Remember the days when sending a postcard while you were on a trip abroad was practically mandatory? You’d spend time picking out the perfect one — maybe a scenic beach view, a cheesy tourist joke, or a vintage-style print of a famous landmark — then scribble a short update, slap on a stamp, and drop it in the mail. A few days or weeks later, your friends or family would find it in their mailbox, complete with your smudged handwriting and a postmark proving you were off on a grand adventure.
Fast forward to today, and things look a little different. These days, you can snap a selfie, type out a quick message, and send it to your friends and family in seconds. That convenience has made postcards less of a necessity. However, it hasn’t wiped them out completely. Even in a world overloaded with virtual communication, some people are still keeping this classic tradition alive. While it may seem like postcards are fading from public life, there’s more to the story.
Tourists Still Buy Postcards
Tourists may not be rushing to the nearest mailbox to send postcards home, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped buying them. Instead of treating them strictly as a way to update friends and family about their vacation, people now see postcards as a tangible souvenir. There’s something special about holding onto a postcard from a trip — unlike digital photos that tend to get lost in your phone, a postcard is a physical reminder of places you’ve been. Some travelers stick them in scrapbooks, tape them to walls, or keep a box of them to flip through later.
And there are still those who love the old-school joy of actually mailing a postcard. There’s something satisfying about taking the time to write a message, pick a fun stamp, and drop it in the mail, knowing it will travel across the world to surprise someone. Opening up your mailbox and finding a postcard from a faraway place feels different than getting a text or social media update. It’s unexpected, personal, and a little bit charming in a way that instant messages just aren’t.
Collecting and “Postcrossing”
One of the biggest reasons postcards haven’t completely disappeared is because of Postcrossing, an online community that connects people around the world through postcard exchanges. Instead of sending postcards to people you know, Postcrossing lets you send and receive postcards from random places, turning the act of mailing postcards into a hobby. For thousands of enthusiastic members, it’s all about the surprise. There’s something exciting about getting a postcard from an unexpected country, complete with a handwritten message from a stranger.
Beyond Postcrossing, postcard collecting continues to thrive, and not just among older generations. Some people hunt for vintage postcards with rare designs to add to their collection. Whether it’s finding a postcard from a historic event, a beautifully illustrated one, or simply one from a favorite destination, collectors help keep postcard production alive. Even as the number of mailed postcards declines, the collectors and hobbyists keep them relevant in some way.
Special Occasions
Though people don’t send everyday postcards as often, they still make an appearance for special occasions. The holiday postcard tradition, for instance, is still going strong with families sending festive mail during Christmas, New Year’s, or other big celebrations. Some people even use postcards as creative alternatives to traditional wedding invitations or thank-you notes. A handwritten postcard adds a personal touch that digital messages just can’t match.
Businesses have also found ways to use postcards creatively. Some companies use them for marketing, hoping to stand out in a sea of digital advertising. With so many online ads and emails being ignored, a postcard in the mail has the advantage of feeling different and more personal. The tourism industry also recognizes their value, often encouraging travelers to send postcards as part of an experience-based promotion.
Nostalgia Keeps Postcards Alive
As technology takes over more of our daily lives, some people are pushing back with a desire for “slower” and more meaningful experiences. Sending or receiving a postcard taps into that feeling — it’s a small, intentional act that takes effort, unlike an instant message that disappears in seconds. For younger generations in particular, there’s a growing appreciation for keepsakes like vinyl records, handwritten journals, plane tickets, and yes, postcards.
Postcards have also found new life as décor. Plenty of people use them as wall art, journal inserts, or travel-themed decorations. Thanks to their small size, they’re easy to collect and display, making them more than just a one-time-use item. Whether they’re being mailed, collected, or turned into decorations, postcards continue to serve a purpose, even if that purpose has evolved.
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Has the Decline Plateaued?
While postcard sales have undeniably dropped over the years, the decline seems to have leveled out. There are still groups of people who keep the tradition going, whether it’s through travel habits, Postcrossing, collecting, or simply appreciating a handwritten note in the mail. While they may never return to their former glory, postcards aren’t disappearing entirely. Souvenir shops still stock them, collectors still crave them, and for many travelers, they’re still a small but meaningful part of traveling.
If you haven’t sent a postcard in a while, maybe it’s time to bring back the tradition. Pick one up on your next trip, scribble a quick note, and send it to someone who would love the surprise. Even if you decide to keep it for yourself as a souvenir, a postcard is a little reminder that sometimes, the best things take time. In a world where communication is instant, a postcard lets you slow down — just a little. And these days, that might just be what makes them special.
FAQs:
Q: Where can I buy postcards while traveling?
A: You can find postcards at souvenir shops, museums, hotels, airports, bookstores, and even some convenience stores. Many tourist attractions also sell location-specific postcards, so keep an eye out while sightseeing.
Q: How much does it cost to send a postcard internationally?
A: It depends on the country and destination. International postcard rates usually range from $1 to $3, but some places may be higher. Check the local post office for current pricing.
Q: Do I need a special stamp for a postcard?
A: Yes, postcards require postage, and some countries have different rates for postcards versus regular letters. You’ll need to use the correct stamp for domestic or international mailing.
Q: How long does it take for a postcard to arrive?
A: Delivery time depends on postal services and distance. Domestic postcards usually take a few days, while international ones can take one to four weeks.
Q: Can I create my own postcards?
A: Yes! Many online services let you design and print custom postcards with personal photos. Some even let you upload an image and have them mail it directly to the recipient.
Q: What should I write on a postcard?
A: Keep it short and fun! Share a quick highlight of your trip, mention something interesting you saw or ate, or just send a simple greeting. Don’t forget to leave space for the address and stamp.
Do you ever send postcards to family and friends when you travel? Tell us what your thought are on this topic in the comments!
