Hey Traveller,

We hear a lot about how technology separates people today. When you sit on a bus or in a coffee shop, well over half the people have their heads down, absorbed in whatever is happening on the small screens in front of them. Then we hear about how when technology does “connect” people, it’s often not a genuine kind of connection. We post the highlights of our lives on Facebook and skim the surface of things on Instagram.

One simple thing that I quite miss from living in England, are the Christmas cards people share with those close to them. Though I didn’t tend to adhere to the over-the-top and somewhat excessive practice of sending/giving a Christmas card to everyone - down to the genitor’s cousin twice removed; I did enjoy giving and receiving one from those that are special to me.

Now, I acknowledge that this is not as big a thing in Australia, but the idea that even in the places where it IS a big thing, people are starting to move away from this festive tradition in favour of e-cards or even just a Facebook post. These seem far less personal and lack authenticity, in my opinion.

But what if a simple app could actually help you reach out to someone in a very tangible way?

My mum, bless her, still handwrites and sends physical postcards to everyone close to her! Not only for Christmas or when she travels either, but also for their birthdays, New Year, Easter, etc. This is important to her, and she feels that this is a more “real” way to stay connected with the people she loves – especially those who are far away, say, on the other side of the world :-( like me. Now, I don’t go quite that far, but I use what I would say is the next best thing:

The next best way to stay connected...

As we are finally in the swing of summer, Christmas, and New Year, I think it’s a great time to tell you about Postagram. This is a free app that you can use on your smartphone, and it allows you to use your own photos and send postcards to anyone in the world — not digital cards, but actual printed, glossy, high-resolution, happy-surprise-in-your-mailbox printed postcards.

Here’s how it works:

- From your phone, launch the Postagram app.
- Select from a wide range of decorative styles.

- Select a photo from your Phone, Facebook, Instagram and more.

- Write a personalised message on the postcard.

- Select or enter the name and address of the desired recipient(s).

And once you’ve set up your free account, you just click ‘Send’ and your postcard is created and delivered. You can even schedule it for a later arrival if you want.

That’s it!

It just costs US$3 to send to pretty much anywhere in the world including Australia and New Zealand, Europe, Asia, etc. (only US$2 if you send to the USA) and though it can sometimes take a few weeks as it uses the US postal service, I think it’s a lovely gesture, and my mum definitely agrees! — It’s a real steal for sending a high-quality print item that is so personal.

Another great feature is that the printed image is removable via perforated edges. It just pops out and can be refrigerator, album or frame-ready as a 3x3 photo.

There are a couple of things that I think are so cool about this application.

One is the easy, super-fast process. It took me about five minutes to send my first postcard, and that included setting up an account; subsequent postcards take about 2-3 minutes from start to finish (especially once you have your go-to contacts saved in your account).

The second is the wide variety of ways in which it can be used when you want to make a more personal connection with someone:

* They can be a quirky, creative, inexpensive announcement or invitation. Or a simple and romantic love note.

* You can be on vacation, take a gorgeous shot while enjoying the day, and when you get back to the hotel — or even right there if you’re connected to the internet — you can send a “wish you were here” card to relatives or friends back home.

* You can use them as customized personal thank-yous, with a photo of you enjoying the gift someone gave you, or as a thank-you from a business to your clients/customers.

* They’re a great way to send birthday wishes, season greetings, or just let someone know you’re thinking about them.

It’s true that we struggle at times to connect with others, and we sometimes feel too busy with our technology-stuffed lives to send a card. But it seems like the creators of Postagram knew that — and they put their heads into finding a fun, creative high-tech solution.

Is it time for you to start planning your next worth-writing-home-about adventure?

When you are ready for your next adventure, I can help you design your trip down to the last meticulously managed detail; recommend the best tours with the most experienced and knowledgeable guides; access great deals on the most amazing cruise destinations with fantastic lectures and authentic encounters; and offer itineraries that will provide the most meaningful journeys, enriching experiences, and memorable stories to share. Give me a call and let’s get started! Or click here to contact me now!

And remember:

It is said that a picture paints a thousand words. So, we could say that a video shows a thousand pictures. But, neither words nor pictures, nor even a thousand videos, can ever come close to the first-hand experience of being there "in person" to Witness the Wonders of Our World - while we still can, and because we still can... You still can!

Have a wonderful day,
Best regards

Nic

Your Personal Travel Manager

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P.P.S. If you are ready to start planning your next WOW trip, please reach out to me or click here to schedule an appointment.