dealchecker travel expert Rosie Panter shares her roundup of destinations enjoying a comeback.
Brits’ unquenching thirst for travel and the latest holiday gem has meant that many popular destinations from the 90s and 00s have since fallen by the wayside. Or have they? Here, Rosie Panter, travel expert at the UK’s trusted travel price comparison site, dealchecker, shares her top five destinations enjoying a comeback.
Rosie says: “More and more Brits are looking to holiday hotspots from the 90s and 00s for travel inspiration, with a number of destinations synonymous with travel and culture in this period enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
“It’s exciting to see old classics that have long been overlooked by trendy successors enjoying something of a tourism renaissance – whether it be the ‘discovery’ of different areas, the revitalisation of old favourites or more recent cultural moments enhancing their popularity. It’s clear that what once made these holiday spots so popular is still relevant to today’s travellers and, whilst tourism has changed dramatically over the last three decades, one key thing remains – Brits love a bargain.
“And, wherever they are headed, savvy travellers can still secure fantastic deals by doing their research and planning ahead. Using a price comparison website will help ensure both greater choice and better value, meaning more money to enjoy spending in-destination!”
Read on for Rosie’s top five destinations inspired by 90s/00s nostalgia.
El Gouna, Egypt
Egypt was an immensely popular destination in the late 90’s and early 00’s, undoubtedly due to its winning combination of ancient history, year-round sunshine, and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
The current exchange rate means trips to Egypt are far more affordable than other mid-haul winter sun options, but it’s worth swapping Sharm El-Sheikh for El Gouna, Egypt’s prime beach resort town along the Red Sea, instead.
An obvious choice for those wanting a classic fly and flop holiday in the sun, no matter the time of year, El Gouna is easily accessible from Hurghada International Airport.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can organise a day trip to one of Egypt’s many historical sites or closer to home (your sun lounger) you can enjoy some water sports – kitesurfing, snorkelling, diving and fishing are all readily available activities.
Miami, USA
Florida grew in popularity in the 90s with Brits lured by the year-round sunshine and likely Disney World too.
Whilst the state’s popularity has never waned, Miami’s is still on the rise, with more than 26.5 million visitors in 2022 – a 210% increase from 2010 .
Often referred to as the ‘magic city’, it’s not hard to see why Miami is so popular. A melting pot of culture, dynamic nightlife, art deco architecture, delicious food and a thriving art scene, and the backdrop for a number of silver screen classics like Scarface, There’s Something About Mary and Bad Boys, not to mention the iconic Miami Vice TV series – all of which has only served to boost interest in the destination both in the 90s/00s and for today’s travellers.
Also known as the ‘capital of Latin America’, most Miamians have Latin origins, so expect to find Latin American influences infusing everything from art to food. The galleries, bars, coffee shops and restaurants of Little Havana are not to be missed.
And if you’re after the quintessential Miami beach break there’s only one place to go – the famed South Beach with its soft sand, sparkling waters and swaying palm trees.
Paris, France
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and remains the comeback King, enchanting visitors old and new decade after decade.
The perfect short-haul destination for a long weekend with friends, family or a partner, when in Paris the question isn’t so much ‘what to do’ but how on earth to decide. Trips to the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur, Tuileries Garden and Luxembourg Gardens are all a rite of passage but don’t forget to make time to enjoy some lesser-known gems too.
Le Squat du 59 Rue de Rivoli is a truly unique art museum. Head to toe in graffiti, the museum was previously occupied by squat artists until it was legally announced as a museum in 1999. Set in a disused train station REcyclerie is a quirky café focusing on reducing waste and offering locally sourced food – a delicious alternative to the traditional cafes and restaurants the city is known for.
That said, it’s practically a criminal offence to visit the city and not take a detour past the Eiffel Tower.
San Francisco
San Francisco has long been a go-to holiday destination thanks to attractions like the Golden Gate bridge, its antique cable cars, the famous seafood restaurants of Fisherman’s Wharf, and Muir Woods’ 1,000-year-old redwood forest. And despite what some say about Frisco, visitor numbers are only expected to increase.
With plenty to entertain visitors from food trucks selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls to Michelin starred restaurants, the picture-perfect bay with Pier 39’s colony of sea lions to Alcatraz Island, it remains a great place to holiday.
Just don’t forget a to catch a game at Oracle Park, home of the Major League’s Giants baseball team. Foot-long hot dog optional.
Benidorm, Spain
A classic choice and Spain’s most visited resort, Benidorm has been a popular destination for Brits since the 90s thanks to its perfect combination of sun, sea, sand, and sangria.
Dubbed the entertainment capital of Costa Blanca, picture white sand beaches within easy reach of every creature comfort you can think of – restaurants, casinos, shopping and amusement parks all with guaranteed sunshine.
You can also enjoy a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine by visiting the famous Tapa Street – Calle Santo Domingo, which boasts numerous cafes, bars and restaurants.
A truly iconic holiday spot for Brits then and now.
For more information or to find the best deal for your next trip, visit: www.dealchecker.co.uk.
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About dealchecker
Founded in 2005, dealchecker is a UK-based travel comparison website, which enables customers to compare flight, holiday, hotel, cruise and car hire prices, alongside reliable and unbiased money-saving deals. The team handpick the best 20 Real Deals each week. For more information, visit www.dealchecker.co.uk
