How to Capture Experiences on Vacation (Without a Camera)
The age-old question about vacations: “Can I really be present if I’m always taking photos?”
While you can definitely be present and take photos, just how present (and how many photos) is really dependent on you. If you don’t think you can fully appreciate your leisure time behind the camera, no worries! We have seven ways you can capture those magic memories, no lenses required.
Meet People
Seriously! This one may sound strange, but hear us out. Unique interactions with exciting people stay with you. Why not use your vacation to meet fascinating people and have that memory keepsake long after you return home? Maybe you’ll make some friends in the process!
Scrapbook
Grab those ticket stubs, hotel confirmations, postcards, and whatever other paper items you have from your trip. Whether your scrapbook is a work of art or just a place to keep your keepsakes, this is a fun, hands-on way to remember your travels. Bonus points if you have a giant scrapbook and keep all your travel memories in one place!
Get the Recipe
Did you have a favorite breakfast spot on your trip? Maybe a dinner that was unforgettable on its own. If so, try asking for the recipe. While the chef may keep it hidden in a secret vault, you might get lucky and get the secret formula. Every time you make that dish, it will remind you of your journey!
Blogs
If you know you’ll be scrolling through your feed after posting an update on social media, maybe try a blog. If you don’t feel like setting up an entire web page for it all, a journal or just a Word document for your thoughts could work too! You can use free, user-friendly platforms like WordPress or Medium and update your family and friends without the urge to check your social media feeds.
Keepsakes
I can hear the minimalists cringing. If you don’t have the space for extra knickknacks, no worries! If you’ve got some shelf space and it won’t upset the flow of your home, grab a souvenir or two. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive; anything intentionally chosen that reminds you of a specific memory will work just fine!
Take Your Time
It’s better to have a few great experiences than tons of mediocre ones. Hard to disagree with that logic. If you pick your experiences intentionally and focus on quality over quantity, you won’t have as much data to sift through mentally, and the best ones will easily stick out.
Think About Telling the Stories
This is just a good social tip in general. Everyone loves an engaging storyteller! You know what everyone hates? A boring vacation picture slideshow narrated without any enthusiasm.
As you’re decompressing and thinking back on your vacation, consider how to tell the stories in the most engaging way possible. Not only will this help solidify your memories, but it will make your stories even more enjoyable to listen to! Whichever method you choose, you’ll find memories are easier to remember (and make) when you put down the camera and live in the moment!
So the next time you go on vacation, think twice about always having to take photos and remember to live the Vacation for Life mindset.
Author: Joe Coleman