Archives, photography directories, and experts in photography history can also provide insights.

  What distinguishes vintage photography from other retro styles?

Vintage photography focuses on recreating the aesthetics of a specific era, often using techniques and equipment from that time. It aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to history. Other retro styles may reference different time periods and aesthetics.

  Can I blend modern and vintage photography techniques?

Absolutely ! Mixing modern and vintage photography techniques can yield unique and creative results. You can combine contemporary equipment with vintage-inspired editing to create a fusion of old and new.

Meet David Hoper, a passionate travel Blog writer with 7+ years of experience in travel content. Through his exemplary storytelling and engaging narratives, he shares his experiences and brings destinations to life. With a keen eye for detail and a love for exploration, he has cultivated a diverse portfolio of travel blogs that inspire and inform readers worldwide.

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Vintage Air Travel Images Through The Years

Posted: March 13, 2024 | Last updated: March 13, 2024

Air travel milestones through the decades

From the early days of flight and the "golden age of travel," to contemporary budget airlines and COVID restrictions and regulations, air travel has transformed dramatically over the past century.

Click or scroll through this gallery and join us as we take a journey through time to bring you the biggest milestones in commercial aviation history, including plans for air travel to become net zero by 2050 recently announced.

1920s: passengers wait to board a plane in 1929

The story of commercial air travel begins before the 1920s, in 1914, when the world's first scheduled passenger service set off between Tampa and St Petersburg, piloted by Tony Jannus. Though commercial aviation did not take off quickly, more and more companies tried to build on this milestone through the 1920s, with varying degrees of success. Here, passengers wait at Croydon Airport, UK to board a Handley Page W.9 aircraft, a model used by early airlines Imperial Airways and Sabena.

1920s: a Western Air Express airliner in 1928

1920s: Lady Heath pilots a plane for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

1920s: passengers are served drinks on a French Air Union plane in 1929

1920s: an early in-flight movie in 1925

In-flight entertainment systems looked rather different too. Today airplane entertainment is a solitary, hi-tech affair but, in the early days of flight, passengers would typically gather around a single screen if they wanted to catch a movie. One of the earliest films to be shown up high was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World in 1925 with Imperial Airways. Here, passengers on a German airliner also enjoy a movie in the year 1925.

1930s: a woman hands over an airmail parcel to Western Air Express staff circa 1930

The early 1930s continued in a similar fashion to the 1920s, with airlines offering airmail delivery services and also carrying passengers. Flying was still extremely expensive and fairly uncomfortable but, according to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum , the number of airline passengers grew from 6,000 in 1930 to 450,000 in 1934. Here, a woman passes on her mail to the crew of a Fokker F-10 monoplane operated by Western Air Express.

1930s: passengers listen to a broadcast aboard a flight in 1931

1930s: an early Anglo-Australian airliner in 1934

1930s: Eastern Air Lines stewards in the 1930s

In the 1920s and into the early 1930s, the role of flight attendant was one mostly reserved for men, who were usually referred to as "cabin boys." This was soon flipped on its head, though. The first female flight attendant, a nurse named Ellen Church, was employed in 1930 and by the middle of the decade most of these jobs went to women. The women were often trained nurses and there were also strict rules as to their age, height and weight. Before this change, this photo shows an all-male team of air stewards posing before an Eastern Air Lines plane in the early 1930s.

1930s: an Imperial Airways cabin in 1935

1930s: a Douglas DC-3 in flight

1930s: Pan American Airways flies across the Atlantic in 1939

1940s: Pan American World Airways' 'Flying Cloud' clipper

The onset of the Second World War meant developments in commercial aviation were put on the back burner, and all resources were plunged into the war effort. However, by the end of the decade, the industry was recovering, especially since the war had given rise to new runways and military aircraft were able to be converted and put to commercial use. This 1949 shot shows Pan Am's 'Flying Cloud' clipper, the first of a group of planes to begin a service between New York and London in the 1940s. 

1940s: passengers aboard a Pan Am Boeing 307 aircraft circa 1945

1940s: poster advertising TWA

As competition increased towards the end of this decade, the major airlines ramped up their advertising. This TWA poster advertises the Boeing 307 Stratoliner, and promises a smooth ride as the aircraft glides above the clouds. The 1940s was ultimately the decade that preceded the so-called "golden age of travel."

1950s: crowds wave off the world's first jet airliner service

1950s: a passenger enjoying lunch on the world's first commercial jet airliner service

1950s: a test flight for the Boeing 707 jet airliner with Pan Am

1950s: the Queen arrives in Bermuda on a BOAC flight in 1953

1950s: an air hostess attends to passengers on a National Airways Corporation flight in 1959

1950s: a movie projector on a United Airlines flight circa 1950

1960s: lunch service on a Lufthansa flight in 1967

The golden age of travel reigned on through the 1960s and, partly since there wasn't much else to do, dinner was a grand affair. Menus often included multiple courses, bread baskets and dishes such as steak or even lobster. In this 1967 snap, passengers are being served food onboard a Lufthansa flight. 

1960s: dinner aboard a SAS aircraft in 1969

1960s: The Beatles arrive in London on a Pan Am flight in 1964

1960s: flight attendants line up before a model of Concorde in the 1960s

1970s: the first Concorde flight from London Heathrow to Bahrain in 1976

1970s: the Queen on a Concorde aircraft in 1977

Concorde got the royal seal of approval (the Queen is pictured here onboard a Concorde aircraft in 1977), with its ability to cross the Atlantic in just 3.5 hours. But only a privileged few could afford to ride aboard the Concorde and it ultimately didn't shake up commercial air travel in the way it had been hoped. Cancelled routes, economic setbacks and a devastating crash meant the Concorde was out of service by 2003. 

1970s: Laker Airways founder Freddie Laker celebrates the airline's success

1970s: Laker and passengers aboard Laker Airways' Skytrain

Laker Airways' Skytrain offered a lower fare service between London Gatwick and New York's JFK, which began on 26 September 1977. Like many budget airlines today, the "no frills" service meant passengers had to purchase meals onboard and weren't subject to the usual luxuries of air travel in the era. Laker also came up with ways to reduce fuel consumption and engine wear to enable the lower costs. He's pictured here celebrating with passengers aboard the Skytrain in 1979. 

1970s: the first scheduled Pan Am Boeing 747 flight

1970s: passengers in the cabin of a Boeing 747

This was the first time that air travel was truly opening up to the masses. Since planes were larger, airlines were able to hold more passengers and therefore sell more tickets at a reduced price. Though flying still wasn't cheap, it was no longer only reserved for the super-rich. This 1970s shot shows the spacious cabin of a BOAC Boeing 747, filled with families, couples and other holidaymakers. 

1970s: passengers are served Champagne on a Pan Am 747 flight

1970s: lunch is served aboard a Boeing 747

1970s: a lounge on SAS's Boeing 747-B "Huge Viking"

1980s: Laker celebrates further fare cuts in 1980

1980s: passengers are stranded as Laker Airways collapses in 1982

Laker Airways collapsed in 1982, saddling debts amounting to $374 million. More than 6,000 passengers were left stranded in airports around the world. Here, exasperated travelers and dismayed Laker staff feel the brunt of the collapse on 5 February 1982. 

1980s: a Ryanair aircraft in 1988

1980s: Richard Branson celebrates the launch of his new airline, Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1984

1980s: a flight attendant serves dinner on a SAS flight circa 1980s

1980s: ashtrays on a commercial flight

1990s: easyJet boss Stelios Haji-Ioannou in 1995

1990s: Ryanair's chief executive promotes low-fare flights

The introduction of Ryanair and easyJet (and also Norwegian in 1993) meant pressure was put on traditional carriers, fares were pushed down and air travel became increasingly more accessible. As travelers also began booking holidays online, competitive pricing became more important than ever.

1990s: a Pan Am aircraft in 1991

2000s: security at Salt Lake City International Airport in 2001

2000s: the door to an aircraft cockpit in 2001

2000s: an easyJet aircraft flying in 2009

Travelers eschewed air travel in the years following 9/11 and, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics , it took until 2004 for air-passenger numbers to reach their pre-9/11 peak. Commercial air travel was recovering by the end of the decade, though, with US air passengers numbering 769.6 million in 2007 – a record high. During this time, it was low-cost carriers that saw the most growth. 

2000s: a traveler books flights online

Another significant change during this decade was the way travelers were choosing to book their flights. According to PhoCusWright , a tourism research company, 2009 was the first year that more than half of all travel-related bookings were made online. This placed even more pressure on airlines to be competitive and offer the best value for money.

2010s: a man works on his laptop during a flight

The internet hasn't just infiltrated the booking process. Nowadays it's commonplace for carriers to offer in-flight Wi-Fi, either as part of the package, or for an extra premium. In a major shift from the golden age of travel, this means that flying today is no longer just about pleasure and relaxation – it's also about catching up with work and keeping in touch with people on the ground. Online check-in and smartphone boarding passes have also revolutionized the airport experience over the years.

2010s: a sign for premium economy class in Hong Kong International Airport

2010s: an American Airlines flight in 2017

The main change in the last decade was the sheer volume of travelers: more and more people were flying than ever before, and the sky-high numbers had previously shown little sign of tailing off. In fact, in 2017, the International Air Transport Association had projected that there could be 7.2 billion air travel passengers by 2035 .

2020s: grounded planes at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, Germany

The COVID-19 pandemic rocked the travel and aviation industry and both passengers and staff had to adjust to a new (and unpredictable) ‘normal’. Ever-changing international travel restrictions left airlines up in the air (figuratively, not literally), and major players including easyJet, American Airlines and British Airways suffered severe financial losses, resulting in job cuts. This photo from 1 June 2020 shows out-of-service planes at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport.

2020s: a passenger undergoes a temperature check at Heathrow Airport

Towards the end of 2020, civil aviation began to resume at a crawling pace, with the announcement of some 'air bridges' or 'travel corridors'. For passengers choosing to fly, airport experiences looked rather different around the world. Protocols and restrictions varied from airport to airport, and from airline to airline, but typically involved mandatory face coverings, contactless check-ins and fewer open airport facilities. A passenger is seen here in July 2020 receiving a temperature check at a BA desk at London’s Heathrow Airport.

2020s: a masked flight attendant on a Brussels Airlines plane

Passengers had to get used to new onboard experiences too. Depending on the airline – and in efforts to reduce touch points and contact between staff and passengers – changes were extended to a lack of inflight meals or trolley services, and the reduction of little luxuries like in-flight magazines, blankets and the like. Masks were mandatory on most flights too, while some carriers blocked the middle seats to allow passengers more space.

2020s: international air travel gets a slow lift off

The aviation industry continued to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic into 2021, though the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicted  a 50.4% uptick in demand for flights from 2020 . With vaccine programs being rolled out around the world, international borders finally opened. 

2020s: a passenger holds up an EU 'vaccine passport'

Around the world, testing and vaccines built bridges between destinations in staggered phases. For example, Canada’s borders first opened to double-jabbed Americans, before being unlocked for vaccinated travelers from around the world too. Double-jabbed UK travelers initially could fly to 'amber' European hotspots including France, Spain and Portugal without quarantining on return (though they had to take PCR tests). New Zealand and Australia also formed a 'quarantine-free travel bubble'. EU citizens could download  a vaccine 'passport'  (pictured) allowing them to cross EU borders with minimal restrictions.

2020s: world's first all-electric plane takes to the skies

In late September 2022, the world's first all-electric plane jetted off for an eight-minute flight above the skies of Washington, USA. Alice, the project name that stuck during planning in 2016, is the brainchild of American-based company Eviation , and will be fit for both passenger and cargo use by 2027. The successful maiden flight reached an altitude of 3,500 feet and the zero-emissions plane was powered by two 640-kilowatt electric motors. It is hoped Alice will operate flights ranging from 150 to 250 miles, and will come in three different configurations: a nine-passenger commuter, a six-seater executive cabin and an eCargo version.

2020s: relaxed uniform policies are welcomed

Cabin crew requirements have changed over the decades; as we've seen already, the 1930s followed strict rules regarding age, height and weight, and since then tailored uniforms and specific hairstyles became the norm. But the 2020s have welcomed a more relaxed approach and in September 2022 Virgin Atlantic ditched gender-specific uniforms allowing crew, pilots and ground staff to choose whichever they feel most comfortable in. Earlier in the year staff were also permitted to keep their tattoos visible, marking the first UK airline to do so.

2050: air travel industry set to become carbon neutral

We don't know for sure what the future holds for air travel. But the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)  recently announced its support for a net zero goal for the aviation industry by 2050 . However, environmental campaigners say the plans don't go far enough, believing more measures were needed to ensure the 193 member countries of the ICAO meet the goal and hold airlines accountable. 

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Bring back some good or bad memories, april 24, 2024, 40 amazing photos that show rural americans’ clothing in the mid-19th century.

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Baby Coachella! 15 Vintage Photos from the Music Fest's Start in the Early '00s

The first years of Coachella were much smaller than today's megafest — though rocked just as hard

Tim Mosenfelder/Getty

Though today's Coachella is known as much for its A-list celebrity sightings and endless streams of content as it is its major headliners, the early days of the festival were much different.

The first major Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicked off in 1999, with a lineup featuring Beck, Morrissey and The Chemical Brothers, among others.

Over time, it's evolved both in genre and scale, all covered in the 2020 documentary Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert .

As weekend two of the 2024 festival kicks off in California, take a look back at the early years of the festival in photos.

Iggy Pop at Coachella 2001

Tim Mosenfelder/getty

Not much has changed for Iggy Pop , who ruled the stage at 54 years old in 2001.

Weezer at Coachella 2001

Newly reunited, the members of Weezer performed together at Coachella in 2001.

The Roots at Coachella 2001

Questlove & co. of The Roots were among the big names at the 2001 festival.

Jane's Addiction at Coachella 2001

Jane's Addiction (including Dave Navarro , pictured) reunited to help headline the festival in 2001.

Fatboy Slim at Coachella 2001

British musician and DJ Fatboy Slim — a.k.a. Norman Quentin Cook — hit the turntables at the 2001 festival.

Foo Fighters at Coachella 2002

Sebastian Artz/Getty

Then just eight years old, the Foo Fighters were among the big names in 2002.

Björk at Coachella 2002

Though early lineups were predominantly male, Björk was among the headliners in 2002.

The Strokes at Coachella 2002

Theo Wargo/WireImage

The guys of The Strokes were just in their 20s when they hit the stage at Coachella 2002.

G. Love & Special Sauce at Coachella 2002

A young G. Love & Special Sauce did their thing in 2002.

Prodigy at Coachella 2002

Keith Flint of Prodigy brought the drama to the 2002 festival.

Tenacious D at Coachella 2002

Jack Black and Kyle Gass of Tenacious D were special guests at the 2002 fest.

Jack Johnson at Coachella 2002

Bringing the mellow vibes in 2002, Jack Johnson performed on day one that year.

Pete Yorn at Coachella 2002

Pete Yorn was between his first and second studio albums when he performed at Coachella 2002.

KRS-One at Coachella 2002

Rapper KRS-One was also one of 2002's headliners.

Oasis at Coachella 2002

Iris/WireImage

Oasis was another major name among the 2002 acts.

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253,880 Vintage Travel Destinations Stock Photos & High-Res Pictures

Browse 253,880 vintage travel destinations photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images..

Vintage Pic of a Bearded, Masked Man Inspired 'Batman'?

A vintage-looking photograph features a burly man in a leather mask, similar to that worn by the caped crusader., nur ibrahim, published april 19, 2024.

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For years, a purported vintage photograph of a bearded man in a mask has circulated on the internet claiming to be the inspiration for the famed comic-book vigilante Batman. While we've done Batman-related legends before, this one has certainly spread far and wide without much evidence to support it. 

The claim has many variations. A number of posts on X claimed Wayne Bruce, a Scottish man who was the descendant of the Scottish king Robert the Bruce, was the inspiration for Bruce Wayne, the man who would go on to don Batman's mask, including one in April 2024: 

According to another story attached to this photo, the man was a butcher named Bill Smith and the photograph was taken in New York City in 1892. 

The above photograph was not actually the inspiration for the character of Batman. 

We searched for the origins of the photo using reverse-image search and were directed to numerous reposts, as well as articles that claimed different sources. The photograph was on Reddit back in 2017, and appeared on Bandcamp, an audio distribution site, as a profile picture for user Dennis Kelly . 

The photograph also appears on the art and photography workshop  Foto Marvellini , which was founded in 2011 and appeared to specialize in editing photographs to make them appear vintage. Titled " Bat barbone ," the image appears alongside other vintage photographs of people from different time periods wearing similar masks. Per the " Bat barbone " image description, it was "Printed in the darkroom and treated with tannic acid" and "Mounted in a wooden frame from the early 1900s."

Andrea and Carlo Marvellini of Foto Marvellini confirmed to us that this was their original work and the first "Bat barbone" print was made in 2012. They digitally manipulated original photographs sourced from the U.S. Library of Congress from the 1860s and 1890s, inserting a mask in post-production. They also shared articles from art magazine Artribune and newspaper  il Fatto Quotidiano , which covered their work in 2014 and 2016. 

They described their reasoning behind such works:

Our collective declines the theme of the "fake" in photography, plays with the absurd, celebrates past techniques, creates credible ancestors and faithful post-mortems. With [our] deliberately "deceptive" works, Foto Marvelli invites the viewer to remember that images in general, by nature, trigger and shape his emotions and his understanding of the world.

The claim that this man was the original inspiration for Batman also appeared back in 2016 on the website of the Suffolk Gazette , which claimed that Smith got into trouble with the law and "was first indicted in 1878 for catching and punching a thief who had run out of the shop with a leg of lamb over his shoulder."

The article then claimed:

Mr Smith, then aged 43, was set free by the sympathetic judge, who was no doubt fed up with the never-ending list of petty criminals being hauled up before him. The episode inspired Mr Smith who, according to parish records, had left Dallinghoo in Suffolk where he worked as a farm labourer to board a liner from Liverpool to New York to seek a better life. Spurred on by a one-paragraph report of his court appearance in the New-York Tribune, he went on to tackle more thieves and soon gained notoriety as a vigilante. It took four more years for him to adopt his famous head mask – to make him look like a bat and to hide his real identity. He then patrolled his neighbourhood by night looking for baddies.

However, the website Suffolk Gazette is satirical in nature. It even posted on Facebook in 2020, clarifying that the story was not real. 

So what were Batman's actual origins? Created by Bob Kane and his partner Bill Finger, the first comic strip featuring the masked vigilante appeared in 1939 in Detective Comics. According to a 1998 New York Times obituary of Kane, he was inspired by "a 1920s movie called 'The Mark of Zorro,' a radio show called 'The Shadow' and a 1930 movie called 'The Bat Whispers.' That movie featured a criminal with a cape who shines his bat insignia on the wall just before he is about to kill his victims, and who, in at least one scene, stands on the roof of a building and spreads his cape out."

Kane also credited artist Leonardo da Vinci for helping inspire him: "I remember when I was 12 or 13 I was an ardent reader of books on how things began … and I came across a book about Leonardo da Vinci. This had a picture of a flying machine with huge bat wings. … It looked like a bat man to me."

Finger came up with the name Bruce Wayne, as well as Batman's key features, like the scalloped edges of his cape and the blank white eyes. 

"When I first drew him I had eyes in there and it didn't look right," Kane once said . "Bill Finger said, 'Take them out."'

Given that the photograph of the bearded man in a bat mask appears to be the original artwork from an Italian artists' collective, has appeared in numerous online venues that are not connected to the comic book caped crusader, and that the original creators of Batman cited other sources of inspiration, we rate this claim about the image as "Miscaptioned." 

"BATBARBONE (sold out)." Foto Marvellini. https://www.fotomarvellini.com/portfolio/batbarbone/. Accessed 23 May 2023.

"Blog | Foto Marvellini: i nonni dei supereroi e la seduzione di una bugia." Il Fatto Quotidiano, 28 Feb. 2014, http://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2014/02/28/foto-marvellini-i-nonni-dei-supereroi-e-la-seduzione-di-una-bugia/896077/. Accessed 24 May 2023.

"Bob Kane, 83, Cartoonist Who Created "Batman." The New York Times, Nov. 7, 1998. https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/learning/general/featured_articles/981109monday.html#:~:text=In%20creating%20Batman%20Kane%20said,his%20victims%2C%20and%20who%2C%20in. Accessed 23 May 2023.

Evon, Dan. "Snopes Tips: A Guide To Performing Reverse Image Searches." Snopes, 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.snopes.com/articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/. Accessed 23 May 2023.

Mikkelson, David. "Batman with a Twist." Snopes, 7 Oct. 1999, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/superhero-unconscious-bed/. Accessed 23 May 2023.

"Original Batman Was Fat Old Bloke with Beard." Suffolk Gazette, 4 Dec. 2016, https://www.suffolkgazette.com/original-batman/. Accessed 23 May 2023.

By Nur Ibrahim

Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing.

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‘Disrespectful’: Photo of three men standing on White Rock in Ipswich sparks outrage

A photo of three young men standing on a rock in the Queensland bush has sparked furious controversy online.

Chaos expected: ‘70% of flights cancelled’

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A group of young men have been branded “ignorant and disrespectful” after they were seen standing on top of a rocky outcrop in a popular hiking area in the Queensland bush.

White Rock in Ipswich’s Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, southwest of Brisbane, is a “sacred site known culturally as a women’s area” to the Yagara people, according to the local council .

While the impressive sandstone formation, known as “Nugum/Boogun”, is accessible via a 1.5 kilometre trail, climbing the rock itself and the adjacent southern ridge is prohibited. It is registered cultural heritage and protected under the Queensland’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

But the trio of hikers, one of them shirtless, were seen standing on top of White Rock and casually chatting on Saturday.

One local took a video using their phone camera’s powerful zoom and posted it to a local Facebook group, saying they had ignored the signs along the trail requesting them not to climb the rock and labelling the group “ignorant and disrespectful”.

The City of Ipswich states on its website , “This conservation estate remains sacred to the traditional owners of Ipswich. Some of the cultural landscapes within this estate include White Rock, the caves and outcrop overhangs. These sacred sites are very important to the traditional owners as they provide a link between country and personal identity and allow the passing on of cultural knowledge. As per cultural protocol the traditional owners have requested no one climbs White Rock.”

The footage sparked heated debate in the Redbank Plains Facebook group, The Daily Mail reported .

Many locals fumed that men had invaded a place of “women’s business”.

One pointed out that the rock was traditionally a place where Indigenous women would give birth, adding “it is a very sacred place for all womenfolk”.

Another likened it to someone breaking into a church “because they want to”.

But others said they should be allowed on the rock because “it’s nature”.

“I personally don’t see the harm I realise it says don’t climb but if they aren’t defacing it or leaving rubbish everywhere then no harm done probably just enjoying the view better then having them out doing crime,” one person commented.

Another said, “The rock belongs to no one, it’s part of nature so anyone should be able to walk near it, climb it. Locals have been climbing White Rock since the 1800s.”

Others admitted to climbing the formation in the past and while another said “I still climb it”, adding, “You won’t be able to walk out your door soon as it will be disrespectful to someone.”

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has urged people to show “respect”.

“White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate is one of Ipswich’s most beloved and popular nature reserves, enjoyed by all,” Cr Harding said in a statement on Thursday.

“It is also a site of great significance to the traditional owners of this region, protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. Council recognises this significance and has put signs in place throughout the estate requesting no one climbs White Rock or desecrates the site.”

Cr Harding said there were “many beautiful walking trails throughout White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate and other Ipswich nature reserves that can be enjoyed without impacting culturally significant sites”.

“I encourage all residents to think about how their actions can impact others, and treat culturally significant sites with respect,” she said.

Similar debates over recreational access to national parks and other sites deemed sacred by traditional owners have been raging across the country.

Visitors could soon be banned from walking on Lake Eyre in South Australia without a permit, and the closure of many popular hiking trails such as Mount Warning in NSW has sparked backlash.

On the Sunshine Coast, traditional owners have proposed restrictions on three summits in the Glass House Mountains, including Mount Beerwah .

Last year, a section of rock at Mount Beerwah, considered a sacred Indigenous site to the Jinibara people, was defaced with a message reading “Jesus saves just ask him”.

Jinibara elder Kenny Murphy told The Guardian at the time that he believed the vandalism was “clearly payback” for efforts by traditional owners to stop people climbing the mountain.

“The mountain is very important, it’s like our St John’s Cathedral, it’s a special mountain to us,” he said.

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“Why can’t we have that respected? It’s just bulls**t what they’ve done, this is a birthing site, it has a special meaning to us, but Jesus is clearly the only spiritual thing this person understands.”

He added, “They want to show that there isn’t anything significant to the mountain, they would’ve cried if it was their cathedral. They can’t just leave us alone, they’ve killed our way of life, killed all the animals, poisoned our waters, and now this. It’s a big insult to us.”

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Travellers are being warned to expect major disruptions at French airports, with an anticipated strike threatening to cause chaos.

Visitors could soon be banned from one Australia’s most popular outback tourist destinations under a plan to protect the “sacred place” for its traditional owners.

A growing number of Australia’s most beautiful natural environments are being closed off to the public in a “crazy” trend.

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In 2024, The MICHELIN Guide is announcing the first ever MICHELIN Keys — a brand new distinction that recognizes the most outstanding hotels across the world. Head here for everything you need to know about the new Key distinction, and visit this page to explore the full list of Key hotels in the United States.

The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (80 properties) or Two Keys (33 properties) is difficult enough, but only 11 hotels earned Three Keys in the United States. Of those, four can be found in New York City. The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. But in this series , we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design. Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our four Three Key hotels in New York City.

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