You can show your friends and family how much you miss by sending a postcard. You can capture your time when you are in an interesting and exotic place. The process of sending a postcard is very similar to sending a letter: you must paste the appropriate number of stamps, enter the correct address, write down the message, and go to the post office to send it.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Getting Postcards and Stamps
Step 1. Buy postcards
You can buy them at supermarkets, gift shops, and gas stations. Choose a postcard that best describes the local atmosphere, something that makes the recipient feel your experience. If you have some free time, try making your own postcards. You can use online photo shops, or you can make your own using image editing programs and the internet.
Step 2. Buy stamps
Stamps are proof of payment for your postcard. Without stamps, your postcard will not be delivered to the post office. Stamp prices vary, depending on the destination. The price of postage for domestic shipments is usually cheaper than overseas shipping. Some postal services will charge a flat rate for all international shipments, while others will charge according to the distance of destination from the sending country. It's best to check first at the post office or postal service site.
- Depending on the destination, you may need two or three stamps, or even more. Find out the exact cost of sending your postcard online.
- You can buy stamps directly at the post office. In the US, you can also buy stamps at supermarkets, mini-marts, or gas stations. Sometimes stamps can also be purchased at the gift shop.
- Make sure you buy the latest stamps. Stamp prices change over time. Stamps purchased some time ago may no longer be sufficient.
Step 3. Glue the stamps
Stick the stamp in the right corner of the postcard. Cards usually have a sign or symbol as a marker for placing the stamp. Some stamps already have adhesive on them, but others need to be moistened first.
- If the stamps have adhesive, simply pull off the backing and stick the stamps in the correct places. Make sure your stamps are not upside down! However, if it's too late, usually the post office will still send your postcard even if the stamp is reversed.
- If your stamps don't have adhesive, you'll need to moisten the backs to make them stick. Usually, the back of these stamps is licked. Otherwise, you can also use a sponge or fingers to wet the stamps. Moisten the back of the postage until it's slightly damp, but don't let it soak and tear or come off the postcard.
Part 2 of 2: Writing Messages and Addresses, and Sending Postcards
Step 1. Enter the destination address
Postcards usually provide a special place for the body of the message and the address of the destination. If your homemade postcard doesn't have this special place, draw a vertical line dividing the length of the postcard in half. After that, draw a horizontal line that divides the width of the postcard box on the right in half. Fill in the box on the left with your message, the top right box with the postage and destination address, and the bottom right box for the return address.
You do not have to include a return address. As long as the address of the recipient listed is correct, the card will reach the recipient. If you're traveling, of course you don't expect your card to be returned, or to be able to provide an address for your next stay
Step 2. Write the contents of your postcard
Read how to Write Postcards. If you're sending the card to your own home address, write down your experience while on location, as if you were writing a letter to a friend. Insert a short message to say that you are fine. Try to give a brief overview of your experience. The body of the message doesn't have to be long, but it should show that you miss the recipient.
- Again, make sure you attach the stamps first. Thus, your writing is not covered with stamps.
- You shouldn't write too low on a postcard. Usually, the post office will stick a sticker along the bottom edge of the card so that it reaches its destination. Try leaving as much as one finger width between the bottom edge of the card and the last line of your message.
Step 3. Send a postcard
Find a post office or other delivery service in your area. Make sure the number of stamps affixed is correct and the address listed is correct. If you are sure, send a postcard like a regular letter. If you are overseas, the card will usually arrive at your destination within 1-2 weeks.
Some office buildings, government offices, or town halls have mailboxes. If you're staying at a hotel, the receptionist will usually want to include your postcard along with any other letters to be sent. If you can't find a place to send a postcard, ask locals or fellow travelers
Warning
- Don't write anything personal. Postcards don't have envelopes so anyone can read them.
- If you send a postcard to another country, the estimated time for your card to arrive may be wrong
