20 thoughts to write in a postcard when you’re traveling

You’re making it a point to share your experience abroad with your loved ones by sending them a postcard from each place you visit. But because of the small amount of writing space that occupies a postcard, you’re having trouble condensing your epic experiences into such a concise message. What should you do?

Here are 20 quick notes to include in your postcard that still give your friends and family an overview of your travels:

1. Walk your loved ones through a day in the life of living in that particular country by describing your daily routine.
2. Share your favorite memory from the city.
3. Share your favorite activity.
4. Play roses and thorns – two best parts of your trip and one worst part.
5. Write down a list of all the things that made you happy while being in that country.
6. Share a bit of local information, like a common saying. Try writing it in the native tongue, too!
7. Don’t just describe what you’ve been doing, but rather tell a story. Did something embarrassing happen to you? Did you have an interesting tour guide who shared a crazy memory with you?
8. Sketch your favorite local cafe, what your room may look like or a famous site you saw.
9. Did you acquire a new hobby from the locals? Share with your family what you’ve been doing.
10. Was there a major event or election that took place in the country while you were visiting? Share a bit of local and breaking news to keep your loved ones up to date and informed about what’s going on.
11. Write a couple of interesting facts you learned about the city and country as a whole.
12. List some local festivals you’ve attended or traditions you’ve picked up on.
13. When in doubt, talk about the current weather situation or the last thing you ate.
14. If you’re a student, list the most interesting thing you learned in school that day.
15. Describe the outfits and jewelry locals wear.
16. Share a recipe for a traditional dish that’s often consumed by the locals. Your family can test it out and see what type of food you’ve been eating.
17. List your plans for the week to let the family know what you’ll be up to.
18. Talk about your preferred mode of transportation.
19. Describe to your loved ones what it’s like to sightsee with virgin eyes and the moment you fell in love with the country you’re in.
20. Just say hello! No need to fill up blank space and take away from your travel time. Quickly say “hello” and “I love you,” and list the next city you’re off to.