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How to Write a Good Postcard and Why It’s Important

Writing postcards is a lost art. I used to send postcards to my family all the time. It was a way to make them feel like they were included in our part-time travel lifestyle. For me, postcards are kind of like X (formerly Twitter) before the internet existed. 

It may be tempting to make excuses not to send postcards in favor of social media or other “easier” channels. Who needs the hassle of filling out a postcard and then going to the post office to get stamps, right? 

When my mom passed away in 2020, I discovered a cache of postcards that I’d sent to her over the years. She hung all my postcards on a pin board above the couch where she liked to sit. 

Going through those postcards was like unearthing a time capsule. Through these postcards to my family, I was able to relive our travels and the evolution of our travel experiences over the years. 

A flat lay image showing a large, colorful collection of various vintage travel postcards from around the world, serving as postcard examples.

I thought I’d use this opportunity to write an ode to the humble postcard and make the case for why you should go to the trouble to send them to loved ones. 

It touched my heart that my mom kept all the postcards that I sent her. Some of them are more than 30 years old.

Table of Contents

Reasons Postcards are Better Than Electronic Communication

A humorous postcard example from Wyoming showing a large herd of cattle crossing a road with a cowboy on horseback, captioned 'RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC!'

Let me start with a few reasons why I think writing postcards is better than electronic communication when you go on vacation:

  1. A tweet or Facebook post doesn’t come with cool stamps or postmarks like a postcard does!
  2. Postcards are deliberate. You need to pick out the perfect image, write out what you want to say, and make an effort to send it.
  3. Postcards make you plan, think, and be selective. A postcard gives you limited real estate to write something. You need to make every word count.
  4. Postcards make it easy to reminisce. Pull them from your memory box from time to time to relive old travel experiences.
  5. Postcards are a physical reminder of your trip.
  6. Sending postcards show a specific person that you care and that you were thinking about them.

How to Select a Postcard?

Now that we’ve looked at why I think postcards are better than social media and other electronic communication, let’s talk about how to select the perfect postcard.

Tie in with What You’ve Been Doing

The best way to pick a postcard to send is to find an image or photo that ties in with what you’ve been doing. 

A vibrant blue collage postcard example titled 'PUBS OF LONDON,' featuring images of famous pubs and various glasses of beer and cider.

We went on a pub tour last night. Our guide told us about a pub that’s haunted, but only in September. Maybe you can plan a trip to coincide with that. We’re off to Paris on Tuesday. Cheers! 

Pick an Image that You Can Describe from Your Experience

Pick a postcard that lets you tell the person you’re sending it to a little more about the image like this example of a postcard I wrote from Puerto Rico in 2001 on the occasion of our 5th wedding anniversary.

A close-up postcard example of a Coquí frog with an inflated vocal sac, with text 'Greetings from Puerto Rico' and 'Coqui Frog'.

Scott and I are having fun in Puerto Rico. The resort we’re staying at is noted as one of the Top 100 hotels in the world. They upgraded us to a suite overlooking the ocean which adds to the ambiance. The frog featured on this card is very popular here. All night you can hear them chirping almost like birds.

 Here’s another example of a postcard I sent to my mother in 2011 from Cardiff, Wales.

A vintage travel postcard showing Cardiff Castle in Wales above five stone animal statues, including a lion and a pelican.

We’re enjoying our weekend in Cardiff – our 1st time in Wales. The city seems underrated. It’s really very charming with many Victorian-era arcades bursting with shops and restaurants. The castle is really cool and has a wall running around it with different animal statues. We’re planning to catch a Cardiff Devils hockey game tonight.

Back in 2003, I sent my mom this postcard from Arizona.

A vintage travel postcard showing tall, multi-limbed cacti silhouetted against a deep blue sky in the Sonoran Desert.

Scott and I are having fun in Arizona. Yesterday we went to the desert botanical garden in Phoenix. I didn’t realize that there were so many varieties of cacti! After that, we did some serious shopping in Scottsdale. I’m looking forward to a massage at the hotel spa today and then it’s off to Flagstaff tomorrow.

Go for a Cute Postcard

You can’t go wrong with a cute postcard featuring adorable animals against the backdrop of your destination. Here’s what I had to say to my mom in 2012 in a postcard sent from Switzerland.

A vintage travel postcard of three happy Bernese Mountain Dogs posing in a field with snow-capped Swiss Alps in the background.

Scott and I are enjoying our weekend in Switzerland. We took a long alpine hike thru beautiful fields of wildflowers and amazing views of the mountains pictured on this card. We had to take 2 trains and a gondola to get there but it was worth it!

Postcard Greetings

Now that you’ve picked the perfect image, how should you start the postcard? Beyond “Dear Mom,” what’s the best way to begin?

Say “Hello” (and More) in the Local Language

Start by greeting the person with a local pleasantry. Here’s how I started this postcard from Hawaii back in 1996.

An aerial vintage travel postcard showing a brilliant blue tropical bay on the coast of Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by green resorts.

Aloha! We’re having a wonderful, relaxing time here on Maui.

I sent this postcard greeting from Paris in 2000. 

A collage postcard example featuring the Eiffel Tower, the Panthéon, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

Bonjour Mom and Gram! We made it to Paris yesterday and had a fabulous dinner cruise on the Seine despite the fact that it was raining cats and dogs. Paris is beautiful at night–all lit up.

When in Argentina, say hello in Spanish! I also closed by wishing my mom a Happy Birthday in Spanish back in 2008.

A collage postcard example from the San Telmo market in Buenos Aires, featuring fruit stands, antique pocket watches, and mate gourds.

¡Hola Madre! Scott and I are having a great time in Buenos Aires. We saw a Tango show on Saturday and have already had our fill of Argentinian steaks (yum!). We spent a sunny afternoon shopping at the San Telmo market yesterday but haven’t found any yarn stores. ¡Feliz cumpleaños!

I broke out my rudimentary Spanish in this postcard that I sent from Madrid in 2010.

A collage postcard example from Madrid, Spain, centered on the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by decorative Spanish street name tiles.

Madre, ¡Hola de Madrid! We’ve covered a lot of ground in just a few days. Our high school Spanish is serving us well. Highlights of our visit include lunch in Plaza Major, a bike tour around Madrid, and a day trip trekking around Toledo. One more day and then we head back to Dublin.

I said hello from Munich in German in this 2012 postcard.

A photo collage postcard example from Munich, Germany, featuring bicycles, a park, outdoor cafes, and large, obscured white letters.

Guten Tag from Munich! We’re enjoying a long weekend here. Highlights include giant pretzels and even bigger beer steins, tasting cakes and pastries, and long walks around the Englischer Garten. We have a day trip planned to Augsburg tomorrow and then it’s back to Dublin. 

Wish Them Well

You could also use your postcard opening as a chance to send your best wishes like I did in this 2012 postcard sent from Tenerife.

A collage postcard example from Tenerife, Canary Islands, showing an aerial view of the island, Mount Teide, and a sunny beach.

Sending warmth and sunshine your way from Tenerife in the Canary Islands the first stop on our end-of-year vacation. We’ve enjoyed spending time on the beach and driving to the top of Teide, the impressive volcano on the island.

Make Your Postcard Greeting Seasonal

Why not select a postcard that reflects the season. Here’s how I started off a postcard to my mother sent from Cologne, Germany in December 2011.

A 'Frohe Weihnacht' (Merry Christmas) postcard example featuring a fluffy kitten dressed in a tiny Santa Claus suit next to a small burlap sack.

Merry Christmas from Köln (Cologne) Germany! They definitely get into the holiday spirit here with 7 Christmas markets in town including one on a boat moored in the Rhine.

State the Occasion

If you are traveling to celebrate a particular event, start your postcard greeting by stating the occasion. 

I had this to say to my mom and grandma from Sonoma California in 1997.

A vintage travel postcard showing a vineyard in Wine Country with rows of grapevines turning brilliant red and gold in the autumn.

Scott and I are enjoying our anniversary trip in Sonoma. We’ve been at a quaint Bed and Breakfast for 2 days (no room service!) and we’ve visited 4 wineries. Today I get to go to a spa and soak in mud! It’s a lifelong dream fulfilled.

19 years later, I sent this postcard from Uganda.

A scenic postcard example from Uganda's Mutanda Lake Resort, featuring a crowned crane with its distinct golden crest perched atop a bush.

Having a great time on our 20th anniversary trip to Uganda. The bird on the front of the postcard is a crested crane, Uganda’s national bird. We saw pairs of cranes, chimps, lions, elephants, and hippos. The major highlight of the trip though was trekking to see mountain gorillas. Amazing!

I sent New Year’s Eve postcards from Vienna in 2012 and from Granada in 2013.

A multi-panel collage vintage travel postcard showcasing various scenes of shopping streets, plazas, and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria.

We’re sitting in a quiet cafe in Vienna on December 31st. We’re looking forward to the New Year’s Eve celebrations around town later today. Back to Dublin tomorrow… Happy New Year!

A three-panel vintage travel postcard showing the stunning Moorish architecture and tranquil fountain courtyards of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.

Happy New Year from Spain! Scott and I are enjoying our trip to sunny Andalucia. Highlights include hiking around 3 different Moorish forts: The Alhambra in Granada and Alcazabas in Malaga and Antequera. We’ve also enjoyed strolling along the beach in Torremolinos near Malaga as well as sampling a local delicacy: churros with chocolate dipping sauce. Yum! Hope 2014 is off to a great start in Buffalo! 

Even if the occasion is mundane, it doesn’t hurt to mention it, like this postcard greeting that I sent to my mother from Cambridge, England in 2010.

A colorful illustrated collage postcard example of Cambridge, UK, featuring famous university landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge.

Spent the Bank Holiday weekend in London. We took the train to Cambridge. There are 31+ colleges there so we could really feel the brain power. 

You can even use a postcard to wish someone a Happy Birthday like I did to my mom from Taipei Taiwan in 2019 and from Cambodia in 2017. 

An illustrated postcard example of Taipei 101 illuminated by New Year's fireworks, with two cats watching in the foreground.

I’m writing out this card on your birthday, so Happy Birthday from Taipei! Scott and I had a fun time exploring Tokyo, Nikko, Matsumoto, and Kanazawa in Japan and saw lots of cherry blossoms. There are lots of things to see and interesting foods to try in Taiwan too. Google has an office in Taipei 101, the skyscraper on the front of the postcard. We plan to stop by for a visit next week to admire the views.

A vintage travel postcard showing a stone tower with a massive carved face at Ta Prohm Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, engulfed by jungle trees.

Happy Birthday from Cambodia! Scott and I are enjoying exploring the 11th century Temples at Angkor. This one on the postcard (Ta Prohm) was featured in the movie “Tomb Raider”. On to Vietnam in a couple days. 

I even wished my mom a Happy Thanksgiving from Turkey in 2011.

A beautiful vintage travel postcard of the historic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque, in Istanbul, Turkey, set against the blue sea.

Greetings from Turkey! What better place to spend Thanksgiving?! We’ve enjoyed exploring the old and new town. We’ve become expert bargainers at the Grand Bazaar. I’m amazed at the number of stray cats around Istanbul. I saw a few that looked just like our {name redacted} outside the Blue Mosque! We’re off to Izmir tomorrow! 

Place the Trip in Context

Use the opening greeting of your postcard to put the trip into context. 

For example, I started this postcard sent from Seoul South Korea in 2017 with a highlight on where the current destination fits into a broader trip.

An illustrated postcard example of Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea, showing traditional Korean houses and the modern skyline.

Last stop Seoul! We head home to Dublin tomorrow after an amazing 6-week trip. We went to visit an historic Hanok Village and watched the changing of the guards at the palace. 

I also used the opening line of a postcard from our trip to Aigues-Mortes, France in 2015 to explain where the town actually is.

A collage postcard example for Aigues-Mortes, France, showing the medieval ramparts, a harbor tower, and a humorous image of a kitten on a beach chair.

Greetings from Aigues-Mortes, an impeccably preserved walled town in the Southwest of France. It’s very close to the Camargue which is famous for its flocks of wild flamingos! We’re off to Costa Brava in Spain tomorrow for a travel bloggers conference. Talk to you when we get back.

Start with a Question

Why not open your postcard with a question to draw your recipient in, like I did with this postcard from Dunedin, New Zealand in 2007.

A cartoon postcard example from Cadbury World in Dunedin, NZ, featuring the factory building and stylized worker characters in purple overalls.

Did you know that Dunedin, NZ is home to a huge Cadbury chocolate factory? We were able to take their tour — the manufacturing facility smelled like melted chocolate. Yum! We also saw rare penguins and fur seals in Dunedin. We cruised beautiful Milford Sound today and we’re off to Queenstown tomorrow. P.S. I found yarn! 

Start Your Postcard with a Little Hyperbole or Drama

A little hyperbole never hurt anyone when it comes to writing postcards. Here’s one that I sent my mom in 2015 from Tasmania.

A vintage travel postcard of the historic penal settlement ruins at Port Arthur, Tasmania, situated on a waterfront with a dark, forested hillside backdrop.

Greetings from the ends of the earth! We are having a great time in Tasmania. I saw a platypus in the wild and got to feed Tasmanian Devils and an echidna at a wildlife sanctuary near Hobart. We also visited Port Arthur and learned about the fascinating history surrounding the penal colony here. You would have enjoyed Port Arthur. They even have a nighttime ghost tour!

2015 must have been my year of hyperbole. I also sent my mom this postcard from Bucharest.

A dramatic vintage travel postcard of Bran Castle in Romania (often associated with Dracula), illuminated at night beneath stormy blue and orange clouds.

Greetings from Bran, the castle in Romania that inspired the setting for Dracula. We visited during the day so at least we didn’t have any vampires to contend with.

In 2010, I sent this postcard from the Ring of Kerry in Ireland which purposely introduced just a little bit of drama.

A six-panel collage postcard example of Killarney, Ireland, featuring scenic lakes, mountains, Muckross House, and rural cottages.

Scott and I spent the weekend in Co. Kerry. I got to drive the Ring of Kerry…on the left…in a stick shift! Thanks for teaching me how to use a clutch all those years ago. We would have been stuck otherwise.

What to Write in a Postcard Message?

Now that you’ve written the postcard greeting, you may be wondering what content you should write next. It all depends on the context. Are you traveling for business or are you on vacation? Has the person you’re sending the postcard to been to the place you’re going? Here are some ideas for what to include in a postcard to friends or family.

Tell Them How the Trip is Going

If you are traveling for work or a conference, tell your friends and family how the trip is going. I sent this postcard to my mom and grandma in 1998 when I gave a talk at the American Chemical Society National Meeting.  The picture on the postcard will give them a glimpse of the place. What you write tells them how you’re feeling.

A panoramic vintage travel postcard photo of the modern Dallas, Texas, skyline on a bright, clear day.

I’m having fun in Dallas especially now that I’ve finished my talk. It went REALLY well. I got lots of compliments especially from people in the chemical industry!

Use a postcard writing opportunity to summarize your experience on the trip so far including where you’ve been and where you’re going. That’s what I did on a Christmas trip to Portugal in 2010.

A vintage travel postcard showing a classic orange elevador on a steep, narrow street in Lisbon, with laundry hanging from apartment windows.

We’re having a great X-mas holiday in Portugal. We flew into Faro and explored the Algarve by car. We especially liked Fortaleza de Sagras and Cabo Sao Vincente where the explorers trained and embarked on their sea voyages. We flew to Lisbon and have enjoyed exploring the different neighborhoods. We went to see Fado music at a place run by a husband and wife team. They serve dinner and then take off their aprons and come out to sing. Very cool.

Make Them Feel Like They’re There With You

We eloped in a private wedding ceremony in Maui in 1996. Write a postcard to make your family feel like they are on a trip with you. Set the scene!

An aerial vintage travel postcard showing a brilliant blue tropical bay on the coast of Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by green resorts.

The wedding ceremony yesterday was perfect. We first had a helicopter tour which took us across the island from the ocean to the mountains. We landed in the lush rainforest where the weather was surprisingly nice. The weather here is gorgeous! We’ve been able to drive with the top down on our convertible Camaro rental car! 

Talk about the Weather

If you can’t think of anything better to write, you can always talk about the weather. This works especially well if the place you are going has stereotypically good or bad weather. Here’s what I had to say about London on our very first trip outside the U.S. in 2000. 

A vibrant blue collage postcard example titled 'PUBS OF LONDON,' featuring images of famous pubs and various glasses of beer and cider.

Scott and I are having a wonderful time in England. It’s been pretty cold and wet so far, but hey, it’s London! Scott and I have been all over the city. My feet hurt from walking.

I had this to say about the weather in Amsterdam in 2002.

A die-cut vintage travel postcard of Amsterdam's iconic canal houses along a waterway, showing autumn foliage.

Scott and I are having fun here in Amsterdam. It’s a bit cold and rainy, but that hasn’t stopped us from extensively exploring the city on foot. The canal houses are cool — each one is equipped with a “hoisting rod” that people use to get stuff in and out. We saw someone hoisting a washing machine yesterday! The city is one of contrasts. Lots of art, culture, and history plus lots of ladies in windows and “coffee shops” where you can smell pot a block away. We’re off to Belgium on Wednesday!

Say Something Noteworthy About Your Destination

Use the opportunity that writing a postcard affords you to say something noteworthy about the place you are visiting. Here’s what I had to tell my mom about Punta Arenas, Chile in 2017.

An aerial vintage travel postcard of the coastal city of Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia, showcasing travel memories.

Hello from Punta Arenas, the southernmost point on our trip to South America. We are now as far south of the equator as Dublin is north. On to Rio tonight then home to Dublin. Hope all is well in Buffalo!

Here’s another example of a postcard that I sent to my mother from Hamburg, Germany.

A vintage travel postcard of the historic Speicherstadt district in Hamburg, Germany, showing brick buildings next to a canal.

Greetings from Hamburg, Germany! Hamburg is the 3rd largest port city in the world and has more bridges than Venice!

In Seoul, South Korea, I took the opportunity to tell my mom about a rather unusual obsession.

We ate some great food and some weird food too. We learned that Seoul seems to be obsessed with potty humor. I got a latte served in a mug shaped like a toilet bowl in one place! So interesting!

Include Your “Top 3” Highlights

Postcards don’t give you a lot of room to write especially since you need to leave room in the top right for the stamp and the entire right side to address the postcard. That means you need to be efficient. Why not distill down your trip into the Top 3 highlights? Here’s more of what I had to say about Hamburg, Germany.

We especially enjoyed (1) strolling along the River Elbe at sunset (2) exploring the Sunday Fish market. It opens at 5 am but we got there at 8 am. (3) day trip to Lubeck, a Medieval city nearby.

I shared my “Top 3” from our trip to Budapest in this 2009 postcard.

A vintage travel postcard of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary, featuring one of the prominent stone lion statues guarding the bridge entrance.

Having a great time in Europe. We’ve been to Berlin, Prague, and Budapest. So far, Budapest is our favorite city. We cruised the Danube, “took the waters” in a Hungarian thermal spa, and ate more than our share of sweets in classic coffee houses. We’re off to Vienna tomorrow. 

Share an Anecdote from your Trip

Anecdotes from your trip are great fodder for writing postcards. Here’s what I had to say to my mother on this postcard that I sent to her from Monte Carlo in 2012.

A vintage travel postcard of the illuminated Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco at night, featuring a large, brightly lit fountain.

Greetings from Monte Carlo! Scott and I spent the afternoon hob-nobbing with the high rollers at the world famous casino. We saw a guy drop 1000 euros on a single spin of the roulette wheel! Fortunately, the table had a 5 euro minimum so we were able to join in on the fun for a few rounds. Unfortunately, your good luck didn’t rub off on us so no jackpots for us 😀. It was fun to steep in the ambiance though.

I love to tell stories about the people we meet on our travels (like this group of lads in Brussels in 2002) when I write a postcard.

A collage postcard example of the Manneken Pis statue in Brussels, Belgium, shown in various costumes, including a Santa suit and military uniform.

We made it to Brussels! In case you’re wondering, the statue on this card — the Manneken Pis is a big tourist attraction here. They dress him up on various occasions and then put his outfits on display in a museum. We had dinner tonight at an authentic Belgian cafe. They served my dessert flaming! Minutes after we sat down to eat, a bunch of athlete types came in. Later, we saw this same group of guys at the hotel bar. They bought Scott and I a beer. They didn’t speak English very well, but I found out that they were a Swiss soccer team.

This is my favorite anecdote from our trip to Gdansk in 2010.

A collage vintage travel postcard of the Old Town in Gdansk, Poland, framed by seashells, featuring the main street and the harbor crane.

Greetings from Poland! Spent a 3-day weekend in Gdansk. Lots of history here from the 1st shots fired in WWII to Solidarity. We must look like we fit in. Three different sets of people asked us for directions! 

This is the anecdote that I recall the most from our trip to India in 2012 and I shared this with my mom in a postcard from Hyderabad.

A vintage travel postcard of the Charminar monument in Hyderabad, India, featuring its iconic four minarets and arches.

Greetings from Hyderabad, India! We enjoyed the weekend exploring the tourist sites in the area. A sprawling market radiates out from Charminar. The structure is 400 years old and was built to celebrate eradication of the plague. The most surprising thing so far? We feel like celebrities because the locals like to ask us to pose for pictures with them. We’re a novelty here.

Tell Them Something that Made You Think of Them

Use the opportunity that writing a postcard affords to tell your friends and family something from the trip that made you think of them. Here’s what I had to say to my mother (she had a notorious sweet tooth) from Normandy in 2012.

A collage postcard example from Normandy, France, featuring apples, Camembert cheese, a cow, a horse, and apple blossoms, illustrating travel memories.

Greetings from Normandy! We spent Easter weekend here with Caen as our home base. We found a shop that sold giant macarons, and I thought of you. So delicious! Highlights include Mont St. Michel and the WWII beaches.

My mom always got a kick out of celebrity sightings so I couldn’t resist mentioning one from a trip to London in 2006.

A simple collage postcard example of London featuring Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, perfect for sharing travel memories.

We’re having fun in London. Highlights so far have included shopping on Portobello Rd. and a day trip to Bath. We took a walking tour of Hampstead which included a stop in front of Russell Crowe’s English manor! Too bad he wasn’t home…

On our trip to Key West in 2003, I couldn’t help but notice a resemblance between Hemingway’s cats and my childhood pet.

A vintage travel postcard featuring a historic, two-story house in Key West, Florida, surrounded by lush palm trees and tropical greenery.

We’re having fun in South Florida. We went to Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West. About 100 cats live on the property. There was one that looked just like {name redacted} who had staked out a prime spot sprawled on the master bed. Tomorrow we’re going to drive across the Everglades. Hopefully we’ll spot some gators!

My mom and I used to like to watch A Christmas Story when I was a kid so this leg lamp postcard from the Cleveland tourism office was the perfect thing to send her in 2019.

A humorous postcard example from Cleveland, Ohio, featuring the famous "leg lamp" from the movie A Christmas Story in a window.

Hello from Cleveland! Looking forward to visiting the “Christmas Story” house tomorrow. 

My mom always liked nice jewelry and expensive things so I sent her this postcard from St. Petersburg Russia in 2016.

A detailed postcard example of the ornate, pink and jeweled Lily of the Valley Fabergé Egg, a great piece of travel memories.

I know how you love bling, so thought I’d send you an Imperial Faberge egg. From Russia with love!

My mom always liked folklore, true crime, and tales of hauntings. I sent her this postcard from Edinburgh in 2010.

A scenic vintage travel postcard of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh, Scotland, viewed across the green lawns of Princes Street Gardens during autumn.

We’re enjoying our first trip to Scotland. Have you been to Edinburgh? Lots of great folklore and hauntings here. We’ve also been enjoying the local music scene – some good fiddlers in the local pubs. 

Tell Them Where You’re Going Next

Use the opportunity to tell your family or friends where you’re going next. 

A collage postcard example featuring the Eiffel Tower, the Panthéon, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

Today we went to the Louvre and saw the original Mona Lisa among other famous works of art. We go on a champagne tour tomorrow.

I used the opportunity that this Ollantaytambo, Peru postcard presented to lay out the next steps in our itinerary in 2017.

A collage vintage travel postcard of Ollantaytambo, Peru, featuring a cobblestone street, Inca stone walls, and other ancient ruins, representing travel memories.

Greetings from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of Peru. We are having a great time exploring the amazing Incan ruins in Ollantay and all around the valley. Tomorrow we’ll get to see Machu Picchu. We’ll spend a few days in Cuzco and then travel on to Santiago, Chile from there. 

In 2004, I sent my mom a postcard from Munich which foreshadowed our first European road trip.

A vintage travel postcard of the detailed Gothic Revival facade and clock tower of the New Town Hall in München, Germany.

We are having a wonderful time in Munich. We have walked all over the city although we spent a lot of time in the Marienplatz on the front of this card. Tomorrow we will take a drive to Salzburg–my first trip on the Autobahn!

Hint If You’re Bringing Them a Souvenir

Use the opportunity of writing a postcard to hint about whether you might be sending your family or friends a souvenir from the place you’re visiting. Here’s what I had to say to my mom from Tallinn, Estonia in 2011 and Stockholm in 2006. She loved to knit and always appreciated it when we sent her unique yarns from our travels.

A vintage travel postcard showing the colorful red-roofed buildings and historic church steeples of Tallinn, Estonia, as a great postcard example.

Greetings from Tallinn, Estonia! We had a great weekend exploring this medieval city. We climbed the big white tower on the postcard for spectacular views. We even found some yarn 😊. We managed to get over to Helsinki, Finland by ferry where we tasted reindeer!

An aerial vintage travel postcard of Stockholm, Sweden, showing a palace-like building surrounded by trees changing color in autumn, capturing travel memories.

We’re having a great time in Stockholm. The weather has been warm and incredibly sunny. We toured Gamla Stan (old town) on foot and chanced upon a Swedish yarn shop…We also took the ferry boat to Vaxholm, a quaint little island in the Stockholm archipelago. Tomorrow we’ll commune with nature and explore the Djurgarden. Talk to you when we get back to the States!

Write from the Perspective of Someone Else

I wrote this cute postcard to my husband from Wroclaw Poland in 2011 and signed it from the Wroclaw Gnomes.

A colorful collage postcard example of several bronze dwarf statues from Wrocław, Poland, each identified with a Polish name.

We told u we’d send Jenn home in time for your anniversary…We loved having her in Poland. Here are some cookies to wish u a Happy 15th Anniversary. Your Friends, The Wroclaw Gnomes

Reminisce or Talk about How Things Have Changed Since Your Last Visit

Use the opportunity of writing a postcard to talk about how things have changed since you last visited your destination. This works especially well for popular childhood destinations like Disneyworld or Disneyland.

A split postcard example showing the white, New England-style buildings of Disney's Boardwalk Inn resort and its prominent lighthouse.

Scott and I are having lots of fun at Disney. It’s been over 10 years since I was last here, but only some things have changed. We went on safari at the Animal Kingdom which was the coolest thing. We saw lots of exotic animals and we didn’t have to venture to Africa!

A humorous split postcard example comparing bad weather ("You" in the snow) with sunny beach weather ("Me" in Florida), a fun how to write a postcard idea.

I saw this postcard and thought of you. I’m having a good time at my conference here in Orlando. My hotel is down the street from Wet n’ Wild. I remember going there as a kid… Speaking of the hotel, they upgraded me to a suite for free! I knew something was up when I saw the double door entrance. It’s got a kitchen, a dining area, and a living room. The funny thing is that the bed is one of those Murphy beds that pulls down from the wall. I couldn’t find it at first! Talk to you when I get back. 

How to End a Postcard

How might you end a postcard? What should be your big finish?

Allay Any Fears

Take a moment to allay any fears that your family may have about what you might get up to in your chosen destination. We spent a weekend in Las Vegas in 1997. I ended my postcard with certain reassurances…

A bright collage vintage travel postcard showcasing famous Las Vegas casinos, with a central image of dice, playing cards (Ace/King), and casino chips.

Scott and I had a wonderful weekend in Vegas. We went to see Starlight Express which was a really glitzy and fun roller skating musical. We had front row seats! We spent a lot of time roaming up and down the Strip, but didn’t spend too much on the slots…

I took the opportunity to allay any fears about driving in Ireland with this postcard from the Cliffs of Moher in 2010.

A six-panel collage vintage travel postcard showcasing the dramatic sea cliffs and rock formations of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, capturing travel memories.

Had a great drive out west and made it there and back with no issues. We’re getting used to driving on the left. 

Moms worry, so I used the opportunity to allay the fear of sunburn in this postcard from Australia.

A beautiful vintage travel postcard of a tropical beach in Australia (likely Whitehaven Beach), with white sand and clear turquoise water.

I just finished a 3-day sailing trip to the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland with my team. Highlights included snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and swimming on pristine white beaches. Pretty cool stuff. Don’t worry, I wore tons of sunblock so didn’t get burnt!

Use Their Favorite Slang

Close out your postcard by describing the trip using the recipient’s favorite slang. I sent this postcard from Paris to my mother circa 2011, so don’t laugh too hard 😆

A whimsical illustrated postcard example of black cats climbing the Eiffel Tower under a full moon, perfect for sharing travel memories.

Having a great time in Paris. Spent some time walking around Montmartre (past the Moulin Rouge) and Montparnasse. We bought a fresh baguette to eat outside the Sacré-Cœur. Definitely “da bomb”.

Tell Them if They’d Like The Place

My mother always liked the occult and phenomena that were difficult to explain. Why not end your postcard by telling the person receiving it if you think they’d like the place. This is what I had to say to my mom about Newgrange in the Boyne Valley of Ireland in 2011.

A moody, sunlit photograph from a vintage travel postcard showing the interior of an ancient stone passage or chamber tomb.

We went to visit Newgrange, a Stone-Age passage tomb just outside Dublin. Each year on the winter solstice, the sun illuminates the chamber at dawn. Pretty impressive engineering for 5000 years ago! We think you’d enjoy visiting.

I told my mom why she’d like Stonehenge in this 2013 postcard from Bath.

A postcard example designed as a British postage stamp, featuring a portrait of King Henry VIII and a black and white drawing of the warship Mary Rose.

Spent the weekend in Bath and thought of you. Saw the site of the first penny post in England and went on a day tour to Stonehenge and the surrounding area. You’d like Stonehenge – it’s full of mystery and unanswered questions about its purpose and origins. 

Tell Them If You Like the Place

One great way to close a postcard is to let your friends and family know what you thought of the destination and why. I was clearly very impressed with Amsterdam when I visited for work in 2005!

A vibrant square vintage travel postcard of a traditional Dutch windmill set behind vast, colorful rows of red and yellow tulip fields.

Even though I’m here on business, I had some time yesterday (Sunday) to take a tour of the bulb fields and tulip gardens. They were truly spectacular! Now I’m just enjoying breakfast before I’m off to work. The Netherlands is great! Where else do they serve bread with chocolate sprinkles for breakfast?

This was literally the first postcard I sent to my mom when we moved to Ireland. My love of Dublin doors was apparently love at first sight!

A grid postcard example featuring a collection of colorful, arched Georgian doorways from Dublin, Ireland, perfect for sharing travel memories.

Greetings from Dublin. We’re enjoying all that the city has to offer including the beautiful Georgian doors.

End Your Postcard with a Question

When I sent my mom a postcard from Liverpool in 2010, I closed with a question.

A collage vintage travel postcard of Liverpool, UK, featuring key landmarks like the Beatles Story entrance, waterfront buildings, and the Royal Liver Building.

Had a fantastic trip to Manchester and Liverpool this weekend. Gotta love those cheap Ryanair flights! We enjoyed the Beatles Museum and walking along the riverside promenade. Did your cruises stop in Liverpool?

Celebrate the Season

Take the opportunity to close your postcard with greetings of the season like I did on our Christmas trip to Bilbao in 2017 or on a December business trip to Wroclaw Poland in 2011.

A collage postcard example from Bilbao, Spain, featuring the Guggenheim Museum and the large floral dog sculpture known as Puppy.

Greetings from Bilbao! The architecture here has definitely been a highlight of our visit. Perhaps you’ll make it here one day on a cruise… Hope you had a great Christmas and have a Happy New Year.

A collage vintage travel postcard showing various small bronze dwarf statues scattered throughout the city of Wroclaw, Poland.

Greetings from Wroclaw Poland. I visited this week on a business trip. There are over 100 gnomes hidden around the city. It is such a charming place. The gnomes and I wish you a Merry Christmas!

I wished my mom a Happy Thanksgiving from Japan in 2014.

A beautiful watercolor postcard example of traditional Japanese buildings surrounded by brilliant red and orange autumn foliage in Kyoto, likely Tōfuku-ji.

Scott and I are enjoying Japan. We were lucky enough to arrive in Kyoto at the peak of Fall Foliage. The colors at the various temples are amazing. On to Osaka tomorrow and then back to Tokyo before our return to Dublin. Happy Thanksgiving

More Examples of Postcards I Sent to My Family

I thought I’d share some additional examples of postcards that I sent to my mom over the years which include various elements that I’ve described in this post. Such a treasure trove of travel memories (and even some travel tips for different destinations) listed in chronological order! You can really see how our travels changed and became more wide-ranging and adventurous as the years passed.

Ogalalla Nebraska (1995)

The oldest postcard that I found in the cache at my mother’s house hearkens back to 1995. At that point, I had just graduated from university and was driving across the United States to start graduate school in California. I didn’t even have a passport in 1995. 

A cartoon postcard example for Ogallala, Nebraska, showing a cowboy riding a bull while waterskiing, with the slogan 'Nebraski!'.

See, Ogallala even has its own postcard. Pretty neat, eh? Just wanted to send you a card so you know we’re okay. Two more days and we’ve made it! It’s really not such a bad drive. The terrain changes all the time and there are lots of cows around to watch.

Vail (2004)

A scenic postcard example of Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River, showing the steep, forested cliffs reflected in the water.

We’re having a great time in Vail. Yesterday we went white water rafting in Glenwood Canyon but today I feel more like the picture on the front of this postcard after a 1/2 day worth of pampering at the spa. Tomorrow we drive back to Denver to finish off the trip.

Vancouver (2004)

A vintage travel postcard of a large white cruise ship sailing in front of the Vancouver, Canada, skyline on a sunny day, titled "North to Alaska".

I’m having a great time in Vancouver. I arrived yesterday before noon and the conference starts tomorrow morning so I had a good day and a half to explore. I took a bus from the university downtown to Canada Place. I took a walk thru the lobby of the Pan Pacific and past all the cruise ships. What fun! 

Barcelona (2004)

A collage vintage travel postcard highlighting the unique, colorful Gaudi architecture in Barcelona, Spain, including chimneys and mosaic rooftops.

Scott and I are having an excellent time in Barcelona. There is a lot of good shopping and cool architecture to see. Yesterday we took a bike tour of the city which was a good way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. We took a train ride today to see the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres. Very bizarre! Talk to you when we get back.

Copenhagen (2005)

A postcard example from Copenhagen, Denmark, overlaid on the Danish flag, showing the colorful houses and boats in the Nyhavn harbor.

We are having fun in Scandinavia. We are currently taking an overnight cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo. So far, we spent some time walking around Copenhagen and visited Tivoli one of the old amusement parks in the world. We also took day trips to Helsingør, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden. Hope all is well in Buffalo! 

Iceland (2005)

A vintage travel postcard showing tourists bathing in the milky blue geothermal waters of Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið) spa.

We’re in the home stretch of our whirlwind tour of Scandinavia. We made it to Reykjavik last night — the sun was still above the horizon at midnight! Since my last postcard, we enjoyed a tour of the Fjords of Norway. We are looking forward to a tour on Icelandic horseback tomorrow before a pitstop at the “Blue Lagoon” on the way to the airport on Sunday.

Rome (2005)

A collage vintage travel postcard titled 'I Gatti Di Roma' showing cats sitting among famous ancient Roman ruins and landmarks like the Colosseum.

We’re having a great time in Rome. The temperature is a little cold but the sun is shining and we keep warm by walking a lot! Today some of the highlights were the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and the Sacra de Argentina. This last one is a set of ruins that they turned into a cat sanctuary. Pretty cool!

Seattle (2006)

A vintage travel postcard of the Seattle Waterfront skyline, featuring numerous high-rise buildings and a large Washington State ferry moving across the water.

We’re enjoying our vacation in Seattle. We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island after our seaplane flight to Victoria was cancelled due to fog. We’re headed to Portland tomorrow via the Mt. St. Helens area. We’re looking forward to wine tasting in Oregon.

Hong Kong (2006)

A vibrant vintage travel postcard depicting a busy Hong Kong street with a double-decker tram surrounded by dense, colorful neon signs.

Scott and I arrived in Hong Kong yesterday after 3 whirlwind days in Shanghai. Shanghai was very different from any place we’ve ever been. We were excited to practice our limited Mandarin. We enjoyed walking around the city and shopping at every turn. All prices were negotiable and we got good at bargaining. Hong Kong is even more bustling with even more shopping. We took the ferry from our hotel on Kowloon to the Central Island this morning. We are now sitting down to lunch atop Victoria Peak.

Sydney (2007)

A split vintage travel postcard of the Sydney skyline, showing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the day (top) and at night (bottom).

We made it to Sydney! We’re enjoying ourselves “Down Under”. We took a long walk today from our hotel in Darling Harbour to the Rocks and Circular Quay. The views from the Botanical Gardens were amazing. Aside from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, we were impressed by the hundreds of BATS sleeping in the treetops! 

Singapore (2009)

A collage postcard example showcasing the vibrant streets of Singapore's Chinatown, highlighting historic conserved buildings and market stalls.

We’re having a great time in Singapore. Our hotel is in Chinatown and we’re surrounded by fantastic markets. You’d love the shopping here — mile upon mile of malls to explore. We also saw monkeys in the wild at a local nature preserve…very cool! Tomorrow we travel by bus to Kuala Lumpur.

Great Ocean Road Australia (2010)

A brightly colored postcard example featuring a group portrait of various species of kangaroos and wallabies from Australia, perfect for sharing travel memories.

Scott and I are about to embark on our drive along the Great Ocean Rd. from Adelaide to Melbourne. Highlights of Adelaide included hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies at a wildlife park. So cool! Talk to you when we get back. 

Hawaii (2011)

A close-up postcard example of dark blue, shiny, rope-like hardened lava flow from a Hawaiian volcano, a unique travel memory.

We’re having a great time in Hawaii. Today we went to Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and hiked into the Kilauea Caldera, site of the 1959 eruption. We also enjoyed a helicopter ride over the volcano for Scott’s birthday and seeing spinner dolphins while kayaking. We’re off to Honolulu in a few days to see some of the WWII historical sites.

Aix-en-Provence (2011)

A vibrant watercolor postcard example of a European square featuring a cafe with a bright red awning and an outdoor seating area.

Greetings from Aix-en-Provence! We’re enjoying our time in the South of France. Sunshine and good food and fine wine makes for the perfect relaxing holiday. We’re off to Nice tomorrow to ring in the New Year. Congrats again on the decision to update your internet. We’ll talk to you online when we get back to Dublin.

South Africa (2013)

A multi-image postcard example from South Africa featuring various close-up photos of a hippopotamus, including one yawning to display its large mouth.

Greetings from South Africa! Had a great time on safari. We saw all of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) and then some. We even saw hippos chilling out in a lake. Now we’re headed to Cape Town for some good wine and relaxation. 

Hanoi Vietnam (2017)

A postcard example showing a group of traditional Vietnamese water puppets (made of wood and lacquer) performing on a stage partially submerged in water.

Greetings from Vietnam. Scott and I have spent the last two weeks exploring from North to South. The food has been excellent and the scenery gorgeous. In Hanoi, We went to see a water puppet show which was fascinating. On to Singapore tomorrow! 

Hangzhou China (2017)

An artistic, hand-drawn postcard example of a traditional wooden gate entrance at the Orioles Singing in the Willows park in Hangzhou's West Lake.

Greetings from China! Our first stop was Hangzhou which features a beautiful lake. A scene from the lake is pictured on this postcard. We are now in Beijing and took a day trip to the Great Wall of China today. Simply amazing! We leave for Pingyao and then Xi’an in a couple days. 

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