They offered a sense of adventure you just don’t find anymore.
Travel in the 1970s had a certain magic that seems almost impossible to recreate today. Back then, the world felt bigger, less explored, and full of secrets waiting for those willing to take a chance. People ventured off the beaten path without the safety net of smartphones or online reviews, trusting word-of-mouth and sheer curiosity. These destinations weren’t flooded with tourists or Instagram influencers. They had an authenticity that’s hard to capture in today’s polished travel industry.
While some of these places have faded into obscurity, they once held a special place in the hearts of adventurous travelers. They were spots where you could stumble into a sleepy town, meet locals who treated you like family, and soak in unspoiled beauty. These forgotten gems from the 1970s carried a spirit of discovery that drew people in, giving travelers stories they’d tell for the rest of their lives.
1. Kathmandu was a hippie haven for spiritual seekers.
In the 1970s, Kathmandu wasn’t just a destination; it was a pilgrimage for those seeking enlightenment, adventure, or simply an escape from Western convention. The city’s narrow streets were filled with colorful markets, incense smoke, and the sounds of temple bells. Young travelers arrived in droves, drawn by Nepal’s reputation as a mystical land where Eastern philosophy merged with breathtaking Himalayan scenery. The famed “hippie trail” often ended here, with visitors spending weeks soaking in the unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture.
Many stayed in cheap guesthouses in the Thamel district, mingling with like-minded wanderers from around the world. They’d swap stories over cups of chai, visit ancient sites like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, and occasionally make their way to nearby mountain trails. Drugs were freely available, and for some, Kathmandu became a place of self-exploration, both spiritual and recreational. It felt untouched, raw, and filled with endless possibilities, as mentioned by authors at Flannels or Flip Flops.
2. Acapulco was the glamorous escape for Hollywood royalty.
During the 1970s, Acapulco was Mexico’s crown jewel of luxury travel. Movie stars, musicians, and socialites flocked to its golden beaches and lavish resorts, making it one of the most glamorous spots on earth, according to Soo Kim at Newsweek. The cliff divers at La Quebrada became world-famous, performing death-defying stunts for crowds gathered at cliffside hotels. The nightlife was electric, with high-end clubs and discos drawing visitors who wanted to dance until dawn under the tropical sky.
For ordinary tourists, Acapulco offered an exotic yet accessible slice of paradise. The turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and picture-perfect sunsets created an intoxicating atmosphere. Strolling along the Costera Miguel Alemán or sipping cocktails at the Hotel Las Brisas felt like stepping into a movie scene. Unlike today, when its popularity has faded, Acapulco once sparkled with an allure that blended Old Hollywood glamour with Latin American charm, creating unforgettable memories for those lucky enough to visit.
3. Yugoslavia offered affordable beaches and unspoiled beauty.
Before its breakup in the 1990s, Yugoslavia was a surprisingly popular destination for 1970s travelers looking for something different, says Anne Betts at Packing Light. The Adriatic coastline, particularly spots like Dubrovnik, Split, and the island of Hvar, offered stunning beaches without the crowds or high prices of Western Europe. Tourists from both the East and West mingled in a rare blend of cultures during the Cold War, giving the region a unique energy that’s hard to imagine today.
Hotels were simple but charming, and visitors often rented private rooms from local families, creating genuine cultural exchanges. The food was hearty, the wine flowed freely, and the natural scenery was breathtaking. Many travelers felt like they had stumbled upon a hidden paradise untouched by mass tourism. While the country no longer exists, those who visited Yugoslavia in the 1970s often recall it as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, filled with warmth, beauty, and authenticity.
4. Rhodes was a sleepy island still untouched by mass tourism.
In the 1970s, Rhodes was far quieter than the bustling Greek tourist hub it would later become. Back then, travelers could wander through the medieval Old Town without fighting crowds or waiting in long lines. The island’s sun-drenched beaches were peaceful, offering stretches of sand where you could lay under the Mediterranean sun for hours without hearing another voice nearby.
Small, family-run tavernas served freshly caught seafood and homemade wine, often accompanied by impromptu music and dancing. The ruins of ancient temples stood quietly against the backdrop of the sea, inviting curious visitors to explore history at their own pace. Ferries brought in travelers looking for authenticity, not packaged resort experiences. Rhodes in the 1970s felt like a secret passed between friends, where each new discovery felt intimate and personal, and the island’s slower pace allowed visitors to truly soak in its timeless beauty.
5. Bali was a quiet artist’s retreat far from the crowds.
Long before Bali became synonymous with luxury resorts and wellness influencers, it was a haven for artists, backpackers, and those chasing an unspoiled tropical paradise. In the 1970s, travelers arrived by word-of-mouth rather than travel agents or online ads. The island’s lush rice paddies, misty mountains, and black sand beaches felt remote and almost otherworldly.
Visitors often stayed in simple homestays, welcomed by Balinese families who introduced them to local customs, ceremonies, and arts. The island’s rich spiritual traditions were everywhere, from daily offerings to the gods to mesmerizing dance performances. Ubud was still a sleepy village where painters and writers found endless inspiration. Life moved slowly, and each day offered a new chance to witness Bali’s deep connection to nature and spirituality. Without modern commercialization, Bali in the 1970s held an intimate, almost sacred atmosphere that’s hard to find today.
6. Tangier was an exotic crossroads for artists and outcasts.
In the 1970s, Tangier held a slightly dangerous, highly seductive reputation as a meeting place for artists, writers, and those looking to disappear from the Western world. Perched at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, the Moroccan port city offered a blend of cultures, languages, and influences that made it feel both accessible and mysterious. The winding streets of the medina hid smoky cafés, secret bars, and homes where famous expatriates once lived.
Writers like Paul Bowles had already made Tangier famous, and its reputation as a place of creative freedom drew in musicians, painters, and travelers eager for inspiration. The city buzzed with an energy that was equal parts romantic and chaotic. Street markets spilled into alleys, while the muezzin’s call to prayer echoed through the humid air. For many who ventured there, Tangier offered a heady mix of adventure, risk, and beauty that felt completely unlike anywhere else.
7. Bora Bora was a remote paradise for the truly adventurous.
In the 1970s, getting to Bora Bora wasn’t simple, which made it feel all the more exclusive and magical. With limited flights and infrastructure, only the most determined travelers made it to this tiny French Polynesian island. Those who arrived were rewarded with an untouched paradise of crystal-clear lagoons, towering volcanic peaks, and quiet beaches that seemed to stretch on forever.
Visitors often stayed in modest bungalows rather than the overwater luxury villas that now dominate the landscape. They snorkeled among vibrant coral reefs, fished with local guides, and marveled at the island’s breathtaking sunsets. There was no internet or nightlife to distract from the natural beauty, just long, peaceful days spent exploring or simply relaxing. Bora Bora in the 1970s offered the kind of true seclusion and serenity that’s almost impossible to find in today’s hyper-connected travel world.
8. Budapest was a hidden European gem behind the Iron Curtain.
Budapest in the 1970s offered a different kind of European experience, one that was both beautiful and shrouded in political mystery. As part of the Eastern Bloc, it wasn’t as easy to access as Western capitals, but adventurous travelers who made it found a city rich in history, culture, and understated charm. The Danube split the city into Buda and Pest, each with its own character and treasures waiting to be discovered.
Visitors soaked in the famous thermal baths, marveled at grand architecture, and wandered through vibrant markets. Despite the political tensions of the Cold War, locals were often eager to share their culture with curious outsiders. The city’s unique atmosphere — a blend of faded grandeur, resilience, and quiet beauty — made Budapest feel like an undiscovered treasure trove. For those who visited in the 1970s, it offered a deeply memorable glimpse into a world few Westerners had seen.
9. Goa was a peaceful beach haven for soul searchers.
In the 1970s, Goa was a sleepy coastal region where travelers seeking peace, freedom, and spiritual awakening gathered. Long before luxury resorts arrived, the beaches were dotted with simple huts where visitors lived cheaply, spending their days swimming, sunbathing, or attending spontaneous drum circles under the stars. The vibe was relaxed, almost otherworldly, attracting a global community of free spirits.
Yoga, meditation, and Eastern philosophy drew many to Goa’s shores. People came not just for the scenery, but for a sense of belonging to a like-minded tribe that rejected the materialism of modern life. Locals welcomed foreigners with genuine hospitality, and small beach shacks served fresh seafood and mango juice to barefoot travelers. Goa in the 1970s was a kind of sanctuary — a place where people could shed societal expectations and simply exist, finding joy in the simplicity of nature and human connection.
10. Machu Picchu was a remote wonder for true explorers.
Visiting Machu Picchu in the 1970s was nothing like it is today. The Incan ruins perched high in the Andes were still relatively unknown to the general public. There were no tourist crowds, strict visiting hours, or mandatory guides. Getting there was an adventure in itself, involving bumpy train rides, long hikes, and a willingness to endure a bit of discomfort to witness one of the world’s great wonders.
Arriving at Machu Picchu felt like discovering a secret city lost in the clouds. The stone structures stood silently amid misty peaks, and visitors could wander freely, imagining what life must have been like for the ancient Incas. Without the modern influx of tourists, the site retained an air of mystery and sacredness. Travelers who visited during that era often describe the experience as profoundly personal, feeling as though they had stumbled upon something the rest of the world had yet to find.
11. The Seychelles offered untouched island bliss.
In the 1970s, The Seychelles archipelago was still largely off the radar for most travelers. Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, these islands offered an idyllic escape for those who managed to make the journey. The beaches were pristine, with powdery white sand, granite rock formations, and turquoise waters that felt like something out of a dream. Wildlife flourished, and the islands felt untouched by human hands.
Accommodations were simple, often consisting of guesthouses or small, family-run lodges. Visitors spent their days snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, hiking through lush forests, or simply lounging under palm trees. The isolation was part of the charm — it felt like you had stumbled upon your own private paradise. Unlike today, where high-end resorts dominate the landscape, the Seychelles of the 1970s offered a raw, unfiltered version of island life that provided genuine peace and seclusion.
12. The Canary Islands were Europe’s best-kept beach secret.
While Europeans knew about the Canary Islands, in the 1970s they were still relatively unknown to travelers from outside the continent. The Spanish archipelago offered a unique mix of volcanic landscapes, year-round sunshine, and charming local culture. Places like Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria provided affordable and less crowded alternatives to the more popular Mediterranean destinations.
Travelers stayed in modest accommodations, rented scooters to explore the rugged coastline, and dined at small seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood and local wines. The islands’ volcanic terrain created dramatic scenery, from black sand beaches to towering cliffs and hidden coves. The slower pace of life allowed visitors to fully relax and appreciate the islands’ natural beauty. For those who discovered the Canary Islands in the 1970s, the experience felt like being let in on a secret that the rest of the world hadn’t yet discovered.
13. The Galápagos Islands felt like nature’s untouched laboratory.
In the 1970s, the Galápagos Islands were still largely the domain of scientists, serious nature enthusiasts, and the occasional bold traveler. Visiting the islands required significant effort, with limited boats and basic accommodations. But those who made the journey were rewarded with encounters few others had experienced — up-close interactions with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions.
Without large-scale tourism, the islands felt almost prehistoric. The lack of crowds allowed for an intimate connection with the wildlife and landscapes that inspired Darwin’s theories of evolution. Days were spent snorkeling in clear waters, walking along untouched beaches, and marveling at the incredible biodiversity. Visitors often describe their 1970s Galápagos trips as life-changing, offering a rare chance to witness nature in its purest, most unspoiled form — something that feels increasingly rare in today’s world.
14. Leningrad offered a glimpse into a closed-off world.
Traveling to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in the 1970s was an experience steeped in mystery and intrigue. Behind the Iron Curtain, the Soviet Union allowed only a limited number of foreign visitors, making every trip feel like an exclusive peek behind a locked door. The city’s grand architecture — from the Hermitage to the Winter Palace — stood as silent witnesses to centuries of Russian history.
Tour groups were heavily monitored, but those who visited often recall being captivated by the city’s stark beauty and the resilience of its people. The streets were quiet, the atmosphere controlled, yet the rich cultural life still thrived beneath the surface. Ballet performances at the Mariinsky Theatre and hushed conversations with locals provided rare, meaningful glimpses into life under Soviet rule. For travelers in the 1970s, Leningrad offered a surreal, unforgettable experience that few in the West ever had the chance to witness firsthand.
15. Capri was a secluded playground for the elite.
Though now swarming with tourists, Capri in the 1970s was still something of a hidden gem for those with the means to find it. The Italian island attracted celebrities, artists, and wealthy travelers who sought its dramatic cliffs, sapphire waters, and romantic atmosphere. The island’s famous Blue Grotto, chic cafés, and boutique shops created an exclusive yet relaxed vibe that felt worlds apart from the mainland.
Luxury yachts bobbed in the harbor, while visitors lounged at beach clubs that felt more like private sanctuaries. Evenings were spent sipping wine under the stars, dining on fresh seafood while the warm sea breeze carried conversations late into the night. Capri’s natural beauty combined with its understated glamour made it a sophisticated retreat that many still remember as one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations during that decade.