Carry stamps and some envelopes in your laptop bag

In the day of email, social networks, twitter, and text messages, nothing stands out like a handwritten letter. Whether it is a letter of gratitude, encouragement, or just saying hello, it will brighten the recipient's day, and it feels great to send one.

If you are frequently on the road, a perfect time to knock out a quick letter is the time between "turn off all electronic devices" and the order to "place your seats and tray tables in the upright position."

Thank the housekeeping staff at the hotel were you just stayed, or the education director of the museum where you took your kid for an event over the weekend, or the author of a book you just read. Or write three sentences to your kids, your spouse, your parents. Or encourage a friend who is going through a rough spot.

The key to enable this all is having some stamps and envelopes in your laptop bag. If you have the stamps and the envelope, you can put the letter in the mail on your way home or on the way to the office.

And the easiest way to buy stamps now, of course, is online at www.usps.com. Instead of waiting in line at the post office, you can get any stamps you want with a two-day delivery time.