Making Memories That Last: 10 Ways to Document Your Family Vacation

Today we are going to be talking about two of my favorite things, traveling and documenting special moments! I am going to be sharing a variety of ways that I have been able to document travel experiences.

The purpose of this week’s blog post is to provide you with a bunch of options for documenting your travels, and then you can pick a few that work for you! Let’s get started!

1. Create a Google Photos folder

Google Photos folders are a great way to organize your photos at the end of a trip. Simply create an album for each trip that you go on and add any family or friends that were on the trip! Now everyone can compile their photos in one shared place.

You can also create a slideshow of the trip! No matter where you store your photos, most photo apps have a feature that allows you to press “play” and watch a slideshow of your trip. This is a super fun and easy way to reminisce on your vacation as a family.

2. Buy a postcard each day

This is an idea I’ve been wanting to try! For each day of your trip, buy a postcard, write yourself a note, and mail it home! You could also write your favorite things you did in that city or have each family member write a highlight.

Once you’re back from your trip, you can read through them as a family!


3. Make a travel video

There are so many apps to help you create a video of your trip! If you plan to make a video at the end of your trip, make sure you decide beforehand if you want to shoot videos horizontally or vertically. You could also brainstorm specific shots that you want to capture and document throughout your trip.

If you want to get fancy, you can buy a stabilizing gimbal to help you get smooth shots. 

4. Post to social media

Posting to social media may seem obvious, but it can be a great way to journal your trip. If you’re worried about over-posting or you want to keep some photos/memories to yourself, you can also create a private account to use essentially as a journal just for you. 

There are also apps where you can get photobooks printed from your social media feed if you want!

5. Make a photobook

Making a photobook is something that you would do once you get home. There are lots of online services that allow you to design a photobook and get it printed! Shutterfly is an example that comes to mind. 

I personally love having a physical item that allows me to reminisce about a trip with my family.

6. Time-lapse video

To create a time-lapse video of your trip, take one time-lapse video a day and piece them all together at the end of your vacation.

7. One second a day

I love using the app One Second a Day! This app allows you to do exactly what you’d expect! You take a one second video every day, and it creates a little video for you. 

There is an option to do this everyday for a year, or a freestyle option where you can take a bunch of random one second videos and piece them together. I think that the second option is a great idea for making a quick and easy video of your trip.

8. Day One Journal app

I haven’t used this app before, but I came across this one and it sounds really interesting! This app collects journal entries as well as your location, the weather, and even music that you’re listening to! You can also add photos and videos!

9. Find Penguins app

This app is similar to the Day One app, but it’s another option. The app uses GPS to track you and allows you to work with an interactive map of places you’ve been! It also allows you to store photos and videos of places you’ve been.


10. Polarsteps app

Yes, I know it’s another app, but I want to make sure that there’s an option for everyone! This app is unique because it lets you use it as a travel planner. It helps you track your trip and travel plans. It also allows you to store your journal entries and photos. You can also use the app to leave tips for other users who visit the same areas! It gets even better… this app lets you print a hardcover book at the end of your trip! How cool is that?!

Click here to learn more about the apps that I mentioned! :)


Although documenting can be so fun, don’t forget to be present and don’t let it distract you. Don’t let it overwhelm you or take away from the experiences you are having! If a certain form of documenting doesn’t appeal to you or causes you stress, then that’s ok! Just choose what works best for you and your family.

Lisa AndrewsComment