The art of collecting postcards is very old. ‘Can you get me a postcard?‘, would be one of the first things I’d ask friends and family who have just informed me about their plans for their latest holiday trip. They are used to it by now; they know how much I love postcards. It must be the anticipation of receiving an item from a different part of the world; or maybe it’s the excitement of finding a treasure with a message on its reverse, waiting on my doorstep. Perhaps, it’s both things at once – an enthusiasm that can only perhaps be surpassed when I’m the one buying postcards every time I travel.
They are my own souvenirs, after all. My own fragment of the world in a piece of illustration.
Why you should send postcards
Truth is, I find postcards incredibly fascinating. Throughout the years, I have collected more than a hundred postcards from every corner of the world, each of them holding its own personal story and buried memories within beautiful panoramas and messages. Remote postcards from Cuba, Japan, USA, Australia and even China mix with those from closer (to me), European locations such as Lisbon, Bruges or Amsterdam. It’s incredible how architecture, traditions and culture change between countries and much more between continents, something that is perfectly represented in postcard panoramas. Vintage postcards including photographs of the past are also a clear example of how fast our realities have developed in such a short time.
The enormous value of postcards never ceases to impress me. It’s safe to say that those sent by family and friends are even more special than the rest. When we travel, we tend to disconnect from our daily routines and focus on exploring and enjoying the present moment. The fact that someone thinks of you during these moments and not only buys a postcard but also writes a message and sends it to you holds a significant gesture and sentimental value. What an incredible way to deepen our relationships, don’t you think?
Why I started collecting postcards
I like to think postcards help me create new chapters of my life while saving a piece of the past; they push me forward to achieve my goals, to learn as much as I can about the incredible history of our world and the people that live in it. They remind me to explore and tick places off my Travel and London Bucket Lists, but to also find my place in all this conundrum. This passion is something I would truly like to share with my children and grandchildren when I grow old. I want to inspire them to do the same.
I’ve been a travel lover from a very young age. I must have been around seven years old when I first started collecting something remotely similar to postcards. There was a monthly magazine where Wally would explore a different country in each issue. Each of them came with stickers depicting traditions, flags and special places of that country and you could collect them all in a huge travel album. I was obsessed with it and I wanted to know everything about those incredible places. I still do.
My first postcard was given to me by some family friends who had recently visited Paris. My first big school trip to the French capital was just a couple of weeks away and they wanted to make me excited about what I was about to see. I now look at that simple photograph of the Eiffel Towel and the River Seine next to my latest one of Budapest (and at the first postcard Sam gave me, which, funnily enough, was a Helsinki postcard I already had) and realise how far I’ve come. I live in the city I’d always wanted to live in, I am in a healthy and stable relationship with the man I love, I travel regularly, I work in a creative industry I am passionate about and I write a lifestyle and travel blog regularly. Sometimes you need an illustrative image to open your eyes to reality.
Postcards inspire you to travel more
There is still so much more out there that I want to see. New Zealand, Macchu Picchu, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Iceland, Maasai Mara…The list is endless. But I couldn’t be more chuffed about the memories our friends, Sam and I are building together. Dream big, but don’t forget about the small things in life – that weekend mini break that made you feel like a whole new person, that new coffee shop that made you fall in love with chai latte and that blog and postcard collection that builds up incredible memories. That is what life is really about.
What’s your favourite thing about travelling? Do you like collecting postcards? If you really loved our post please leave us a comment and show us some love on social media using the buttons below 🙂
G.
Do you like travelling the world? Then check out:
I do exactly the same! Postcards are perfect souvenirs, and it’d definitely lovely to receive a post card from someone still!
I 100% agree! Not many people do it nowadays, like writing and sending letters, but it’s still one of those things that mean a lot to people x
What a beautifully written blog. You are right that postcards help remind you of memories of trips to amazing places and also to inspire you to visit new places that others share with you. Happy to help adding to your postcard collection, particularly now I know how much each postcard means to you.
Awe thanks Jane, you know how much I love postcards and the little messages on them! x
Your photos are absolutely beautiful; and collecting post cards is a great idea. I have kept a few from my parents, but have to admit that I rarely get any. Favourite part of travelling is always exploring; I love just heading out with my partner, not knowing where we are going, and then getting lost but finding such beautiful places.xx
angelwingsandpetticoats.com
Thank you 🙂 I love exploring the hidden bits of each place too, it is such a great way to get to know more than just the touristy parts! x
Love this idea! I used to collect magnets for the same reasons, defo need to get back into it 🙂
-pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com
I have never actually collected magnets! I only have one from the Empire State with a picture of my boyfriend and I on it on the fridge, maybe I should start collecting these too? x
Postcards are such great things to collect! I collect postcards with quotes on them 😊.
Becca // http://www.beccasloveforlife.blogspot.com
That’s awesome! It’s so good to hear someone else is collecting them too! x
Such beautiful postcards you have! 💕I like to collect magnets wherever I visit and then display them on the refrigerator door. Kinda silly but just glancing at them makes me happy! 🤗🤗
Love,
Anjali
http://www.laughingmirror.com
I bet it makes your fridge look awesome! I should actually start doing the same, mine is a bit sad haha 🙂 x
Loved this blog Gratsi and spotting some of my postcards in there! I’ll definitely help add to your collection x
Haha I love it when you guys send me postcards!!!!! x
I love this so much! I’ve always loved postcards but I hadn’t really thought of it as a collection – your outlook on it is absolutely perfect! 💕
Oh thank you for the lovely comment! x
My family usually collects magnets to add to our fridge!
||Caitlin|| http://caitlinpaigexox.blogspot.co.uk
Awe, love it! x
Loved this post. Completely resonate with your passion. Im always on the lookout for postcards for a few projects. I want to use them for my wedding guest book so if anyone reading this has any postcards they would like to donate to the cause it would be hugely appreciated (@soph.talks.travel IG). But Im also a scientist and also want to create a massive art/science/travel crossover exhibition using postcards. Thank you for this post. Im hugely jealous of some of the postcards youve got 🙂
Wow, that sounds amazing! Good luck with your project, I would love to see it! x
I love postcards. They feel so real and nostalgic at the same time. I collect things from my trips as well except I collect more like souvenirs. Most of them are sitting on my window ledge as I’m typing. Doing collections are a cute, subtle way to bring a sense of satisfaction to your life.
Johnny | Johnny’s Traventures
http://www.johnnystraventures.com
I agree, it’s such a nice way to collect beautiful moments of your life and remember them afterwards. I don’t think such a collection is ever complete, but that is also one of the most exciting things about it x
I loved this post! I also am someone who loves to collect items like postcards to look back over. I always make an effort to pick up a postcard everywhere I go and get overly excited if someone brings one back for me. The photos throughout this post were beautiful and the post was beautifully written!
Jess || http://www.secretdiaryofjess.com
Thank you Jess 🙂 I am the same! I try to get a postcard every time I visit a new place and have a little breakdown if I forget! x
What a great post! I think postcards have been a bit of a dying art for a long time now, not many people seem to bother anymore do they? And that’s such a shame. I visited Gran Canaria in June and I actually picked up and brought home a postcard of the resort just to keep for myself. The place itself was stunning and the postcard had 6 small photos of different areas of the resort on it. I couldn’t help but pick it up as a constant reminder of how pretty it was! I’m off to New York in November and will likely pick up another postcard or two whilst I’m there. Hope your collection grows and grows 😊
Awe your comment made me smile, thank you! 🙂 I agree, not many people buy or send postcards nowadays, let alone collect them. But there is something magical behind them and as you say, they are a constant reminder of how beautiful the places we visit can be. Gran Canaria is a stunning island and New York is beyond incredible. I have no doubt that you will love it and please, buy as many postcards as you need! There are so many hidden gems dotted along the city that a postcard can be the perfect reminder of the wonderful time you will spend there 🙂
My in-laws travelled from New Jersey to Alaska in their Motor Home sending my son a post card from every stop. He is 28 and still has them. Very cherished memories.
That’s a lovely to save such great memories and share them with the whole family, jealous! x
Wow, your collection is incredible! What a lovely way to capture, and share those memories for years to come. I do feel as if nowadays many people don’t get into postcards as much, but I think that it’s the perfect way to remember a trip. Thank you so much for sharing your collection! Makes me want to plan a trip, asap. (:
Awe thank you, I’m glad that you liked it! It makes me want to travel even more when I look at it, trust me haha x
I love this! Thanks for sharing! I love getting post cards wherever I go because they’re quick little souvenirs that pack easily and are sold everywhere!
Hopefully I can grow my collection as big as yours!!!
Thank you 🙂
What an awesome idea! I love sending and receiving postcards and will always keep them, but actively collecting is a lovely way to keep tangible parts of your trip. Hope you can add to the collection soon!
Awe thank you! I can’t wait to add more to the collection; it’s never-ending and that’s the tricky bit of collecting postcards!
I actually wasn’t into postcard before. A friend of mine who loves travelling enjoys sending postcard and sent me a few when I moved here in the UK and since then I have fallen in love with the concept of sending out postcard to that friend of mine as it has a more personal touch that just handing our souvenirs. Great post. Love those old ones specially.
Thank you! I agree, postcards feel more personal and can hold more memories than souvenirs. x
Ohhh I love this idea! How wonderful. When I was on my two year backpacking trip, I started collecting silver charms from every country we visited. The idea being id create a charm bracelet full of memories. It got expensive! My collection ceased to grow beyond about 10. I love your postcards idea xx
Thank you 🙂 I agree, silver charms can be expensive! Postcards are definitely a cheaper option 🙂
I love postcards too! I want my whole wall covered in them one day, and always get one when I travel somewhere – even if it’s just to another part of the country. I’m still disappointed I forgot to get one when I was in Baltimore, as I picked up ones in Philadelphia, NYC, and DC on the same trip!
I am the same! I forgot to get a postcard when I visited Cambridge, freaked out and had to tell a friend that lives there to send me some! Now that’s next level crazy haha x
I love this idea, some of these are such beautiful scenes xx
http://Www.coleoftheball.com
Thank you! x
Wow, some of these really awesome and unique! I love collecting souvenirs from any new place I visit, and postcards are great because they don’t take up much room, and you can display them on your wall or in a scrapbook! I’ve got quite a while to go before my collection looks like yours though 😂
Lovely to hear you collect souvenirs too, it’s such a great way to keep track of all of your travels! x
I love your collection! I also collect postcards from places I’ve been too but I only really started about 4 years ago so I’ve missed on many years before that. I need to get myself an album/scrapbook to keep them in. My friends used to send me postcards and I loved getting them – I want to do it more often but it seems like a dying art form.
Liz xx
You now have an excuse to get back to those places, get some postcards and build more memories! I think we should send postcards more often – a friend just texted me saying he had send me a postcard from Vietnam and I couldn’t be happier! It literally makes your day brighter x
God, I absolutely loved this post – so much that I decided I NEED to follow this blog.
It’s beautifully written and gave me a sense of nostalgia and positiveness that I throughly enjoyed!
Collecting postcard is something that I’ve always thought of doing and never did and now it’s annoying me that I haven’t because this post made me love the idea even more. Those pictures are stunning, I love that I can see the intensity of the memories connected to each postcard even if I don’t know you.
This is brilliant. Loved it.
The Love Addict x
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, you have absolutely made my day! It makes me extremely happy when someone gets inspired through a blog post, that’s what Blushrougette is really about 🙂 Let me know if you start collecting postcards, I would love to see some of your gems! x
I love sending postcards. I live in Japan and the country has special postcards for each prefecture. I always order three packets of different sets and mail them to friends and strangers. Whenever I visit prefecture, I make sure to get a couple for myself and friends (and the limited ones). They make great Christmas cards.
Japan has some of the most beautiful postcards I have ever seen – they are in fact some of my all time favourite! They are so meticulously drawn and the images on them are always stunning. I love the fact that you get postcards for you and your friends, it’s such a great gesture 🙂 x
What a great collection! My daughter collected postcards for years, and it was always fun trying to find her something unusual when I was on business trips. Thanks for sharing this post. It brought back many happy memories!
Thank you 🙂 x
This is so nice! I love hearing different people’s souvenirs of choice. Postcards are a great one, so pretty to display at home as well. I like to buy something that has been made locally every time I visit a new place. Usually hand painted pictures but I’ve got a coconut shell with artwork on it from the Maldives and a handwoven reed mat from Vietnam. I love souvenirs! Great blog 🙂
http://www.melisliving.com
Thank you! Woah, your souvenirs sound amazing – coconut shell from the Maldives? A handwoven Reed Mat from Vietnam? I HAVE to see that x
Ah yay another postcard enthusiast! I always send myself postcards when I’m travelling, and so do my friends! It’s got to the point where I have more postcards on my wall from my friends than my own haha! x
G
https://www.teawithgi.com
Hahaha that is so cool, I would love to see your wall! I love it when friends send them, they tend to write the funniest of messages! x
Wow! Such a great collection of postcards you have, Gratsiela! Plus, I truly love your style of writing and reading your post was an exceptional experience!
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Agness! x
Oh my gosh. I collect postcards too! Everywhere I go I am sure to get one or ask others to get one for me! Love your collection. 🌼
Thank you! It’s great to hear someone else does the same 🙂 x
This is so inspiring! And let me just say that I love your writing style. ❤️ do you already have a postcard from the Philippines?
Awe that is so lovely, thank you! No, I actually don’t have any from the Philippines 🙁 Need to visit soon! x
I love this! I used to collect postcards from my travels but have swapped this for magnets in recent years – my fridge freezer is full of them and they’re a great conversation starter. I also collect pressed pennies.
Wow pressed pennies? I have never seen any before but it sounds like such an interesting thing to collect! x
I love this post! Postcards are such great souveniers and they always make me so happy when I receive them. Never really counted how many I have, but it would be great to do someday. I keep them in a nice box together with other similar souveniers from my travels, like tickets or bookmarks. I always buy some for myself as well, usually go for the ones that are more special in the design.
Same! I am so happy to hear there are other people that do the same! x
Great collection, I have one myself but have run out of space and need a new album to put them in
Nic | https://nicbakes.blogspot.com/
Same! Some of them are too big to fit in my album and I need to find a bigger one! x