Whether Christmas is approaching, your favorite gal is having her birthday soon, your brother just got promoted, the destination you are enjoying these days is stunning and you want to share it with the world, or the girl you met at that Bangkok hostel is having a baby — there’s nothing quite like sending a personal postcard to join in the celebrations, share good news and awe-inspiring pictures, and wish the best to your people.
Even these days, when it seems all things digital took over any paper-based goods, sending postcards is cool AF. Take my word, you can never go wrong with this advice.
Here are six reasons why we send postcards from our travels:
1. Postcards take you places
Just think of the latest hand-written letters and postcards you got. I am pretty sure they included some gorgeous pics of both close and far destinations or, at least, a brief description of a place and time.
2. Postcards have that personal touch nothing can replace
Magnets, sweets, wood boxes, ceramic goods, music records, seeds. Whatever thing you might think of, it has been given as a present by someone before. However, even when people usually think carefully about what to buy depending on the person that will receive it, the truth is most times than not, presents and souvenirs lack personality and — IMHO — taste.
Writing your own thoughts on a piece of paper gives more meaning than gifting a t-shirt. Period.
Particularly if those postcards have been printed on a recycled piece of paper.
And being kind of sustainable or at least having a small impact is great news these days when we are literally trashing our planet at the fastest pace ever.
4. Postcards are hip
If there was a time when even I was worried about the future of post offices and officers — and then somewhat relieved when I realized all those people would still keep their jobs given the fact that the regular postage was being replaced for boxes due to the internet era and online shopping phenomena — thank god I am not any more concerned about this issue.
For some reason, hanging memories on the walls was never out of fashion and these days postcards are still enjoying some golden days.
5. Postcards are some of the most affordable souvenirs out there
Nowadays, there are services like MyPostcard that let you create personalized postcards using your own photos and messages, often for just a few euros. Many of these options allow you to send postcards easily from a website or mobile app, making it convenient to share a thoughtful keepsake no matter where you are.
Postcards are a timeless way to connect, but if you’re looking to build meaningful friendships beyond a quick message or photo, consider Slowly — an app that brings the traditional pen pal experience to your smartphone. With Slowly, you can find pen pals who share your passions, write thoughtful letters at your own pace, and collect unique stamps from around the world.
Unlike instant messaging, Slowly encourages slower, more deliberate conversations that bring back the personal touch and anticipation of handwritten mail. It’s perfect for anyone who loves culture, language, and genuine connection.
If you’re interested in exploring this modern pen pal experience, download SlowlyApp.
At the end of the day, it’s the thoughtful connections and personal touches that turn simple souvenirs into lasting memories. Whether through postcards or meaningful conversations, sharing your journey with others adds a special dimension to travel that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. So, take the time to reach out, tell your story, and keep the spirit of connection alive wherever you go.
