Hey hey Momma!

Thanks for stopping by the Forever Kept Co.’s blog. If you’re new here, we are brand focused on creating and preserving memories made while on family vacations. Glad to have ya!  This blog post highlights simple amd EASY ways to capture those memories you want to laugh about 20 years from now. Whether it’s a week at the beach, a road trip across the country, or a weekend in a new city, these moments deserve to be cherished and remembered. But how do you capture the essence of your family’s adventures in a meaningful way? 

Here are ten creative ways to document your family vacations, ensuring the stories, laughter, and love are preserved for years to come. 

1. Travel Journals
Although ours hasn’t launched YET….this is a great way to have each family member jot down their favorite moments, funny quotes, or even doodles from the trip. For younger kids, you can include prompts like “What made you laugh today?” or “Draw your favorite thing you saw.” These personal reflections become treasures that bring back memories in vivid detail. 


2. Video Diaries
Capture the sights and sounds of your trip with short video clips. Let each family member take turns narrating the day or sharing their favorite parts of the trip. By the end, you’ll have a mini-movie that truly brings your vacation to life. 


3. Souvenirs
Save ticket stubs, maps, postcards, and even small items like pressed flowers or coins from your trip. Combine these with photos in a vacation journal that tells the full story of your adventure. Add handwritten captions to personalize it even further. 


4. Postcards to Yourself
Buy a postcard from each destination you visit and write a note about what you did that day. Mail it to your home address or save them to create a visual timeline of your trip. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to remember the little details. Plus, I love to receive mail that isn’t a bill….even if it’s a postcard I sent to myself, haha!


5. Create a Photo Scavenger Hunt
Before your trip, make a list of fun things to find and photograph—like a local food dish, a unique street sign, or a family selfie at a landmark. This not only keeps everyone engaged but also ensures you capture a variety of unique moments. 


6. Memory Boxes
Designate a small box for each vacation where you can store mementos like seashells, museum brochures, or hotel room keys. Label the box with the trip’s date and location, and let it serve as a physical time capsule. 


7. Family Blog or Social Media Account
Start a private blog or social media account to document your adventures in real time. Upload photos, share stories, and even include quick travel tips for others. This can become an ongoing digital diary for your family. 


8. Themed Photo Books
Create a photo book with a specific theme, such as “All the Meals We Ate” or “Funny Faces We Made.” These niche albums capture unique aspects of your trip that might otherwise get lost in general vacation photos. 


9. Illustrated Maps
Draw or print a map of your destination and mark the places you visited. Add notes, stickers, or small sketches to make it a colorful and interactive memory piece. 


10. Family Interviews
At the end of each day, record short interviews with your family members. Ask questions like “What was your favorite part of today?” or “What surprised you most?” These candid responses will capture emotions and perspectives that photos alone can’t convey. 


And lastly, let’s  make it a tradition!

The beauty of documenting your family vacations is that it turns your memories into something tangible. Over time, these journals, videos, and keepsakes will create a legacy for your family to cherish and pass down.  Who knows….maybe your keepsakes will find its way to an exhibit at a museum.

So, the next time you embark on a family adventure, try one—or all—of these creative methods. You’ll not only capture the moments but have a stockpile of memories to reminisce at next year’s Thanksgiving table.

Here’s to preserving the magic of your travels! 

Until the next blog post,
Ellyse