10 Ways to Create Memories of Your Experience Abroad

You are going abroad this year, you will live a handful of experiences, meet new people, discover new places, etc. You will surely have a lot of memories… But what about in 5, 10, 15 years? You need to document this adventure to make sure that when you go back to it, the memories are still here! Here are just a few ideas of ways and tools to collect memories and keep them safe for your future self.

1. Travel journaling

One of the most popular way to keep memories of your travel is to start a travel journal. Nothing is more easy: you just need a notebook and a pen to start! This system is perfect as it is entirely personalized. You can keep it simple by writing down a summary of your day with a simple black pen, or make it creative with colors, pictures and souvenirs from your travel. I personally love to include tickets I collected during my trip and drawings of my favorite landscape

2. A video a day

This is such a simple and fun way to document your experience! All you need to do is take a short video (I like to make mine around 2-3 seconds) of something you’re doing every day and after a few months, you can combine all of these videos into a longer version that will show so many memories! Tip: Set a daily reminder on your phone so you don’t forget to take your video.

3. Polarsteps App

This app is perfect for documenting travel or other special experiences. It allows you to share pictures and stories with whoever you would like, by sending them the link of your ‘trip’. It also tracks your travels on a map which is so fun to see!

You can find the app here: https://www.polarsteps.com/

4. Picture wall

Make sure to take lots of pictures during your time abroad, whether it is on your phone or a good camera! Print some of your best or most fun pictures when you get back home or even while you’re still abroad! Simply buy some twine, small clothespins or other clips and hang them on your wall! It makes me so happy anytime I look at my photo wall and I am always reminded of all the amazing people in my life and the many fun memories!

5. Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is a fun and creative way to document some of your memories! During your time abroad, save as many small artifacts and memories as possible! Think about for instance tickets, notes or cards. After your adventure, buy a scrapbook and start sticking your favorite memories in there! You can also include some pictures of course!

6. Memory a day

Get yourself a little notebook and write one sentence with your best memory of the day every single night. This way, you can look back and read through this little book so you’re reminded of all the beautiful memories you’ve made.

7. Collections

This can be anything and is something you can get creative with! Start collecting something like stones, leaves or magnets everywhere you go and start a new collection. Make sure you can remember where they came from and the collection will bring back lots of memories in the end.

8. Memory jar

Write a little note about something special (or even less fun) every day and collect these in a jar. After a while, your jar will be filled with memories. Anytime you want to be reminded of something, simply take a note out of the jar and you will be taken back to that moment.

9. Postcards

Collect postcards everywhere you go and write stories of your experiences on the back. This will allow you to reread your fun memories and be taken back in time! You can also display these in a fun way later on.

10. Calendar

Buy a monthly wall calendar and create a habit of writing a few words about the things you did or something special every day. This will allow you to look back at specific days afterwards, and be reminded of the fun memories you made!

11. Bonus idea! Create a playlist!

Woah! You didn't see that one coming, right? We had one more idea that we really wanted to share with you! Music is a great way to bring back beautiful memories, so use it! While on exchange, create a playlist of songs that you love or that you have heard in a special setting. It will forever remind you of those good times! Speaking of songs; our friends over at Musical Globetrotter share some great music inspiration on their blog, so check it out if you're in need of some inspiration!