Though pen pals seemed to reach peak popularity in the second half of the 20th century, 2026 could be gearing up to ignite a comeback of snail mail according to Pinterest Predicts 2026. Pen pals enforce a much needed break from the world of digital, fast paced communication, and instead offer a more intimate and intentional form of communication.

Pinterest highlighted the creative outlet that snail mail can be for Gen Z and Millennials. For example, customizing envelopes by adding elaborate stationary and aesthetic stamps. On Pinterest, search inquiries for “penpal ideas” saw a 90% increase, “cute stamps” saw a 105% increase, and “snail mail gifts” increased by 110% in 2025, indicating a potential widespread resurgence in 2026.

Having a pen pal and participating in snail mail practices is seen both as an art form and an outlet for connecting with global communities. However, a pen pal resurgence in 2026 can inspire travel trends by creating meaning before embarking on a new journey. Additionally, encouraging trends of slow travel, emerging in authentic cultural traditions, and increasing niche tourism travel. As for travel companies, PR initiatives can be taken to participate in the resurgence of pen pals to create a loyal consumer base and presenting innovative campaigns while upholding brand strategy.

How Travel Entrepreneurs Can Participate in the Pen Pals Resurgence

1. Emphasize Slow Travel
Slow travel is defined by spending longer time in one place, engaging with local cultures by indulging in community traditions, and connecting authentically with the landscape. Slow travel differs from traditional tourism, prioritizing community over tourist traps. Pen pals help encourage meaningful and slow travel, allowing your travel company to take advantage of unique experiences of your personal cultural landscape.

2. Create Pen Pal Travel Sets
Providing resources for a customized pen pal travel set with special stationery is a great way for small travel companies to participate in the upcoming conscious travel trend. Put together a set with local postcards, stamps, and a notebook with ideas, such as drying local flowers to add to a letter. This will inspire your travelers to write home about the journey you provided for them. Pen pal travel sets promote intercultural experiences, community, and sentimental travel.

3. Be Your Demographics Pen Pals
The most direct way to participate in a pen pal renaissance as a travel company is to become a pen pal for your customers. Producing a PR campaign where a travel company assumes the role as a pen pal can help foster closeness, loyalty, and trust among customers. Forming a personal connection with customers may look like sending physical mail that is customized with their name or past experiences with your company. Additionally, the aesthetics of this PR campaign could benefit from a postcard layout with custom stamps representing your company, and emphasization of stationary details like photos from your company or a variety of visually pleasing colors.

4. Utilize Custom Hashtags
Social media storytelling can still be used to promote pen pals, despite the purpose of the pen pal resurgence is to bring back snail mail. Promoting hashtags that encourage users to share their penpal stories in relation to your travel company, whether it is your physical location that is important to their story or your brand itself. Custom hashtags are a great method for encouraging UGC content and spreading brand awareness.

The resurgence of pen pals in 2026 not only serves as a fun opportunity for intentional, meaningful, and relaxed communication with someone new, but also presents a marketable opportunity for travel companies across the globe, whether it's a startup company or established travel empire. Emphasizing community, culture, and exploration among consumers through pen pals will create an everlasting impact on consumer bases.

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