The Roaring Twenties: A Traveler's Guide To The Decade's Must-Visit Destinations

The 1920s was a decade of prosperity and economic growth, and for the first time, middle-class families could afford a car. This was also the decade when commercial airlines welcomed their first passengers, although the airline business didn't see its boom until several decades later. In the 1920s, trains had already existed for 100 years and were steadily popular, as were cars. In Europe, luxury trains were particularly fashionable, coming off the design glamour of La Belle Epoque. Meanwhile, ocean liners bounced back after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, with travellers cruising to destinations like Jamaica and the Bahamas.

The Caribbean

A Brief History of Tourism in the Caribbean

The 1920s was a decade of prosperity and economic growth, and for the first time, middle-class families could afford luxuries like cars and vacations. With improved transportation options, including the debut of regional airlines, the Caribbean became an accessible and desirable destination. The region's natural beauty, warm climate, and seaside resorts offered the perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and pleasure.

Popular Destinations in the 1920s Caribbean

The Bahamas and Jamaica were particularly popular destinations in the 1920s, with their pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, was a favourite among tourists. Other destinations that gained popularity included Cuba, Mexico, and Barbados. These islands offered sun-soaked beaches, crystal clear waters, and a range of activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

The Appeal of the Caribbean

The Impact of Tourism

Tourism had a significant impact on the Caribbean's economy, even in the 1920s. By the 1950s, encouraged by organisations like the Caribbean Tourist Association, governments in the region actively promoted tourism to boost their economies. The development of infrastructure, including airports, roads, and hotels, further enhanced the region's appeal and accessibility.

In conclusion, the Caribbean in the 1920s offered a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and luxurious resorts. It was a place where travellers could escape their daily lives, soak up the sun, and experience the pleasures of island life. The region's tourism industry, which continues to thrive today, began to flourish during this vibrant and optimistic era.

Florida

The growth of the real estate market was fuelled by the increased availability of leisure time and disposable income for middle-class Americans, who could now afford to travel and purchase property in the state. The development of highways, such as the Dixie Highway and the Lincoln Highway, also made Florida more accessible to tourists and potential homebuyers. The state's warm climate, newly constructed roadways, and the emergence of a speculative real estate market attracted many northerners.

The 1920s also saw the rise of tourism in Florida, with the state becoming a popular winter destination for wealthy travellers. This led to the development of resorts and hotels, particularly in cities like Pensacola and St. Petersburg, which catered to the influx of tourists. The tourism industry created numerous jobs, with overall employment in Florida increasing by more than 55% between 1920 and 1930.

However, the Florida land boom did not come without challenges. The high demand for housing led to soaring rent prices, making it difficult for some residents to afford living in the state. Additionally, the increased demand for building materials overwhelmed the railway systems, causing slowdowns in construction and development.

The decade was also marked by social and racial tensions. Jim Crow laws, which enforced segregation and upheld white supremacy, were prevalent in Florida during this time. Racial conflicts, such as the Rosewood Massacre of 1923, highlighted the tense race relations between African Americans and whites in the state.

Despite these issues, Florida in the 1920s was a period of economic prosperity and transformation, shaping the state's future as a popular tourist destination and a rapidly urbanising region.

California

Explore the great outdoors

National parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are must-sees. If you're travelling by car, you can put up your own tent at a primitive campground. Or, if you're looking for a little more comfort, stay at the Milestone Mo-Tel, the world's first motel, located between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It'll cost you $1.25 per night and you'll get a private bathroom, or even a garage in some cases.

Visit the Hollywood Sign

Erected in 1923, the Hollywood Sign is a great photo opportunity. While you're there, why not try and spot some celebrities?

Take a train

The 1920s are the golden age of railroading. Trains have been around for about 100 years at this point and they're a great way to get around. If you can afford it, book a cabin designed by professional carpenters. Most people, however, will be seated on simple wooden benches or two-tier unfolding seats in sleeping cars.

Go to the beach

Spending time at the beach is all the rage in the 1920s, so much so that suntans are now fashionable. If you can't make it to the Caribbean, head to Newport Beach.

Visit an amusement park

Amusement parks are a trend of the twenties, so be sure to visit Luna Parks in Denver or Coney Island.

Mexico

Beach Destinations

The beach towns of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa on the Pacific Coast offered an authentic Mexican experience with local handicrafts, fresh seafood, and brilliant sunsets. Meanwhile, the East Coast boasted popular destinations like Cancun, known for its white sand and turquoise waters, and Playa del Carmen, with its vibrant food scene and exciting nightlife.

Cultural Attractions

For those interested in history, the pyramids at Teotihuacán, located just outside Mexico City, were a must-see. This archaeological site was one of the largest in the Americas during the pre-Columbian era.

Adventure and Nature

For outdoor enthusiasts, there were numerous national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon in the US, just across the border. La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, offered diverse beach experiences, from the tranquil Playa El Saltito to the unique mushroom-shaped rock formation at Playa Balandra.

Vice Tourism

During the era of Prohibition in the US, Mexican border towns, particularly Tijuana, became destinations for vice tourism. These towns offered casino gambling, glitzy floor shows, horse and dog racing, and other hedonistic pursuits. They attracted famous figures like Chicago gangster Al Capone and Hollywood celebrities.

Cuba

In the 1920s, Cuba was a thriving country with a booming economy and a cosmopolitan culture. Its capital, Havana, was considered one of the world's most beautiful cities, and the country was a favourite destination for the rich and famous.

Havana's Bars and Bartenders

The 1920s saw an influx of American bartenders to Cuba, as thousands left the US due to Prohibition. This led to an explosion of bars in Havana, with estimates suggesting there were around 7,000 in the city during this time. American bars were opened to cater to thirsty American citizens, and bartenders from the US took over, pushing out their Cuban and Spanish counterparts. Notable bars from this era include the Rialto Cafe, the Neptuna, Gold Dollar, and the New Orleans cafe.

The Cuban bartender's association, the Cantineros Club, fought back against this American invasion by requiring all bartenders to be proficient in English and cocktail-making, with different levels of accreditation.

Tourism

Tourism was also on the rise in Cuba during the 1920s, with daily flights from Miami, Key West, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. American tourists were drawn to the country by the promise of drinking and gambling, which were off-limits back home. Tourism doubled in ten years, from 45,000 annual visitors in 1916 to 90,000 in 1926.

Havana's Architecture and Attractions

Havana's architecture was a mix of Spanish Baroque-style churches and classic American cars. Notable attractions included Central Park, the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, and the bathing beach. The city also had a thriving nightlife, with cabaret shows and casinos.

The Sugar Industry

Sugar was Cuba's economic lifeline, and the country was a major producer and exporter. A panorama from 1920 shows a train loaded with sugar leaving Guantanamo, passing by a sugar mill, administration buildings, and a sugar cane plantation.

Politics

In the 1920s, Cuba was celebrating its first 25 years as an independent nation. In 1928, US President Calvin Coolidge visited the country, the first and only time a sitting US President had done so.

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