The world of technology has come a long way since I used to travel with my family as a child. Back then, capturing my travel experiences went as far as taking my disposable or 35mm film camera with me on holiday and posting it off to Bonusprint for developing when I got back. They’d usually take weeks to return, but the wait made it all the more exciting.
When our photos arrived, we’d sit looking through them, casting off any dark or over exposed images and giggling over all the others. I loved photo albums as a child and I had several, each filled with photos of our various family adventures. So, into the album they’d go, although the occasional snap might actually make it into one of my bedside photo frames.
Nowadays, there are so many ways to preserve our most cherished travel memories. While flicking through traditional photo albums and looking at photos in frames never seems to get old, the days of disposable and film cameras are long-gone. Recording our stand-out travel moments and snapping selfies on our smart phones, digital cameras or Fujifilm cameras is now the norm. But what happens to those precious photos when we get back?
I’ll be the first to admit that, despite the fact that my phone is absolutely crammed with photos from various trips I’ve taken over the past few years, very few of those photos have actually made it into frames and I can’t actually remember the last time I had a batch of photos printed to put into a photo album.
As our prospects of travel are currently somewhat limited, I’ve been thinking about how I can find creative new ways to preserve my travel memories. If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place!
How to preserve the most memorable moments of your holiday or vacation
Draw or paint a picture – or hire a local artist
If you’re feeling particularly artistic, what better way to creatively capture your favourite travel experiences than by drawing or painting a picture to illustrate them?
All you really need is some paper and a pencil for sketching, and/ or a paint brush and a few pots of paint. Sitting on the beach sketching the sunset or lying by the pool drawing a photo based on an image you’ve taken on your camera doesn’t sound like a bad way to wile away a few hours to me.
However, if you’re not overly creative, you could always take a stroll through the town and see if you can find an artist selling paintings of local landmarks. Alternatively, you might be able to hire an artist to draw or paint a picture for you.
Create a photo book
While I’ve already mentioned that I rarely ever get photos printed to add to albums anymore – let alone even buy photo albums – I love the idea of creating photo books to document my favourite travel memories.
I find it much easier and more convenient to simply organise my favourite photos into a folder on my Macbook and upload them to my photo book online. There are lots of different providers offering these kinds of services nowadays but as I’ve always had a good experience with Bonusprint in the past, I see no reason to change now. They must be doing something right, as they’re still going almost 25 years on since I used them to develop my family holiday photos as a child.
Buy souvenirs for your home
One of my favourite travel pastimes is browsing local markets and shops for quirky travel souvenirs, from the traditional to the tacky. Edible souvenirs are my favourite!
When I’m shopping for souvenirs, I make a point of keeping my eye out for anything particularly pretty or unique that might look good on display around my home. From fridge magnets to fine china, it’s lovely to have souvenirs dotted around the house to remind you of your favourite travel memories. I can’t resist a pretty plate, as I know it’ll look pretty on the table and it’ll come in handy for food styling, too.
I’m not sure I’d want these fake frog purses hanging anywhere in my home though! I saw these at the Gaya St. Sunday Market in Sabah, Malaysia while exploring the wildlife of Borneo back last year.
Start a scrap book
If you’re already a little fed up of photo books or perhaps just don’t really see the appeal, you might want to consider starting a scrapbook to preserve your favourite travel moments.
Besides photos, you can fill your DIY travel scrapbook with all kinds of memorabilia from your trips, from plane and train tickets to your favourite candy wrappers, entrance tickets for the most iconic tourist attractions, pressed flowers and more.
Not only can a carefully crafted scrapbook can make for a wonderful way to preserve the highlights from your best holidays or vacations, but it also makes for a thoughtful gift for a travel enthusiast.
Order a canvas print
When I said most of my photos from my favourite trips still haven’t made it off my iPhone, there is one small exception to that rule.
After travelling to Grenada for to experience Grenada Chocolate Festival while on a press trip in 2018, I decided to get one of my favourite photos enlarged and printed onto canvas. It’s only a relatively small piece of me and a friend at Concord Falls, but it looks great hanging on my bedroom wall and whenever I look at it, I remember how relaxed I felt that day, chilling out in the cool, clear waters beneath the waterfall.
Getting the best photos from your favourite holiday printed onto canvas is probably one of my top ways to ensure you’ll remember those moments forever. This way, you’ll also be able to transform the look and feel of your home and your most cherished moments will always be there for you to see.
What are your favourite ways to preserve your travel memories? Share your ideas in the comment box below.