Where Do People Visit Now That They Didn’t 50 Years Ago?

The travel map has taken on quite a new shape since the 1970s. At that time a little-known place called Disney World had just opened, the U.S. was at war with Vietnam and the region around the Czech Republic was still behind the Iron Curtain.

Today, destinations like these draw Americans from all corners of the country, offering world-class attractions and mouth-watering cuisines.

South Africa

South Africa always boasted stunning Table Mountain views and a sunny climate, but these highlights were widely overshadowed to the American visitor until Nelson Mandela helped negotiate the end of the country’s apartheid in 1994. Once ripped apart by segregation, South Africa has effloresced into an international travel destination — and in recent years it’s been listed as one of the world’s fastest-growing leisure spots.

Relaxing is just the start. There are eight World Heritage sites, 19 national parks and a deep-rooted history of cultural diversity – one of both confrontation and reconciliation.

Between Cape Town and Johannesburg alone, South Africa has been showing huge tourist numbers. In 2021, over 80,000 Americans visited.

Czech Republic

In the last decade or so, the Czech Republic has become a popular travel choice, particularly among students studying abroad.

Yet this central European country didn’t even officially exist until 1993, when the Czech Republic and Slovakia sealed their independence following Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution four years prior.

Fast-forward to today, and neighborhoods like Vinohrady and Žižkov are buzzing with tourist activity. Historic towns like Cesky Krumlov have a sprawling view and architecture that could rival Paris in both scale and beauty.

Don’t get it twisted: beer is religion here. Pilsner Urquell and Budvar (two types of Czech beer) draw sudsy seekers from near and far. Visit the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzeň or kick back sipping a brew at a restaurant in the square.

With a diverse landscape, rich history and some of the best preserved castles in Europe, this Bohemian gem has much to brag about.

Vietnam

Perhaps the most mind-boggling destination for Americans to visit nowadays is Vietnam, a country that was entrenched in war with the U.S. less than five decades ago.

It could be said that curiosity, if nothing else, has largely superseded hostility of the American traveler. While the older generations harbor some residual anger toward the U.S., the younger generations tend to be more tolerant and accepting. To most people, you’re no different than any other tourist.

This is good news for U.S. adventurers, because Hanoi, the capital, offers pulsating night markets and delicious Vietnamese cuisine while Ho Chi Minh provides a powerful perspective into the Vietnam War with its War Remnants Museum. Here you can even crawl through the Cu Chi tunnels to get a sense of how the Viet Cong used to hide during the war. Or, experience the grand architecture of Hoi An, an ancient town that ranks as a UNESCO World Heritage Center.

Disney World

Tell your kids that Disney World didn’t exist some 50-odd years ago and their faces might fall off. The Magic Kingdom opened its gates in 1971 only to become one of the most high-profile, world-renowned destination vacations for families everywhere.

The nearly 40-square-mile hot spot features four theme parks where dreams still come true for little kids and big kids alike. Tourist numbers will back that up — the park averages about 40,000 visitors a day and 58 million a year.

Disney World’s biggest theme park, Magic Kingdom, encompasses 403 acres. Don’t miss on the Animal Kingdom either: it features more than 3,000 species that live among its 4 million trees and plants.

For more seasoned visitors, the 81 holes of golf across five courses might be a calling card.

No matter where you choose to visit on your next vacation, protect your family and your trip investment by purchasing travel insurance.