Summary

The article discusses the resurgence of postcard writing as a personal and meaningful way to connect with others, emphasizing the joy of sending and receiving postcards.

Abstract

The postcard has experienced a revival as a cherished form of communication, offering a more personal and thoughtful alternative to digital messages. The author reminisces about the excitement of receiving postcards and encourages readers to engage in this tradition, highlighting the effort and care that goes into selecting, writing, and sending a postcard. The article underscores the personal touch of a postcard, the pleasure of choosing the right card and stamp for the recipient, and the unique charm of foreign stamps. It also provides practical tips for modern postcard enthusiasts, such as using apps to create and send postcards directly from a smartphone and preparing pre-addressed labels and stamps before traveling to streamline the process.

Opinions

The author believes that sending a postcard, though requiring effort, is a gesture that signifies care and is not burdensome.
Postcards are seen as a more personal form of communication compared to social media posts, as they are tailored to the recipient's interests.
The choice of stamp, especially from a foreign country, adds to the enjoyment of receiving a postcard.
The article suggests that using postcard apps can be a convenient and creative way to send postcards, though it may be more expensive than traditional methods.
Pre-addressing labels and purchasing stamps in advance are recommended as ways to make postcarding an easier and more enjoyable process.
The author expresses that even those who cannot travel can participate in the joy of postcard exchange by sending cards from their hometown.

Travel

The Postcard Has Made a Big Comeback

Whether you use an app or kick it old school, join the postcard revolution!

Drew Magary recently wrote something in Forge about people being obsessed with the end of everything and urging people to “resurrect things instead of killing them off.” After reading it, I was inspired to write this. Thanks, Drew!

Remember postcards? Maybe you don’t, but I do. All year long, but especially in summer, I looked forward to finding postcards in my mailbox: friendly greetings from afar. When a friend or relative said they were going someplace like Japan, Disneyland, or Niagara Falls, I’d say, “Send me a postcard!” and they would.

I’m happy to say that once again, people are discovering the slow pleasure of the postcard. I encourage you to send some yourself and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get some in return.

Here’s why postcards are a pleasure unlike any other:

When somebody sends you a postcard, you know that they care

Vintage postcard from The Netherlands (public domain)

It takes a little effort to send a postcard, but not so much that it’s burdensome. The sender selects and purchases a card, addresses it, composes a message, and affixes a stamp. Then they find a mailbox and send it on its way, straight to you. Grandma may never spend a day of her life outside of Texas, but postcard greetings from around the world will let her share in your travel adventures.

A postcard is more personal

You probably send texts all the time and not always in complete sentences. You can reach 50 million people by posting your vacation photos on Facebook or Instagram, but it’s a generic, one size fits all gesture.

Postcards are much more personal. The picture you choose and the message you send, ideally, is tailored to the taste and interests of the receiver.

Vintage postcard of the Cedar Stump House near Edgecomb, Washington (public domain)

Does your friend like to sew? A postcard picturing Amish women making quilts sent from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is perfect. Is your grandfather a military history buff? He’d probably love a postcard of “Old Ironsides” sent to him from Boston.

The message you send someone is just for them. If you visit Athens, for instance, you might tell one person about the ruins you saw, while another might be more interested in the Greek feast you had.

The stamp is a fun bonus, especially if it’s from a foreign country

USPS Coral Reefs postcard stamps, 2019 (image via store.usps.com)

Postcard stamps are usually less expensive than first-class mail stamps. The pictures on them are different, so even if you’re sending a postcard within your own country, there’s a good chance the receiver will not have seen the stamp before. Some of them are quite beautiful.

If you’re sending a postcard from a foreign country, it’s interesting to see what that country has chosen to feature on its stamps. You might be surprised. The Republic of Benin once issued a stamp with a picture of French film star Brigitte Bardot on it. Sierra Leone had one that pictured American actress Demi Moore smoking a cigar.

Tips to make postcarding a breeze

Use an app

There are several apps available that allow you to make postcards yourself and send them directly from your phone. Some even allow you to design the stamp, too. Depending on the service, you either pay as you go or purchase a subscription.

Using an app is somewhat more expensive than doing it the old-fashioned way. Still, if you have a particularly great photo you want to share, or if you just like the idea of accomplishing the whole operation without having to leave your hotel room, it may be the way to go. Some of the postcard apps available are MyPostcard, TouchNote, Postagram, and SnapShot Postcard.

Prepare pre-addressed labels at home before you leave on your trip

Decide which of your friends and relatives you think would appreciate a postcard from you, gather their addresses, and print them on a sheet of labels before you leave.

Get stamps at home or as soon as you arrive

If your trip is within your own country, purchase a book or a roll of postcard stamps in advance. In another country, make it a point to buy stamps as soon as you get there, so you’re ready to go when you find the cards you like. Preparation streamlines the process and makes it much more convenient.

Sending and receiving postcards is a fun and thoughtful way to communicate. That little extra bit of effort makes a lasting impression. If you’re not able to travel, send people postcards from your home town. I guarantee they’ll appreciate it.

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