Vacation Memories: Enduring Favorites from Summer Getaways, Constantly Sought After
In the heart of bustling cities and picturesque towns, a timeless tradition continues to thrive - the sending of postcards. Thomas Roque, the manager of Longchamp, shares that they sell around 8,000 to 9,000 postcards over a span of three months, testifying to their enduring popularity.
For vacationers, sending a postcard offers more than just a generic "everything's fine" message. It adds a touch of fun and excitement, allowing children to share a bit of their vacation experiences with loved ones back home. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for them to pause, reflect, and capture the essence of their journey in a tangible form.
The charm of postcards lies not only in their ability to convey a message but also in the process of purchasing them. Choosing a postcard from friends can involve selecting classic, funny, or sometimes tacky designs, adding to the overall experience. The cost for customers is a modest 8 cents, making it an affordable way to stay connected.
The postcard industry, with roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, has seen its fair share of evolution. The earliest known picture postcard was dated 1840 in London, and commercially produced postal cards emerged around 1861 in the United States. The industry grew rapidly during the "Golden Age of Postcards" circa 1890 to 1915, when postcards became a popular medium for communication and advertising.
However, the rise of greeting cards and digital communication posed a challenge to the postcard industry. Companies like Hallmark expanded significantly, offering personalised sentiments that somewhat overshadowed the postcard's appeal. Yet, postcards remain popular with tourists, collectors, and niche markets such as vintage or themed postcards.
Today, the tradition of sending postcards during summer remains strong. Writing a postcard often involves finding a scenic location to compose the message, making it a part of the holiday experience. The postcard's charm, therefore, continues to captivate us, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, affordability, and personal touch in an increasingly digital world.
References:
- Postcards: A Cultural History
- The History of the Postcard
- The Postcard: A Global History
- Vintage Postcards: A Guide to Collecting
- The Postcard: From the Victorian Age to the Digital Age
A vacationer's lifestyle often includes picking up home-and-garden themed postcards as souvenirs, showcasing the scenic beauty of their travel destinations. During their holiday in a bustling city or picturesque town, they might also find themselves purchasing travel-themed postcards to capture and share their unique experiences back home.
