Summer is always the time when people take vacations and go on holidays to exotic locations that they have been saving for. After the vacation, they usually bring home tons of photos that hold priceless memories but what to do with these photos is always an open question. As a result, many of these photos never make it past their phones or computer, and many eventually end up in digital albums. While this is a great way of keeping them safe, it is not a lot of fun and definitely is not a great way to keep all wonderful travel memories fresh.

While many people love the idea of scrapbooking, the time needed to create one is a big problem. I however hope that you like these 5 DIY things you can do with your holiday photos. Some of them will only need a few minutes of your time while others may require a couple of hours.

1. Pocket travel journal

Before leaving on any holiday, many of us always ensure that we carry with us a small journal where we can write down the interesting parts of our holiday. Well, one way of immortalizing your memories is by making your journal a journal-album.

Example of a travel journal – sample from https://www.etsy.com/au/

How to do this you ask? Just print out the best pictures and stick them right into your journal. This way, the scribbles and photo will be a great reminder of the wonderful times you had. Additionally, the small size means that you can carry it on your trip and stick some of the photos when everything is still fresh.

2. Travel Collage

You’ll see your photos most often if they are on your wall, visible whenever you walk into the room. To that end one great solution is to get a photo collage printed out of some of your favourite shots. Have it printed on canvas then gallery bound (canvas tight across a wooden frame). Hang the end result somewhere eye catching and enjoy being reminded of some of your best times regularly.

Example of a travel photo collage – sample from http://thecanvasfactory.com.au/

3. A photo bulletin board

Another way of immortalizing your holiday experiences is by creating a photo bulletin board. This is a very simple DIY project that only requires a large bulletin board, map (preferably of the place you visited), glue, and your photos, receipts, or postcards.

If it is possible that your bulletin board is framed, that will even add to the beauty of the whole setup. All you need to do is stick the map on the board followed by your photos and postcards, and then hang it in your kitchen, hallway, or staircase.

4. Photo gallery

Stairwells, hallways, and basements usually have lots of empty wall space. What a great idea it would be to turn this space into a small gallery. You can hang photos from all your holidays.

Travel photo wall – sample from https://au.pinterest.com/

Print and frame some photos each time you come back from a vacation and add to your gallery. This will provide a great way of looking back at old vacation photos and seeing how much your kids have grown.

5. Smartphone cover

I saved this to be last because it is not exactly a DIY project. You may need help of a professional. However, it is a great way of carrying your memories with you every day.

Pick the photos you love most and have a custom smartphone cover made. You can decide the shape, size, and placement of each picture of an added personal touch. There is really no better way of keeping your memories alive.

6. Make a calendar

Many of us only use calendars to keep track of the days and weeks of a year. However, you can add life to your calendar by using the best photos from your vacation to create a wonderful calendar. You will be reminded or the wonderful times you had whenever you look at the calendar.

Instead of buying a calendar, pick some of the photos you love most and use them to create a custom calendar. Best thing is that you can decide of the size of the calendar.