Been There, Done That: Make Your Own Travel Postcards and Be the Envy of Your Friends

Nothing says “I did it,” like a travel postcard mailed from some exotic locale. The stamp, the postal cancellation mark, and the “touristy” photograph all speak volumes about a legitimate accomplishment.

Granted, you could opt for using social media for displaying your travel prowess, but in today’s climate of AI misrepresentation it’s tough to quiet doubters that you aren’t using a photographic piece of sketchy slop.

A much more satisfying and indisputable proof of your vacation exploits, however, can be easily handled with a simple DIY travel postcard. It’s your photograph mailed through the postal system arriving in a mailbox halfway around the world.

What could be more authentic and believable than that?

Make a Personal Postal Statement

Are you ready to pack your bags? In order to make your own travel postcards while on the road, you will need to add the following items to your luggage.

Your Packing List

• A Fujifilm instax WIDE Printer – this is the essential ingredient for delivering a photograph embedded in a postcard.
• Or, the Fujifilm instax EVO WIDE Hybrid Camera – alternatively, replace the dedicated printer with this dual purpose camera/printer.
• A package of Tap PF-12 Photo Folders – one of these folders will become the support for adding postage, an address, and a short message.
• Lineco Linen Hinging Tape – a couple of pieces of this tape will ensure that your photograph and address stay joined together.
• Pack(s) of Fujifilm instax WIDE Film – naturally you’ll want to print your photographs for each postcard. Remember, hand check your film! Also, in a pinch you might be able to purchase more film at each of your travel destinations.
• Booklet(s) of USPS International Postcard Stamps – this is the gas that fuels the confirmation of your travel exploits.

Upon arrival in the foreign land, making a postcard that records the event is ridiculously easy and can be performed within a couple of minutes. Begin your creative craft commemoration project by printing an appropriate photograph.

Cut the photo folder in half and retain the side with the photo corners. Align your instax print with the dog-eared photo mounting corners. In order to strengthen this print/folder bond, edge the entire photograph with pieces of the linen tape.

Ensure that all flaps, edges, and windows are securely taped down. Postal cancelling machinery is powerful and unforgiving for mangling raised surfaces.

Once everything is tightly taped, flip the card over and draw a vertical line down the middle of the paper. On the right side of this line, write your recipient’s address. On the left side add a message (remember, don’t gloat about your vacation) along with maybe some fun facts about the photograph and add some stickers.

Now add one of your international postcard postage stamps in the upper righthand corner, above the address. Find a mailbox and drop your missive inside for the initiation of its magical ride to your friend’s mailbox.

Keep that dream alive with a steady stream of postcards to your loved ones that, in turn, creates an analog travelog of your adventures. They will cherish each one and greet you with a stack of memories upon your return home.

Remarkably, there is a huge market potential for DIY postcards. Known as Postcrossing, this free exchange of postcards with likeminded “pen pals” is endorsed by the USPS. It’s an entertaining hobby that enables you to stretch your creativity and hallmark your DIY photographic postcard skills. Plus you might get some fascinating cards delivered back into your mailbox from countries that you’ve always wanted to visit. Bon voyage.

Enjoy.

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