This article is being re-posted from FLiP Magazine October 2015.  FLiP Magazine is a great publication with insight into pop-culture for both men and women! Aeri Rose is a regular contributor to FLiP W, the female focused half of the magazine.  You should definitely check it out, and subscribe for the free digital editions! Even if I’m quiet here…I’ll always find something to say there!

“The Art of the Postcard” 

“Hey Ma! Greetings from the top of the Empire State Building.  Can I see my house from here? Give everyone my love and tell John to stay out of my room! Love, Katie”

“Hi Dad! We walked ALL OVER Barcelona today. Man am I tired.  Time for some wine and tapas. Gina says hi too. See you soon,  Rob”

“OMG Sarah you will not believe how hot all the guys are in Italy.  Its a total dream. I met this guy at the disco last night, Angelo, and we stayed out dancing ‘till like 5:00 am. The sky was getting light, seriously.  Wish you were here!! xoxo Roxie”

No matter who you want to write to, on your next trip write some postcards! They are a fun and inexpensive way to let your loved ones know you were thinking about them on while on your adventures.  And in today’s modern age of tweets, posts, and pokes; its nice to find something more exciting than bills and penny-savers in the mailbox on occasion.

What kind of post card should you send? Whatever strikes your fancy! There are cards of places you’ve been, sights you’ve seen, and more.  Some are big, some are small, some are matte or glossy, but all offer the sender a chance to share a small slice of their excitement and discovery with friends back home.

Or, consider exploring one of the many new postcard aps available on your smartphone. Snapshot Postcard (www.snapshotpostcard.com) for iPhone is one of my favorites, and Touchnote (www.touchnote.com) for android and laptops is a good one too. With these aps you can be the author and photographer! Just up load your favorite moments from your trip, jot down your messages, and with a couple quick clicks away it is whisked to be printed and sent wherever you wish.

But wait! What should you write?

The typical postcard has roughly 4 square inches of message space, at most, so keep your notes short and sweet. And remember, these things don’t have envelopes so keep your messages kid friendly and non-incriminating! Write a poem or song, a haiku, or even a riddle to keep your readers guessing until you get home.  Fancy yourself as an artist? Draw a picture!

Sometimes when in the midst of a busy trip it can be hard to remember to stop and appreciate each new moment.  But the act of selecting a card, and sitting down at a cafe or on a park bench to write out a few of your favorite memories can help you to pause, catch your breath, and remember what it is about travel that you love most to begin with.

So on your next trip I challenge you to send a post card.  Do it for you. I hope you love it. I hope your reader loves it. And I hope it helps you connect to a deeper appreciation of the places you visit.

Happy travels and happy writing!

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Have you ever had the urge to just drop what you were doing, pack a bag, and set out on an adventure? Seven years and over two dozen countries later, Aeri Rose is proof that excitement, independence, and discovery await those who are bold enough to say “yes” to life’s craziest choices. When not exploring the world with her little grey backpack, Aeri Rose an be found living a nomadic lifestyle traveling the United States as an artist and entrepreneur.  To follow Aeri on all her adventures, check her out online at travelingwithaeri.com; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aerirose.