I’ve learned that vacations bring about the longest lasting happiness. Happiness starts from the conception of the idea and continues way past the end of your vacation. First, you have anticipation. Once you’ve decided on your vacation, there’s excitement around planning out the little details and fantasizing about the actual trip. Then, once you’re on vacation, you’re in bliss! Your only goal is to fully enjoy and make the most of your time off. Once you return home from vacation, the happy thoughts continue as you relive every detail in the weeks, months, and even years to come. It’s no wonder traveling is such a popular thing to do! While we can’t pay for your vacation or help you get time off from work, we can definitely help you relive the fun! In this entry, we give you 10 helpful tips to chronicle your vacation!

1.) Document the whole trip. Don’t forget to take “before” photos - in the car, at the airport, in the airplane - photos that capture the journey to the destination. Different airports have interesting and unique features, while road trips can bring about great landscapes or funny billboards. Remember, traveling is a part of your vacation and can bring about some great photo opportunities!

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2.) Bring along a small notebook and camera you're familiar with

This will allow you to jot down details that are often forgotten once you return home. Whether it’s an interesting fact, a feeling or the address of the great hole-in-the-wall restaurant you found, your notebook and camera can house all the information you’ll need for your Mixbook.

3.) Take photos of signs and placards. Whether you decide to include these in your Mixbook is up to you, but they can prove to be very helpful during the creation process. These photos serve as reminders of where you were, or what you were looking at. If you choose to exclude the photo, the information captured can be typed into a caption.

4.) Use the voice memo feature on your phone. This is great for vacationers who are really on the go. Simply whip out your cell and record you thoughts! Voice memos allow you to stay mobile – no need to stop to write or take a photo. If your phone doesn’t have this feature, or you’re traveling internationally, an inexpensive tape recorder is a great alternative!

5.) Take candid photos. While posing in front of a monument is great, taking candid photos can better capture the moment. Photograph their reaction to seeing a building or their interaction with the exotic animal. These photos are great compliments to your posed photo. For tips on capturing candid photos, read our blog entry here.

6.) Photograph landscapes. This will remind you of the great views the city had to offer. From nature panoramas to cityscapes, these photos will make great full page backgrounds for your Mixbook pages or scenic canvas prints. Another plus is that these photos look great on front and back covers. Upgrade your home decor by planning to take and print awesome scenic snaps.

7.) Take funny photos.

Posed photos are great, but adding silliness will bring about fonder memories. If you’re not against it, cliche photos are always a good way to go.

Copy poses of statues or billboards or create a signature pose for each landmark you take a photo in front of. When looking back on this trip, you’ll recall both the landmark and the fun you had trying to create that photo!

8.) Use self-timer. Don’t be afraid to use the self-timer to get everyone in the shot. There isn’t always a willing bystander who will take your photo, so the timer is a great tool. You are in control of framing the shot, whereas a hurried bystander might just click and go. Joby has a great tripod that allows you to attach your camera to almost anything and utilize your self timer. (It’s helped me a ton of times!) These tripods are called Gorillapods and look something like this:

Remember, cameras can also be set on top of flat, stable surfaces. Just make sure that the camera won’t fall over! *Note: When using the self-timer feature and leaving your camera unattended, please be aware of your surroundings!

9.) Save currency, ticket stubs, programs and other paper memorabilia. These are great souvenirs to scan into your Mixbook. Once you get home, scan and upload them into your project as stickers! Remember, PNG files and scans at 300DPI are the way to go. :) More information on uploading your own stickers can be found here.

This layout was created by scanning and uploading tickets stubs as stickers into your Mixbook project. Next, place the ticket stubs onto the page and rotate them until you achieve your desired layout.

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10.) Think ahead. Last, but not least, think ahead! If you know before hand that you want to create a Mixbook, take some time to think of shots you want to have in your Mixbook. Which landscapes would make great spreads? What might this monument page look like? Taking the few extra minutes to visualize the page will help you shoot just the right photo for that layout.

We hope these ten tips will help you prepare for any and all of your upcoming trips! Got any great tips on how you prepare for vacation? Share them with us below!