One of my favorite quotes is…
“Would you still want to travel to that country if you could not take a camera with you?” –Nayyirah Waheed
The first time I heard it, I admit…I actually considered the question. I mean, of course, I would travel if I couldn’t bring my camera. But, it would be a little hard to get used to, don’t you think?
I’m not really on Instagram and I don’t really post on Facebook. I don’t Snapchat and I don’t even own a selfie stick. You might be thinking, “Why would you care about pictures then, anyway?” After all, does anyone actually do anything with those photos besides posting them on social media?
I do.
And, you can, too. Here are all the awesome things I do with my photos after a trip, and I suggest you try out some of the ideas. This way, your photos will come to life and get out of cyberspace for good!
Photo Album:
This is easy. Print out your favorite photos, and just slap them in an album! Any arts and crafts store will sell albums, and all you have to do is put your photos in. Printing photos don’t have to cost a lot. Actually, some apps like Snapfish or Shutterfly charge pretty much nothing to choose your photos, and they only charge for shipping. An easy way to get it done right from your phone, or if your photos are on a different file, do it on your computer!
Scrapbook:
If you like to add something more to your album, you can do a scrapbook. Sometimes, I do my scrapbooking within the album to save me time. Also, I don’t consider myself super creative, anyway. Go to the craft store and get stickers, special paper, Sharpies, and anything else you want to spice up your scrapbook. Write quote from your journals, stick in ticket stubs or other memories, and keep your experiences right there on the shelf.
Shadowbox:
If you’d rather your scrapbook or photo album be displayed at all times but don’t want it to take up the entire wall, then make a shadowbox. All you have to do is by a thick glass frame, and stick your photos and other memories inside. Hang it up, and admire it every time you walk by it!
Maps:
Get a map of the world or the country you traveled to, and replace that country, or each state or city, with a photo you took from that area.
Travel Journal:
If you’re the type of person that always makes sure you have enough time for journaling while you travel, then this one is for you. Get a sketchbook, some funky pens, and doodle away what you see while you’re on the road. When you have a chance, print out some photos and tag them in. Otherwise, your own drawings will suffice!
Polaroids:
I absolutely love Polaroid cameras. They’re so much fun to bring on your travels, and because you get an instant picture, there’s no excuse for not keeping an album. I have a little album for my Polaroid shots, but there are so many things you can do with them. Hang them on a string along your wall, pop them on a corkboard, or make a collage. It’s one of the coolest ways to record your travel memories while reminding yourself to always be taking photos. (After all, that film does get expensive!)
Don’t take a ton of photos during your travels just to have them stay online or fall down the gallery list on your phone. It only takes a few hours of your time, hours where you can reminisce on your trip, to make something worthwhile.
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in Mexico and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
