Story, Design, and Illustrations by Lexy Howard
In the Fall of 2024, I studied abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy. That experience helped me create memories with new friends that I will cherish. The question was, how do I keep these memories so I can return to the moments I experienced over my time abroad? Everyone has a different method; some focus on photos, others on knickknacks to mark their time abroad. In these small ways you can preserve your time abroad and have more room for future travel!
- Photos! We all have access to a camera these days, so taking photos is an excellent way to preserve memories. A point and shoot or film camera can add to your experience, adding a layer of nostalgia and capturing moments more accurately. Cameras with an SD card make it easy to upload photos to your computer to print.
- Scrapbooking and making collages are great ways to preserve moments! This method can either be analog or digital. You can combine your photos, travel tickets, receipts from your favorite restaurants, doodles, stickers, wrappers (bonus points if it’s the language from the area you’re visiting) and more into personal spreads.
- Postcards, my personal favorite! On average everywhere you go when you travel will have postcards. You can collect a postcard from all the places you visit during your study abroad journey, then write your favorite memories on the back. This keeps track of all your adventures. These moments are the ones you’ll want to look back on in the future!
- Journal! Another great way to preserve memories is to write down your daily, or weekly experiences, or simply whatever stands out to you. Free journaling is another option, when you write whatever comes to mind. Journaling creates a nuanced view of your time abroad, bringing you back to your mindset and lessons you’ve learned. When you’re abroad, you’re in a new place and learning lessons big and small!
- Trinkets!
Find a niche collecting item: labels, magnets, shot glasses, jewelry; anything small that can fit into your suitcase on the way home!
- Tattoos, a permanent memory!
To commemorate your travels abroad, you can source a tattoo artist from the country or city that you’re staying in. You can start by looking up general artists and following recommendations on social media until you find an artist or style you like. If they’re farther away, it’s just another excuse to travel! Choose from flash or custom designs to remember your travels forever.