Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Before we had selfies curated to perfection and hashtags announcing every moment of our holidays, there was something simpler. A small, rectangular piece of card with a beautiful image on one side and thoughtful words etched on the other. That’s right—we’re talking about postcards, the charming travel companion that once turned moments of wanderlust into keepsakes.
Today, postcards may feel like relics of the past, but is it time to bring them back? Join us as we rediscover the joy of handwritten travel notes, explore their history, and learn how to craft one that stands out.
A Brief History of Postcards
Postcards have been connecting travellers to their loved ones since the late 19th century, offering a tangible way to share memories from far-off places. The first postcard was introduced in Austria in 1869, and the idea quickly spread across the globe. By the early 1900s, postcards had become the go-to way for people to share highlights of their holidays. Travellers could jot down a few thoughts and send picturesque glimpses of their adventures to friends and family back home.
For decades, postcards weren’t just about the written message—they were miniature works of art. Often featuring stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, or snapshots of local culture, postcards captured the essence of a destination in ways that modern Instagram stories or TikToks struggle to replicate. They offered a tangible keepsake, something more lasting than a fleeting digital image. Sending a postcard wasn’t merely sharing a travel update; it was a thoughtful gesture, almost like saying, I wish you were here to see this for yourself.
As the popularity of postcards grew, they began to influence design trends, spark collecting hobbies, and even lead to creative competitions where people aimed to send postcards from the most obscure or unique locations. By the mid-20th century, they were a worldwide phenomenon, with billions of postcards sent annually. Famous artists and photographers were often commissioned to create postcard imagery, further elevating them to an art form.
However, as digital communication rose to prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, postcards gradually fell out of favour. Emails, social media, and instant messaging offered faster and more convenient ways to stay in touch, making handwritten postcards feel like a relic of the past. Even so, postcards have managed to hold onto a sense of charm and nostalgia that no digital platform can replicate.
There’s something undeniably special about receiving a postcard. It’s not just a message—it’s a piece of someone’s journey, something they physically held and sent with care. Unlike an email or a social media post, a postcard is personal and tangible, a small token of connection that stands the test of time. Even in a fast-paced, tech-driven world, postcards remind us of the joy of slowing down, taking the time to share a moment, and leaving behind a lasting memory.
Postcard Fun Facts
Postcards have a fascinating history and are filled with interesting quirks that make them even more delightful. From their origins to surprising records and unique designs, there’s so much to uncover about these small yet meaningful keepsakes. Here are some fun facts that showcase just how special postcards really are!
The “Golden Age” of Postcards: Between 1901 and 1915, postcards were the social media of their day! Known as the “Golden Age,” people sent them as casually as we send texts now. Some households received multiple postcards daily from friends and family.
World War I: Postcards played an emotional role during World War I — soldiers sent them home from the trenches, often decorated with patriotic or sentimental images, to reassure loved ones they were safe.
A Stamp of Innovation: In 1894, the UK issued the first picture postcard that could be sent without an envelope. This opened up an entirely new market for scenic travel cards, and the “Wish You Were Here” culture was born.
Postcards in Space: Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have even sent “postcard-style messages” back to Earth — although digital now, the spirit of sending notes from faraway places lives on.
Postcrossing — The Modern Revival: A global project called Postcrossing (founded in 2005) encourages people to send and receive real postcards from random people around the world, proving the charm of handwritten notes isn’t lost.
Health & Happiness Bonus: Studies show that sending and receiving handwritten mail (like postcards) can improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, and even spark a feeling of connection — perfect for people who enjoy meaningful contact, especially when travelling.
Why Postcards Still Matter Today
You might wonder why postcards are relevant when typing a message or taking a quick photo is much faster. But that’s exactly the point. Sending a postcard involves a little more effort, and that effort has meaning. Here's why postcards are still valuable in our digital age:
They’re Personal and Thoughtful: Unlike a rushed message on WhatsApp, postcards take time. Choosing the right design, crafting words thoughtfully, and mailing them to someone creates a real connection that tells the recipient, I’m thinking of you.
They’re Timeless Souvenirs: While digital photos can be lost in a sea of folders or forgotten in a phone backup, postcards are tangible and long-lasting. They evoke sensory memories when you hold them, read the handwriting, and admire the image.
They Celebrate Spontaneity: Postcards often capture an unfiltered moment of adventure. They aren’t photoshopped or filtered through apps but reflect exactly what the traveller saw, heard, or felt in that moment.
They Capture the Charm of Travel: From the stamps and postage marks to the slightly battered edges, postcards tell a story of their travel route and destination. They’re a small, charming window into both your experience and the world.
If you're nostalgic for the tradition of sending postcards, don’t worry. It’s incredibly easy to get started.
Crafting the Perfect Postcard
A postcard is more than just a pretty picture. It’s an opportunity to capture your trip in a way that makes the recipient feel like they’re travelling with you. Here’s how to master the art of postcard crafting.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Postcard
Look for postcards that tell a story about your destination. If you’re visiting Santorini, pick a postcard with its iconic whitewashed buildings and blue domes. Travelling to Morocco? Opt for colourful tiles or a bustling souk scene.
Make sure the image reflects something unique about the place or experience. Bonus points if it’s locally made, as it supports the community where you’re visiting.
Step 2: Finding the Perfect Words
Writing a postcard shouldn’t be a daunting task. Keep it short, sweet, and personal by following these tips:
- Start with a simple greeting: “Hello from sunny Greece!”
- Describe the moment: “Sipping coffee at a café looking out onto the rolling hills of Tuscany.”
- Share your feelings: “You’d love it here as much as I do!”
- End with a friendly sign-off: “Wish you were here, [Your Name]!”
The key is to make it fun, genuine, and heartfelt. Leave room for creativity by adding a small doodle or a weather update.
Step 3: Add Your Personal Touch
- Use colourful pens or handwriting styles that reflect you.
- Attach a small keepsake, like a pressed flower.
- Reuse ticket stubs or maps to create a DIY postcard for extra sentimental value.
Finally, don't forget to get a postage stamp before popping it in the post!
Modern Twists on Postcards
While traditional postcards have their charm, modern travellers are putting new spins on the tradition. Here are a few trends you can adopt:
Custom Printed Postcards: Services like MyPostcard or TouchNote allow you to upload a travel photo and have it sent as a postcard.
Interactive Postcards: QR codes can now be added to postcards, linking recipients to a video or photo gallery of your trip.
Digital Postcards: If you’re short on time, create an e-postcard with apps like Canva and send it straight to someone’s inbox. It’s a great way to keep the tradition alive while staying environmentally conscious.
Postcards with a Story to Tell
There’s something quietly magical about sending a postcard. A simple piece of card, a few handwritten lines, and a stamp — and yet it can cross oceans, climb mountains, and survive decades of change before landing safely in someone’s hands. And sometimes, the journey a postcard takes becomes even more memorable than the message itself.
Take, for example, the postcard sent from the icy wilderness of Port Lockroy, a remote research station in Antarctica. Sent to a small village in Scotland, this wasn’t just any postcard. Due to the extreme isolation of the Antarctic outpost and the unpredictable logistics of mail from such a distant corner of the world, this humble card ended up travelling over 24,000 miles before it finally reached its destination. It crossed continents, rode research ships and commercial flights, and dodged the most challenging postal routes on Earth — becoming a true globe-trotter in its own right. Proof, if ever you needed it, that patience is the real currency of postcards.
But it’s not just distance that makes these small messages remarkable — sometimes, it’s time itself. Back in 1910, a postcard was sent in the UK to a young woman named Miss Vera Lovell. For reasons still unknown, the card never reached her. Nearly a century later, a man named Andrew Lumley stumbled across the old postcard at a flea market and, out of sheer curiosity, decided to post it once again — addressed to the same house after all those years. Against all odds, the Royal Mail successfully delivered it, completing the postcard’s journey 95 years late.
It’s a charming reminder that even the simplest note has a life of its own — quietly waiting to be read, no matter how long it takes.
So, the next time you’re off on your travels — whether you’re crossing continents or simply enjoying a weekend away — consider swapping the usual digital update for something a little more personal. A postcard may take the scenic route, but its arrival is always worth the wait.