Sending postcards might seem like a relic from the past.
But there’s a timeless charm in receiving a thoughtful note on a tangible piece of paper, especially in an era dominated by emails and instant messages.
Whether you’re travelling abroad, sending greetings to a loved one, or simply looking to revive this beautiful tradition, knowing what to write on a postcard can make all the difference.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft the perfect postcard message that will leave a lasting impression.
What to write on a postcard?
When pondering over what message you should write in a postcard, consider the following elements: infuse your personality into the message, making it authentic and heartfelt.
Keep it concise yet impactful, capturing the essence of your experience in a few well-chosen words.
Convey your emotions genuinely, whether it’s excitement, nostalgia, or a sense of adventure.
- Location highlights: Describe the breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, or unique cultural experiences you’ve encountered during your travels.
- Personal anecdotes: Share a memorable incident or a local encounter that left a lasting impression on you.
- Warm greetings: Extend heartfelt wishes to the recipient, conveying your thoughts and feelings with sincerity and warmth.
- Invitations to connect: Encourage the recipient to visit the place you’re exploring, sharing the excitement and beauty of the location to entice them to experience it first-hand.
- Wish you were here: If you’d love to explore the place with the recipient, tell them what you’d love to do there together.
An example of what you can write on a postcard
For instance, if you’re exploring the serene landscapes of Santorini, Greece, you could write:
“Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Wish you were here to witness the mesmerising sunsets of Santorini. Every corner holds a story, and every cobblestone street whispers of ancient tales. Sending you lots of love and a postcard-perfect view from the Aegean Sea.
Yours in wanderlust, [Your Name]”
What makes a good postcard?
A good postcard is characterised by its ability to evoke a sense of place and emotion in the reader.
It should transport them to the location you’re describing and leave them longing to experience it for themselves.
A balance of personal touch, engaging storytelling, and heartfelt sentiments can make your postcard truly memorable.
But a postcard doesn’t necessarily have to be from a distant location or a travel destination to be considered good.
Even if you’re not travelling, there are several ways to create a compelling postcard that can resonate with the recipient and remind them of you.
- Meaningful content: Instead of focusing on a specific location, the content of the postcard can revolve around shared memories, inside jokes, or common interests. It could be a thoughtful message, a shared experience, or a simple expression of appreciation that resonates with the recipient.
- Personal touch: Infusing a personal touch into the postcard, such as hand-written notes, sketches, or personal photographs, can make it more intimate and special. Sharing personal reflections, anecdotes, or feelings can help strengthen the emotional connection between you and the recipient.
- Relevance to recipient’s interests: Tailoring the postcard content to the recipient’s interests, hobbies, or preferences can make it more meaningful and relatable. Whether it’s a reference to a shared hobby, a recommendation for a book or movie, or an update on a mutual acquaintance, incorporating such elements can enhance the postcard’s appeal.
- Thoughtful gestures: Even without a specific travel experience, a good postcard can be a gesture of thoughtfulness and care. It could be a note of encouragement, a message of support during challenging times, or simply a reminder of your appreciation for the recipient’s presence in your life.
- Humour or wit: Adding a touch of humour, wit, or light-heartedness can bring a smile to the recipient’s face. Including a funny anecdote, a witty remark, or a humorous illustration can create a light and cheerful atmosphere, making the postcard enjoyable to read.
Don’t just send postcards when you’re travelling.
They’re a great way to show someone that you’re thinking of them.
What to do with postcards you don’t want to throw away?
Once you’ve received a postcard, there are several creative and practical ways to utilise it.
Here are some ideas on how to use postcards:
- Keepsake collection: If you have a penchant for preserving memories, you can start a postcard collection by organising them in a scrapbook or a dedicated memory box. This allows you to revisit the sentiments, images, and experiences shared by your loved ones or from your own travels.
- Home decor: Frame the postcards and use them as part of your home decor. They can add a touch of personality and charm to your living space, serving as small, artistic accents that reflect your experiences or the places your loved ones have visited.
- Inspiration board: Pin the postcards on an inspiration board or a cork-board to create a visually stimulating space that motivates and inspires you. Whether it’s travel destinations, motivational quotes, or artistic designs, the postcards can serve as daily reminders of your aspirations and cherished memories.
- DIY crafts: Use postcards for various do-it-yourself (DIY) craft projects, such as making handmade bookmarks, personalised gift tags, or even creative collages. Incorporating postcards into your craft projects adds an element of nostalgia and uniqueness to your creations.
- Travel inspiration: Use the postcards as a source of travel inspiration and guidance. The images and descriptions on the postcards can help you plan your future travel destinations or serve as a reminder of the places you wish to explore in the future.
- Educational purposes: Incorporate postcards into educational activities, especially for younger learners. They can be used for geography lessons, cultural studies, or language practice, offering a tangible and visually engaging way to learn about different places, cultures, and languages.
- Random acts of kindness: Share the joy of receiving postcards by paying it forward. Use the postcards to send encouraging messages, thoughtful notes, or expressions of gratitude to friends, family, or even strangers to spread positivity and kindness.
- Memory triggers: Keep the postcards as memory triggers, as they can evoke nostalgic feelings and help you recall specific moments, experiences, or emotions associated with the sender or the place depicted on the postcard.
You can extend the life and meaning of postcards beyond their initial purpose, turning them into cherished mementos that continue to bring joy and inspiration long after they’ve been received.
Check out the postcards in my shop here!
