The Art of the Perfect Postcard

It is now day 6 of my Cuban adventure (I think, the days are a little blurry), and I have already written 8 postcards and gotten round to sending 6. I think that is a pretty good effort considering the amount of spare time I've had, and the language barrier crossing required to purchase them, the stamps, and get them into the postbox.

Over the years I've managed to perfect the art of postcard writing and am able to bang them out quite quickly without duplicating word-for-word copies. Obviously the space you are given is minimal, hardly anything if you like to write with large printing as I often do. Below are a few tips to help get the best out of the space you are given, once you've made it to a shop selling them of course.

I have started most of my cards with "Hola", the Spanish word for hello, then the template follows with:

1. What I did today (being as brief as possible, but spurring interest for a conversation to be continued on my return)

2. A fact about the country I'm in

3. What I'm doing tomorrow

And I finish with a very quick goodbye. A little hint to help you determine how much space to give each section is to write the addressee details and attach the stamp before you begin (I often forget and I'm left with a messy scrawl at the bottom!). Some postcards now come ready to send with post included, others need really large stamps.

I also believe the image on the postcard is very important depending on who the recipient will be. If you are sending them  a card they must be special to you, so make sure the beach scene, mountain range, statue etc they receive will be welcomed with a smile. 

One last tip, check with your hotel concierge/tour guide etc where to send them from, I just learned there are post offices that can't be trusted in Havana and its best to send from a hotel! 

Happy travel writing!