On Vacation: How to Write Your Friends and Family

Correspondence stresses people out. For example:

Holiday cards. You were going to send them. You had that cute photo of you and your dog in Christmas sweaters all picked out, but then time got away from you.

Thank-you letters. Has anyone, ever, in the history of time sent one of these on time? No.

Postcards. Beautiful sunset shot or landmark? And what to write? “I’m on vacation. You’re not. Hope this small piece of paper makes up for it.”

In fact, sending snail mail during a trip is one of the best ways to share your travels with others. Read on for some travel correspondence tips and gear from NileGuide’s gear junkies.

First, you need a pen. Some sites would lead you to believe that the only pen you should travel with can also write underwater/in outerspace/on the surface of a moving vehicle. They lie. The ballpoint you find in your hotel room will do just fine – and probably won’t leak in your bag – but if you’re looking for some decent pens to throw in your pack for plane/train/beach writing, try a few of our favorites:

Pilot Precise pens: Their fine tips make for excellent control, which means that it’s also possible to cram a lot of writing onto a little postcard (for when you want to share that entire conversation you had with the cute bartender verbatim).
Ergo-Sof PenAgain: Possibly the weirdest pen you will ever see, this little guy is also the most comfortable. And what’s vacation for if not relaxing?
Sharpie’s Utra fine-point markers: Colorful, high quality and they write on everything.

Next, you need something to send. Postcards are the obvious choice: They say “I care” more than an email, but can be finished just as quickly. But what if you’re headed somewhere so remote they aren’t for sale? Answer: buy some ahead of time. Like these:

Greetings from the Ocean’s Sweaty Face: 100 McSweeney’s Postcards (Funny!)
Classic American Children’s Illustrators: 30 Postcards (Gorgeous!)
100 Maverick Postcards: Pictures, Images and Thoughts for Each Conceivable Occasion (Useful!)

If you’re going to buy an actual postcard, get creative with it. If the recipient has a sense of humor, find the cheesiest possible image (anything featuring feathered hair and cutoffs, bizarre local slogans, dogs in costume). If it’s going to your parents or in-laws, consider something that conveys maturity (museums, artistic shots, lighthouses). For a friend? Anything that will make their toes curl with jealousy.

Or, write a letter. An honest-to-goodness, multi-paragraph, handwritten note about your travels. It’s not just old-fashioned, it’s classic. Make it even more special by writing it on the back of an airline safety card, throwing in a coaster or two from the local pub or penning it backwards like da Vinci (because you’re a creative genius, too). Then send it in one of these.

Lastly, you need something to write. Everyone’s gotten the typical “Hi, ThisPlaceIsGreat/IMissYou/WishYouWereHere” letter. And no one likes it. Spice up your travel correspondence with the following writing tips:

Don’t list your activities. Pick one standout event and write about it in detail.
“Dear Susie, yesterday I was bitten by a goat. It was by far the most painful experience of the trip so far, counting my sunburnt eyelids. I will show you the scar when I get back. Love, Todd.”

Use bullet points. The internet and twitter have taught us that shorter is (usually) better. Or more entertaining, at least.

• Have eaten 4 new animals (kangaroo, shark, locust and guinea pig)
• Lost my wallet on the second day.
• Found my wallet in my shoe on the fourth day.
• Have decided I look okay in a caftan.
• Bought 6 caftans.
  

Make something up. Best for trips that are a bit dull. If you’re going down this road, really run with it. “Dear Arthur, Denver is great. After sitting next to Lady Gaga on the plane flight over, I discovered that my suitcase had been searched and the contents replaced with fresh, unmarked $100 bills. After the hummer-limo ride to the convention, I went to dinner with the narcoleptic president of the company. He fell asleep in his spaghetti and I saved his life – I’m now VP of Communications. Also, the hotel has free WiFi. Best, Michael.”‘

Any other writing gear you love? Any other writing tips you have for fellow travelers? Use that keyboard-thing attached to your computer and let us know.

[Photos: p.knitty]