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.

For more information about Brightsun Travel's 40th birthday deals, call the Brightsun travel team on 0208 819 0531.

ENDS

Brightsun Travel's 40th birthday package deals:

Bakour Garbi Cala Millor, Mallorca, Spain – 7 Nights

Destination: Mallorca, Spain
Lead Price: £549 per person
Hotel: Bakour Garbi Cala Millor
Star Rating: 4★

Stay Details:

• Board Basis: Half Board
• Room Type: Double or Twin Standard
• Duration: 7 Nights

Flights:

• Route: London Luton (LTN) – Palma (PMI)
• Airline: easyJet
• Flight Type: Direct
• Baggage Allowance: Small under-seat cabin bag + 23kg hold luggage

Booking Information:

• Book By: 30 March 2026
• Stay Period: 11 May 2026

Added Value:

• Free return shared airport transfers

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai – 3 Nights

Destination: Dubai (DXB)
Lead Price: £849 per person
Hotel: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
Star Rating: 5★

Stay Details:

• Board Basis: Half Board
• Room Type: Luxury Room
• Duration: 3 Nights

Flights:

• Route: London Gatwick (LGW) – Dubai International (DXB)
• Airline: Emirates
• Flight Type: Direct
• Baggage Allowance: 30kg per person

Booking Information:

• Book By: 30 March 2026
• Stay Date: 14 June 2026

Added Value:

• Private return airport transfers included
• Free Half Board
• Kids stay free
  

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort – 7 Nights

Destination: Phuket (HKT)
Lead Price: £999 per person
Hotel: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Star Rating: 5★

Stay Details:

• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Room Type: Deluxe Room
• Duration: 7 Nights

Flights:

• Route: London Gatwick (LGW) – Phuket International (HKT)
• Airline: Qatar Airways
• Flight Type: Non-direct (via Doha)
• Baggage Allowance: 2 pieces per person

Booking Information:

• Book By: 30 March 2026
• Stay Date: 14 May 2026

Added Value:

• Private return airport transfers included

Fergus Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain – 7 Nights

Destination: Tenerife, Spain
Lead Price: £699 per person
Hotel: Fergus Puerto de la Cruz
Star Rating: 4★

Stay Details:

• Board Basis: All Inclusive
  
  
• Room Type: Superior Double Room
• Duration: 7 Nights
  
  

Flights:

• Route: London Luton (LTN) – Tenerife South (TFS)
• Airline: easyJet
• Flight Type: Direct
• Baggage Allowance: Small under-seat cabin bag + 23kg hold luggage

Booking Information:

• Book By: 30 March 2026
• Stay Period: 11 May 2026

Added Value:

• Free return shared airport transfers

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa – 7 Nights

Destination: Maldives
Lead Price: £2,999 per person
Hotel: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Star Rating: 5★

Stay Details:

• Board Basis: All Inclusive
• Room Type: Beach Villa
• Duration: 7 Nights

Flights:

• Route: London Stansted (STN) via Dubai – Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Airline: Emirates
• Flight Type: Non-direct
• Baggage Allowance: 30kg check-in luggage per person

Booking Information:

• Book By: 30 March 2026
• Stay Period: 12 June 2026

Added Value:

• Round-trip seaplane transfers from Malé included

All-Inclusive Includes:

• Daily international buffet breakfast at Turquoise
• Lunch at Turquoise or selected restaurants (subject to operational hours)
• Dinner buffet or three-course set menu at Turquoise
• Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the selected menu
• All minibar items included
• One-hour complimentary paddle court use for two adults (once per stay)
  
  

Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece – 7 Nights

Destination: Greece
Lead Price: £599 per person
Hotel: Hersonissos Maris Hotel
Star Rating: 4★

Stay Details:

• Board Basis: Half Board
• Room Type: Standard Promo
• Duration: 7 Nights

Flights:

• Route: London Luton (LTN) – Heraklion (HER)
  
  
• Airline: easyJet
• Flight Type: Direct
• Baggage Allowance: Small under-seat cabin bag + 23kg hold luggage

Booking Information:

• Book By: 30 March 2026
• Stay Period: 11 May 2026

Added Value:

• Free return shared airport transfers
  
  

All-Inclusive Multi-Centre Break – Abu Dhabi & Maldives

Total Lead Price: £1,799 per person

Abu Dhabi – 2 Nights

• Hotel: Royal M Hotel by Gewan Abu Dhabi
• Star Rating: 5★
• Board Basis: All Inclusive
• Room Type: Deluxe

Maldives – 5 Nights

• Hotel: Adaaran Club Rannalhi
• Board Basis: All Inclusive
• Room Type: Classic Ocean View

Further flight and transfer details available on request.

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Survey conducted by Censuswide, surveying 2,002 UK respondents who have travelled abroad at least once between July 2024 and July 2025.

For press enquiries, contact brightsun@yourssincerely.online 

About Brightsun Travel

Brightsun Travel (brightsun.co.uk) is a UK-based travel service provider that has been operating since 1986 with over 2000+ 5-star Trustpilot reviews. As a trusted name in the travel industry, partnering with major global airlines and hotels, they are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service, personalised itineraries, and unforgettable journeys across the globe.