’90s Kid Summer: Why This Might Be The Self-Care Travel Revival You Need

As we all anticipate (or dread) the end of summer and close out the third business quarter of the year, there might be a longing for memories of when taxes and end-of-year performance reviews were the least of our worries.

For me, that means reminiscing about childhood summers hopscotching in a Williamsburg, Brooklyn, park as the water fountain soaked my clothes, or writing my 12-year-old thoughts in a color-blasted Lisa Frank journal. It’s fond daydreaming of racing down the street barefoot against my teenaged crush, buying the latest Toni Braxton CD, or reading the final chapter of Sister Souljah’s Coldest Winter Ever. Some of my most carefree, joy-filled years were in the ‘90s — those unforgettable days from middle school through high school that shaped me in all the best ways.

Now, while we can’t quite relive a 24/7 existence of endless bike rides, board games rivalries, and roller rinks visits — except maybe vicariously as parents to children who can — many of us are leading a self-care travel revival rooted in our own childhood memories — one that’s sparking a bittersweet longing in women who spent summers  When we do get PTO, there’s a community of us who want that unplugged, unscheduled, and utterly free feeling back, whether via a resort, a staycation, or a full-on retro retreat.

According to Parents, the experience of a “‘90s kid summer” centers on minimal screen time, outdoor play, and open‑ended leisure for your imagination to run wild. Travel trend analysts call this era of nostalgia trips a phenomenon where travelers — especially millennial women now in their mid‑30s and early 40s — seek the simplicity of low‑key activities like camping, board games, and retro motels or Airbnbs.

Why the resurgence? Many millennial women are able to reflect on childhood summers as a safe haven: afternoons spent scribbling in diaries, gossip sessions on landline phones, neighborhood swims without checking Instagram. These memories feel vital again, especially as adults juggling careers, relationships, self‑care routines, and motherhood. There’s a longing to reclaim that feeling of freedom — not just for the kids, but for themselves.

If you’d like to take the last few weeks to tap into this travel and self-care trend, here are a few options for itineraries and activities:

For a quick and affordable weekend escape, head to a nostalgic destination like Asheville, N.C., Austin, Texas, or upstate New York, or simply visit a town an hour or more away from where you live. Book a hotel or Airbnb with a pool and vintage charm. (Try something like this Airbnb in California, one of these nostalgic hotels, or options that give nod to ‘90s luxe like the MGM Grand.) If going casual, think bright colors, bunk beds or shabby-chic pools. If you’re chasing that “30-something boss babe in the ’90s” energy, think moody lighting, mirrored furniture, marble columns, and a dramatic foyer that says you’ve arrived.

On Friday, hit a local roller rink or arcade, then unwind with pizza and a ‘90s movie or TV night — think Clueless, Crooklyn, Friends, Living Single — under the stars or in your room with old-school snacks.

Saturday is all about outdoor fun. Go for a hike, bike ride, dinner cruise, or hang by a lake to color, throw a frisbee, or journal. Pack a PB&J, chips, (or go super-retro with, dare I say, a Lunchable), and Snapple for a picnic. Play a ‘90s playlist. (Mine would include a mix of Monica, Mighty Mighty Boss Tones, Patra, Beastie Boys, and DMX). That night, find a bar with karaoke or a DJ spinning throwback hits.

On Sunday, go thrifting for a vintage souvenir, jacket, or piece of jewelry, and enjoy brunch at a classic diner (Fudrucker’s anyone?) before heading home. 

Start your day with a flashback breakfast. This could be Eggos and orange Tang, a favorite cereal from your childhood, or, like me, full-on Southern-grandma fare: scrambled eggs, grits, corned beef hash, and sausage patties. Enjoy whatever breakfast brings back those joyful school morning vibes from your childhood.

In the afternoon, set up some games right in your backyard (or whatever space you have at home): water balloons, jump ropes, jacks, Monopoly, celebrity M.A.S.H. or cards for rounds of Spades. Fire up that ‘90s playlist and bring your crew together for a night of classic fun. 

End the night with a nostalgic spa activity, with a range of bright pinks, purples, onyx (hey, Edward Scissorhands fans!), or sparkly hues for manis and pedis or a quick makeup session. Take it up a notch by having a professional visit the house to bring the ultimate retro glam experience.

Embracing a ‘90s retro vacation isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a celebration of joy, simplicity, and reclaiming carefree moments. For millennial women, it’s a chance to pause, reconnect with their younger selves, and create new memories infused with the vibrant spirit of their most beloved decade.