The Forgotten Art of the Summer Postcard

There was a time not so long ago when people would never travel without a sending a postcard to loved ones and friends. Whether vacationing on the coast or touring the great cities of Europe, a gentleman would pause at a sidewalk café and write a short note to a friend or sweetheart.

It was a gesture of thoughtfulness and a mark of elegance. Unfortunately, it is almost entirely forgotten in today’s world.

In the age of texts and Instagram stories, the summer postcard may seem like a quaint idea. However, if you’ve ever received a postcard from someone traveling, you know it can be a powerful action. A handwritten postcard says what no digital message can. It says, “You were worth the time and the pause in my day, to share this memory with you.'“

Let’s explore why this small act is worth reviving and how to do it well.

Why Postcards Still Matter

1. They Capture a Moment in Time.
Unlike an email, which disappears into the inbox abyss, a postcard is a tangible keepsake. It is a time capsule of a special time and place.

2. They Require Effort (and That’s the Point).
A gentleman does not always take the easy route. The extra care it takes to select a card, compose a thoughtful note, and find a postbox adds weight to the message.

3. They Create Surprise and Delight.
Receiving a postcard in the mail is like discovering a pressed flower in an old book. It catches you off guard and makes you smile.

When to Send One

• When Traveling: Whether you're in Paris or Pittsburgh, pick a card that reflects the local charm.

• From a Weekend Getaway: Even a trip to the beach or mountain cabin is worth sharing with someone you care about.

• After a Visit: Send a thank-you card to your host, or to a friend you saw during your travels.

• To Mark the Season: You don’t even need to travel. Sending a postcard can just be a celebration of the season. Say something like “Summer made me think of you,” and you’ll brighten someone's day.

What to Say

A postcard does not need to be long. In fact, just a couple of lines can say a lot. Here are a few examples:

• “The ocean breeze is perfect, and the evenings smell like salt and jasmine. Thought you’d enjoy this view.”

• “Spent the morning in an old bookshop and found a first edition you would have loved.”

• “Reminds me of our trip to Savannah. I wish you were here to laugh at the heat with me. I miss you.”

The key is to be genuine and detailed. Let the other person know you care.

How to Do It Well

• Carry stamps and postcards in your travel bag.
  You can often find great ones at local shops, museums, or even gas stations.

• Use a good pen.
  Ballpoints smear. A fountain pen with quick-dry ink will help a lot.

• Write legibly and with care.
  Remember that this may be displayed on a fridge or tucked into a favorite book for years to come.

• Keep addresses handy.
  Maintain a small address book or digital list you can reference while traveling.

Tips for Sending Postcards from Overseas

Sending postcards from abroad adds a wonderful international touch, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Buy Local Postage Stamps.
  Postcards must carry local stamps to be mailed from another country. Ask at a newsstand or a post office.

• Know the Right Drop-Off Location.
  Don’t just hand it to a hotel clerk. Instead, seek out an official postbox. Many European countries color-code their boxes (for example, red in the UK)

• Mind the Timeline.
  International mail can take one to three weeks or more. If you want the card to arrive during summer, send it early in your trip.

• Watch the Address Format.
  Make sure to write the full U.S. address, including country and zip code, clearly and in block letters.

• Use Air Mail Stickers if Provided.
  Some countries require Air Mail labels so ask when purchasing stamps.

A Final Thought

The summer postcard is more than a piece of mail, it’s a mark of civility. It’s a return to the intentional habits that once exemplified a gentleman’s character. Although sending a postcard is a small act, it carries great meaning.

So this season, as you travel or simply enjoy the long days of summer, send a postcard. Write a few warm lines to someone you care about and send it with care.

You’ll be surprised how much it matters to the recipient.

(At The Ways of a Gentleman, we explore what it means to live with character, purpose, and style in the modern world. Subscribe for more reflections on culture, etiquette, and timeless values.)

Photo by Becky Phan on Unsplash