How to Write the Perfect Vacation Postcard
Nothing says "wish you were here" quite like a postcard from your travels. But staring at that small rectangle of space can feel intimidating. What do you write? How do you capture your experience in just a few sentences?
Here's your complete guide to writing vacation postcards that your friends and family will treasure.
Before You Start: Plan Ahead
The best postcard writers prepare before their trip:
- **Make a list** of people you want to send postcards to
- **Collect addresses** before you leave (save them in your phone)
- **Set a reminder** to actually write and send them
What to Write: The Formula
A great vacation postcard includes three elements:
1. Set the Scene
Describe where you are right now. Be specific! Instead of "Having a great time in Paris," try:
"Writing this from a tiny café in Montmartre. There's an accordion player outside and the croissants here are ridiculous."
2. Share One Moment
Pick a single memorable experience rather than listing everything you've done:
"Yesterday we got completely lost trying to find a restaurant and ended up discovering the most beautiful hidden garden. Sometimes the best moments are unplanned."
3. Make It Personal
Connect your experience to your relationship with the recipient:
"This place reminded me of that trip we took together. Remember when we got caught in the rain? Miss you!"
Examples by Relationship
To Parents
"Hi Mom & Dad! The beaches here are even more beautiful than the photos. Had fresh seafood last night that made me think of Dad's famous fish fry. Taking lots of pictures to show you. Love you both!"
To a Best Friend
"You would absolutely LOVE it here. Found a bookstore cafe combo that has your name written all over it. Already planning how we can come back together. Miss your face!"
To Grandparents
"Dear Grandma & Grandpa, Thinking of you from sunny Spain! The church we visited today was built in 1300—can you imagine? Everyone here eats dinner at 10pm! Hope you're both well. Love always, [Name]"
To Kids
"Guess what I saw today? REAL PENGUINS! They waddle just like in the movies. I'll show you all my pictures when I get home. Be good! Love, [Parent]"
Quick Tips for Better Postcards
Be Present: Write about what's happening right now, not a summary of your trip
Use Your Senses: What do you hear, smell, taste? These details bring your postcard to life
Skip the Weather Report: Unless the weather is genuinely remarkable, find something more interesting to share
Be Honest: A funny mishap or unexpected discovery is often more interesting than "everything is perfect"
Write Legibly: Take your time. A beautiful message loses impact if no one can read it
What NOT to Write
- Generic messages like "Having fun, see you soon!"
- Complaints about travel problems
- Anything too personal (postcards can be read by mail carriers)
- A list of every place you visited
The Perfect Length
You don't need to fill every inch of space. A short, heartfelt message beats a cramped essay. Aim for 3-5 sentences that capture a single moment or feeling.
Modern Twist: Photo Postcards
Why choose from generic tourist postcards when you can send your own photos? With Postcard.bot, you can:
- Turn your best vacation photo into a real postcard
- Write your message on your phone (no bad handwriting!)
- Send it from anywhere—even mid-adventure
Your recipients get a real, physical postcard featuring YOUR photos and YOUR words. It's the perfect blend of personal and convenient.
Don't Wait Until the Last Day
The best time to write postcards is early in your trip when you're excited and have fresh experiences to share. Waiting until the last day often means rushed messages—or forgetting entirely.
Pro tip: Write one postcard per day. It becomes part of your travel ritual and ensures everyone gets something unique.
The Arrival Factor
Remember: your postcard might arrive after you're home. That's okay! It becomes a lovely follow-up to your trip, a physical reminder that drops into their mailbox when regular life has resumed.
Planning a trip? [Create custom postcards](/create) from your phone with Postcard.bot. Send real postcards featuring your photos, delivered anywhere in the world.