a travel journal meaning

What Is a Travel Journal + How to Make One with Examples

a travel journal meaning

Traveling to new places and journaling about your exciting and enriching experiences is beyond rewarding. Whether you're exploring a bustling city, immersing yourself in nature's wonders, or embarking on a cultural adventure, capturing your travel experiences is a great way to preserve memories and reflect on your journey. One popular and creative way to document your travels is through a travel journal . In this article, we'll cover what a travel journal is, the benefits of keeping one, how to choose the best travel journal among different types, and provide you with tips and examples on how to make your own.

Ready to discover how to capture your travel experiences in different places, explore creative travel journal ideas and travel journal prompts, and more? Let the adventure begin!

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is a personal diary that allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during your travels. It serves as a visual and written account of your adventures, providing you with a tangible keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. Unlike a regular journal, a travel diary focuses specifically on your journeys, including details about the different places you visit, the people you meet, the food you try, and the sights you see.

Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal offers numerous benefits beyond simply documenting your experiences. Here are some additional reasons why you should consider starting one:

1. Emotional and Mental Well-Being

Journaling has been shown to have positive effects on emotional and mental well-being . When you write about your travel experiences, you have the opportunity to process and reflect on your emotions, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to different situations via your journal entries. It can be a therapeutic outlet for releasing stress, anxiety, or even excitement, allowing you to better manage your emotions throughout your journey.

2. Enhanced Memory Retention

Writing about your travels helps improve memory retention. By actively engaging with your experiences and recording them in detail, you reinforce the neural connections related to those memories. This makes it easier to recall specific moments, sights, sounds, and even the feelings associated with them in the future. Your travel diary becomes a valuable tool for preserving and retrieving cherished memories.

3. Cultural Exploration and Appreciation

A travel journal encourages you to be more observant and attentive to the details of the places you visit. It prompts you to delve deeper into the local culture, traditions, and customs. By documenting your interactions with locals, sampling regional cuisine, and exploring hidden gems, you develop a greater appreciation for the unique aspects of each destination. Your journal becomes a testament to the richness and diversity of the world around you.

a travel journal meaning

4. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

Writing in a travel diary allows for introspection and personal growth. As you reflect on your experiences, you gain insights into your own values, beliefs, and perspectives. You may discover new passions or interests, challenge preconceived notions, or develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others. The process of self-reflection through journaling can lead to personal transformation and a deeper connection to the world.

5. Travel Planning and Preparation

Your travel journal can serve as a practical resource for future trips. By documenting your itineraries, accommodations, transportation details, and recommendations, you create a valuable reference guide that covers your experiences more fully. You can refer back to your journal to jog your memory or provide recommendations to fellow travelers. It becomes a repository of knowledge that can streamline the planning process for future adventures.

6. Connection with Loved Ones

Sharing your travel journal with friends, family, or future generations can be a meaningful way to connect and bond. Your journal becomes a storytelling tool, allowing others to experience your journey vicariously through your words, sketches, and photographs. It can spark conversations, ignite curiosity, and inspire others to embark on their own adventures.

7. Creative Expression

Engaging in the creative process of journaling stimulates your imagination and artistic abilities. Whether you're writing prose, sketching landscapes, creating collages, or experimenting with different art mediums, your travel diary becomes a canvas for self-expression. It encourages you to think outside the box, explore new artistic techniques, and develop your creative skills.

Keeping a travel journal goes beyond simply recording your experiences. It has profound benefits for your emotional well-being, memory retention, personal growth, and cultural appreciation. It serves as a tangible reminder of your adventures, a tool for planning future trips, a means of connecting with others, and a creative outlet for self-expression. So, grab a journal and embark on your journey of exploration and self-discovery through travel journaling.

Types of Travel Journals

a travel journal meaning

There are different journals for just about any goal or activity you can think of – from travel journals to fitness journals , from gratitude journals to garden journals , and more. Similarly, there are various types of travel diaries to suit different preferences and styles. We cover the best travel journals below so you can find one perfect for you.

1. Guided Travel Journals

Guided journals provide travel journal prompts and structured sections to help you capture specific aspects of your journey. Guided journals often include questions, blank pages to fill in, and guided activities to guide your journaling process. Using a guided journal or planner , can ensure you cover all the essentials, without missing any crucial details you’ll want to revisit later.

2. Traditional Handwritten Journals

These are classic journals or notebooks with blank pages where you can freely write, draw, or glue mementos. Traditional journals offer the most flexibility in terms of customization for creative journal entries.

3. Photographic Travel Journals

For those who prefer visual storytelling, a photographic travel journal focuses on capturing moments through photographs. You can include pictures alongside brief descriptions or captions to narrate your journey visually.

4. Scrapbook Travel Journals

Scrapbook-style journals combine photographs, tickets, postcards, and other memorabilia with handwritten notes and decorative elements. They provide a visually appealing way to preserve your travel memories.

5. Sketchbook Travel Journals

If you have artistic inclinations, a sketchbook journal allows you to sketch and paint scenes, landmarks, and people you encounter during your travels. It's a great way to capture the essence of a place through your own artwork.

6. Digital Travel Journals

In the digital age, many people opt for digital travel journals, using apps or online platforms to document their adventures. Digital journals offer the convenience of easy editing, multimedia integration, and the ability to share your journey with others online.

7. Travel Bullet Journals

A popular trend in journaling, travel bullet journals combine organization and creativity. Based on the bullet journaling system, these journals use symbols, icons, and trackers to help you plan and record your travels. You can create sections for itineraries, packing lists, daily logs, and more, all while adding artistic touches and personalization.

You can also use a monthly planner with ample note pages and customize it as a travel calendar journal.

Whether you prefer the structure of guided journals, the freedom of traditional handwritten journals, the visual impact of photographic or scrapbook journals, the artistic expression of sketchbook journals, the convenience of digital journals, or the organization of travel bullet journals, there's a type of travel journal that will resonate with you and enhance your travel experiences. Choose the one that suits your style and embark on a journey of creativity and self-expression.

How to Make a Travel Journal

Now that you have an idea of the different types of travel journals, let's explore how to make your own.

1. Selecting the Right Journal

Consider the type of journaling experience you desire. If you prefer writing and sketching, a traditional blank-page journal or sketchbook might be ideal. If you want structure and guidance, opt for a guided travel journal. If you're tech-savvy, explore digital journaling options.

2. Gathering Essential Supplies

Depending on the type of journal you choose, gather supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, glue, scissors, washi tape, stickers, and any other decorative elements you'd like to incorporate. If you're going digital, ensure you have a suitable device and any necessary apps or software.

3. Planning Your Journal

Before your trip, plan how you want to organize your journal. Consider creating sections for different aspects like itineraries, accommodation, food, and sightseeing. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find information later.

a travel journal meaning

4. Documenting Your Journey

During your trip, actively engage in your journaling process with regular (yet not restrictive or rigid) journal entries. Write about your daily experiences, jot down interesting conversations, glue in ticket stubs or postcards, and take photographs to complement your entries. Let your creativity flow and capture the essence of each moment.

Travel Journal Page and Layout Examples

a travel journal meaning

The layout and organization of your travel journal pages play a crucial role in bringing your travel experiences, from all the different places you’ve visited, to life. By incorporating various elements and sections, you can create a visually appealing and informative journal that captures the essence of your journey. From practical pages for itineraries and packing lists to creative spreads for reflections and bucket lists, here are some ideas to help you design engaging and meaningful pages for your travel diary.

1. Packing List and Pre-Trip Planning Pages

Dedicate a page or spread to jot down your packing list and pre-trip preparations. Include essential items, travel tips, and any special considerations for the destination. You can even add checkboxes or symbols to mark off items as you pack, ensuring you don't forget anything important.

a travel journal meaning

You may also want to check out these helpful travel and packing tips .

2. A List of Local Words and Phrases

Learning a few basic words and phrases in the local language can greatly enhance your travel experience. Create a page dedicated to practicing and referring to these words and phrases. Include translations, pronunciation guides, and space to practice writing them. This page can be a helpful tool for connecting with locals and immersing yourself in the local culture.

3. Itinerary Pages

Design pages dedicated to your daily itineraries. Include the places you plan to visit, opening hours, transportation details, and any additional notes or reservations. You can add maps, photographs, or illustrations to make the page visually appealing and easy to navigate.

4. Accommodation and Restaurant Reviews

Reserve pages to review and rate the accommodations and restaurants you experience. Include details like the location, ambiance, service, and any standout dishes. You can even attach business cards, menus, or photographs to accompany your reviews. These pages will not only serve as a reference for future trips but also help fellow travelers discover hidden gems.

5. Post-Trip Reflection and Wrap-Up

Allocate space in your journal for post-trip reflections. Create pages to summarize your overall experience, highlight your favorite moments, and reflect on the lessons learned during your journey. Include photographs, sketches, or quotes that capture the essence of your adventure. These reflection pages will serve as a reminder of the growth and memories you gained from your travels.

6. Travel Bucket List

Create a dedicated page to list destinations, landmarks, or experiences you aspire to visit or accomplish in the future. You can divide the page into different categories like countries, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or adrenaline-fueled activities. This page will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for your future travels.

7. Travel Budget, Savings Goals, and Tracking

If budgeting is important to you, design pages to track your travel expenses, savings goals, and tips for saving money during your travels. Create tables or graphs to visually represent your budget and savings progress. These pages will help you stay accountable and ensure you're making the most of your financial resources.

Your travel diary is a personal and creative space to capture the memories, emotions, and experiences of your journeys. Through carefully designed pages and layouts, you can transform your journal into a visual and written narrative of your adventures. Whether you choose to incorporate practical elements like itineraries and packing lists or focus on creative expressions like reflections and bucket lists, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination guide you as you create pages that reflect your unique travel style and personality. With each turn of the page, your travel diary will become a treasure trove of cherished memories and a gateway to relive your journeys again and again.

Creative Travel Journaling Ideas and Prompts

a travel journal meaning

Stuck on what to write or include in your travel diary? Here are some creative travel journal ideas and travel journal prompts to get you started:

  • Write a letter to your future self reflecting on your travel experiences and what you hope to remember.
  • Describe the scents, sounds, and tastes that stand out in each place you visit.
  • Create a "People You Meet" page, where you can jot down brief descriptions or draw portraits of interesting individuals you encounter during your journey.
  • Write a short story or poem inspired by a specific location or experience.
  • Make a to-do list of activities or experiences you want to accomplish at each destination. Challenge yourself to complete as many as possible and check them off as you go.
  • Write a gratitude list, noting the things you're grateful for during your travels. It could be the stunning sunsets, the kindness of locals, or the serendipitous encounters.

A travel diary is a beautiful way to document and cherish your travel experiences. Whether you opt for a traditional handwritten journal, a photographic account, or a digital platform, the process of journaling will enhance your journey and provide a lasting memory of your adventures. Experiment with different styles, layouts, and prompts to make your travel journal uniquely yours. So, grab a journal and start capturing your travel memories today!

Join the Conversation

Newsletter signup, shop now. pay in 4. always interest-free..

Add your favorites to bag

Select Afterpay at Checkout

Log into or create your Afterpay account, instant approval decision

Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks

You must be over 18, a resident of the U.S. and meet additional eligibility criteria to qualify. Late fees may apply. Estimated payment amounts shown on product pages exclude taxes and shipping charges, which are added at checkout. Click here for complete terms. Loans to California residents made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. © 2020 Afterpay

Pay in 4 interest-free payments

No impact on credit score and no late fees. Available for purchases of $30 to $1,500.

  • Choose PayPal at checkout to pay later with Pay in 4 .
  • Complete your purchase with a 25% down payment.
  • Use autopay for the rest of your payments. It's easy!

Pay in 4 is available to consumers upon approval for purchases of $30 to $1,500. Pay in 4 is currently not available to residents of MO or NVMissouri or Nevada. Offer availability depends on the merchant and also may not be available for certain recurring, subscription services. When applying, a soft credit check may be needed, but will not affect your credit score. You must be 18 years old or older to apply. PayPal, Inc.: Loans to CACalifornia residents are made or arranged pursuant to a CACalifornia Financing Law License. GAGeorgia Installment Lender Licensee, NMLS #910457. RIRhode Island Small Loan Lender Licensee. NMNew Mexico residents:

Find more disclosures related to Pay in 4.

Travel Journal: Ideas, Tips, and How To Write a Travel Diary

  • Travel Journal

Traveling has the potential to be wildly fulfilling. It exposes you to new cultures, different perspectives and unique experiences. The further you travel the more you are pushed out of your comfort zone. And the more you are pushed out of your comfort zone, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you.

One of the most popular types of journals is a travel journal. By having a travel diary, you can keep all these new experiences and knowledge in one place where you can reflect on them.

What is a travel journal?

Travel journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and the experiences you had. It is a collection of adventures, stories, memories and discovery.  It doesn’t matter where you're going or who you’re traveling with, an online trip journal can come anywhere. 

Why Write A Journal When Traveling?

There are many benefits of keeping a journal when traveling, but here are a few to start with:

Remember More

By writing down the things you want to do on your trip and the things you have done during it, you won’t forget the reasons you wanted to go and will remember more of your visit.

When traveling somewhere new, you will learn a lot about that place’s culture, customs and people. By having a place to write down your observations, you will absorb more of your surroundings.

Reflect More

A journal is a place to record new things you have discovered while exploring various places you visit. By having all these new findings in one place, you will be able to look back and reflect on what you have learned and apply it to other parts of your life.

How To Write Travel Journals: 5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Journaling

You don’t need to be traveling to Timbuktu to write a travel diary. Your writing can start with a family vacation or a weekend getaway. All you need is a destination and your holiday journal can begin!

1. Use your journal to plan your trip

Your trip journal can begin before your trip has even started. Use your journal to start planning the things you want to do. It can be anything from a cool restaurant you want to eat at, a hike you want to go on or different sights you want to see. Write down whatever is on your trip check-list, so you don’t forget it.

Once you know what you want to do, do some research and figure out the best way to do it. If you want to go see a special monument, figure out the best way to get there and put it in your journal. If you want to do some cool activities, write down the contact information of the people, places or tours that facilitate them. Your journal is also a great place to keep the contact information of your accommodations and transportation.

2. Write about what you imagine it will be like

Sometimes when you travel, your destination is wildly different than what you expected. Maybe you expected the local food to be bad and it turned out to be delicious. Maybe you imagined the town to be smaller than it actually is. Maybe you thought you would be more comfortable with the language. Whatever it is, think about writing it down before you arrive. It will be interesting to compare these predictions to what you actually experienced.

3. Write during your trip

It is always easier to remember things when they are fresh in your brain, so try and write as much as you can while traveling; every day if you can. Your journal entries don’t have to be long, but let them highlight what you feel was most important or exciting. How did you feel during your visit to the local market? What did you smell, taste and hear? Did you learn something new from the person you spoke to at the bar? Were you surprised by the clothes people were wearing? What was the view from the top of the mountain like? Before you go to bed, try and recall what you did that day, what you thought and how you felt. This will serve as a great way to remember more from your trip, but will also help you reflect and grow from what you encountered.

4. Add pictures to your journal

Even though your journal is meant for writing, pictures are still worth a thousand words. Combining pictures with your first-hand accounts of what they represent, or what happened when they were taken, will make for an even more comprehensive narrative of your travels. Don’t worry about glueing or taping anything either. Penzu allows you to upload pictures straight into your online travel journal, so you can keep your pictures and words connected and organized.

5. Write about your trip after you leave

Since you write about your trip before you arrive, you should also write about it after you leave.

  • What was it like?
  • What did you learn?
  • What surprised you?
  • What disappointed you?

It is important to reflect on your travels, so you can retain new understandings and apply them to future adventures. This is also a great way to learn about yourself, other people you may have travelled with and how you can grow. Step back from all the things you did and try to see the big picture. It may surprise you.

10 Travel Journal Ideas To Inspire You

The blank pages of your travel journal may not be serving as great inspiration, but your new trip should! Here are 10 travel journal ideas to get those creative juices flowing, kick-start your writing and help you get the most out of your travels. We hope these journal prompts help!

1. Why are you going?

Not every trip needs an explanation and not every vacation needs a justification. People travel for all sorts of different reasons or for no reason at all, but if your travel has purpose, write about it. Even if you’re traveling for the sake of it, that is a reason worth talking about too.

2. Write about your expectations.

As we mentioned above, expectations can wildly differ from reality, especially when going somewhere you’ve never been or going with someone you have never travelled with before. Jot down what you think the trip will be like, or hope it will be like.

3. What are you going to do?

Write about the things you want to do, the sights you want to see, the music you want to dance to, the food you want to taste. Writing it all down will get you excited and help you not to forget.

4. Write about the people.

Did you meet anyone new? Did you make a new friend? Were the locals welcoming? Did you learn something new from a stranger? Did you learn something new from a friend? People can really make a trip. Whether you came with them, or met them there, write about how the people you encountered affected your experience.

5. Write about the food.

Just because you call it your travel diary, doesn’t mean it can’t double as a food diary . If there are any foods you loved, dishes you hated or recipes you can’t live without, write them down to remember them all. Maybe some new fare you tried will influence your tastes when you return home.

6. The ups and the downs.

What did you like most about the trip? What did you like the least?

7. Write about yourself.

Reflect on the new experiences you had, what made you uncomfortable and what enticed you. Did you learn anything new about yourself on the trip? Did being somewhere else expose something you hadn’t seen in yourself before? Traveling can help people grow. Think about your journey and if it helped you grow in any way.

8. Write a travel guide.

If you knew friends were going to the same place, what would you tell them to do? Write down your recommendations and the stuff that should not be missed.

9. What would you have changed?

Is there anything about the trip you would have changed? Is there anything else you wish you did? Anything you wish you didn’t do? Write about your travels and how you can improve them for the next time you go away.

10. Where do you want to go next?

We all have a wish-list of places we want to go. Write yours down and try to start checking them off.

Using Penzu for Your Travel Journal

Penzu’s journal software allows you to access your journal from any computer, smartphone or tablet. Penzu will be your travel journal app ; all you need is your mobile phone or tablet and can write in in it, with or without wifi. You never have to miss an entry or forget a moment, as Penzu can come with you around the world. No internet necessary.

Now that you know what to write in a travel diary and how to write one, all you need to decide is where to go. Pick a place get start your online journal today!

There's no time like the present - start your free online journal today!

Penzu Mobile Phone apps

Loved by millions!

Get access to your diary wherever you are – download the free Penzu app for your all of your iOS and Android devices today!

Penzu Apple App Store link

Related Articles

Best Travel Journal App

Journal Basics

What is a Journal?

Journal Entries

Benefits of Journaling

Journal Types

How To Start and Write a Journal

  • Journal Examples
  • Journal Prompts

Ideas for Journals

5 Year Journal

A five year journal can help you remember the people and events that matter to you.

Gratitude Journal

We'll explain what a gratitude journal is, how to figure out what you're grateful for (and why), and some guidelines for keeping one through Penzu.

  • Pregnancy Journal

A pregnancy journal helps you remember important information about your health and make better decisions while you're expecting.

Prayer Journal

Deepen your relationship with God by writing down your prayers every day. Learn by reflecting on prayers that have been answered, and others that haven’t.

How To Create a Reflective Journal

A reflective journal is the perfect place to jot down some of life's biggest thoughts.

  • Free Signup
  • What is a Journal
  • Reflective Journal
  • Bible Journal
  • Dream Journal
  • Five Year Journal
  • Secret Diary
  • Electronic Diary
  • Diary Templates
  • Wedding Diary
  • School Diary
  • Health Diary

Copyright Penzu Inc. 2024

Creative Primer

How to Start and Keep a Travel Journal: A Guide to Travel Diaries

Brooks Manley

When you capture your memories, you’ll never lose them.

Traveling is a transformative and enriching experience – and one of the best ways to capture and preserve those memories is by keeping a travel journal. A travel journal serves as a personal record of your adventures, reflections, and emotions throughout your journey.

A travel journal offers numerous benefits and can become a cherished keepsake for years to come. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to start and keep a travel journal – and how to make the most of your journaling experience.

Why Keep a Travel Journal?

Keeping a travel journal is a gateway to a treasure trove of memories , self-reflection , and creative expression . From preserving the details of your journeys to unlocking personal growth, a travel journal is definitely worthwhile. Let’s uncover the magic of travel journaling together.

Preserving Memories

Preserving memories is crucial when it comes to maintaining a travel journal. It is essential to capture the moments and experiences during your trips. Here are some techniques to effectively preserve your memories:

– Write comprehensive descriptions of the places, individuals, and activities you encounter. It is important to be vivid and use expressive language in your writing.

– Capture photographs of the landscapes, landmarks, and memorable moments you come across.

– Keep tickets, receipts, and other mementos from your travels as keepsakes.

– Maintain a daily log of your activities, thoughts, and emotions throughout the journey.

– Consider recording voice memos to encompass ambient sounds and conversations, which will add depth to your memories.

– Document the people you meet on your journey, including their names and stories .

Incorporating these practices into your travel journal will allow you to effectively preserve your memories for the years to come.

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Self-reflection and personal growth are essential aspects of travel journaling. When you take the time to introspect and process your experiences and emotions, you not only gain a deeper understanding of yourself but also foster personal growth .

Here are five effective ways to enhance self-reflection and personal growth through your travel journal:

1. Embracing emotions : Use your journal to describe your feelings and emotions during your travels. This practice can help you process and comprehend your emotional responses.

2. Contemplating experiences : Take the opportunity to write about the impactful moments, challenges, and lessons you encounter. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights, learn, and grow.

3. Recognizing strengths and weaknesses : Assess your reactions to various situations and identify areas where you excel as well as struggle. This self-awareness will optimize your personal growth.

4. Establishing personal goals : Utilize your journal to set realistic development goals for yourself. For instance, if you tend to be shy, challenge yourself to interact with locals. Regularly reflect on these goals and track your progress.

5. Documenting achievements : Take the time to celebrate your accomplishments in your journal. Whether it’s conquering fears, trying new activities, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, recognizing these achievements will boost your self-confidence and inspire further growth.

By actively engaging in self-reflection and personal growth through your travel journal, you can maximize your travel experiences and create positive changes that spill over into various aspects of your life.

Creative Outlet

Travel journaling provides you with a valuable creative outlet that allows you to express yourself and document your experiences in unique ways.

There are several methods through which travel journaling serves as a creative outlet:

1. Writing: You can vividly describe your adventures, including the places you visit, the people you meet, and the emotions you experience. By skillfully using descriptive language, you can bring your experiences to life on the pages of your journal.

2. Drawing and Sketching: If you possess artistic abilities, you can visually represent your travels through sketches and drawings. You have the opportunity to capture breathtaking landscapes or intricate architectural wonders.

3. Collages and Scrapbooking: Incorporating various mementos such as pictures, tickets, and postcards can elevate your travel journaling experience. By artfully arranging these items, you can create visually appealing collages that effectively capture your journey.

4. Mapping and Planning: You may enjoy incorporating maps and itineraries into your journals. By using different colors, markers, and symbols, you can highlight your routes, points of interest, and even plan future adventures.

5. Poetry and Prose: Travel journals offer a platform for you to explore your emotions and experiences through poetry, short stories, and song lyrics. This allows you to express your thoughts and reflections in a profound and meaningful way.

Incorporating a creative outlet into travel journaling enhances the overall experience, enabling you to express yourself artistically. It adds a personal and unique touch to your journals, reflecting your unique personality and perspective.

Editor’s Note : You don’t have to be a famed artist to enjoy adding artistic touches to your journal – even a postcard can help you capture a moment or memory, it’s art!

How to Start a Travel Journal?

You might be wondering, “Where do I start?”

You’ll need to start with a journal and a journey. Consider the following guidelines as you choose and prepare to record an adventure you’ll never forget. Are you ready to dive into the world of travel journaling and embark on an adventure of self-expression and reflection?

Choose the Right Journal

When selecting a journal, it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

Consider these factors to choose the right journal that meets your needs and enhances your travel journaling experience.

Determine Your Journaling Style

When it comes to travel journaling, determine your style. This helps capture your travel experiences authentically and true to your voice. Consider these factors when determining your style:

1. Writing or Visual: Decide if you prefer writing or capturing your thoughts and experiences through drawings, sketches, or collages. Some may prefer a combination.

2. Length and Detail: Consider how much detail you want in your journal entries. Do you enjoy writing long and descriptive passages or shorter, more concise entries? This determines entry length and depth.

3. Structure: Think about if you prefer a structured journal with a specific format like a daily log or reflection on specific trip aspects. Alternatively, you may prefer a free-flowing and spontaneous approach.

4. Multimedia Elements: Decide if you want to include additional elements like travel photos, tickets, or souvenirs. These bring memories to life and add a visual dimension.

Remember, your journaling style can evolve and change over time. The important thing is to find a resonating style that effectively captures your travel experiences. Experiment with different approaches and embrace the freedom to authentically express yourself. Happy journaling!

Gather Essential Supplies

To gather essential supplies for your travel journal, follow these steps:

1. Choose a journal: Select a journal that fits your style and preferences. Consider factors like page count, paper thickness, and lay-flat design for easy writing.

2. Pens and markers: Bring a variety of writing tools , including pens, markers, and highlighters, to add color and creativity to your journal.

3. Sticky notes and adhesive: Pack sticky notes or adhesive to incorporate extra elements like tickets, postcards, or photos into your journal. This will make your journal visually appealing.

4. Travel accessories: Consider including travel-specific items such as a small pouch for souvenirs, a ruler for straight lines or measurements, or a pocket-sized travel guide for reference.

5. Accessories for organization: Keep your journal organized with accessories like paper clips, binder clips, or page flags. These can be useful for marking important pages or sections.

6. Glue or tape: If you plan to add larger or heavier items to your journal, such as brochures or maps, bring glue or tape to securely attach them.

7. Travel-friendly storage: Make sure you have a sturdy and compact bag or case to store all your journaling supplies in one place. This will make it easier to access them while traveling.

Remember, the purpose of gathering essential supplies is to enhance your journaling experience and creativity. Consider which items will be most useful and enjoyable for you personally.

What to Include in Your Travel Journal?

Keeping a travel journal is the perfect way to capture the essence of your adventures. You have a lot of options when it comes to what to include – especially if you’re detailed oriented. Here are some of the major players.

Daily Itinerary and Activities

When traveling and keeping a journal, you may want to document your daily itinerary and activities. Here are some key points to consider:

– Record your daily activities: Write down the places you visit, the attractions you see, and the activities you engage in each day. This helps you remember the details and experiences.

– Date and timestamp your entries: Include the date and time of each activity in your journal. This creates a chronological account of your journey.

– Include details and descriptions: Be descriptive in your writing, capturing the sights, sounds, and smells of each activity. Use vivid language to paint a picture of your experiences.

– Add personal reflections: Alongside your itinerary, include your thoughts and feelings about each activity. Reflect on how the experience impacted you and what you learned from it.

– Document any challenges or surprises: Note any unexpected obstacles or pleasant surprises you encountered during your activities. This adds depth and authenticity to your travel narrative.

– Attach mementos: Include tickets, brochures, or other physical items related to your daily activities. These mementos bring back memories and enhance your journal entries.

Remember, the goal of documenting your daily itinerary and activities is to create a comprehensive record of your trip. By capturing the details and emotions of each day, you’ll be able to relive your travel experiences in the future. Happy journaling!

Impressions and Emotions

Impressions and emotions are crucial aspects when capturing the essence of travel experiences. By actively describing and reflecting on them, you have the ability to construct a vibrant and meaningful travel journal.

  • To start, describe your impressions by taking note of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that stand out to you when visiting a new place. Utilize descriptive language to effectively convey the atmosphere and essence of the location. For instance, instead of simply stating “the beach was beautiful,” vividly describe the vibrant colors of the sunset reflecting off the water, the delightful scent of the salty breeze, and the comforting sensation of warm sand between your toes.
  • Describe the enticing taste of local delicacies, the texture of cobblestone streets beneath your feet, or the vibrant array of colors at a bustling market. Engaging multiple senses not only makes your journal entry more immersive but also evokes a more vivid recollection .
  • It is important to reflect on your emotions while traveling. Travel often evokes a range of emotions, such as excitement, awe, nostalgia, and introspection . Write about how certain moments or experiences made you feel. Did you experience a surge of adrenaline while embarking on a chalenging hiking trail? Were you filled with a sense of wonder and reverence when visiting a historic site? By capturing your emotions in words, you are able to evoke and relive those unforgettable moments while comprehending their impact.
  • Express your personal connections in your journal. Share how you connected with the individuals you encountered during your journey. Write about the meaningful conversations you had, the friendships you formed, or the cultural exchanges that touched your heart. These personal connections and interactions leave a lasting impression and add depth to your travel journal.
  • Reflect on your personal growth as a result of your travels. Travel provides unique opportunities for self-discovery and personal development. Contemplate how your experiences challenged you, pushed you out of your comfort zone, or broadened your perspectives. Write about the valuable lessons you learned and how you have grown as an individual. Reflecting on personal growth helps to further enrich your travel journal.

By prioritizing and focusing on impressions and emotions in your travel journal, you can create a comprehensive and meaningful record of your adventures. This record will effectively transport you back to those treasured moments whenever you revisit your journal.

Photos, Tickets, and Souvenirs

Photos, tickets, and souvenirs are important for travel journals to capture and preserve trip memories. Here are reasons why these items are valuable:

– Photos: Capture landscapes, views, and moments of travel. They serve as visual reminders of places and experiences.

– Tickets: Save tickets from attractions, museums, shows, or events attended during the trip. These tickets transport you back to the exact date and time of something new and exciting.

– Souvenirs: Physical mementos that evoke powerful memories of travel. They can be notes, postcards, shop receipts, or even food wrappers. Souvenirs remind you of the culture, traditions, and unique aspects of the destination.

By including photos, tickets, and souvenirs, you create a comprehensive record of your experiences. These items add depth and richness to your written descriptions , allowing you to relive your adventures more tangibly. Photos serve as visual aids to jog your memory and bring back specific details of each location visited. Similarly, tickets and souvenirs help recall specific events or attractions interacted with during the trip.

Tips for Effective Travel Journaling

Looking to up your travel journal game? Say goodbye to mundane travel entries and hello to captivating narratives that will transport you and your readers back to your adventures in a heartbeat. Ready to unleash your inner storyteller and create a travel journal that will truly stand the test of time?

Here are our top tips.

Write Regularly

To maximize your travel journal’s effectiveness, it is crucial to write regularly. By consistently recording your experiences, thoughts, and feelings, you can capture the essence of your travels and create a vibrant and meaningful record.

1. Set a schedule : Establish a routine for journaling, whether in the evening before bed or during breakfast each morning. By incorporating journaling into your daily routine, you ensure that you don’t forget to record important moments and details.

2. Make it a habit : Treat journaling as a regular practice, like brushing your teeth or exercising. By prioritizing journaling and making it a non-negotiable part of your day, you are more likely to write regularly and consistently – at home or away.

3. Write in the moment : Don’t wait too long before jotting down your experiences. Memories fade quickly, and by writing while the details are still fresh in your mind, you can capture the nuances and emotions of each adventure.

4. Keep it simple : You don’t need to write a lengthy essay every time you journal. Sometimes, a few sentences or bullet points can be enough to jog your memory and capture the essence of the moment. Focus on the key highlights and impressions that stand out to you.

5. Use prompts and writing techniques : If you’re feeling stuck, use prompts or writing techniques to stimulate your creativity. Try freewriting, list-making, or describing a specific sensory experience. This can help generate ideas and deepen your journal entries.

By writing regularly, you will cultivate a substantial collection of travel memories for future reflection. So, make it a habit, be consistent, and enjoy the process of documenting your adventures. Happy journaling!

Be Descriptive and Detailed

Keeping a travel journal requires being descriptive and detailed. This allows you to capture the essence of your travel experiences and create vivid memories. Besides sharing sensory descriptions and your emotions and responses , here are some tips to help you be descriptive and detailed in your travel journal:

1. Include colorful anecdotes : Share interesting stories, encounters, or observations that stood out to you during your travels. These anecdotes add depth and personality to your journal entries.

2. Add context : Provide background information about the places you visit. This can include historical facts, cultural traditions, or local customs. It helps create a richer understanding of the destinations you explore.

3. Use quotes and dialogue : Incorporate conversations you had with locals or fellow travelers, as well as any memorable quotes or phrases that resonated with you. This adds authenticity and liveliness to your journal.

Being descriptive and detailed in your travel journal creates a personal time capsule of your adventures . So, grab your journal, embrace your inner storyteller, and let your words transport you back to those incredible moments you experienced while traveling.

It can also enhance memory retention – writing about experiences in detail helps solidify memories and improve recall.

Keeping Your Travel Journal Safe

When it comes to keeping your travel journal safe, there are a couple of important considerations to keep in mind. With the increasing use of technology, finding the right methods for digital backup is crucial. Safeguarding your physical journals from loss or damage is also a key aspect of preserving your travel experiences.

Let’s explore the best practices for keeping your travel journal safe and secure!

Digital Backup

When it comes to keeping your travel journal safe and secure, digital backup is essential. Here are some options to protect your travel journal:

  • Cloud Storage: Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to upload digital copies of your travel journal. This way, even if you lose or damage your physical journal, you can always access your entries from any device with an internet connection.
  • External Hard Drive: Backup your travel journal regularly with an external hard drive. These devices have large storage capacities, allowing you to store written entries, photos, and videos.
  • USB Flash Drive: Keep a USB flash drive specifically for your travel journal backups. These portable devices are compact and easy to carry, ensuring you always have a backup copy of your journal.
  • Email Yourself: Send digital copies of your journal entries to your email address. This serves as a quick and convenient backup method accessible from anywhere.

In addition to these options, it is advisable to password-protect your digital backups for added security. Remember to regularly update your backups and store them separately from your physical journal to minimize the risk of losing all your travel memories.

By implementing one or more of these digital backup methods, you can have peace of mind knowing that your travel journal is safeguarded, and your cherished memories are securely preserved. So go ahead and embark on your next adventure, knowing that your travel journal is backed up and ready to capture every moment.

Protecting Physical Journals

Protecting physical journals is crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of travel memories. To safeguard your travel journal, consider the following tips:

– Use a sturdy cover : Opt for a durable journal , like a hardcover or leather-bound notebook , to prevent tearing or damage.

– Waterproof protection : Invest in a waterproof journal cover or use a plastic sleeve to shield your journal from spills or rain, preserving your writing – especially if you’re hiking or camping with it.

– Keep it separate : Avoid storing your journal with sharp objects or liquids. Use a dedicated pouch or compartment in your bag to minimize accidents.

– Store in a safe place : When not in use, store your journal in a secure and dry location , away from sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent fading or warping.

– Back it up : Make digital copies or scans of your journal pages to mitigate the risk of loss or damage. Store them securely on your computer, external hard drive, or cloud storage.

– Handle with care : Use clean hands and gentle handling to preserve the binding and keep the pages intact.

By following these precautions, you can protect your travel journal and ensure it remains a treasure of memorable experiences for years to come.

Interesting fact : The oldest surviving travel diary dates back to the 2nd century AD. It was written by a Roman soldier named Aulus Plautius , who documented his exploration of Britain !

Sharing Your Travel Journal

When sharing your travel journal, follow these steps to effectively communicate your experiences to others so they can experience your adventure with you all over again.

– Organize your entries : Arrange your journal entries in a logical order, either chronologically or by location. This helps readers follow your journey and understand its progression.

– Include visuals : Alongside your written entries, add photographs, postcards, or sketches that capture the essence of your travels. Visuals enhance readers’ understanding and create a more immersive experience.

– Be descriptive : Use vivid and detailed language to describe the places, people, and experiences you encountered. Paint a picture with your words so that readers can feel like they are there with you.

– Share personal insights : Include your thoughts, reflections, and emotions in your journal entries. This adds a personal touch and allows readers to connect with your experiences on a deeper level.

– Consider your audience : Think about who you want to share your journal with. If it’s a close group of family and friends, you can be more intimate and less formal in your writing. If you plan to publish or share your journal with a wider audience, make sure your tone and content are appropriate.

– Set boundaries : While sharing your travel experiences can be exciting, respect the privacy of others. Be mindful of what you include in your journal and obtain consent before sharing personal stories or photographs involving other individuals.

Sharing your travel journal allows you to relive your adventures and inspire others to explore the world. So grab your pen, gather your memories, and let your words transport you and your readers to the incredible places you’ve visited.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how can a travel journal be beneficial for business purposes.

By keeping a travel journal, you can jot down ideas and inspiration for business ventures during your trips. It allows you to document potential collaborations, networking opportunities, and innovative concepts that can be implemented in your work.

2. What are some pre-departure ideas to spark travel journal ideas?

Before leaving for your trip, consider researching the history and culture of your destination. This can help spark ideas for what to include in your travel journal, such as unique landmarks, local customs, or traditional cuisine.

3. How can a travel journal help with post-holiday ideas?

After your trip, reviewing your travel journal can jog your memory and inspire ideas for future vacations. You can reflect on your favorite experiences, places you want to revisit, or even new destinations you discovered during your previous trip.

4. What are some different versions of travel journaling?

There are various ways to approach travel journaling, including “just the facts,” storytelling, envelope-style, scrapbook style, and sketchbook. Each version offers a unique way to document and remember your trips, allowing you to choose the style that suits you best.

5. Can a travel journal be stored digitally?

Absolutely! In modern life, digital travel journal options are available. You can use diary software or dedicated travel journal apps to create a solid collection of your travel memories. Just make sure to backup your digital journal to keep it safe.

6. Is it essential to keep a separate notebook for each trip?

It is not necessary to have a separate notebook for each trip. You can use a single travel journal and section it off for various travels. This way, you can maintain one comprehensive journal that includes all your travel adventures.

Brooks Manley

Brooks Manley

a travel journal meaning

Creative Primer  is a resource on all things journaling, creativity, and productivity. We’ll help you produce better ideas, get more done, and live a more effective life.

My name is Brooks. I do a ton of journaling, like to think I’m a creative (jury’s out), and spend a lot of time thinking about productivity. I hope these resources and product recommendations serve you well. Reach out if you ever want to chat or let me know about a journal I need to check out!

Here’s my favorite journal for 2024: 

the five minute journal

Gratitude Journal Prompts Mindfulness Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Anxiety Reflective Journal Prompts Healing Journal Prompts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Journal Prompts Mental Health Journal Prompts ASMR Journal Prompts Manifestation Journal Prompts Self-Care Journal Prompts Morning Journal Prompts Evening Journal Prompts Self-Improvement Journal Prompts Creative Writing Journal Prompts Dream Journal Prompts Relationship Journal Prompts "What If" Journal Prompts New Year Journal Prompts Shadow Work Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Overcoming Fear Journal Prompts for Dealing with Loss Journal Prompts for Discerning and Decision Making Travel Journal Prompts Fun Journal Prompts

How to Start a Bullet Journal + 25 Bullet Journal Ideas

You may also like, how to have more effective meetings.

Brooks Manley

Morning Routines: Secrets to Success

What is deep work how to do more focused work that matters, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Productivity
  • Favorite Journals

Explore Your Worlds

Travel journal examples and how to get the most out of a travel journal

A travel journal: your new best friend.

Travel journal examples can spark ideas for your own journal. This matters a great deal because a travel journal can be one of your most helpful travel — make that life — tools. It can serve myriad purposes from recording your thoughts, emotions (an important aspect many overlook) and experiences to being a repository of creative ideas and even artwork. You can use it as a scrapbook, planning tool, contact book, organizer, reference book (for vital information such as passport numbers, hotel addresses, places to visit, etc.) and even a place to hide certain valuables.

It’s simple enough to put information into your travel journal. The hard part is being able to find or extract that information easily later on. But don’t worry. I’ll show you travel journal examples, techniques, hacks and tips for that and more based on decades trying a wide variety of travel journals and approaches. You’ll find these useful whether you’re an old pro at journaling or even if you’ve never used a travel journal before. And be sure to read all the way through this article since the Additional Resources section at the end is loaded with inspiring and helpful travel journal examples and ideas.

Getting started

The first and most important thing to remember is that there is no one right way to set up your travel journal. In fact, I’ve found that the best approach is to just start with something and learn as you go. My first travel journal was basically a daily diary: “Today I did this, etc.” Now, however, I use it in a very different matter. But it all comes down to this: What is the purpose of your travel journal?

First travel journal pages

Two typical entries from my first travel journal on my first trip to Europe in high school. I have upped my travel journal game a bit since then, or so I hope.

This is such an important question because it will guide what kind of notebook/journal/sketchbook you use, how you organize it and how you interact with it. If you’re just starting out, you may not even know your purpose other than to record your experiences. That’s fine. Start there. Then refine over time.

For me, I see my travel journal as a collection tool for travel drawing and notes where I gather ideas, sketches, some to-do’s, trip details and anything else that interests me. But the main difference between this and most journals is that as a tool, I want to use my journal after I return. Not just for nostalgic reminisces on my trip, but to glean from it what I’ve learned, gained and become. I’ll explain this more momentarily.

Picking the right journal

Again, I’m not sure there is a universal “right” travel journal. Your goal is to find what works for you. You can start by determining if you want a blank notebook or a travel journal that comes with prompts, quotes, organizing categories, etc. Here’s a helpful list of 17 travel journals to give you a sense of travel journal examples and possibilities. Mostly, consider if you want to do travel drawing or even painting in your travel journal. If so, you’ll want thicker paper that won’t warp with the water or bleed through with ink. You likely will want blank pages, as opposed to lines, grids or dots.

Different page orientations

Just as there’s no right or wrong size (just what works for you), so too is the orientation up to you. As you can see here, I sketched holding the journal in a portrait orientation (left page) but wrote (right page, partial) using a landscape orientation. Both work.

If you want to use it as a form of a scrapbook, get one with pockets or that is expandable enough for when you’ve doubled the thickness with all those tickets, stamps, samples of currency, bottle labels and other elements you’ve glued to the pages.

Buying a nice looking or feeling notebook or journal can be motivating. But getting too nice of a notebook to use can be intimidating: You’ll be afraid to do any travel drawing or mess it up. Thus, I suggest starting somewhere in the middle. Find a journal or notebook that will hold up well (hard covers help in this regard), but isn’t so expensive you’ll only want to use it on special occasions. 

Patterned paper pages

Even fancy patterns on your pages can be fun. I tend to prefer blank pages, but sometimes I’ll try different patterns just to mix things up.

Your travel journal is more of a workhorse than a show pony (though sometimes a bit of that too later on). You’ll get far more out of one you use all the time, where you write, do travel drawing or urban sketching, doodle and record with the intent that only you will ever see it. If you choose to show it to others later, fine. But don’t make that your main goal, at least as a beginner, or you’ll never get the most out of your journal.

How will you use your travel journal?

Back to purpose, you can choose to have a general-use journal or one devoted only to your trips (or to a particular trip). I have done both, and there are pros and cons to each. A journal for all situations allows you to connect everything you do so that if a great work idea hits you on a trip, you can reference back to a meeting about that, etc. You can also find things easier in some ways since your whole life, trip or home/work, is laid out in a chronological fashion in one book.

Daily entry journal

Here’s a recent journal of mine that I use daily, as well as for trips. You can see the basic outline for this article here that I wrote on the plane on a business trip. How do I know it was on a trip? From the notation that the sketch was done from a photo in the airplane’s magazine somewhere between Baltimore (BWI) and Seattle (SEA)

A really popular approach these days to general journals is the Bullet Journal . Many people swear by this way of organizing their journal and their life. I love many of the ideas found in bullet journaling. But I choose not to follow that approach completely. Why? Bullet journaling is primarily intended as a productivity tool. I personally don’t find it helpful in that regard because, for example, tracking all my calendar events and moment-by-moment to-do’s in a journal slows me down.

Combine digital and analog

Instead, I use a combination of Outlook, Trello , Evernote and Scrivener (the latter two for organizing ideas and writing projects or content) on my phone and computer. The main reason for tracking tasks digitally is that they roll over automatically. I don’t have to constantly move them manually from one day, week or month to-do list to the next.

But the main reason I don’t use the bullet journal methodology for my travel journal is that when I travel, productivity is not my goal. Exploration and discovery are. I use my travel journal to capture what I learn as I explore the world around me and the world within me wherever I go.

Page from China travel journal

On a trip, I’m less interested in productivity than in explaining why this sketch was hard to do well.

In the last few years, I’ve taken up sketching and even watercolors, so for me, I now maintain a separate travel journal for each major trip. I use one that has thicker watercolor paper, so on a three-week trip, I can pretty much fill up the whole book. But for shorter trips, I do use my day-to-day journal. And I’ve even done both: Used my day-to-day journal to record words and a smaller sketchbook for travel drawing or watercolors. Again, no right or wrong way to do this. Just start with an approach and build from there.

Organizing your travel journal

What follows is how I organize my travel journal. It’s the same way I do my day-to-day journal but with some additional pages in the end for travel-specific information. My purpose, remember, is to capture ideas, information and experiences and then to be able to use these later. For that reason, the most helpful part of my journal is the index. I’ll explain that in a moment along with travel journal examples, but here’s what else goes into my journal.

Starting with a brand new empty journal

The first thing I do with a new journal is to put my name, cell phone number and email address on the inside cover.

Next, if the journal doesn’t have a rear pocket, I make one or glue/tape in a small envelope that fits on the inside of the rear cover.

If you glue in your own, consider hiding a few large denomination bills, both dollars and the local currency, behind the envelope or anything else you tape or glue inside the covers. It’s a great place for hiding back-up money. It works because once you start using your travel journal regularly, you’ll find it is one of your most precious possessions. You’ll learn to guard it like your wallet, passport or phone.

Stacks of travel journals

These are just some of the many travel journals I’ve filled up over the years.

In addition to the pocket or envelope in your journal, consider bringing a quart or gallon-sized zip lock bag to hold all the small items you pick up along the way. I used to shove them into pockets in my carry-on bag, but having a single location now keeps them from getting lost or mangled. And it keeps my travel journal from looking like George Costanza’s wallet on Seinfeld . This same bag can hold a glue stick, paper clips or anything else you want for adding items to your journal.

Start in the front and work back

I track everything chronologically noting the date at the top of each day’s entry. If it spans multiple pages, I’ll write “(cont.)” after the date on later spreads so I know to keep looking for the start of that day when I review the entry later.

I work in this chronological fashion for recording most of my entries because I find it flows better to write the item down right away and then figure out how to classify it later. I set up indexes in the back for classifying and locating the entry. But that comes as a review step, not a creative or collecting function.

What to write

Starting at the front section of the travel journal, I may use the very first page as a title page if the journal is devoted to a single trip. Otherwise, I skip over that page and then start with the date of the start of the trip and then just keep going from there. Here are the types of content I write/draw along with some of my travel journal examples:

Sketching pages

Sometimes, I’ll devote a whole page or spread to nothing but sketches.

  • General thoughts . These make up the majority of my journal and are what you’d expect in any journal.
  • Sketches . I’m still just a beginner, but I’ve committed to one sketch per day, at home or on a trip. Sometimes they are involved. Others (most of the time), are just a quick gesture. But the discipline helps improve my skill.
  • A daily log . At the end of each day, I do a very quick list of summary activities, where I went, who I met, what I did. I actually note it like this: “(Log 11/27/19 – Wed.):” so that I can see at a glance what were log entries versus other ideas. For logs, the shorter the better. Here’s where bullet journal techniques can help: Record a few words as a bullet rather than full sentences. At the end of every daily log, I also record two specific items in addition log entries themselves, gratitude points and what I’ve read or watched.
  • Gratitude points : I jot down what I call a Goodness Journal (abbreviated as GJ) entry. This is the highlight of my day for which I am most grateful. On trips, this can often end up being multiple points.
  • Read/Watched : The second additional component is what I call Read/Watched (R/W) where I list any books I’ve read that day or any movies, programs, concerts, etc. that I watched. It can include podcasts and anything else you want to track. Before I started doing this, I’d get to the end of the year and couldn’t recall all the books I’d read. Now I can just by referring back to these entries.
  • Insights and Ideas . Most of my journal at home is filled with these. On trips, these happen more on plane, train or bus rides than every single day. But they could happen any time which is why I keep a pocket-sized travel journal with me or at least a note card or my phone so I can write the idea down immediately.
  • Quotes . These can be formal written ones I encounter or snippets of conversations I overhear. As a writer, I want to always be gathering dialog examples or clever turns of phrases.
  • To-dos. Yes, I said I record these digitally for the daily tasks. But sometimes on trips, you have opportunities for dreaming and planning. I mark all to-do’s with a checkbox I can fill in later. I like the bullet journal way they do this as well (a dot instead of a box).

Stamped page

I had a gentleman in China demonstrate his woodblock stamps by stamping some examples in my journal. You can paste in stamps, tickets, receipts, postcards or any other artifacts from your trip onto your journal pages as you go (if you remember to bring some glue or paste).

  • Descriptions . These are either quick notes on what I’m seeing, hearing, tasting or tasting, or longer ways to capture the details of a place. See Look Closely for details on how to do this as a way to learn to see details better or to write better based on your travels. I also make sure to write down the names of places, people, food, local expressions and anything else I want to write about later. Don’t assume you’ll remember it or can look it up later. Write it down.
  • Miscellaneous . I’ve had artists draw in my journal, had people stamp it (see photo above), record different colors of beverages spilled or intentionally dripped on it and a wealth of other things added. Be open to how you can use your journal. Or for fun, try this exercise: Come up with as many ways as you can think of to use your travel journal on your next trip.

The back of the journal

The front of the journal is used for a chronological input of information each day (or whenever you choose). The goal there is to record the idea, insight, drawing or information just like in a diary. The back of the journal is where you’ll organize it all for later retrieval.

Working from the last page backwards, I set up a series of index or topic pages (see the list below) where I record anything related to that topic either verbatim (if I have the time and forethought to write it down there such as contact info or a quote I came across) or as a page number reference and summary line from the front of the journal (hence the reason these back-of-the-journal pages are called Index Pages).

For me, I find that most index sections only require one page (e.g. for Contacts or Travel Details) but I leave two pages for Ideas or Vocabulary since they tend to have more entries. I write small (some would say ridiculously small), so if you don’t, you may want to leave more room.

Review your entries and record them for easier retrieval

I don’t assign page numbers as I write in the front of the journal. Instead, I jot down a page number later, maybe daily, maybe weekly, as I review my journal. Writing down the page number during the review phase shows me which pages have been indexed. No page number indicates it still needs to be indexed. As I review each page, I also code the entries themselves on the journal pages by highlighting the topic or assigning a word or letter to let me know what it is. For example, if there’s a quote, I will write “Quote” and circle it right before the quote. For blog ideas, I’ll write “blog” and circle that, etc. If  an idea that has distinct merit, I’ll draw a star next to it. Particular project ideas get a corresponding code, e.g. if it’s about  my book on Hidden Travel,   I’ll write “HT” and circle that. The whole point is to make it easier to spot the entry when you’re reviewing the page later.

Quote example page

Here you can (hopefully) see how I’ve written and circled page numbers at the top and put a box around the word “Quote” on the left page and “Visual appeal article” on the right page. Then, on the Quotes index page, I’ll write “108” and circle it with a quick notation like, “E.B. White on saving/savoring the world.” On the Ideas index page, I’ll write “109” and circle it with the notation, “Visual Appeal article questions.”

In case you’re wondering why the index/topic pages go in the back and not in the front like a table of contents, it’s because I often add topics as I progress through the journal. Working from the back gives me room to add new pages whereas if I’d started from the front and I didn’t guess correctly, I’d be out of room before running into my journal entries.

Travel journal examples of Pre-Trip Items

Some of my index/topic pages get filled in (or at least started) before my trip either as planning or to load my travel journal with important information to have on my trip. Here are some travel journal examples of the key sections.

Shot list

Here’s a travel journal example of a shot list from my China trip journal. I tend to write pretty small in the back section of a journal! The whited out area was my passport number in code. Writing key information on pages with other entries makes it even less obvious this is something valuable.

  • Vocabulary. On trips to countries where I’m learning the language, I’ll add new vocabulary words here usually starting long before the trip. These are key words to practice, as well as new ones I pick up as I travel.
  • Shot list . When planning my trip, as a photographer, I make a list of specific places, scenes, techniques I want to try or even times of day I want to shoot. Check out my Beginner’s Guide to Making Awesome Travel Photos for more on this and other travel photo techniques. In addition, as I review guidebooks or articles, I’ll add interesting places to this list. Even if you’re not a photographer, you can make a list of “must see” places or “must do” experiences or activities. Writing them down really helps because it makes it so easy to find all these in one place rather than hunting through a guidebook or other pages on your trip.
  • Themes and Moments . This is yet another pre-trip fill-in page. I try to come up with a theme or quest for each trip. Writing down ideas about that or defining it really adds to the anticipation of the trip. On this page, I’ll also jot down ideas for creating magic or defining moments for others on the trip. This includes ideas for the activities or contact info for places or people that will be part of the activity.

Travel journal examples of elements to add as you travel

Here are some typical index/topic pages in the back of my travel journal that get filled in as I go:

  • Contact information . I keep a separate page to record the names, email addresses, etc. of people I meet along the way. If, in a hurry, I just write down a name and email address in the front-of-the-book journaling section. I’ll later record the page number and contact name on the page here so all I can find all my contacts in one place later.
  • Ideas . This becomes a catchall for any creative ideas I’ve had. I normally start with the page number(s) followed by a brief summary such as “27 – 29: Dining room chair design” or “73: Article on architecture styles in Morocco.”

Ideas Index Page

Here’s a specific travel journal example, the Ideas Index Page from my China trip journal. I had started the page on the left as a vocabulary list but made room from more ideas when I ran out of space on the page on the right.

  • Books and Movies . This too is a catchall for any form of entertainment I want to read. I constantly get book and movie (and even song or podcast) recommendations as I travel that I add here with an open check box. I also record books I’ve finished to this list noting those with a checked box.
  • Quotes . As noted above, these may be written quotes I come across or snippets of dialog I pick up. I either write the quote here directly or reference the journal page where I wrote the quote with a reminder such as “53-quote from Leipzig waitress on timing.”

Things I Notice page

You can do a trip highlights page on the flight home, but sometimes it helps to record a summary of details in the midst of your trip of things that stand out to you.

  • To-do’s. I said I like to keep my travel journal free from productivity and time management, but I always have big-picture to-do activities that arise on a trip. I’ll record these as I go in the journal section, but for longer-term ones I don’t want to lose track of, I sometimes add a to-do index as well in the back of the journal. This can also be a great place to record future planning ideas for things you want to accomplish after your trip.
  • Trip highlights . I’ll normally note the big moments in the journal section as they occur. But often on the flight home, I like to review these and capture them all in one place with the page reference and a brief notation. I may also add in additional ones at this point because sometimes, you don’t realize how powerful or meaningful a moment was at the time.

When your journal is full

Eventually, you’ll fill up your journal with entries. You’ll then review and have every page numbered with key entries noted in your index pages. Then what?

I use Scrivener (for writing projects) and Evernote (for others) as software/apps to track ideas over time. Thus, when I finish a journal, I go copy the content from my index pages into one of these digital programs.

There are several reasons for this. First, it helps to have all your ideas over time in one place so you can view them easier. Second, with the online tools, I can tag content by subject making retrieval later much easier. Most of us focus our efforts on having ideas and maybe writing them down. But those ideas won’t serve you well if you can’t find them later. Finally, putting everything into one place helps me see patterns and related ideas which, in turn, sparks new ideas.

It all relates to the concept of Collect, Connect and Share. If all you’re doing is collecting, you’re missing out on the main value of your journal.

Make a copy

This may be overkill to some, but my journals are precious repositories of life. I would hate to lose them. I could dictate the contents and transcribe that, but I don’t have that kind of time. Instead, Evernote comes to the rescue.

The Evernote app has a photo function. I open the app and take pictures of every spread or page of my journal. I save the results as an Evernote file and can even tag it by date, country or other criteria. It then resides on the cloud (and I also do a back-up on a drive at home). That way, if the original gets lost, I know that all those memories are secure.

Let’s review

Here’s a summary of the key points:

  • Know the purpose for your journal
  • Choose the type of journal based on your intended purpose.
  • Start with something that’s not too nice so that you’re not afraid to mark it up.
  • Keep daily entries in the front and a list of index pages in the back of the journal.
  • Periodically review your journal entries. As you do, number each page and record that page number and a brief reminder on the appropriate index page.
  • At the end of each journal, photograph each page and save to a secure location. Then enter the index information into whatever tool you use for tracking all of your ideas over time.

Additional resources and travel journal examples

Here are other resources and travel journal examples to both inspire and help you get the most out of your travel journal:

  • A helpful article with visuals of different travel journal examples
  • Writer and artist Austin Kleon’s comments on notebooks 
  • Travel journal examples (and notebooks) of author Robert MacFarlane 
  • Some additional travel journal examples and notebook types
  • The Sketchbook Projec t, one of my favorite places to visit in Brooklyn, NY and a great source of inspiration for sketchbooks. If you’re looking for a single place for travel journal examples, it is this one. Here are just a few screen shots of some random travel journal examples I looked up by Julia Yellow . There are thousands of such journals at this site.

Travel sketch

  • If you really enjoy the travel drawing aspect of a travel journal, you might want to connect with the whole Urban Sketchers movement and see travel journal examples that include urban sketching. Here’s an example of an urban sketch by Stephanie Bower . I took some of her architectural sketching courses online at Bluprint and they were excellent.

Sketch of Croatia building

Parting thoughts

Finally, if you want even more travel journal examples and information, be sure to read Lavinia Spalding’s excellent book on the subject, Writing Away: A Creative Guide to Awakening the Journal-Writing Traveler. Here’s one of many great quotes from the book:

“If we’re committed to honest investigation, the travel journal can be a cornerstone of growth and a catalyst for great work, providing a safe container for astonishing discoveries and the life lessons we take away from them. We write words in an empty book, and an inanimate object is transformed into a living, breathing memoir. In turn, as we write, the journal transforms us. It allows us to instantly process impressions, which leads to a more examined layer of consciousness in both the present and the future. It’s a relationship, and let me tell you, it’s no cheap one-night stand.”

You might want to consider writing that quote down in your travel journal. Either in the daily entries or on the quotes index page. Or however you want to do it. It’s your travel journal and the possibilities are endless.

' src=

Thanks Steve! Informative and creative. Your sketching is lovely, too! Merry Christmas to you and the fam

' src=

Thanks, Alan. I was just editing a section in my upcoming book, “Hidden Travel,” on the subject of sketching and the advice I was given by Gabriel Campinario, founder of Urban Sketchers. He told me to never apologize or say, “Oh, I’m just a beginner” when someone compliments your sketching because no matter how bad you think it is, it is still better than that of the 99% of the population who never attempts to draw. So I will leave it at, “Thank you!”

[…] I mainly get inspiration from a Reddit group called Journaling, and also I get a few ideas on making travel journals. Despite it being fun to do having a physical notebook, at times it can be difficult to finish them […]

' src=

You’ve inspired me to resume creating tiny travel journals, with scrapbook like additions. I use photo double sided stickies, not glue. Someone asked what do I do with these? As if creating isn’t pleasurable. I often use them as primary sources to create photobooks. Along with my Bird lists.🐦😁.

Facebook

  • Search for: Search

Get the Good Stuff!

My instagram images.

a travel journal meaning

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Trending Post : The Mega List of Free SVG Files

Wildflowers and Wanderlust

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping a Travel Journal

Create a travel journal for your next adventure.

Let’s talk about creating a travel journal for your next trip that you’re planning.

Traveling starts long before an actual trip begins. 

It usually starts with a dream. 

A dream of a different place, new scenery, a vacation or a getaway.  It can  even just start with a feeling.  We call it Wanderlust….

Planning a trip is just as much a part of traveling as the trip itself.

A travel journal can be start all the way at the beginning of the idea of the trip and then be a keepsake when the adventure ends.

~This post may contain affiliate links.  If you click one and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.  This helps us fund creating great content for you! For more information  click here  ~

A travel journal is a great way to plan and keep a memory of your trip. We've got the ultimate guide of creating your own journal for your next adventure WildflowersAndWanderlust.com

Why Keep a Travel Journal?

When you travel, you are collecting memories. 

When you bring those memories back home with you it gives you a chance to relive them, and share them, and maybe even learn from them. 

Travel can expand your view of the world around you, even if you don’t go very far from home and it gives you a chance to escape from your daily routine.

I know that we all use our phones to organize things thees days, I love having everything at my fingertips too, but there’s something romantic and special about writing things down in a journal. 

This is your chance to disconnect from your daily habits and try something new.

A travel journal can be a great keepsake and also a great resource after your trip has ended.  How much easier will it be to remember the name of that fantastic restaurant if you’ve got it written down in your journal?

By keeping a travel diary you have a reflection of your experiences that you can revisit anytime.

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is your diary of a trip, or multiple trips.  It’s where you can write about your experiences and how you felt about them.  It’s the place for you to collect your stories and memories of your trip.

Your travel journal is yours.  It’s personal and it can include anything that you want to jot down about your trip or during your trip.  It’s also a great place to store memento’s.

Using Your Travel Journal to Plan Travel

You can use your travel journal before your trip even begins.  Keep a travel bucket list of places you want to see and things you want to experience.  This is a great list to refer to, and to update and see if it changes as you travel and have more experiences.

You can keep your packing list in your travel journal.  Make notes on what things worked best on your trip and what things you didn’t need.  This can help you plan your packing for future trips. 

Remember that one thing you always forget?  Write it down for next time!

Best Travel Quote by WildflowersandWanderlust.com

Travel Journal Tips

Plan your trip in your travel journal.

Use your travel journal to plan your trip.  Write down your ideas while you’re researching your trip or talking with fellow travelers.  Is there a great hike you heard about or a restaurant you want to try? 

Put them in your planning pages.

This is a great way to keep track of your ideas before the trip to help you plan your time during the trip.  You can keep contact information and planning all in one central location.

If you’re moving around to different places you can keep your itinerary and lodging information in your journal.

Blank Travel Journal | WIldflower and Wanderlust

Write During Your Trip

You don’t want this to feel like a chore, but you do want to get a few notes down while they’re fresh in your memory.  Try to spend a few minutes each day putting your thoughts on paper.  Even if it’s just a few lines to be able to jog your memory later, getting some notes down will help you put your story together.

Try to use all your senses when you’re writing – how did you feel, what were the smells and tastes  you experienced.  All these details will help you retain a more vivid picture of your trip and experiences.

There’s always an aspect of wonder when you travel too. 

Try to put down a few of your feelings so that you will be aware of how the trip changed you.  Travel is a great chance to experience personal growth.

Add Keepsakes to Your Journal

You can glue in photos, menus, napkins; really anything that strikes your fancy can be included in your travel journal. 

I like to keep ticket stubs and entry bracelets and write about the places that we’ve visited.  After we return home I might add a few photos that go along with the trip.  If we pick up a tourist brochure for someplace we visit I like to keep those too.

Finish Up When You Return

When you get home be sure to take a little time to look back through your journal.  You may have some memories that you want to add or you may just want to relive a few moments from your trip.

It can also be a great stress reliever to review your journal after you’ve been home awhile.

A travel journal can be just like your bullet journal, a place to organize and keep your plans for your adventure WildflowersAndWanderlust.com

The Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal

It’s a great way to beat boredom.

If you’re traveling a great distance, or traveling alone, your journal gives you a nice distraction when you need something creative to work on.  You can write anything you want in your journal, it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you when it’s all said and done.

But don’t feel that you have to write about every little thing.  You journal belongs to you and it can just be a keepsake of your favorite things, or notes for future travel.  Remember that it’s always supposed to be fun and not a chore.

You’ll Remember More

Writing helps us commit things to our memory. 

By putting down your thoughts and memories in a journal you will remember more about your trip.  It’s also a great place to jot down notes when you visit with the people you meet along the way.

Ask the local’s the best place to eat and jot it down.  Ask a fellow traveler about what they saw that was unexpected and make a note of it.  Sometimes these are the things that will you get off the beaten path and have experiences that you didn’t expect.

It’s a Great Keepsake

When your trip is all said and done you’ll have a live scrapbook about it.  It can be a great resource when planning another trip or offering tips for someone traveling to the same area. 

It’s also a great place to revisit some memories later.

I always like picking up little things, bottle caps, napkins and other small items.  This gives me a great place to hang onto them so that they’re memories and not clutter.  It’s always fun to keep a bit of the local currency and ticket stubs. 

But don’t be limited to that, you can keepsake most anything.

It also helps me keep different trips and places straight.  I can look back and tell my friend where we ate or the name of the hotel.  It’s all written down and easy to find.

Travel is Good for the Soul | Wildflower and Wanderlust

Travel Journal Prompts

Do you need some ideas for thing to include in your travel journal?  Sometimes staring at a blank page can be a hard way to begin.  Here are some prompts to help get you writing.

Where are you going and why?

It can be as simple as taking a vacation or it can be traveling for a service project.  There are no right or wrong answers, it’s your trip.  Tell about why you chose the place and what you hope to find there.

Some trips are mainly for relaxation and some are to enjoy a great activity.  They are all equally important.

What are you planning to do?

Maybe some drinks by the pool, or maybe you’re building a school.  Hey Dr. Seuss, what do you want to do on your trip?  This is something you can write about before you leave and then follow up with while you’re traveling.

Don’t forget to talk about the food  you want to try.

No matter where we travel, we always make it a point to eat locally and not at chain restaurants.

Pick something to focus on

I have a thing about doors. 

I love to see all the beautiful painted and patinaed doors and I make it a point on every trip to take door photos.  At this point I could probably publish a book of just those alone, but it’s also something that ties many of our trips together.

If you have a similar fascination it’s a great focus.  Do you visit all the beaches?  Do you collect sand from each one?  It’s amazing how different beach sand can be.

Write about the Food

You can use your travel journal as a food diary too.  Trying new foods can be a great experience when you travel, or it can be a funny tale in the future.

I know that we only eat beignets in New Orleans.  In my mind they are part of that city and the food there is part of the whole experience.  Conch fritters in the Bahamas, Red Stripe beer in Jamaica.  Is there a food that’s native to the region that you want to try while you’re visiting?

Make a Highlight Reel

If a friend was visiting, what experiences would you tell them to not miss.  What restaurants would you send them to?  Where’s the best place to see the sunset, go dancing, etc. 

Devote a page to just your favorite’s from the trip for reference.

Next time you visit

Every time we visit a place we make a list of things we’d like to do the next time we are there.   The best part of traveling is feeling like there are still things to discover when we return.

Where do you want to go next?

Did this trip give you more ideas of places to visit?  Is it someplace that you can’t wait to visit again?  Did it change your mind about other places you thought you were interested in? .

Travel Journal Inspiration

Here’s a great example of a journal spread for your packing list.

Here is a great example of a memory page in a travel journal.

Here’s a map spread so you can keep track of where you’ve been or where you want to go!

As you can see there’s no end to the creativity you can use in your travel journal.

Do you already keep travel journals or are you planning to start? Let us know in the comments below!

Follow us on Pinterest and on Instagram for lot’s more ideas and inspiration!

Pin It | WildflowersandWanderlust.com

Similar Posts

The Best Mood Tracker Ideas for You to Try

The Best Mood Tracker Ideas for You to Try

6 Ways to Use a Daily Journal and Make Your Life Amazing

6 Ways to Use a Daily Journal and Make Your Life Amazing

Easy Bullet Journal Meal Plan Ideas for a Happy Family

Easy Bullet Journal Meal Plan Ideas for a Happy Family

12 Amazing Bullet Journal Gifts for Your Friends

12 Amazing Bullet Journal Gifts for Your Friends

What is a Bullet Journal and Why Do You Need One?

What is a Bullet Journal and Why Do You Need One?

Bullet Journal Hacks To Make Your Planner Insanely Productive

Bullet Journal Hacks To Make Your Planner Insanely Productive

This was quite useful for me. I already purchased a nice notebook for my next travel plans. I would like to receive more ideas about this. Thank you very much. Mariana

Mariane: We’re so glad that you found this helpful – I bet your travel journal is going to be amazing! WildOnes

Your post on Pinterest says ‘Hot to make a journal…” instead of ‘How’

Thanks so much for letting us know!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

a travel journal meaning

Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > How to Write a Travel Journal: Tips and Ideas to Save Your Travel Memories

How to Write a Travel Journal: Tips and Ideas to Save Your Travel Memories

Traveling to new places and enjoying new experiences can be an incredible—and often thrilling—way to discover new perspectives, unlock your creativity, and create lasting memories. And while travel’s transformative power may be fleeting or fade with the onset of the post-vacation blues, keeping a travel journal offers the opportunity to fix some of those feelings on the page, giving you a permanent piece of your travels to hold on to.

A working professional using Surface Book with Surface Pen journaling about a trip.

What Is a Travel Journal?

In their most traditional form, travel journals, or travel diaries, are a space for you to reflect on all the adventures and vacations you take. From the sights you see to the delicious foods you eat, a travel journal is a great place to capture these memories alongside the feelings you had at the time.

Keep in mind, however, that there’s certainly no set formula for creating a travel journal: The beauty of keeping one is that it can ultimately be whatever you make of it. Beyond being a diary to add written entries to that summarize an excursion’s events, a travel journal can also serve as:

  • An organizer: Save important information like addresses, directions, and passport numbers that you might need to reference during your trip.
  • A daily planner: Plan out the perfect itinerary ahead of time in your travel journal, and you’ll also have a record of all that you did.
  • A sketchbook: Travelers who like to sketch, draw, or use watercolors can include hand-crafted images of the places they visit within their journals.
  • A scrapbook: Keeping a travel diary can also give you a spot to stash photos and other mementos from your journeys.

All your ideas in one place Banner

All your ideas in one place

Keep your thoughts, content, and lists handy with OneNote

How to Write a Travel Journal

Whether you opt for a physical or digital travel journal, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.

Those who prefer the tactile experience of handwriting their journal entries, or who wish to include artwork and physical mementos, can select from pocket-sized notebooks as well as large, folio-sized journals that accommodate activities like watercolor painting.

Meanwhile, your digital devices offer a range of suitable travel journal options. Dedicated journaling apps like Penzu or Journey offer unique settings and formatting for a variety of journal types, along with features like daily prompts and custom reminders. A word processing app like Microsoft Word offers a simple and familiar journaling experience that syncs across your devices. With Word, a pre-made travel journal template can make it easy to keep your thoughts and plans organized. 1 Plus, when you use one of these digital options, you won’t have to worry about losing your journal while you’re on the road, since your entries can be backed up to the cloud.

Ideas for Your Travel Journal Entries

Once you’ve selected the right place keep your travel diary, all that’s left is to hit the road and get started with your writing . And while there’s no end to the ways that you can express yourself or capture your memories within a travel journey, here are some simple ideas to get you started.

  • Savor the Local Flavors: For foodies always keen on sampling their destinations’ unique cuisines, each meal provides the perfect fodder for your travel journal. Keep a log of your favorites and you’ll have plenty of cooking inspiration when you return home to your own kitchen.
  • Catalogue Activities: One of the simplest ideas for a travel journal entry is keeping a daily list of the things you do and the sights you see while on each trip. Every time you make a stop, simply update your log, and by the end of your trip you’ll wind up with a complete inventory of all that you experienced.
  • Add Captions to Your Memories: If you choose to store photos of your trip within your travel journal, they will provide easy topics to write about. Create captions that provide context to the images you save.
  • Reflect Back: At the end of each day or at the very end of your trip, you might get creative and reflect on the various thoughts and feelings conjured by your travel experience. Whether you met someone new or were awed by an incredible view, there’s no element of your travels that isn’t excellent material for reflection and exploration within your journal.

If you’re looking to engage a little more closely with the places you’re visiting, it’s worth spending some time considering how to respectfully journal about your travels in a culturally responsible way .

Premium templates require a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Microsoft 365 Logo

Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Topics in this article

More articles like this one.

a travel journal meaning

Why our keyboard layouts are the way they are

Type sentences quickly by understanding the standard keyboard layout. Learn about the QWERTY keyboard layout and alternative layout options.

a travel journal meaning

When to use cannot versus can not

Cannot or can not? Learn when to use each, master their differences, and boost your writing accuracy.

a travel journal meaning

What is forensic linguistics?

Forensic linguistics is employed by legal authorities to help solve crimes. Understand how forensic linguistics works, and how it benefits the legal system.

a travel journal meaning

Understanding the quibble plot device

Plot devices like quibbles are great tools for enhancing a storyline and keeping readers engaged. Learn what a quibble is and how to use them in your writing.

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

LinkedIn Logo

Explore Other Categories

How to Make a Travelogue: 8 Travel Journal Ideas and Writing Tips

Traveling can be a widely fulfilling and exciting experience. A travel journal is a fantastic way to remember the things you have done during your trip and write down the observations you have had during the trip. You don’t have to travel around the world and have exotic adventures to write an insightful travel journal. All you need is a basic journal notebook and a destination.

a travel journal meaning

But first things first:

What is a travelogue?

Three different meanings come up with a quick search:

  • A travelogue can be a piece of writing about travel.
  • On the other hand, a travelogue can also be a talk or lecture on travel usually accompanied by a film or slides.
  • Finally, a travelogue can be a narrated motion picture about travel too.

In short, a travelogue is a speech, a movie, or a piece of writing about someone’s experiences while traveling. When a travelogue is a piece of writing, it is also called a ‘travel diary’ or ‘travel journal’.

Quick wins and tips to write an excellent travelogue

Here’s why you need to get into travel journaling or writing a travel journal and how to ace it:

You Can Plan Your Trip Before You Arrive

Don’t wait until you’re at your destination.

Use your journal to plan your holiday before you even arrive. You can enhance your travel experience by using your journal to plan out some activities.

a travel journal meaning

Research and note the names and menus of restaurants you want to attend, sightseeing tours that interest you, hiking spots, or just photos to help inspire you.

Write down a checklist of places you want to see , your budget, or your list of things to pack. It can be very overwhelming arriving in a new country so making these notes before arriving at your destination can be very helpful. Not only will you have more fun, but you’ll also take some of the stress out of finding things to do and start getting interesting travel journal ideas.

It can be interesting to write what you imagine it will be like and then compare it to reality, once you arrive.

Don’t Just Describe

a travel journal meaning

Avoid just listing descriptions of the activities.

“You want to create a captivating story that brings the journal to life , not a mundane list of things you’ve done. Also remember you don’t have to include everything, for example, if you eat the same cereal in the hotel as you do at home there is no need to note this experience,” says Joel Saunders, a travel writer at Boom Essays .

Pick out some interesting activities and experiences from each day and write about them. Write about how different your daily life is and how it compares to what you had imagined it would be.

Use dialogue , some of the best overseas stories come from overheard dialogues between tourists, locals, or conversations you can be a part of. Write whatever catches your imagination, if it interests you it’s likely to interest your reader.

You’ll find that one of the best parts of traveling is encountering people who are very different from you. Take in the local culture ; journal about things people say and do that are new and interesting to you.

Write Whilst It’s Fresh

a travel journal meaning

It is easier to remember moments when they are fresh in your brain, try to write as much as you can whilst traveling. Writing at the moment will help you achieve the most accurate, vibrant, and engaging content.

We understand you don’t want to get distracted from your travels by working, you don’t have to write down much, just keywords like smells, tastes, sounds, and dialogue . Go back to the entry later and the content will be sure to trigger the emotions you felt.  

Writing after the event has happened can often be a false memory seen through rose-tinted glasses, especially if you write about it once the trip is over and you’ve returned home. You might find that writing a brief journal entry every evening is a nice way to unwind and end your day .

Wondering what to include in a travel journal ? Sometimes writing the most random emotions can work best:

  • Did you learn something that day?
  • Did something upset you?
  • Was someone wearing something that stood out to you?
  • What did you eat?

Don’t be afraid, to be honest, and include things that were strange or even unpleasant, these things are part of traveling and can be very interesting to read about.

Use Writing Tools

a travel journal meaning

Writing tools can be a great way of getting the best out of your travel writing, they can improve spelling and grammar as well as make the text more cohesive.

  • State of Writing and Grammar Checker

The grammar guides cover everything you need to know about writing.

  • Essayroo and Assignment Help

These online communities will help you find like-minded people to give advice and share tips with.

  • Cite It In and Word Counter

These are great tools if you want a professional take on your journal. Use citation tools to reference other articles, travel books, or websites.

  • UKWritings and Academized

These are proofreading services that will help you polish your writing.

  • My Writing Way and Via Writing

These tools will help you if you decide to choose the blogging route.

Add Pictures

a travel journal meaning

A journal is for text but pictures are still worth a thousand words .

Combining images of your travels with words can form a comprehensive narrative of your travels. Take images of places you are describing, of a new friend, even a selfie or two if that’s the impression you want to give of your travels.

Sometimes images can make the journal seem more human and personal , it can also bring back memories or inspire. If you forget or don’t have time to journal for a few days, you’ll be glad you took some pictures so that you can use them to help you remember and fill in the blanks.

If you are so inclined, add sketches or doodles , they don’t have to be works of art but perhaps just mindless lines to pass the time on public transport. 

The internet is full of sketchbook tours. When talent and practice get together, the result is just mind-blowing.

Don’t Be Afraid to Write About the Bad

a travel journal meaning

Even the best holiday will have ups or downs.

Don’t be afraid to write about what disappointed you . Since you wrote about your trip before you arrived, you should also write about it after you leave. The best travel journals are straightforward and raw.

Maybe you were looking forward to a meal and it wasn’t as high quality as you were expecting, maybe your hotel didn’t look like the website photo or, maybe the flight was hellish.

Often your bad experiences will be the most interesting and dramatic things to write in a journal. Great works have been written about awful trips. You might even want to book yourself into a cheap motel or visit a kitschy tourist spot just so you have a higher chance of a more authentic and interesting experience.

Write down what you would have changed about it, maybe you will return to that destination and want to remind future you to do something differently.

Write About Yourself

a travel journal meaning

Think of yourself as the main character, or maybe even the hero, of your travels.

Take some time to record your trials and tribulations. Reflect on how the experience changed you or will change you in the future.

Did you learn something new about it yourself, like a new skill or the enjoyment of something you previously hadn’t enjoyed?

Write about the huge argument you and your friend had outside that restaurant that made you wait an hour for a table. Traveling can help people grow and evolve into better versions of themselves, it teaches you to appreciate people’s differences, to accept different cultures, and to be more patient, amongst others.

Maybe you’ve seen a side of your personality that you don’t like such as anger, prejudice, a judgmental side, or a snobby side . Don’t be afraid to be honest about your reflection as this itself will help you grow. All the best stories and creative and unique travel journal ideas have the character go through an arc and change, for better or worse.

Will your travel journal have an arc?

You can write this during the trip, or after, depending on when you start seeing these differences.

It Doesn’t Have to Be On Paper

a travel journal meaning

We all think of worldly travelers with their beaten-up notebooks but in this day and age, you have so many choices.

Many people vlog , videoing their travels and speaking directly to the camera. This can sometimes be less visceral than a written journal but it can be more accessible and easier to show others. The cons of vlogging are also the worry about carrying camera equipment and having the right sound and lighting to capture that perfect moment.

Check this vlogger’s take on how to start vlogging:

Apps are also a great aid to travel journals. There are purpose-built travel journal apps that allow you to take notes, upload images and video plus text, and auto-link the website of the place or business you are mentioning. The best element of these apps is that they will auto-capture the time, location, and weather of your location; allowing you to craft a thorough online travel journal .

a travel journal meaning

But the main piece of advice is to enjoy yourself . Traveling is fun and your journal should be too.

  • Start writing in your travel journal scrapbook before you leave home.
  • Don’t just list off things you did and places you visited, turn your trip into a story.
  • Include details about how you felt and thought about the places you experienced.
  • Record your thoughts while they are fresh in your mind and don’t be afraid to include the not-so-great parts.
  • Use pictures to enhance your writing and to aid your memory.
  • Be sure to use writing resources so your narrative flows well and doesn’t have errors in it.
  • Write about what you want to talk about, show the images you want to show and summarize both the best and the worst of your time.

Do you have any further tips to add to this travel journal writing guide? Are you still wondering what to write in a journal? Would you like us to write a guide on how to create a travel blog?

Send us an email to aworldtotravel @ gmail . com , we are always happy to improve our articles with your tips!

There are 2 comments

I want to know how to start my travelogue… I have so many ideas n experiences but don’t know how to put them into words please help me.

Get in touch with us via email 🙂 We’ll try to help

Comments are closed.

Vanlifers

This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy .

Travel Journals: How To Get Started And Why

Published on May 24th, 2022 by Chelsea Gonzales

Travel Journals Help You Remember The Little Things

Those who own a campervan, RV, or are living the van life have a lot of opportunities to travel. While many experiences happen in the moment during your adventures, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep some sort of record. Travel journals can be incredibly useful for remembering the pitstops and little details along the way.

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is what you might imagine: a way to keep track of all the things you see and do while traveling.

For some, this means writing down every little detail at the end of each trip. For others, it might mean making quick notes here and there during each getaway. Some people include photos in their journals, and some include trip maps.

DON’T MISS OUT ON VANLIFERS UPDATES

Sign up for the newsletter today.

Please enter a valid email address.

An error occurred. Please try again later.

logo

Thank you for subscribing to the Vanlifers newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates.

You can get as elaborate and creative or simple as you like with your travel journal. The point is to keep track of your journeys and give yourself something to look back on down the line.

An example of premade travel journals that can be purchased. The cover says Van Life.

Why People Keep Travel Journals

Wondering why anyone would put in the effort required to keep up with a travel journal? This is understandable. After all, we live busy lives, and keeping up with a journal is just one more thing to add to your to-do list. However, there are some good reasons to put in that extra effort.

One major benefit of keeping such a journal is the ability to look back and reminisce about the good times  you had with friends and family. For many, this is the main reason for keeping a journal and is enough for them to pull out a pen and jot down some notes.

That said, some other travelers might require a bit more motivation. In these cases, I like to point out that a travel journal can serve a beneficial purpose. These journals are perfect reference books for future travels.  They allow you to look back on where you’ve been, what you did there, what you loved, and what wasn’t so great.

This makes planning future travels to the same areas a cinch, as you will know exactly  what to do and what not to do, even years after your initial visit. I know my family has looked back in our travel records for the name of a restaurant or coffee shop on more than one occasion. I’ll also turn to my travel log from time to time when writing blog posts, as I find it quite useful for helping me remember details I might otherwise have left out.

Finally, some people choose to use their journals to plan trips ahead of time and record them afterward. If you’re a big planner, this might be an excellent tool to add to your arsenal.

How to Start a Travel Journal

As mentioned before, your travel journal can be as simple or complex as you make it. Getting started on your journaling journey can be as easy as grabbing a notebook and jotting down some notes or as elaborate as investing in a bunch of scrapbook supplies.

Personally, I recommend something in between. You’re much more likely to go back and look at your journal if it’s well organized and pleasant to look at, but trying to go above and beyond—making each page a work of art—is likely to lead you to abandon the project.

The Best Travel Journals

Not sure which journal to buy in order to begin recording your travel experiences? Below are our top 5 favorite options. We’ve included a journal for every type of note-taker and writer. Hopefully, one of these will work well for you.

#1: Wanderings Leather Pocket Notebook

Wanderings Leather Pocket Notebook available on Amazon.

If all you need is a simple notebook, this refillable option might be ideal for you. We love that the leather cover protects your musings, the paper is incredibly high quality, and the small size of the journal makes it easy to carry.

#2: Field Notes Travel Journals

Field Notes Travel Journals with a yellow textured cover.

We love Field Notes. These tiny notebooks can be kept in any bag or even a pocket and brought out to take notes no matter where you may be. They are high quality and come in various lovely, collectible cover designs—with special limited editions released every quarter.

#3: You Are Here: A Mindful Travel Journal

You are here. A mindful travel journal.

These fabulous travel journals help the traveler be mindful of everything they are taking in. It gives suggestions on filling its pages but leaves everything up to the user, making this the perfect tool for those who may need a bit of guidance.

#4: Travel Listography

Travel Listography Travel Journal

Prefer making lists to writing? Then, this is the book for you. Travel Listography allows users to record their trips in list form, something the super organized will appreciate.

#5: The Ultimate Travel Journal For Kids

The ultamate Travel Journal for Kids. Includes 4 Trips. Awesome Activites for Your Adventures by Rob Taylor.

If you have kids who want to join in on the fun, this colorful, activity-filled journal is the perfect option for them. The notebook offers plenty of prompts, helping kids record all the important details of their trip, and there is enough room in this journal to record four awesome road trip adventures.

Hit The Road And Start Journaling

Whether you are just starting to plan your van build, or you are already exploring the world around you from your home on wheels, it’s never too late to start one of hopefully many travel journals to remember your adventures.

Do you already have an awesome travel journal that you want to share with other Vanlifers? Share a photo of it on your Instagram feed and tag @Vanlifers; we’d love to see it!

Thank You For Your Vote!

Sorry You have Already Voted!

Related Posts:

couple with dog laying on campervan bed with back doors open

Ram Promaster for Van Life: The Ultimate Guide to Pros, Cons, and Customization

Man wiring electrical components inside a van.

Alternative Power Sources for Vanlifers When Solar Isn’t Enough

Small kitchen in a GoCamp van rental

Van Life Just Got Easier with GoCamp

Share this post:, about the author:.

Chelsea Gonzales writer

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Welcome! Please follow these guidelines:

  • Be kind and respectful.
  • Keep comments relevant to the article.
  • Avoid insults, threats, profanity, and offensive remarks.
  • Refrain from discussing gun rights, politics, or religion.
  • Do not post misleading information, personal details, or spam.

We may hide or remove comments at our discretion.

I have read and accepted the Comment Guidelines and Privacy Policy *

Follow #vanlifers:

Escape Artist Katie

Travel Journaling Guide: How to Write the Ultimate Travel Diary

Travel Journaling Guide: How to Write the Ultimate Travel Diary

Travel journaling allows you to preserve your travel memories for life. It’s a fact of life that memories fade over time. Some may disappear within seconds, while others can stay clear for hours, days or weeks. Travel memories that are written down, however, are there for life.

If you’ve been tracking down waterfalls in the Cuban jungle, it’s only a matter of time until you forget the blood-red feathers of the Cuban trogon you stumbled upon. What about the name of that man you met on the Paris Metro? The ins and outs of your journey on a night bus in Vietnam? The accidental shortcut you found in Switzerland?

As a travel writer, I’ve been travel journaling in one shape or form for my whole life. However, you don’t have to be a writer to start a travel journal. It can be as simple, as short or as complex as you like, with the following travel journaling guide.

Whether you bullet-point everything or smash out several pages of prose per day, your travel journal doesn’t just preserve precious travel memories. It’s a place to self-reflect on your journey, record facts and quotes, and creatively display your travels so far. The best part? All you need to start travel journaling is a notebook, a pen and a travel plan.

Table of Contents

What is travel journaling?

Travel journaling is the act of keeping a written record of your travels. While this typically refers to keeping a chronological (hour-by-hour and day-by-day) travel diary, some travel journalers might also sketch, create collages or draw infographics to tell a story.

Travel journaling is unique to each storyteller, but at its core, it’s about relaying your experiences for an imaginary or real reader and recording your adventures for your future self to look back on.

A woman travel journaling and flicking through the pages of a book.

The only piece of equipment you need to begin travel journaling is a notebook. This could be as simple as a basic lined or unlined notebook. However, some notebooks are designed specifically as travel diaries and aim to prompt the author, such as the  Travel Listography Diary  and the  You Are Here Mindful Travel Journal .

ESCAPE CHEAT SHEET

Planning your big escape? These are the booking resources I return to time and time again.

Book your hotel or hostel on Booking.com or Hostelworld .

Protect against accidents and emergencies with insurance from Staysure or SafetyWing .

Find a tour or experience on Get Your Guide .

Travel the world for free with TrustedHousesitters .

Travel Journaling: Should I keep a travel journal?

Anyone can keep a travel journal, whether you’re creating a travel journal to share memories with family and friends when you return home, or just for yourself. It’s a souvenir of sorts, but one that has a personal meaning to you and captures your exact thoughts and feelings at a specific time and place in your journey.

You might want to keep a travel journal if…

1. You want your memories to become sharper and more meaningful.

At school, teachers often advise students to write down facts to remember them. The same goes for memories. Writing about a memory stimulates your brain to recall and remember specific details from that moment.

When you revisit a memory like that, it sends your brain a signal that that particular memory is important. It is prioritised above other, more insignificant memories from the day, the week or the year. As a result, you’re more likely to be able to recall it in the future.

Blonde woman wearing red t-shirt dress gazes over tea bushes in Munnar

At the same time, revisiting a memory allows you to add meaning to your experience. By exploring the thoughts and feelings that came along with the physical sensations, you’re able to bring a unique, personal meaning to what happened.

2. You’d like to relive a memory a second time.

When I urged a friend I met on my travels to try recording his memories on paper, one of the most significant things he said was, “It’s like I get to experience it all over a second time.”

That’s one of the best parts about travel journaling. In your own, unique way, you get to experience something in detail for a second time. You might feel the same rush of adrenaline, the same apprehension or the same ‘lightbulb moment’.

3. You want to jot down contact details of new friends.

Sometimes you meet people on the road and they have a huge impact on you in some way or another: a blasé comment that stuck with you, a new perspective on a topic you thought you’d already figured out, or an unexpected friend in a moment where you really needed it. Just as often, you forget to ask for their contact information or you lose it in the mayhem.

Kathakali performers in elaborate costumes and makeup

Anything can happen to your phone when you’re travelling: loss, theft, damage, or unexpected memory wipes. Jotting down important contact details in your travel journal creates a second, permanent copy of their details. You never know, you might want to share some of the entries they starred in as a way to reflect on your fleeting time together.

4. You want to work through complex thoughts and feelings.

There’s a reason why many therapists and life coaches suggest writing down how you’re feeling. It’s a very effective way of processing complex or difficult emotions.

You might have had a travel experience that has shook you up slightly – an illness or a missed flight, perhaps – and want to get your immediate frustrations out on paper. Maybe you’ve come to a big realisation about the way you handle stress or adversity. Either way, your travel journal is a great way to work through the feelings.

Bottling up emotions isn’t good for anyone, so this is a particularly handy use for a travel diary if you’re a solo traveller who doesn’t have anyone to vent to immediately. This can all boost your self awareness, protect yourself from future mishaps, and generate a greater understanding of yourself.

5. You want to reflect on your travels so far and what you’d like out of the rest of your trip.

Travel can be a whirlwind. However, by reflecting on your travels so far, you can assess what have been the most meaningful experiences in your trip so far, and seek out similar experiences in the future.

Lady operating a street food stall

Similarly, it can help you to realise if you’ve been focusing on one particular experience so far – for example, hiking or visiting historical sites. It might influence you to try something new, like attending a cultural festival, going on a village walk or engaging in some  offbeat travel  experiences.

6. You want to save ideas for an online travel diary or social media posts.

Whether you’re a content creator, a digital nomad, or simply someone who likes to share your travels with friends and family, travel journaling can be a great way to fine-tune ideas for future stories, whether written or visual.

You might be planning to create your own blog or post photos on Instagram with in-depth captions. Setting up your own website is relatively inexpensive to do nowadays with websites such as  Bluehost  offering cheap, affordable domains and hosting plans – this is the site I used to set up my own blog.

Draft ideas for stories and captions in your travel journal, and use a highlighter to pick out your best ideas.

7. You want to improve your writing skills

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a complete beginner, the simple act of travel journaling every day (or every other day) will give you more practice in the art of the written word.

This will carry over into your studies, essay-writing, creative writing, email-writing, or general communication skills. It also boosts your confidence as a writer.

8. You want something tangible to share with family or friends.

Unless you’re planning on keeping your travel journal to yourself, a travel diary is a great hand-me-down that will give your ancestors a taste of your travels and personality. It’s also an excellent way to connect with friends and families back home, and give them the run-down on what you got up to. If you travelled with a partner or a friend, it’s also an excellent shared keepsake.

Travel Journaling: What should a travel journal include?

When it comes to the question of ‘what should a travel journal include?’, I use the word ‘should’ lightly. Your travel journal is uniquely yours. It doesn’t  have  to include anything you don’t want it to.

Lady wearing jeans is travel journaling outside of a coffee shop

However, there are many things that you might want to include in your travel journal, so the following list should provide some inspiration.

Pick and choose the ideas you like and  experiment  to see what works for you. What works for you will be different than what works for other travel journalers.

1. Brainstorming

You don’t need to wait until your departure date to begin travel journaling. It can also be used to plan your trip. Before anything else, you might want to dedicate a page (or a few) to brainstorming.

Do you want a budget or a luxury trip? Do you want to see the beaches, mountains, jungle, lakes, rivers, or deserts? Which countries match your non-negotiables? Who might you invite, or who can you connect with out there? This sort of brainstorming can streamline the planning process and help you to get the most out of your trip.

2. Trip research

After brainstorming comes the more nitty-gritty trip research. Your travel notebook is ideal for this too. It’s easy to open up a dozen or more tabs on your laptop or mobile device, so you can use the physical notebook to jot down key destinations and activities that have captured your attention. This will help you to narrow down your itinerary once and for all.

3. A trip plan

Shrine inside a cave

You can take this a step further and write a complete plan for your trip. If you don’t want your notebook to get too messy, you can simply add your finalised itinerary. This will be very helpful when you’re actually travelling, because you can store all of your booking information and your travel timeline in one place.

This is what I do, and it keeps my mind clear and my travel plan organised. I also include back-up ideas for activities and alternative transport options should anything go awry.

4. A travel diary

When you start to gather first-hand travel experiences, you can begin to record a diary of the events. You might want to write in prose, which is the best way to let your thoughts flow freely onto the page.

Blogger Escape Artist Katie smiles over the waterfront in Lucerne, Switzerland.

An alternative option is to take bullet points, which help you to get down information quickly before you forget it. You might also want to alternate between the two, writing in bullet points when you’re short on time and writing in prose when you feel particularly inspired.

5. Other travel memorabilia

Your travel journal doesn’t just have to be a written diary. You can collect – and glue down – other travel memorabilia such as ticket stubs, receipts or dried flowers.

Just remember to pack a small glue stick or double-sided tape and scissors (in your checked bag, not your carry-on bag).

Some travel memorabilia that you might want to stick into your travel diary include:

  • Ticket stubs.
  • Foreign bank notes.
  • Newspaper clippings.
  • Dried flowers.
  • Food wrappers.
  • Luggage tag labels.

6. Sketches

If you’re particularly artistic, sketching the scenery, wildlife, or people you see on your journey is a great way to bring your diary to life. If you’re not artistically inclined, a small caricature might be more accessible and just as fun.

Others might prefer to paint in watercolour; there are a number of  watercolour travel journals  available.

Travel journaling: How do you write a travel journal entry?

When you start recording your first travel journal entry, my first piece of advice is simply to start writing.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to make sense to anyone but you. If you work better with an outline, the following prompts should get you started.

1. Write down the date.

The most important thing to do, and perhaps the only rule of travel journaling, is that you should start by writing down the date of your entry. If you can, include the day of the week too, as this can often give extra context – for example, if it’s the weekend, it might explain why the crowds in your destination were so lively or the public transport delayed.

I recommend using the format: Thursday, 21st July, 2022. You want to be able to look back on the date of the entry and see how much time has passed since it took place.

2. Write down your location.

Busy street in Parque Central lined with classic cars

The second most important thing to write down is your location. It’s a good idea to be as specific as possible. Include the town, the village or even the hotel or hostel you’re staying at.

This makes it easier to re-imagine the scenario when you’re reading your diary back. It also makes the entry more accurate and places the event somewhere tangible.

3. Decide whether you’re going to write in prose or use bullet points.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to get your memories down on paper when they are still fresh. If you’re pressed on time, you might want to take bullet points rather than write in prose. If more than a couple of days have passed, you’ll start losing some of the sharper details.

4. Start writing chronologically.

It might be tempting to jump right into the drama that happened in your evening. However, writing your travel diary chronologically is the easiest way to keep it understandable.

The version of events can get confusing if the narrator is constantly skipping from 7pm to 10am, then to 3pm and back to 10am again.

Blonde woman swimming in a natural swimming hole with a waterfall

Begin by writing about your morning. What time did you wake up? What did you eat for breakfast? Who did you talk to? Where did you go from there? It’s also easier to recall memories this way and follow a clear train of thought.

5. Be specific.

As a rule of thumb, the more specific your writing is, the better. This is because the smaller details such as street names or direct quotes are some of the first things that will fade from your memory.

If you really want to bring the memory back to life, focus on the details:  location, names, times, dates, quotes, and specific thoughts.

A man multi-tasks with three pans over a fire at the Da Nang night market.

The following prompts might come in handy:

  • What did you eat? Where did you dine? How did it taste? What was the texture of the food?
  • Who did you speak to? What were their names?
  • Did you discover anything new today? Are there any facts you can recall? Did your destination meet your expectations?
  • What was your favourite part of the day?
  • What was your least favourite part of the day?
  • Did you have any realisations throughout the day? What did you learn about yourself?
  • How did you feel mentally? Were you energised, homesick, nervous, excited, or content?
  • How did you feel physically? Were you in full health, hungry, full, sore, sleepy, or hormonal?

6. Be truthful.

Not every day is all roses and butterflies. At the same time, not every day is packed with drama and turbulence. It can be tempting to over-exaggerate your version of events, for a number of reasons.

You might want to make your trip sound more positive, add drama to your diary, or impress your real (or imagined) readers.

Remember, journaling isn’t just about creating a story. It’s about gaining self-awareness, improving your understanding of the world and working through the feelings that arise as a result of your travels. You can’t do that if you’re trying to paint your journey in a specific light the entire time.

Travel insurance is essential for any trip abroad. If you’re in an accident or experience an emergency, you need adequate cover. I recommend  Staysure  for single or multiple trips per year and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

Travel journaling tips

1. decide whether you want to use a dated diary or a general notebook..

There are pros and cons to purchasing a dated diary over a general notebook. The problem with a notebook is that it’s just a notebook.

A general notebook:

+ There are no restrictions on how long your entries are.

+ It’s more space-efficient for those travelling long-term, as you don’t have to start a new entry at the top of a page.

+ More freedom to doodle.

– Less incentive to make an entry.

– It can get scruffy quickly.

Purchasing a dated diary can make you feel more motivated to write your entries on a regular basis. They often include prompts, which can help you to get started. Many tailored travel journals also have additional pages dedicated for jotting down thoughts and notes, whereas a general notebook can quickly get messy.

Travel journal laid out on a coffee shop table with a mug and glass of milk

A dated diary:

+ Looks more aesthetic.

+ Acts as a reminder not to miss a day.

+ Looks like a traditional diary.

+ May motivate you to write more often.

+ Often includes helpful prompts to spark your creativity.

– Can waste line space.

– May limit the space you have to write about each day.

At the same time, a general notebook might be the best option for long-term travellers who are short on space, because you don’t need to start a new entry at the top of a page. Starting a new entry mid-page saves precious line space. Unless your dated diary has blank spaces where you can insert the exact date, you’re also limited on the amount of space you have to write about each day.

2. Put aside 15 minutes every day to journal.

If one thing is for sure, it’s that travel can get hectic. As a result, it’s easy to get out of the routine of travel journaling every day. Since you want your memories to be as fresh as possible when you’re writing an entry, one of the best ways of keeping on track is by putting aside a specific time slot every day to journal.

Two bikers riding down a road surrounded by jungle

You might decide to journal for 15 minutes each morning while you wait for breakfast to be served or for the 15 minutes before you go to bed.

If you have a daily commute – to the beach, to your temporary job, or to your friend’s hotel, for example – take your journal with you and utilise the spare time.

3. Journal while you’re in transit.

If you’re constantly travelling, it’s probably not going to be long until you have a lengthy train, bus or flight ahead of you. As long as the road (or airspace) isn’t too bumpy and you’re not prone to motion sickness, I’ve found that this is the perfect time to get some travel journaling done.

Yellow taxis and bicycle taxis parked in bays on the road

Having a good chunk of time to dedicate to writing is excellent. Plus, if you do get preoccupied on your travels and go off track with your journaling, the plane ride or boat ride back home is a good stretch of time to pick up where you left off and get down everything you can remember in chronological order.

4. Try to write within at least two days of the events.

The sooner you write about a memory, the better chance you have at remembering the niche details. The ideal situation would be to write about your day at the end of the day before you sleep, but that’s not always realistic.

Instead, try to set yourself a goal of writing about a day or an event 48 hours after it happens. If you still fall off track, write about your travels within a week of the date they happened.

5. Don’t feel the pressure to be perfect.

The pressure to get something perfect is often the first obstacle in getting started. Life is messy – and so is writing a travel journal. It’s not going to be perfect the first try. Besides, what is perfect anyway?

A horned deer grazes on grass in the Periyar National Park.

Your travel journal is for you. It doesn’t matter how many spelling or grammar mistakes there are, as long as it’s legible. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the motivation to write.

Bullet points or a few short paragraphs are better than a blank page. Otherwise, you won’t have anything to look back on at all.

6. Get creative with it.

Harnessing your creativity goes hand-in-hand with letting go of the need for perfection. You could draw caricatures of the interesting people you meet on the road. You could sketch a bird you spotted this morning. You could even make a chart or a diagram of your spendings so far.

Here are some ideas:

  • Dedicate a few pages to creating caricatures of people you meet along the road.
  • Create a ‘quotes’ section and jot down the most meaningful things people have said to you.
  • Make a chart or a diagram of your spendings.
  • Put together a recipes section where you write down your favourite meals and their key ingredients (don’t be shy about asking).
  • A ‘rant’ section dedicated to unedited writing.
  • Glue ticket stubs to the relevant pages.
  • Make a collage out of ticket stubs, photographs and other memorabilia.

7. Keep your travel journal safe.

While a journal might not look that attractive to potential thieves, it’s probably invaluable to you. Therefore, it’s very important to take measures to stop it from getting stolen, lost or damaged.

Prevent water damage

Whether it causes smudged ink or crinkled pages, water damage can have a catastrophic effect on your journal. It’s also one of the most common ways that travel journals get damaged, as they’re prone to rainwater and liquid leakages in your luggage.

Some travel journals have waterproof covers, which add some extra protection, but this isn’t a foolproof solution.

Long wooden coir houseboat on Alleppey backwaters lined with palm trees.

Storing your travel journal in a waterproof pouch or pocket is the most effective way to prevent water damage.

A plastic bag is effective too. However, it’s more prone to getting punctured by sharp objects and it’s less durable (and less eco-friendly) than a permanent waterproof pouch.

The following waterproof bags and pouches will protect your travel journal:

  • Syncwire Waterproof Pouch Bag
  • Eono Waterproof Waist Bag
  • Waterproof Dry Bag Set

Keep it in a safe or a locked locker

If you’re not planning on travel journaling while you’re on the go, it’s probably best to leave it locked securely in your accommodation. Many hotels provide safes; it will usually be listed on the list of features on booking websites such as  Booking.com  or  Hostelworld.com .

Some hostels and homestays may provide a locker instead. For this, you will often need to bring your own padlock. I’d recommend bringing a set of  TSA-approved combination padlocks .

Carry an anti-theft backpack

It’s unlikely your travel journal will get swiped from your backpack. Thieves are far more likely to target a mobile phone.

Still, you should carry your valuables (journal included) in an anti-theft backpack. They come with features such as secret pockets, durable zippers, and designs that make it hard for thieves to gain access.

Anti-theft backpacks:

  • Della Gao Anti-Theft Laptop
  • TcIFE Ladies Backpack
  • Oscaurt Theft Proof Travel Backpack
  • Waterfly Anti-Theft Backpack

8. Don’t forget a pen (and back-ups).

A pen is one of the easiest things to forget on your trip. While they should be easy to get a hold of, there are some locations where you might find it tricker (Cuba, the middle of the jungle, or a small town, for example).

I’d recommend using a clickable pen, because this is less prone to leaking ink than a regular ballpoint. Bring spares if you can, because the ink might run out mid-journey or just when inspiration strikes.

Travel journaling examples

As someone who preaches about travel journaling, I’ve decided to share a few entries from my own travel diary so that you can get an idea for the sheer variety of what you can write about and how you can record the details.

Entry 1: Havana, Cuba (Saturday 22nd January, 2022)

A street in Havana with people purchasing from a fruit stall

Anisah and I arrived in Cuba late, around 7pm. It was already dark outside and thunder-storming – lightning, heavy rain that soaked through my papers.

The airport was very basic and very stringent with Covid (masks, stalls and many checks) but we cleared security swiftly and had only our backpacks as a carry-on.

Outside, there were taxi drivers holding names, and, surprisingly, they weren’t at all pushy. Our hostel was supposed to arrange a driver to take us directly there, but upon ringing twice (and spending a daunting £3 per minute on the calls), it appeared the driver was stuck in his house due to the storm.

We ended up in a yellow, licensed cab (which cost 25 euros – but down to 20 when the lady hosting us paid on our behalf).

I felt a little unnerved in the taxi, probably because I was exhausted, and because without maps, the driver relied on memory and locals in Havana for directions – and there weren’t many outside due to the torrential rain.

Entry 2: Ubud, Bali (Thursday 20th June, 2019)

Woke at 1am for the Mount Batur sunrise trek.

  • Mount Agun nearby “coughed” up lava three weeks ago, according to our guide.
  • 1,700-metre climb – our time was 1h35 but it felt way longer.
  • Very steep, gravelly, and one of the toughest climbs I’ve done in my life. At one point, I told Jess, “Go on without me”.
  • I ate a boiled egg and a banana at the top. I was still starving.
  • Monkeys and dogs were fighting on the mountaintop.
  • Monkeys almost stole my bag. They successfully stole a purse from another lady.
  • We lost Pablo (Goncalo’s cousin) at the top of the mountain. The guide (jeans and sandals) was going to leave him behind, but we refused.

Entry 3: Havana, Cuba (Monday 31st January, 2022)

A man driving a bicycle taxi through Havana

Our host gave us the cheque. We were short by 700 pesos. We went to hunt down an ATM. The ATM declined my card, as did the second ATM… and then the third ATM.

We started to panic, so we went to the Kempinski Hotel in Plaza Mayor to use their WiFi to contact my bank. It quickly emerged that the WiFi had completely cut out city-wide. At this point, we really started to panic. We had to leave for the airport in one hour.

We’d used up all of our options, so I told Anisah we’d have to ask someone for money. She was very dubious. We were walking down my favourite street when I spotted an older man and a younger woman, both blonde, looking lost and carrying cameras and bags.

I took off my mask and asked ‘Ingles?’. Nope, they spoke Spanish. In broken Spanish/English, I started to explain ‘plane’ (hand motion), ‘Londres’ (London), ‘desperate’, ‘taxi to airport’, and ‘short by 700’.

They replied, ‘No, a taxi should be 20’. They thought I meant euros! I said, ‘No, no. 700 pesos’. He nodded, ‘Oh, good price!’. To my disbelief, he pulled out a fat wallet filled with US dollars and pesos, and handed me a 500 and a 200. I nearly cried, but settled for tapping the lady’s arms and doing a prayer hand motion. People are truly good at heart.

Travel journaling: How do you make a memorable trip?

There are two halves to creating a travel journal. The first half is the part where you  explore, observe and investigate .

The second half is the part where you  write or create .

If one half of the formula is missing, you won’t have a travel journal at all.

Similarly, a travel notebook that documents seven days spent beside a swimming pool, tanning and reading a book, is unlikely to be as riveting as a travel journal that documents a journey into Dubrovnik’s old town, a bus ride through central  Vietnam , wild swimming through waterfalls in  Cuba  or a cruise over the backwaters in  Kerala , for example.

  • Guide to the Parque Guanayara Waterfalls in Cuba
  • Things to do at Alleppey and its backwaters

1. Research your trip.

A great motto, and one I live by, is ‘plan to travel without a plan’. If you want to make your trip memorable, it’s just as important not to over-plan as it is to dive in headfirst without a scooby of what you are doing.

Jeep driving on a rural highway

Research enough so that you have a huge backlist of itinerary and destination ideas. Make a list of local accommodations that you like the sound of. Book essential, long-distance travel only.

You don’t know what will happen on the trip: delays, unexpected new acquaintances, weather events, romances, and so on.

Sometimes, the most interesting stories form from following your heart or your intuition, so if you’ve planned every single detail, you’ll end up boxed in.

Here are some ideas for your research:

  • Research blogs to get practical advice from those who have visited a destination or attraction previously.
  • Confirm the main modes of transport, currencies, and WiFi accessibility in your chosen destination. Practical details matter.
  • Create a list of destinations and activities you’d like to engage in.
  • Highlight your non-negotiable activities, desirable itineraries, and nice-to-have experiences. That way, you know which activities are the most important to you.
  • Try to avoid tourist traps and opt for more authentic, local or offbeat travel experiences. These are often the most interesting experiences to write about.

2. Book your flights.

After your research is complete, the first thing you need to do is to book your flights.  Skyscanner  should be your go-to tool to search for flights. It scans the internet for the cheapest deals, routes and even the most eco-friendly transport options.  Google Flights  is another useful tool, which you can use to confirm that you’ve found the best deal.

3. Book interesting accommodation.

The accommodation you book has a direct impact on your travel journal entries. It can create drama, it can spice things up a little, or it can act as a relaxing backdrop.

Unique accommodation might liven up your entries: search for things like treehouses, camping tents, shepherd’s huts, and themed resorts.

Skyrises and houses merge along the Da Nang skyline.

The following sites are my go-to websites for booking accommodation that will jazz up my travel journal entries:

Booking.com : Booking.com has a wide selection of accommodation, including eclectic stays. I also find that it generally has the best price, compared to other booking websites advertising the same hotel or accommodation.

Hostelworld : Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to introduce new, wise and quirky characters into your diary. As most hostels have communal spaces, it’s very easy to delve into a deep conversation with a stranger, which is often one of the most interesting parts of travel journeys.

The act of staying in a dorm room or shared accommodation is eventful in itself; you don’t know what sorts of stories you might get out of one night spent in a dorm room. Was there a fight for a particular bed? A sleep talker? Late-night card games and conversations?

Homestay :  Homestay specialises in accommodation where you stay in the home of a local. This is a brilliant option for those who are writing a travel diary, because it enables you to connect with the community, learn about local customs and have a more authentic travel experience.

4. Engage in more offbeat travel experiences.

Generally speaking, you won’t get as much of a story out of a tourist trap as you will out of a more unusual or hands-on travel experience. After six years of travelling, this is the biggest lesson I have learnt, and exactly why my blog specialises in offbeat travel experiences.

Farmers digging up tapioca

So, how do you find offbeat travel experiences for your travel journal?

  • Ask at your hotel or hostel for local-led activities. Questions such as ‘where do you eat?’ or ‘where do you go to party?’ are also great ways to find local spots over tourist traps.
  • Search for unique travel experiences on  GetYourGuide . They list local-led travel experiences, which are a great way to meet fellow interesting travellers and get an insight into the offbeat sides of a destination.
  • Use tour organisations that label themselves as ‘local-led’, ‘experiential’, ‘offbeat’ and ‘immersive’. These are tailored towards giving travellers unique, hands-on experiences, and not taking you on the usual tourist trails.

Travel journaling: How do you write a travel journal that is worth reading?

Not everyone wants to share their travel journal. However, if you do want to write your travel diary for an audience – whether that’s family, friends, an online following or a potential future publisher – it’s going to need to be worth reading.

1. Make your first draft in a physical travel journal.

Writing in chronological order and as soon as possible after the events happen, make your first draft in a physical travel journal.

Remember, that you’re going to edit your travel journal when you’re back home, so the most important thing isn’t writing perfectly. It’s about being consistent with your writing schedule and getting the details down on paper.

2. Be as specific as possible.

Specificity is even more important if you’re going to share your travel journal in one form or another.

Use exact times, exact dates, full names, ages, and detailed physical descriptions. This will bring your story to life, especially for those who weren’t there to watch it unfold in person.

3. Feature specific characters.

Just as a novel would be incomplete without a series of in-depth and interesting characters, your travel diary should also feature characters.

It doesn’t matter if they’re fleeting and disappear after an entry or two. The important thing is that your reader can envision and relate to your character.

Collection of locals in Havana wearing casual clothes

That might mean describing them physically, disclosing their name (or pseudonym) and age, as well as describing their little quirks and mannerisms.

You should try to quote them directly when possible, and explore their mindset and their backstory.

4. Write up your travel journal.

When you arrive back home, write up your travel journal into a digital format, correcting spelling and grammar mistakes as you go. This will create a second copy of your journal, just in case anything happens to the physical copy.

5. Edit your travel journal.

If you’re going to be sharing your travel journal, the most important part is the editing process. Your journal may only need a light edit, which corrects any spelling or grammar mistakes and makes it more legible.

However, it may need a deeper edit if you’re truly going to post it online or send it to a publisher. The execution, plot, and characters will be more important in this case.

Traveling journaling: Types of travel journals

There are several types of travel notebooks, and they all have their specific advantages and disadvantages.

A small travel notebook next to a mobile phone, bag and postcard

There are also some clear criteria you should be looking for out of a high-quality travel notebook:

Number of pages:  The number of pages you’ll need will depend upon the length of your trip. If you’re travelling long-term, it’s better to have a notebook with a large number of pages rather than several, smaller notebooks which will take up more space overall.

Paperback or hardback:  While a hardback notebook is more durable, a paperback journal is more lightweight. If you’re limited by space or weight limits, opt for a paperback. Size:  Notebooks come in a variety of sizes, such as A4, A5, or A6. In general, an A5 notebook is ideal for a travel diary because it’s compact enough to carry in your packed or day luggage, but not so small that you’ll run out of space quickly.

Line size:  Unless you have large handwriting, a journal with fairly narrow line sizes is ideal, because you can fit more writing onto one page, and therefore into one notebook. You could also choose a notebook without lines at all, which gives you more freedom over the size of your handwriting, but can end up with messy, undulating lines.

Paper thickness:  Thinner paper is usually ideal, unless you are planning on painting, colouring-in or using heavy ink. Still, bear in mind that ink can bleed through the paper if it’s too thin, ruining other pages in your diary.

Binding:  The binding of your notebook is important too. Ideally, you want a notebook that can spread out flat while you write and one where you don’t need to hold the edges of the pages down. A spiral-bound notebook is ideal over a smaller, tightly-bound notebook, in this case.

Traveling journaling: A6 travel diaries

Best for: weekend trips.

  • Sovereign-Gear Antique Brown Refillable Travellers Notebook : This A6 notebook has a leather case and a refillable design, which includes three packs of paper (one unlined, one lined and one made from kraft paper). Even better, it has a PVC water-resistant zipper pocket for your valuables.
  • Avocado and Spice Hardback A6 Notebook : With a hardback cover and 200 pages, this A6 notebook is an aesthetic travel diary that comes with its own protective velvet bag. It comes with the option of dotted, lined or blank pages, and has a built-in pen holder and a bookmark.
  • Antony Olivier Leather Journal : With unlined paper and vintage brown leather, the Antony Olivier Leather Journal is a premium A6 notebook. There are 200 pages, all unlined.
  • Newestor Pocket Notebook : The Newestor Pocket Notebook is small enough that you can tuck it into your back pocket. It’s probably not ideal for those who are going to be writing in long prose, but those who are planning on documenting their travels with bullet points or short paragraphs will have 144 pages at their disposal.

Travel journaling: A5 travel dairies

Best for: longer trips.

  • EMSHOI A5 Notebook : With the option of lined, dotted or squared pages, the spiral-bound EMSHOI notebook has 640 A5-sized pages. It also has a water-resistant PVC cover.
  • Antony Olivier Leather A5 Notebook : This is an A5-sized version of the high-quality, leather Antony Olivier notebook. It includes unlined 200 pages and a journal enamel pen.
  • Silvine A5 Executive Soft Feel Notebook : The Silvine 15 Executive Notebook has 160 pages with a sewn case, inside pocket and ivory paper.

Travel journaling: Watercolour travel journals

Best for: artists.

  • Seawhite A5 Travel Journal : This notebook has 60 pages and a back pocket. It’s also completely vegan.
  • Hahnemuhle Watercolour Book A5 : This sturdy hardback book has 30 sheets of natural white fine-grain paper, ideal for panoramic paintings.
  • Tumuarta Watercolour Journal : Designed as a travel watercolour notebook, this journal has 48 pages, made of 25% cotton. The pages can tolerate light washes and they’re micro-perforated, so you can tear out a page if you need to.

A travel journal is a great place to jot down travel affirmations if you experience anxiety or nerves before or during a trip or to write down packing lists and other plans. See where I’ve been to start planning your next trip.

Katie Treharne

Escape Artist Katie owner riding a yellow quad bike over former lava fields on Mount Mayon in the Philippines.

I’m Katie, the owner of Escape Artist Katie. I have been travel writing since 2018, including writing for luxury travel magazines and publications such as Wanderlust.

As well as being a digital nomad who works and lives abroad permanently, I’m a big advocate for  offbeat travel  and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

I hope you found my article useful – find out more  about  me here or keep up with my travels on  Instagram .

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

Privacy Overview

The Travel Hack

Travel journaling: 10 tips to create a gorgeous travel journal to treasure for a lifetime

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog

Travel journaling: 10 tips to create a gorgeous travel journal to treasure for a lifetime

Do you write a travel journal? 

I know, it’s the 21st century and we all take a billion photos a day and share everything online. That’s like a modern form of journaling travel, right? Well…no. Today I’d like to make a case to bring back the lost art of travel journaling.

This post about travel journaling was created in collaboration with Snappy Snaps and I’d like to share some tips to help you create a beautiful and thoughtful travel journal. I’ve got some tips to get started and also tips to keep travel journaling, even on the days you aren’t in the mood!

For me, writing a travel journal or a travel diary is one of my favourite times of the day while I’m travelling.

In my opinion, not enough people write travel journals! Travel journaling is honestly the most therapeutic and creative way to store and reflect on your travel memories. A journal brings back memories in a way a photo never could, and the act of writing helps solidify memories so you’re less likely to forget them.

I’ll usually write in my travel journal before going out for dinner, at that gorgeous time of day when the sun is setting and everything is peaceful and calm. I love to reflect on the day, write about everything I’ve done and jot down notes about things I want to remember. I’ll have a cold beer or a glass of wine and spend half an hour quietly jotting down my thoughts from the day.

Even on the days where I don’t have a lot to say, I’ll just bullet point some thoughts and stick in a few tickets or notes or whatever I’ve collected that day.

I love writing my travel diary but I love reading it back even more. 

I’ve got travel journals from my first backpacking trip in 2009. I’ll admit that many of the pages make me cringe, but it’s a joy to read and it brings memories flooding back in a way that photos never could. It’s interesting to see what felt important at the time and there’s always so much I’d forgotten about until I see the words on the page written in my own familiar scrawl. I’ve written pages and pages about people I no longer remember and destinations that are just a vague blur in my mind.

Journaling Travel - Tips to help you write a travel journal

Here are some tips to help you create travel journals you’ll treasure for a lifetime

The Travel Hack Journaling Travel

#1. Why should you create a travel journal?

  • To preserve your memories
  • As a fun, creative outlet
  • To ensure you have a moment of calm during a busy trip
  • As a form of self-care to help organise your thoughts and talk about your feelings
  • To give yourself a wonderful thing to read back in years to come
  • To help with writing travel blogs and Instagram captions
  • To help remember key facts that could help people plan their future trips

#2. What should you put in your travel journal?

The lovely thing about journaling travel is that there is no right or wrong answer here. You can write about whatever you want. You don’t need to be a good writer or be artistic or creative. You just need a notepad and a pen and some thoughts in your head.

I like to play around with different formats in my travel journals such as:

  • Brain dump – Just sit and write anything that comes into your head. Don’t overthink it, just write.
  • What I did today – A traditional journal style, chronologically following everything you did that day
  • All photos – Some days I don’t want to write so I just stick a load of photos in
  • Bullet points – No time to write sentences? Just get your thoughts down quickly with bullet points
  • Scrapbook style – Stick tickets or other notes into your journal that will remind you of your day

Journaling Travel

#3. What do you need for your travel journal?

You could keep it simple with nothing more than a notepad and a pen, or you could go all out!

Take a look at craft supply stores like Hobby Craft, Etsy or even bargain shops like Poundland for crafting supplies. You can get things like travel themed washi tape, cute accessories to stick in, stamps, stencils, frames and fancy pens.

Notepad – Personally, I like a notepad where I can tear pages out if I need to. I like knowing that if I make a mistake I can just rip the page out.

A nice pen – Stationary geeks will understand the joy of finding the right pen!

Two coloured pens – I try to stick with a particular colour scheme so I’ll rarely use more than two colours

Photos – More on photos below

Scissors – Remember that you can’t take scissors in your hand luggage!

Pritt Stick – Vital for sticking in tickets and notes

Travel wallet – I also travel with some kind of travel document wallet. I’ll use this to store any of the tickets or notes I want to add into the journal as I often do this once I get home.

a travel journal meaning

#4. Printing photos for your travel journal

I wait until I’m home to print out my photos and stick them into my journal. When I’m writing I’ll leave pages blank to allow space for photos.

For me, photos in a travel journal are SO important. This is mostly because they encourage me to look back and read old journals as it’s more enticing when the pages are broken up with pictures.

For my latest travel journal I used the online photo printing service with Snappy Snaps. I was so impressed with this service. I ordered them at about 2.30pm on Tuesday and they arrived with my postman by midday on Wednesday. I couldn’t believe they came so quickly!

The quality is brilliant and I love the matte effect in my journal.

Travel Hack Tip: When selecting the photos you’d like to print, always choose the best quality ones you have. Avoid filters or heavily edited photos and, if you can, use photos taken on a camera rather than a phone. You often don’t notice the difference in quality when it’s on the screen of your photo but you really do notice the difference once they’re printed. Filters look great on your phone but they don’t look great in print.

a travel journal meaning

#5. Digital travel journals vs paper travel journals

I’m sure you’re aware that there are countless travel journal apps available. Personally, I prefer a good old fashioned paper journal. I find the words flow easily when written with a pen and it’s a more rewarding and creative process. I’m also more likely to read it back in years to come when it’s a paper journal.

If you’re the kind of person who prefers to keep things digital then I’d highly recommend using an iPad along with an Apple Pencil and the app Day One Journal. It’s a lovely, intuitive app and you can add photos into each journal entry. It also gives you daily journal prompts if you’re struggling for ideas!

a travel journal meaning

#6. Travel journal prompts

If you’re struggling for ideas for what to write in your journal then here are some travel journal prompts to get you started:

  • What was the highlight of your day?
  • Who was the most interesting person you spoke to today?
  • Write about an interesting conversation you had.
  • Describe the best meal you had today.
  • What was the worst thing you did today?
  • What surprised you today?
  • Did you learn anything new today?
  • Did anything scare you today?
  • Describe your accommodation.
  • What are you missing from home?
  • What happened today that you never want to forget.

Journaling Travel

How travel journaling led to my career as a travel blogger

I’m just going to interrupt these travel journal tips to share how my travel journal led to my career as a travel blogger!

Read more: How I turned my passion for travel into a career as a travel blogger

Passive income and making money as a blogger in 2022

I’ve always been a journaller. Yes, even back in the days when writing a journal wasn’t ‘cool’ and it wasn’t part of every millennial’s self-care routine. I wrote journals about my best friends and my latest crush, my days at school and my hopes and dreams for the future. Yes, it was just as embarrassing as it sounds! It was my way of processing all the confusing thoughts that jumbled around my brain and journaling helped me feel calm and relaxed after a hectic day.

It felt natural to begin a travel journal when I left to go backpacking for two years in 2009.

I wrote a daily journal and eventually typed these handwritten notes up and posted them on the internet in the form of a blog.

I did this for years without anyone really noticing what I was going…until one day people did notice. And quite quickly, lots of people noticed! And, to cut a very long story short, I’m now lucky enough to do this full time! If I hadn’t written that journal all those years ago then I never would have ended up doing this and I just feel so pleased with myself for taking the time to write those journals!

Journaling Travel

#7. Travel journals + self care

Let’s not forget that writing a journal, even if it isn’t a travel journal, is an invaluable form of self care. Whenever I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed or like I have too many thoughts in my head, I always find journaling will help. 

Travelling can often be stressful and we often travel when we need to escape things at home. While you’re writing your journal, don’t confine yourself to just writing facts and figures and descriptions from your trip, write about everything. Write about how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking and how the overall trip is affecting you. Observing your feelings and how the world around you is making you feel. No one else needs to read your journal so don’t worry about getting personal because this is only for you.

a travel journal meaning

#8. Should you use an Instant camera for your travel journal?

Polaroids look gorgeous in scrapbook-style travel journals and it is nice to instantly print your photos and add them to your journal as you write. Aesthetically I think they look amazing but realistically I’ve always found it cumbersome.

Polaroid cameras are bulky and annoying to carry. You’ll probably be taking the majority of your photos on your main camera or phone so it’s a big thing to lug around for just a couple of snaps each day. Not only that but the reels are expensive and you’ll have to make sure you’ve got enough for your whole trip.

a travel journal meaning

#9. What if I’m not artistic, creative or good at drawing? How can I make my travel journal look amazing?

That’s OK, I’m not either!

If you’re no good at drawing but would like something extra in your journal then use brochures, maps and tickets to create gorgeous pages.

a travel journal meaning

#10. Travel journal inspiration

I’ve left this tip until the end because it can be a double edged sword. Looking at other people’s travel journals for inspiration can give you so many ideas and inspire you to create your own, but it can be overwhelming and put a lot of pressure on you to create ‘the perfect journal’.

The best places to find inspiration are:

Search for the terms:

#TravelJournal

#ScrapbookingIdeas

#BulletJournal

a travel journal meaning

Tuesday 19th of October 2021

Oh I'd love to try this out when I go on holiday next!

Definitely give it a go! It's a lot of fun and such a nice way to keep a record of your holiday.

Ambica Gulati

That was a very interesting read. I used to keep a diary as a kid, now everything is online. But would love to write again.

That's how I feel too. I love writing blog posts and sharing photos online but it isn't the same or as creative as sitting and writing a journal. It's so theraputic!

The Happy Nomad | Travel Blog

How To Write A Travel Journal

You are currently viewing How To Write A Travel Journal

  • Post author: Rick Carassai
  • Post published: 27 April 2021
  • Post category: Travel Tips

You should keep a travel log to help you remember your travels and ponder over the different places you visit.

When you travel, you are exposed to a host of new experiences. from meeting new people, to encountering different cultures and perspectives, travelling has the potential to allow you to learn more about yourself and the world around you. a travel journal is a fantastic way to record and reflect on these new experiences., what is a travel journal.

A travel journal is somewhere you can keep a record of the trips you’ve taken, as well as the experiences you’ve had and anything you’ve learnt during that time. It provides you with a space in which to keep mementos, write down stories, quotes and other details you don’t want to forget. You can use it as a diary, scrapbook, organizer or somewhere to store your creative artwork and musings.

The Purpose Of Writing a Travel Journal

There are many reasons to write a travel journal. Consider how you might want to use yours during your trip. It should be a journal that you like and want to write in, but not one that’s so fancy you worry about spoiling it. Consider whether you’ll need thicker paper (e.g., for sketching or drawing) or one which expands (for instance, to use as a scrapbook). You can also choose between paper travel journals or digital ones. With digital travel journals you can store and record videos, photos and audio clips as well.

How To Use Your Travel Journal

Pre-Planning your trip

1. Pre-Planning

Use your travel journey to start planning. Note down where you want to go and what you want to do. You can include details such as opening times, costs, location and the contact details for activity organizers or tour companies. Start to plan your itinerary and even include a map. You can also use your travel journal to note down your expectations and reasons for wanting to go on this trip.

2. Record Your Days And Experiences

Make a note of the places you visit and the things you see and do. From the sights and how they made you feel, to the food you tried and the people you met. Write down anything you learn or felt during the day, as well as any stories you heard and activities you tried. Keeping a note of these things will help you to remember the details of your trip later on.

Write About Yourself, Your Emotions And Reflections

3. Write About Yourself, Your Emotions And Reflections

It can be easy to forget how we actually felt at the moment. During your trip, take some time to write about yourself. Write about your experiences (particularly anything that was new to you) and your emotions. Make a note of the highlights of your day and why you enjoyed these, as well as any lows. Reflect on your new experiences and think about whether you’ve learnt anything about yourself during your trip.

4. Add Pictures To Your Travel Journal

To write a travel journal doesn’t mean that you only have to include writing. You can also add pictures to it, which can help it come to life and elicit memories in the future. Stick in photographs during your trip. Consider taking along a mini Polaroid to allow you to instantly stick in photos to your journal. If you’re using a digital travel journal, you can also add videos and voice recordings. You might also want to add your own sketches.

Add Pictures To Your Travel Journal & Collect Mementos

5. Collect Mementos

Your travel journal is personal, so stick to anything that you found interesting or which resonated with you during your trip. From maps to ticket stubs, bottle caps to coasters, you can even stick in candy wrappers and foreign money if you like! If you’re using an app, take a photo of it instead. Writing a small note beside it can help you to remember why you collected it.

6. Reflect On Your Trip

Take some time to reflect on your trip when you return home. Consider the highlights and what you learnt about yourself, as well as your feelings about your trip in general. Was there anything you’d change or something you’d like to do again? This will help you to plan future trips.

Reflect on your trip

There’s no right or wrong way to write in your travel journal. Ultimately, it should be a personal record that reflects your individual trip and your experiences. Choose a journal that you like and start writing!

Lauren Groff

Guest post written by Lauren Groff

Lauren Groff is an experienced travel writer at PaperFellows and Essay Help .  She regularly writes articles about traveling where she shares tips on the best places to visit and offers readers advice on how to get the most out of their trips.  When not writing, Lauren enjoys spending time reading and travelling, immersing herself in the culture of the places she visits.

Share with the world Share this content

  • Opens in a new window WhatsApp
  • Opens in a new window Facebook
  • Opens in a new window X
  • Opens in a new window Pinterest
  • Opens in a new window LinkedIn

You Might Also Like

Read more about the article Trekking Tales: Choquequirao Chronicles with Bamba Travel

Trekking Tales: Choquequirao Chronicles with Bamba Travel

Read more about the article How to Find the Best Street Food Spots

How to Find the Best Street Food Spots

Read more about the article A TV Producer’s Odyssey to Rainbow Mountain: Nature’s Unscripted Masterpiece

A TV Producer’s Odyssey to Rainbow Mountain: Nature’s Unscripted Masterpiece

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

a travel journal meaning

Tips for Those Who Struggle to Keep a Travel Journal

Janice Waugh

October 28, 2019 by Janice Waugh

a travel journal meaning

A travel journal is the best travel souvenir ever.

I keep a travel journal

In my journal I ensure that I get the details down such as date, time, place, cost… When I have the time, I expand on these with my discoveries, feelings and learnings. And, of course, I expand further as I turn my journal entries into posts for Solo Traveler.

In your journal, you'll want the details of what you did and where, but at the end of a trip it's also nice to have a journal rich with the meaning of your travels.

There are many resources and ways to keep a travel journal. From the most traditional leather-bound journal using a fountain pen (that's my niece's preference). to going full-on technology with an app for your phone, here are your options.

More important than the technology you choose, below are also tips on how to write and get the most out of your journal.

a travel journal meaning

Use your phone for your journal. I like the Diaro app. Take a picture, add it and others to your day's entry, a map will be added showing the location of the photos, enter a title and text and you're done. You can always go back and add more photos and text at a later time.

Table of Contents

Best App for Keeping a Travel Journal

I like Diaro. It's a free app (there's a pro version) you can get on Google Play and the App Store. You can have it accessible whenever your phone is unlocked or you can require a password specifically for your Diaro app.

Making an entry is easy.

  • Upload a photo or many. A map will be automatically added to your entry based on the data in your photo.
  • Add a title and text which can be a quick note or a long journal entry.
  • Add a tag if you like.

If you want to go back in time to see the journal entries from a specific trip, you can search by date, tags, folder or even location. If you get the pro version you can sync your journal across all your devices including online using a Dropbox account. The pro version also let's you download your entries to a PDF document and gets rid of the tiny ad at the bottom of the app.

There are other apps as well. For comparison, check out Journo Travel Journal and Blog.

For more details on how to write a great travel journal, read the nine tips in the next section and the meaning of the  W.R.I.T.E. acronym in the last section.

a travel journal meaning

With an old school journal, you're able to save anything that will lie flat in your book, from flight boarding passes to flowers.

Go Old School with Your Travel Journal

This is a fun and inspired travel journal.

This is a fun and inspiring travel journal.

I like a notebook and pen as the information will never be lost with a technology change and the journals look great on your shelf.

  • Choose a sturdy journal. It could be the classic  Moleskine Notebook or one that is a little more fun such as I Was Here .
  • Document your itinerary. Rough out your itinerary in a few pages at the front of your journal. You can do this before you leave. Allow lots of space between points so you can keep track of how your itinerary changes as you travel.
  • Every entry doesn't have to be brilliant . But every day should have an entry. Writing every day, even small details, will help you maintain your momentum. Miss a few days and sometimes the practice of writing a journal can be lost for the entire trip so try to make a notation daily, no matter how small.
  • Aim for brilliance once in a while. When you can take the time to sit down and think back over the day, think about the places you went, the people you met, the food you ate, the scents you took notice of, your activities and the things you learned. As you do take note of what makes you smile. Your smile indicates an important moment. If you want you can even itemize these under a heading: What Made Me Smile Today.
  • Find your theme: Consider all the things that made you smile. Is there a theme? As a whole, what did the day mean to you? What did you learn? How did you change? What surprised you? State one of these in one sentence or a series of three short sentences. This is the beginning of a great journal entry.
  • Expand on the theme. Once you've completed your short introduction, expand. Explain what you learned. Provide details of the history or technology or your own potential – whatever it is that you learned. Describe what you thought before and after, why you changed your thinking, how it felt when it happened, what it means to you.

9 Tips on writing a travel journal

  • Go multimedia. Don't be afraid to sketch what you saw. Have glue with you so that you can add theater tickets, postcards or part of a brochure to make you pages interesting.
  • End with gratitude. You spent the day exploring a place other than home. We understand the world by contrasting one thing to another. Compare what you saw to what you live daily. Identify what you're grateful for in everyday life.

a travel journal meaning

Journal doodling has become very popular. If you're not accustomed to doodling images, click here for lots of travel doodles that I'm sure you'll be able to draw.

The Basics for Writing a Good Journal Entry

9 Tips for writing a travel journal

  • W – Share  what  actually happened. When, where and why it happened.
  • R –   Reflect on how all those Ws make you feel. Close your eyes to go deep into it.
  • I –   Now allow your writing of these events, feelings and thoughts to flow from your pen or keyboard. As you do, you'll  investigate  them more deeply. If you get stuck, close your eyes again or re-read what you’ve written. Then continue.
  • T – Take the  time to enjoy your reflecting and writing process.
  • E – Embellish what you've written with photographs, ticket stubs, and other souvenirs.

a travel journal meaning

Pin it on Pinterest!

a travel journal meaning

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

Get Solo Travel News & Deals

  • Create Your Advertiser Account
  • Login to Your Advertiser Account
  • Solo Travel Statistics
  • Media & Speaking
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

a travel journal meaning

The content of Solo Traveler and any resources published by Solo Traveler are meant for entertainment and inspiration only. Please note that while we have advertising clients promoting destinations, products, services, trips and tours on Solo Traveler and that we endeavour to only work with companies in which we have confidence, we are not responsible for the delivery or quality of their products or services. Every person and every travel situation is different. Your safety, satisfaction and fun traveling solo are your responsibility alone and not that of Solo Traveler, its publisher, editor and/or writers.

PRIVACY POLICY & DISCLOSURE: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this site. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own. Please read our full Privacy Policy here.

Noble Macmillan

  • Call us +44 (0)20 7581 4178

Spend £200.00 more to get free UK delivery. You have activated free UK delivery.

Your basket is currently empty.

How to Write a Travel Diary

How to Write a Travel Diary

Travel diaries and notebooks are a wonderful thing. When a person is asked what their hobbies and interests are, the chances are that one will be travel. The urge to explore new places and experience different cultures is something so many of us have in common.

Spring especially sparks a wish to go abroad and have these experiences as we are all getting ready for summer sunshine. Whether your next trip is imminent or in a matter of months, beginning a travel diary or journal is a fantastic way to prepare and get excited for your upcoming adventure… Furthermore, why not make it a luxury travel diary?

What is a travel journal?

A travel diary (or travel journal – whichever you prefer), is a book in which you can accumulate the beginnings of travel plans, from aspirations to the nitty gritty of budgets, as well as daily logs of good and bad memories once you make your trip. It provides an excellent space to reflect on your journey. In fact, a written reflection in your diary is a wonderful way to round it off prior to planning your next trip in another book. It is a way of remembering all the highs and lows of your trip, allowing you to cherish them forever and learn from them for your next adventure.  

a travel journal meaning

How to write a travel diary?

All great trips begin with aspiration. My own travel journals begin with listing the places which I aspire to go to – usually either multiple countries or places within one country. From here I can use the diary to work out where is possible from a combination of holiday time available and budget… yes, the less exciting bit.

Once the selection process is complete it’s time for the exciting bit which is finding places to stay, sites to see, activities to do, and for the foodies out there, all the must-try restaurants in the area.

You can then use this information to create an itinerary. Next stop – your trip!

While on your trip is when the journal moves from being a notebook to your diary. That way you can record, when possible, your experiences, the feelings you had experiencing them (good or bad), people you’ve met and the conversations you had, and even include any memorabilia. Following your trip, the book should be used to go over the high moments and the low moments and find what you’ve learned from them to make the most of this knowledge for your next trip.

a travel journal meaning

Why write a travel diary?

Regardless of the trip’s purpose, whether it be for business, an event, or a great adventure, writing a travel diary is a fantastic way to ensure you really stop and absorb your surroundings. It enables you to capture the moments so that you really remember them.

I have travel journals from years ago that bring a smile to my face each time I come across them and I often have a flick through because of the extraordinary and funny details I recorded. Both the act of writing your travel diary and in particular the moments you have looking back over them are hugely fulfilling.

By putting descriptions of your whereabouts and your thoughts and feelings on a page, you find you notice more about the cultures, food, and people you are experience – all incredible things to look back upon from a different perspective in the future.

Aside from documenting memories, these journals look fantastic lined up on a shelf. My preferred journal is the Noble Macmillan Calfskin Lined Journal  (pictured below). They come in an array of colours and the elastic strap is an invaluable extra to allow your book to hold all sorts of added memorabilia such as train tickets and post cards.  

a travel journal meaning

A travel diary is an excellent reminder of why to travel. A look at why you’ve been saving that money and not buying the pair of shoes you don’t need or going on just another night out – things and moments that won’t stay with you forever like those you have travelling.

Although my favourite is indeed the Noble Macmillan Calfskin Lined Journal , we have plenty of options suitable for whatever your preferred size or colour. Simply check out the notebooks and journals collection of the stationery section of our website to explore your choices.

And if you are the type of person who just loves writing, check out our guide on the joys of writing handwritten letters.

Recommended Articles

Perudo: The Ultimate Guide

Perudo: The Ultimate Guide

For many years Noble Macmillan has been known first and foremost for our gorgeous handcrafted

5 Steps to Achieving a Clean & Organised Make Up Bag

Make up comes in many different shapes and forms and more often than not is a long-term investment. Items like...

What are Hip Flasks Used For?

What are Hip Flasks Used For?

Hip Flasks – or some form of hip flasks – have stood the test of time remaining both a practical...

The Ultimate Travel Bag Essentials

The Ultimate Travel Bag Essentials

Noble Macmillan Travel Essentials include our Luxury Leather case and Portable Phone Bank, Travel Wallets, Travel Backgammon and Personalised Playing...

7 Mini Gift Ideas For Every Occasion - Noble Macmillan

7 Mini Gift Ideas For Every Occasion - Noble Macmillan

Discover a fantastic collection of mini gifts from Noble Macmillan. Ideal for every occasion, explore our amazing mini gift ideas...

Wedding Albums: Everything to Know – Noble Macmillan

Wedding Albums: Everything to Know – Noble Macmillan

Discover everything you need to know to create the perfect wedding album at Noble Macmillan. Cherish your special day and...

Luxury Mother’s Day Gift Ideas – Noble Macmillan

Luxury Mother’s Day Gift Ideas – Noble Macmillan

Find the perfect gift for the woman in your life with the Mother’s Day gift guide from Noble Macmillan. With...

Leather Care Guide

Leather Care Guide

Fashion trends and the materials the clothes, accessories and other luxury goods which set these trends are made from, are...

How to kick-start the year with Noble Macmillan

How to kick-start the year with Noble Macmillan

The festive period can mean something different for all of us. For some it is time away from work to...

Unique Gifts for Friends (that you might want to keep yourself!)

Unique Gifts for Friends (that you might want to keep yourself!)

For the most part when buying gifts, there is an understanding that a good one is one that you would...

The Origin of Vintage Board Games and Card Games

The Origin of Vintage Board Games and Card Games

For many of us, board games and card games have been a big part of childhood - whether as a...

How to wear a cross body bag

How to wear a cross body bag

An article covering how to wear a cross body bag - encompassing exactly what is a cross body bag, how...

SIGN UP NOW FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

Sign up now to receive 10% off your first order (excluding personalisation) and for future special offers and updates.

How to Make a Travel Journal

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday. In 2019, she went on a three-month sabbatical from her work and solo traveled throughout Southeast Asia. She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 83% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 138,075 times.

Travel is a time for growth, new experiences, and seeing more of the world. If you're taking a trip, you want to remember everything that you did for years to come. Keeping a travel journal will not only help preserve your memories of the experience, but can help enrich your trip in the moment as well. Check out this super useful list we’ve put together about travel journaling! We’ll start off with some tips on what to put in your travel journal, how to write entries, how to pick a journal type, and more.

Travel Journal Entry Template

a travel journal meaning

Write about more than just activities to make entries interesting.

Try to capture little experiences like meals and conversations.

Engage all senses to transport the reader to the time and place.

Describe flavors, smells, and textures in detail.

Find a theme for entries to help make them feel coherent.

It's easier to write journal entries if you focus on a central idea or mood.

Write about people you meet to bring their characters to life.

The interesting people you meet along the way are worth remembering.

Collect mementos to add visual interest to your journal.

Mementos can help you capture memories more clearly.

Take photos to bring your journal entries to life.

You know the old saying, “a picture’s worth a thousand words.”

Add some sketches if you like to draw.

Sketches add visual interest and can make you appreciate things more.

Make a physical journal if you’re a hands-on type person.

A notebook full of memories from your travels makes for a beautiful keepsake.

Create a digital journal if you want to easily share it.

Digital journals are great for showing family and friends all your travels.

Get a clear, expandable folder to collect journaling materials in.

This helps organize and protect your mementos as you're traveling.

Use a map to track your travels if you’re going many places.

Tracing your journey on a map is a fun way to recall your route later.

Decide who you're writing for to help guide your journaling.

Writing just for you and writing for an audience are pretty different things.

Start journaling before your trip to help plan and get excited.

Planning a trip can sometimes be just as fun as the trip itself.

Make entries as often as possible to fill your journal as you travel.

This helps your journal really capture the mood and tone of your trip.

Expert Q&A

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

You Might Also Like

Entertain Yourself During a Long Car Ride

About This Article

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

To make a travel journal, write entries in a journal as you're traveling so you don't forget any important details. Try to engage all of your senses as you're writing by describing how your destination smells, sounds, looks, feels, and tastes, which will make your journal entries more vivid and interesting. Remember to take photos and collect mementos throughout your trip so you can glue them into your travel journal later on. You can also draw or paint different sights you see and include your own artwork in your journal. To learn how to get all the necessary supplies for a travel journal, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

Reader Success Stories

Christine Adams

Christine Adams

Apr 11, 2017

Did this article help you?

Joseph Gray

Joseph Gray

Jun 6, 2016

Namratha Sreedhar

Namratha Sreedhar

Jul 13, 2016

Anonymous

Jun 16, 2017

Kabir Thappar

Kabir Thappar

Dec 9, 2016

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Enjoy Your Early Teen Years

Trending Articles

Be Less Emotional

Watch Articles

Fold Boxer Briefs

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

She Goes The Distance

40 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Writing Prompts to Save Your Best Travel Memories

40 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Writing Prompts to Save Your Best Travel Memories

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Michela

It’s so easy to let our travel photos get buried in our camera roll or to say “I’ll remember this night forever” and forget the details that made it so special just a few months later. That’s where keeping a travel journal becomes such an important part of your trip! These travel journal ideas & writing prompts will make you fall in love with trips all over again and keep your favorite memories alive.

Travel journaling is therapeutic, fun, and provokes self-reflection and creativity. While we travel, we can be pretty busy – exploring different places, sleeping on planes, meeting new people. But just because you’re busy during your trip doesn’t mean you can’t keep a travel journal!

Keeping a travel journal is even more rewarding when you can make it personal with mementos (and other travel journal ideas I’m sharing below!)

a travel journal meaning

And if you’re just here for the prompts, you can jump to the bottom of the post or download the free ‘Where She Goes’ Travel Journal Prompts list from The Travel Library .

Email address

Let’s get into everything there is to know about travel journaling and the creative ways you can go about your trip memory-keeping.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

All About Travel Journaling: What It Is, How To Do It, & Should You Keep A Travel Journal?

Keeping a travel journal is simply about recording memories from a trip. You can even keep track of and plan future trips in a travel journal (which I, as someone in love with lists, do often!)

There’s no one way to journal about travels. You could write during or after your trip, keep a travel bullet journal, track you running bucket list, save travel tips for your next trip – the important thing is to be creative and reflective!

Travel journaling is an amazing tool to see how travel has influenced us to grow as a person, from conquering fears to gaining self-confidence.

It can be used to beat the lonely times of solo travel or try to escape the post-trip blues by reliving those memories just made.

While we travel, there are so many highs, lows, emotions, funny moments and more that we say we will never forget. But to really never forget them, we have to reflect on them and document them! That’s where keeping a travel journal comes in handy.

The Best Travel Journals

There are lots of different options for travel journals. You could use a plain basic notebook or write in a travel diary with printed prompts and exercises. So, how do you know which one to choose?

The truth is, you can go through a lot of travel journals. Maybe you’ll get the chance to experience multiple different kinds! If you are naturally more creative, choose a mostly blank travel journal to which you can add personal touches.

If you struggle with what to write about, opt for journals with prompts built into them (or scroll down to the prompts below and download the list!)

Two travel journals that are both cute and interactive are the Wander Always Journal and the Page A Day Journal . These have prompts and activities within them, so there’s a bit less room for creativity. But, it also makes the process easier and faster with these bonuses.

Another travel journal that is perfect for those wanting a more sleek and clean look is the WNDRD Trip Planning Journal . As it says in the name, you can use this notebook for journaling and for trip planning with the specially printed planner pages.

Travel journals can also be great sentimental gifts for friends and family (or for yourself – I won’t tell!)

Travel Journal Apps

Everything has an app these days, right? Travel journaling can even be done on your phone! Some apps for travel journaling include:

There’s also a sweet app called Journi, where you can create photo albums with diary entries and track your trip on a map. Then you can print or share these mini albums! You can group your photos while traveling or after so that they are easy to find. This way won’t be lost in your camera roll!

Creative Travel Journal Ideas

If you want to do more than just write in your travel journal, then there are many ways to make it special and personalized!

These unique travel journal ideas are meant to get you thinking about how to make your love for travel or the travels themselves come alive.

Look for inspiration everywhere. Maybe you have a ton of extra coins lying around from your trip to Italy . Or you saved those flowers you picked near the coast of France and they are now dried. These can all be accessories used to bring your travel memories back to life in your journal!

Photo Pocket

a travel journal meaning

The first travel journal idea is to add a photo pocket to the back or front of your journal. This is a super simple way to create a little storage of your photos without having to spend time doing a complete album!

Simply take a piece of cardstock or stiff paper and cut it into a rectangle large enough to hold your photos. You can even create a scoop like mind so they peek out.

Then add adhesive to the bottom and sides and attach it to wherever there is a sturdy spot on your journal. Voila, you have a place to put all those photos instead of letting them get buried in your phone!

Scrapbook Layout

While the first idea to making your travel journal more creative was a simple way to include photos in your journal, this version takes a bit more time and creativity.

In your travel journal, you can either leave space on the pages as you write or write and layout photos at the same time to create a commemorative mini travel scrapbook.

You’ll need small adhesive, scissors, and some creative juices flowing to transform blank pages into something beautiful.

Decorating your travel journal is another way to give it more personality and bring out the fun of your trips.

You can opt for inexpensive sheets of stickers or find specific decals you fall in love with to tell the story of your trip!

Good places to buy unique stickers and decals are Etsy , Amazon , and Society6 .

Here are some of my favorites for an aesthetic travel journal cover and pages!

Add Your Own Art

Take the design of your travel journal to the next level by channeling your inner artist. Use paint to decorate the outside. Doodle your favorite places on the pages or the cover to bring you back to a place.

Whatever artistic addition you can make to your travel journal, the more personal to and reflective of you it will be.

Preserving Tickets, Passes, & Other Mundane Mementos

a travel journal meaning

One of the best travel journal ideas is to preserve all of the extra bits from your trip – things like train tickets, museum passes, and local maps – to add to your writing entries.

They may seem useless after your trip, but these tokens of your travels are the real elements that bring your memories to life. Seeing a word can help you imagine a place, but physically touching your metro pass or gallery ticket takes you right back to the moment you used it.

Tape these small papers to page corners, stuff them in the photo pocket, or even use them as little bookmarks to organize your journal.

Choose Something to Collect

Make your travel journal completely unique by sticking with a theme. This idea for travel journals will take some time to execute throughout your travels, but it can be a special way to remember each place you’ve been to.

Whether it is stamps, postcards, or boarding passes, build up a consistent collection of them from wherever you travel.

Then when it comes time to assemble your journal, you have a cute consistent theme and a visually appealing diary to document every place you have been.

Travel Journal Prompts for Reflection & Memory-Keeping

Travel journal prompts are ways to combat writer’s block and inspire creativity. To make these prompts easier to reference, you can download the free printable of ‘Where She Goes’ Travel Journal Prompts from The Travel Library, where you’ll also have access to resources like my girl’s packing list and Lightroom photo presets.

The Journey

The Destination

General Memory-Keeping

Final Tips for Travel Journaling

a travel journal meaning

Hopefully with all these travel journal ideas and writing prompts, you feel more comfortable and excited to document your travels! Here are some extra tips to make travel journaling work for you:

Let me know what you think of these travel journal ideas, prompts, & tips with a comment!

Save this guide to Pinterest for later reference!

a travel journal meaning

The more memories we make, the more important it is to jot them down so we have them forever. Tell me if you’re excited about travel journaling like me!

a travel journal meaning

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

The beis luggage review you need to read before you buy: worth …, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Website URL

Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library!

Check this out

BUY ME A COFFEE

I love creating free resources for your travels and personally responding to your questions over chat and email.

Follow on Pinterest

Looking for Something?

Voyage Scribe

Voyage Scribe

For Writers Who Travel

What to Write in Your Travel Journals

What to Write in Your Travel Journals

Hey! Interested in more content from Voyage Scribe? Want to get free travel-inspired writing prompts every month? Then sign up for the Voyage Scribe newsletter and get ready for some inspiration coming your way!

Welcome back! Interested in journals designed for writers who travel? Check out there Voyage Scribe journals here !

Completing one of the Voyage Scribe Travel Writing Prompts , I was given reason to read through my old travel journals. I normally don’t read them after completing a journey, but I found doing so very useful in determining what to write about in my future travel journals.

The following are things I noticed in my travel journals that I was grateful to have written down. They were either things I found inspiring but have forgotten about, or that I am grateful to relive.

I hope that by reading what I have written about in my travel journals , and will continue writing about, you will find inspiration for what to write in your own.

a travel journal meaning

Table of Contents

1. Itineraries

I can’t count the number of times I forget every single thing that I did on a specific day, or names of the places I visited. This is especially true on trips packed with activities and sightseeing. I think this is the most basic use of a travel journal, and the purpose of travel journals for many people.

But if you’re a writer, and you’re trying to remember your trip on a deeper level, either for more writing inspiration or another purpose, you should be doing more than just writing about what you did on a specific day. While it’s important, I find myself disappointed in the journals where I simply give an overview of places I visited without any further details.

maps

Which brings me to the second thing I appreciated most in rereading my travel journals. I love reading about the little details. In the moment, I feel like I’ll never forget them, but time makes that impossible. Reading the details– the streets I walked on, the buildings I passed, the transportation I took, the rituals I had throughout the trip– these are the things that help me to relive my trips once more. Write about interesting conversations you had, about the tiny details you found the most interesting, what you found most stressful or frightening: your future self will thank you!

3. Emotions

It’s one thing to talk about what you did in a day, but it’s another to really remember what it felt like being in those places and doing those things. Write about the emotions you felt as you carried out your itinerary. Did they overwhelm or underwhelm you? Was there a strong emotion you felt visiting someplace, whether it be negative or positive? Remind yourself of what you found so profound on your trip; remind yourself of the little details.

In a few of my travel journals, the main thing I wrote about was the food I ate. And I’m so thankful I did. Thanks to this, I can relive those delicious meals. I forgot about many of them, but reading about them, it’s almost as though I could taste them once again. And there were some really, really good ones! My travel journal from the summer of 2014 which I spent in southern France is mostly filled with details of the food I ate, and I’m so, so happy about that.

5. All the senses

Using all the senses– sight, sound, touch, smell– is also a great way to relive travels. My favorite travel journal entries were when I described one moment in great detail that used all my senses. These made me feel like I was back in that moment I wrote about. If you find yourself in a moment you are experiencing intensely, sit down and write about what all your senses are feeling.

I often find it tempting to just snap a picture to remind myself of the moment, but a travel journal entry will be much more effective at capturing the moment if done right. Pause and capture with your words everything that a picture can’t.

6. Information/ tourist facts

At the time of writing them, the facts I learn on tours or in museums seem so ingrained in my mind that I feel as though I’ll never forget them. But then time and other trips muddle my memories of those facts, which is why I was grateful to relearn new knowledge in my old travel journals.

7. Writing Ideas

I’ll often come up with a plot idea while wandering a medieval, cobblestone street, or a character idea as I people-watch on a busy town square or marketplace. These ideas go into my travel journal, and I’m always so grateful to find them again while rereading my old journals.

Not a writer? Use travel to inspire other types of ideas you may need in life!

Travel Journals

I meet a lot of people while traveling. And honestly, I don’t remember them all. At least, I don’t think I do, until I read about someone I had once briefly encountered and remember them anew.

It doesn’t even have to be people you had an encounter with. Travel is a great opportunity to people-watch, so make sure to note any interesting observations!

9. Comparisons

Something I’ve noticed I do in my travel journals is write about the comparisons and contrasts I find. I write about the place I’m in and compare it to other places I’ve been, either home, or places that remind me of that place, or perhaps a place I had been in previously on the trip I’m currently on.

I find that these comparisons are more interesting to read, and they remind me of the first impressions I had of a place I visited.

10. Reflections

Travel is the perfect opportunity to reflect, when you’re away from “normal life” and seeing the world in a new way. Use these benefits to reflect on yourself and the world around you. And then write about it.

Some of the most life-changing moments I’ve had were when I was traveling, and it’s nice to read back and “meet” myself when I experienced those moments of epiphany.

Do you have any other things you like to write about in your travel journals? Let us know in the comments below!

And if you’re looking for more specific inspiration, check out this month’s writing prompt . I design these prompts to help you gain writing inspiration from past travels, but you can certainly use them to write about your current travels too!

10 Things to Write in Your Travel Journal Pin

[This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive commission at no extra cost to you. That being said, I would never recommend something I haven’t or wouldn’t use myself.]

Check Out Related Posts:

15 Best Travel Writing Journals on Amazon | 2023

16 Comments

I really enjoyed this post! When I first saw the title I though ‘surely what you write in a journal is personal choice’, but actually there are some many great points in this post and I’ll definitely be using it for my travel journalling. Thank you for sharing 🙂

I don’t especially write a travel journal but I take notes in my iphone to remember certain things (like the places I have visited, the itinerary, the facts,…). This is a good list – perfect base for blogging about the destination afterwards!

I know a lot of people who draw instead of write in their journals. I just mainly write lists and random thoughts, not very consistent tho.

Love this! I want to start a travel journal n these are the perfect ideas!

These are great!! I have taken a journal every trip bar one…. and I now regret it as I don’t remember much!! Really useful ideas here! Thanks 😊

I love the idea of a travel journal, but I just never keep one. I really should though. I kept a travel journal for a world trip 10 years ago and it’s great to look back on.

These are some great tips! I always bring a travel journal with me but often find it hard to find the time or have the energy to write in it. I try my best but sometimes I definitely rush through it so I just jot down the key points from the day that I don’t want to forget.

What a helpful post and great idea!

I love this post so much. I used to write travel journals for every trip I took, but I got behind when I was in Europe and just never finished 🙁 I picked it back up in Africa, then didn’t think about doing it for my US travels! I appreciate this post so much because it reminds me why I started doing them in the first place. Thank you so much for this reminder and inspiration.

I have been thinking of starting a travel journal so I will be sure of use these ideas. I usually write on a random piece of paper which is not ideal.

I’m mostly about the finer details and facts I learn. Something I can use for when I’m writing on my blog later. But there’s definitely points where I remark how I was feeling at the time. I love taking notes and putting them with the pictures to remember these amazing trips

Good points. I keep a travel journal, but am usually behind on writing in it. So have a lot of half written travels in my journals.

I really enjoyed reading this! I like to write travel journals too, it’s so nice to read back on how I felt during certain moments!

I am not in the habit of writing travel journals though I do make the odd notes on my phone app to later put into the blog post. I love the pics of the journals you have shared as I am a huge stationary buff and love collecting all sort of diaries and pens, etc.

I always wanted to start a travel journal but I never knew what to put in it. I do have one notebook that has some trip info but i need to found more. Thank you for all the info.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

a travel journal meaning

The Travel Tester

How to Make a Travel Journal? DIY Tips and Must-Have Supplies

Posted on Last updated: January 24, 2024

During my travels, I’ve always kept a travel journal – but they always have been different in style. If you ask me how to make a travel journal , I’d say that the only limit is your own imagination .

You can organise your journals by destination (country, or city), by itinerary or for by date, for example in weekly or daily logs, the possibilities are endless.

There are some tips and supplies that might help you get started on your first travel journal. Today I share them with you!

TIP: For a complete list of our favourite travel journals, have a look at the bottom of this article!

1. TRAVEL SKETCHBOOK

2. travel scrapbook, 3. travel notebook, 4. travel logbook, 5. friends travel journals, 6. themed travel journals, 7. local travel journals, 8. city travel journals, 9. travel photo album, journal sizes, binding types, paper thickness, extra journal features, what should a travel journal include, travel writing tips, prompts for travel journaling, travel journals with prompts, travel journal examples, how do you start a beginner travel journal, travel journaling supplies, travel without leaving home, want to be a travel blogger, which book to read, our favourite travel journals, our favourite travel notebook covers, travel journals for kids, discover unique travel gear & gifts.

How to Make a Travel Journal? DIY Tips and Must-Have Supplies || The Travel Tester

HOW DO I MAKE A TRAVEL JOURNAL?

OUR TOP 6 TRAVEL JOURNALS The Adventure Book (prompts + scrapbook per country) Moleskine Passion Journal Travel (blank paper) Duncan & Stone Travel Journal (prompts + scrapbook) Promptly Journals X Kelli Murray (prompts + scrapbook) Clever Fox Travel Journal (prompts + stickers) Wayfaren Travel Journal (lined paper)

What is a Travel Journal?

Let’s start at the beginning and go over what makes a travel journal. There are just so many different types! It really depends on how you would like to use your own journal to decide the best one for you!

Perhaps you first think of a simple lined notebook where you write down your travel stories, but there are so many other ways to keep your memories from on the road.

Just to name a few:

You don’t have to be a master artist to have fun with a travel sketchbook . Just take a notebook with blank pages and start drawing (or painting!) what you see. You can use pen, pencil, markers, crayons, watercolours or other paint, whatever you like!

There are some great travel journals specifically made for making watercolour drawings, such as the Tumuarta journal and the Seawhite journal .

Here are some other journals with blank pages perfect for sketching: the Moleskine Passion Journal and this personalized monogrammed leather journal .

Bookishly sells cute A5 (6×8″/15x21cm) travel journals with vintage world map covers featuring an inspirational quote on Etsy. The books have 244 blank pages, you can choose gift wrap, they have free UK delivery AND even upgrade to a “Journal for Life”, where you can send them a photo of a full travel journal and they send you a new one free of charge!

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

You don’t always need to be physically on the road to enjoy the beauty of destinations from all around the world!

From vintage travel posters to beautifully displayed souvenirs and home decor items inspired by your favourite places and from travel journals and crafts to exploring world recipes, music and dance.

With our creative articles you’ll get some fresh ideas on how to bring the world closer to the comforts of your own home.

If you aren’t a fan of drawing or painting, then perhaps making collages in a travel scrapbook is more your thing.

Nothing calms me down faster than ripping inspiring images and words out of magazines and flyers, or collecting little scrapbook items such as ticket stubs, napkins, packaging, etc. Simply arrange them in a nice way, add some text or embellishments like washi tape and you’ve got a great page!

I love using Project Life as a scrapbook , this is a system by Becky Higgins where you slide cards and photos into plastic pockets. It’s not widely available anymore, but I still love it.

Another great book to use for scrapbooking is The Adventure Book , which comes in two sizes.

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

Ok, I kind of already mentioned it in the intro, but some traditional travel notebook ideas / travel diary examples couldn’t miss in this first roundup.

You can choose lined, dotted or blank paper and write down anything you want to remember from your trip.

Of course you can combine it with elements of the above, for example by adding little doodles, papers, perhaps flowers or feathers, or any other flat trinkets you collect.

The Robrasim refillable leather travelers notebook has a mix of different paper types (and also a handy pocket)

Wayfaren on Etsy sells Weekender travel journals , which measure 6×8.5″ (about 15×21.5cm) and feature 28 lined pages (56 front and back) with a pre-printed box for location and date. The covers come in ivory and navy.

My favourite dotted journal is the Leuchtturm1917 .

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

If you love to write, but don’t feel like you have the time or energy to fill entire pages with text whilst on the road, a travel logbook might be something for you.

Just write down short little things that stood out about your day, so you won’t forget them. Think about what you did and who you met, what the weather was like, what you saw, heard, smelled, felt or tasted. Use all your senses!

The Everywhere You Go journal by Compendium let’s you take a quick snapshot of a place.

The Trip Passport by Letterfolk is a small, 48-page pocket-sized journal. Each entry page is accompanied by a blank page and there is space to record the date, location, who you went with, first impressions, sights, wildlife and more! It measures 3.5×5.5″ (about 9x14cm), roughly the size of a travel passport.

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

There is a lot that goes into running a profitable blog and there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes than you might not realize at first.

I’ve been blogging since 2006 and have a ton of tips to share! From brainstorming ideas to creating content all year round and from posting on social media to maintaining your website, tracking what’s working, networking at events and eventually working with brands…

Another cool idea might be to start a friends journal . What is a travel journal for friends? Let me tell you!

I actually did this on my first solo world trip, where friends gifted me a journal to take with me. Instead of writing in it myself (I already kept up a digital journal in the form of a blog) – I let everyone that I met on the road write a message in the book for me!

That made the journal super unique and personalized. And it’s still amazing to read back and remember all these people.

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

I also own a road trip journal , which I think is also such a fun idea! Usually on a road trip, you don’t have much time to keep up an extensive diary, so this pre-printed book is an easy way to keep track of all everything along the way you would like to remember.

Here you can find Axel & Ash Life’s a Road Trip Journal >

The Brand Clever Fox has a few fun themed journals, such as the Camping Journal and the Bucket List Journal >

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

You can really add a personal touch by choosing a journal that has a relation to the kind of trip that you are taking.

For example, you can buy a travel journal locally (like I did with the albums below, that I bought in Nepal and India from the market).

On markets across the world, you can also find amazing leather bound journals that right away give a whole explorer-vibe to your journal. You can also turn them into a personalized journal by having your name or the date engraved in the cover.

Here is a beautiful refillable handmade leather travelers notebook by the brand Robrasim >

Some great customizable travel notebooks are these from bamboo by Ruben & Jule of CamperVanStore on Etsy, this beautiful leather travel diary with a compass monogram by TealsPrairie on Etsy and the leather notebook covers by family-run business Galen Leather (their journal covers are compatible with Moleskine , Leuchtturm1917 , Field Notes and Traveler’s Notebook – and they also sell refills )

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

I found these fun city journals by Moleskine that also make for a great travel journal if you’re visiting these specific places.

I haven’t found many of these, but here is one for London , Paris , Hong Kong and New York >

Moleskine also has a great general travel journal and traveller’s journal in collaboration with National Geographic >

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

Any finally, the good old photo album . When I grew up, the albums that could stack all the images from one film canister (*ugh*grandma*ugh*) were very popular – you would usually bring the album to parties for people to flip through! Nowadays, they come in all different shapes and sizes.

Here you can find all kinds of albums for those little Instax photos .

Did I already mention I’m a huge Project Life fan ?

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

How to choose a travel journal?

After choosing your type of journal, there are a few other things to consider when selecting your perfect paper trip companion, such as:

What size is a travel journal? Well, that depends on what you use it for! Personally, I am most happy with an A5 size when it comes to travel journals. The smaller ones I find hard to write in and don’t fit all my keepsakes, the bigger ones just take up too much space in my backpack .

Perhaps you only want to take quick notes, or want to travel real lightweight, then an A6 travel journal (with pockets) might be best for you. And if you only create your final travel notebook at home and want to go all-out, a bigger size, such as A4 , or even larger, makes you happiest!

If you’re only creating a photo album of your trip, then you could for example also look into 1:1 sized albums, like the typical scrapbooks that are 12″ (30,48 cm) x 12″ or the 1.33:1 albums, for example 6″ (15,24 cm) x 8″ (20,32 cm).

I love this A5 Bullet Journal , also perfect for travel.

Incredible A4 travel journal .

Here are some cute Field Notes books – National Parks-themed!

This leather cover fits a 6″ Field Notes notebook perfectly .

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

The type of binding of a notebook is the material that is used to make the upper (front) and lower (back) covers of the journal, also taking into consideration how the pages are attached to the covers/back of the notebook.

For example, a saddle-stitch bind is when paper is folded with a staple or thread through the fold. PUR binding uses a paperboard or heavy cover stock to attach pages to the spine with glue (like in a paperback book). With spiral binding , there is a loop wire going through holes in the cover and pages (Nick hates these, as he’s left-handed and somehow always finds the wire in his way when writing), and with section sewn binding or coptic stitch binding , you get a flexible spine so you can lay the pages flat to work on.

As for the cover, you can choose between a hardcover or a more flexible, soft cover .

There are so many more types of binding that the ones I’ve just mentioned. Which do you prefer?

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

I mentioned them already briefly: are you most comfortable to work on lined/ruled paper (and how close do you like the rules to be?), blank paper, dotted paper, or perhaps paper with a grid or pre-printed boxes or prompts to fill in?

What type of page type for a travel journal you choose all depends on how you’re going to use the notebook. Are you going to write in it with pen or perhaps print typed text? Would you like to use markers or paint? Make drawings? The possibilities are endless.

This is a great example of a travel journal with prompts .

The Promptly journals are filled with custom prompts and also have plenty of space for mementos & photos.

Super handy pre-printed pages in this Camping Notebook by Clever Fox. And they also do a cool Travel Bucket List journal that’s fun to fill out!

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

Paper thickness is measured in weight, which varies from country to country. In the United States for example, you have “ U.S. basis weight ” (in pounds), where they look at a 500-sheet stack of the paper at its original, uncut “basic” size. But this can be confusing as a consumer, because different paper grades have different basic sizes, so even when the weight in pounds is higher, it doesn’t automatically mean the paper is thicker, because the basis size can be different.

It probably makes more sense to look at GSM (“ grams per square meter “). The weight is now determined by one sheet of paper at a size of 1 meter by 1 meter, measured in grams. All different grades of paper are measured at the same size. So a higher GSM always means heavier paper.

For reference, the standard weight of most A4 copy paper for your printer is 20 lb. / 75 gsm.

If you don’t want your pens, markers or paint to bleed through the pages, the thickness of your paper definitely matters, so make sure to test this!

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

Are there any other features you need when choosing your perfect travel journal? For example, I love notebooks with little pockets to keep my receipts and tickets. Or when they have a bookmark or pocket for a pe n!

Tips for extra features in a travel journal could also be page numbers , dividers or dedicated room to write dates . What extra features can you think of that you might need?

TIP ! Unique is The Travelogue by Luckies . This 64 page notepad journal also has check lists, travel tips and 8 miniature scratch maps, each representing different regions of the world. You can simply scratch off where you’ve been!

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

I believe there should not be a hard rule on what a travel journal should include, as the beauty lies in the fact that you can so easily customize it to your specific taste and type of trip!

Besides the obvious elements such as date , location , some highlights of the day and perhaps additional information about the weather, people you’ve met, things you ate and activities you did, you can add anything to your travel journal or scrapbook that’s important to you.

If you are looking for some inspiring examples of things to add to your travel journal, make sure to check out our blog about creative travel journal ideas >

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

How do I write a travel journal that is worth reading?

Travel writing can quickly become repetitive if you just list things you did in chronological order. So what can you do to make a story more interesting?

In a separate blog, I’ll give you my best tips on how to write a travel journal .

For more writing tips, check out “ The Soul of Place: A Creative Writing Workbook ” by Linda Lappin, “ Lonely Planet Travel Writing ” by Don George and “ On Writing ” by Stephen King.

If you’re looking for a bit of travel journal inspiration, then check out this blog in which I’ve handpicked some fun travel journal prompts for you.

There are also several travel notebooks out there that already have printed prompts in them. You can find the best travel journals with prompts at the bottom of our blog about travel writing prompts.

Spoiler : Some of our favourites are “ The Adventure Book ” by Nicole Nagelgast, “ Life’s a Road Trip ” and “ Swept Away by Wanderlust ” journals by Axel & Ash and the “ Travel Journal “, “ Bucket List Journal ” and “ Camping Journal ” by Clever Fox.

Other travel journals with prompts we encourage you to check out is this one by Compendium , this one by Promptly , this one by Moleskine , this one by OneLineVoyage and this one by Duncan & Stone .

These Are the Best Creative Travel Journal Ideas to Try this Year || The Travel Tester

Perhaps you’re not so fond of writing – but you love to craft, draw or paint. That’s amazing! With the following inspirational accounts on Instagram, you’ll get plenty of travel journaling ideas that don’t involve writing:

How to Make a Travel Journal? DIY Tips and Must-Have Supplies || The Travel Tester

So far, we’ve looked at: all the different types of travel journals (sketchbook, scrapbook, notebook, logbook, friends travel journal, themed journals, local journals, city journals and travel photo albums), how to choose a travel journal (by looking at size, binding types, page types, paper thickness and additional features such as pockets and bookmarks) and what to include in your travel journal .

I also shared writing tips , journalling prompts , and creative examples of travel journals without a strong focus on text.

Ideas enough, but how do you get started?

It depends a bit what type of travel journal you’re keeping, but my system for creating a (travel) scrapbook is as follows:

a travel journal meaning

We’ve written an extensive article on all the travel journaling supplies we recommend, but here are a few that shouldn’t miss in your own travel journal kit:

Travel Journal Decoration Ideas

If you’re wondering ‘how can I decorate my travel journal?’ then I’ve got a handy list for you with some ideas for travel journal embellishments:

How to Make a Travel Journal? DIY Tips and Must-Have Supplies || The Travel Tester

And there you have it! This is how I make a travel journal from scratch. I hope you found these DIY tips and inspiration helpful. For our favourite travel journals, please look below. And for a full list of travel scrapbooking supplies, check out this post !

The Travel Tester || Creative & Cultural Travel Blog || Work With Us

The Travel Tester loves to review books that teach you something about yourself or the world around us.

From travel guides and stories to books about business and self-development and from cultural stories to cook books from kitchens around the world… if it looks interesting to us, we’ll test it!

No matter where you’re going, with our reviews you’ll know exactly what to read next!

MORE ABOUT TRAVEL JOURNALLING

The Travel Tester || Creatief & Cultureel Reisblog

In The Travel Tester shop, you will find our favourite travel products and original gift ideas.

Whether you’re looking for the best travel gear, gadgets, electronics, packing solutions, clothing, shoes, travel books, health- or beauty products… we’ve made a personal selection for you!

We’ve also included our favourite tech items used to create this blog, as well as material that can help you in your self-development, such as interesting books and courses.

How to Make a Travel Journal? DIY Tips and Must-Have Supplies || The Travel Tester

Friday 21st of July 2023

Creating a travel journal is such a delightful and personal way to preserve the memories of our adventures. I love how the article emphasizes that there are no rules when it comes to making a travel journal, only the limits of our imagination. It's true; each travel journal can be as unique as the journey itself!

The tips and supplies shared here are truly helpful for anyone looking to start their first travel journal. I particularly resonate with the idea of incorporating various embellishments into the journal. Adding travel photos, stamps, and even pressed flowers can truly bring the memories to life and make the journal visually captivating.

Cheers, Femi.

Artful Haven

How To Keep A Travel Art Journal (With Tips, Ideas, And Writing Prompts)

A travel art journal is a visual journal where you record your traveling experiences, events, feelings, new things you’ve learned, etc., while making art.

Here are a few benefits of having a travel art journal:

I want to share a few ideas on how to make an easy travel journal, what to include in it, how to pack your art supplies, etc.

How to make a travel art journal?

What is the best travel journal? Well, I think it’s the one that’s practical and not too big.

Why? Because when you travel, you don’t want your travel journal to make the trip feel like you’re a camel carrying loads of things on your poor back. You want the journal to be small enough so it can fit any bag, and then you can take it everywhere with you.

Having this in mind, let’s talk about how to make a light one. And we know how satisfying a DIY process is.

So, here’s what you need for a DIY travel journal:

travel journal supplies

Step 1 : measure approximately 0.7 in (2 cm) from the edge of the paper. Mark the 0.7 in (2 cm) with a pencil.

make a travel journal step 1

Step 2 : take the ruler, align it with the pencil marks and take the folder/knife to create a folding line.

make a travel journal step 2

Step 3 : put the ruler along the folding line and gently fold the paper on the inside.

create a travel journal step 3

Step 4 : Then, punch the holes on each sheet of paper. You’ll put the twine through these holes to tie the papers together.

create a travel journal step 4

BUT, you can also leave the binding part last until you put things on your pages and decorate them, so you can move the pages as you like. Do what seems more practical to you.

And voila: a brand new notebook for your travel art journal, ready to record your best trip.

How do you organize travel art journals?

First of all, you decide whether you want to take a journal with you on the trip, or you’ll create one after you come back. Below is one page in my travel journal I made after visiting Barcelona.

travel art journal spread of barcelona

Prepare your travel journal in advance

On the other hand, if you want to experience the joy of creating art in an unknown inspirational place, then pack your travel art journal kit!

Also, prepare an envelope to collect ephemera on your trip, like tickets, flyers, etc.

You can plan what you’ll collect or write on your trip. Make a few sections in your art journal so you have them prepared and ready. Here are some ideas:

Later on, on your trip, you can take photos of each of these sections.

You can paint pages or write titles for your sections, and then fill all these up while you travel.

Make a travel art journal after your trip

If you feel that art journaling during your travels will get in your way, then leave the journal home. Bring only a small notebook and a pen.

This way, you can write down anything during the journey and use it later in your journal. On your trip, collect different ephemera and put them in an envelope or a small bag.

If you collect tickets and other paper ephemera, you can write on the back about the places, dates and your experience.

Just be careful about taking organic things like tea or flowers, because they might cause some issues with the security and customs.

I usually make my travel journal when I’m back home. This way, I somehow have extra experience after the journey is over. By creating afterward, I relive the trip and enjoy the reminiscence.

What to put in a travel journal?

travel art journal printable

As in any art journal, it goes the same here: Whatever your journal can hold and whatever you want to put in it.

DIY travel journal spread

I love putting photos in my travel journals. I mean, photos of everything! Take photos of yourself and your company, buildings you love, streets, even people.

Also, look for interesting details like doors, doorknobs, windows, flowers, street signs, parts of statues, street name signs, street art, graffiti, food, window shops, etc.   

Tickets and other paper ephemera

TRAVEL EPHEMERA

Having these little details in your travel journal makes it more vivid and shows the overall feel of the trip.

I often take every ticket I buy and they usually have dates on them, so that’s pretty neat. Putting them in a tiny envelope on a page is also a fun idea. If you have a big ticket, make it part of the background.

For example, we always get a tourist guide booklet or a map on our travels, right? These are large so use them as backgrounds or cut them out in smaller pieces. You can strategically cut out the location of your hotel, or the most amazing place you’ve visited.

Also, you can make pockets out of these maps to save your smaller ephemera.

You can take flyers from museums, shops, or menus and also use them as backgrounds or embellishments.

For example, I’ve used the word wanderlust because of its meaning and because the word sounds amazing.

USE WORDS IN TRAVEL JOURNALS

Postcards or postal stamps

Everywhere you go, you can buy a postcard of the place. And there are some pretty lovely and creative postcards.

If you get a bunch of them, you can make a small art journal if you bind them together. Then, how about journaling at the back of the postcards?

Also, you can glue postcards in your travel journal, especially if you couldn’t take a photo of that particular place.

If you learn new words in the local language and they kind of stick in your mind, why not use them in your travel journal?

Paper scraps or stickers

Use those small paper pieces lying around and include them next to your photos or write on them. They can add up to the overall atmosphere and colors of your journal if you use similar colors as in your photos, ephemera, etc.

And stickers ! They’re easy to use so they fit perfectly for a travel art journal.

DIY STICKERS FOR TRAVEL JOURNALS

What should you write in a travel art journal?

I like writing in small sections because it’s easier to skim those later. And it’s easier to organize my thoughts. Aaaand, small sections of text look great on the paper. Then you can doodle around them to frame them.

TRAVEL SCRAPBOOK PAGE IDEA

Here are some travel journal prompts for writing:

How to pack art supplies for travel?

You’d like to take a lot of supplies, right? But, it doesn’t sound very practical, I know.

So, to make this more practical, I would pack these:

I think this is not much to carry with you. Also, you can choose the pouch that can carry your travel notebook or your DIY journal, and all other supplies. Any bag or a rucksack can handle these, right? So, your back is safe.

Can I take art supplies on a plane?

With these supplies, you don’t have to worry about having any issues. On the other hand, if you decide to carry any liquids, pack them in your checked bag in heavy-duty zip-lock bags.

Or put all your supplies in your checked luggage, and then you’re safe.

This way, you’ll avoid any trouble with airport security.  

If you only have a carry-on, I still think you’ll have no trouble with these. However, you aren’t allowed to take liquids on a plane, or anything suspiciously sharp.

I’ve carried pens and pencils in my bag everywhere. They only took my tweezers once, which I’d give a lot easier than my art supplies.

Just to be sure, you can check the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) regulations site, where they have a search area called What Can I Bring? I’ve heard that TSA has an app, too, but I’ve never used it.

So, plan these things in advance if you don’t like awkward airport situations.

Travel journal idea: use quotes

Quotes are great. Love them. I use them all the time in my art journals. They can inspire us, trigger an emotion or leave us speechless.

I’ve collected some quotes about traveling that I think you might like and use in your travel journal.

A list of inspirational travel quotes

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it’s lethal.” – Paulo Coelho

“We travel because distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something inside our minds has changed, and that changes everything.” – Johan Lehrer

“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jamie Lyn Beatty

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

“Travel brings power and love back to your life.” – Rumi

“I’m in love with cities I’ve been to and people I’ve never met.” – John Green

“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same. You realize what’s changed is you.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Make your new travel art journal today

TRAVEL SCRAPBOOK SPREAD WITH PHOTO

Maybe you already have a ton of photos from your last trip. Or different tickets scattered around your home. This could be the perfect time to collect them and make your travel scrapbook.

Or are you planning a trip? Start planning your travel journal as well. Make the trip even more fun and be more mindful of it by journaling about it. Connect your travel experience with art-making. It’s a great way to grow and learn.

IS GETTING IDEAS FOR ART JOURNALING HARD?

Join this FREE art journal course for beginners and you’ll see how easy it can be to start making art without any overwhelm or the fear of the blank page.

art journal starter course

RELATED TRAVEL JOURNAL POSTS

Themed art journals: make different kinds of art journals

30 Art journal prompts for inspiration when you feel uncreative

Mindful art journaling ideas for self-awareness

Do you want to save this for later? Save the post to your awesome Pinterest board!

a travel journal meaning

IMAGES

  1. How to make a travel journal

    a travel journal meaning

  2. How to Easily Keep a Travel Journal

    a travel journal meaning

  3. Learn how to keep a Travel Journal using these 3 easy tips!

    a travel journal meaning

  4. The Ultimate Guide to Keeping a Travel Journal

    a travel journal meaning

  5. 18 Best Travel Journals for Documenting Trips (Updated 2023)

    a travel journal meaning

  6. Travel Journal Ideas & Inspiration to Create the Perfect Diary

    a travel journal meaning

VIDEO

  1. Travel journal ideas 💡

  2. Illustrative travel Journal Made with Clipchamp

  3. Journal Part 1| Journal in Accountancy| Basics of Journal Entries|

  4. A Traveler's Journal Footprints in 13(5min)

  5. #shorts Travel Journal

  6. Create a travel journal✈️scrap book part 41🏝journal with me#journal#scrapbook

COMMENTS

  1. What Is a Travel Journal + How to Make One with Examples

    A travel journal is a personal diary that allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during your travels. It serves as a visual and written account of your adventures, providing you with a tangible keepsake that you can cherish for years to come.

  2. Travel Journal: Ideas, Tips, and How To Write a Travel Diary

    Travel journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and the experiences you had. It is a collection of adventures, stories, memories and discovery. It doesn't matter where you're going or who you're traveling with, an online trip journal can come anywhere.

  3. How to Start and Keep a Travel Journal: A Guide to Travel Diaries

    Travel accessories: Consider including travel-specific items such as a small pouch for souvenirs, a ruler for straight lines or measurements, or a pocket-sized travel guide for reference. 5. Accessories for organization: Keep your journal organized with accessories like paper clips, binder clips, or page flags.

  4. Travel journal examples and how to get the most out of a travel journal

    A travel journal: Your new best friend Travel journal examples can spark ideas for your own journal. This matters a great deal because a travel journal can be one of your most helpful travel — make that life — tools.

  5. The Ultimate Guide to Keeping a Travel Journal

    A travel journal is your diary of a trip, or multiple trips. It's where you can write about your experiences and how you felt about them. It's the place for you to collect your stories and memories of your trip. Your travel journal is yours. It's personal and it can include anything that you want to jot down about your trip or during your trip.

  6. How to Write a Travel Journal: Tips, Ideas & More

    stop, simply update your log, and by the end of your trip you'll wind up with a complete inventory. of all that you experienced. Add Captions to Your Memories: If you choose to store photos of your trip within your. travel journal, they will provide easy topics to write about. Create captions that provide context. to the images you save.

  7. How to Make a Travelogue: 8 Travel Journal Ideas and Writing Tips

    When a travelogue is a piece of writing, it is also called a 'travel diary' or 'travel journal'. Quick wins and tips to write an excellent travelogue Here's why you need to get into travel journaling or writing a travel journal and how to ace it: You Can Plan Your Trip Before You Arrive Don't wait until you're at your destination.

  8. Travel Journals: How To Get Started And Why

    A travel journal is what you might imagine: a way to keep track of all the things you see and do while traveling. For some, this means writing down every little detail at the end of each trip. For others, it might mean making quick notes here and there during each getaway. Some people include photos in their journals, and some include trip maps.

  9. Travel Journaling Guide: How to Write the Ultimate Travel Diary

    Travel journaling is the act of keeping a written record of your travels. While this typically refers to keeping a chronological (hour-by-hour and day-by-day) travel diary, some travel journalers might also sketch, create collages or draw infographics to tell a story.

  10. How To Write A Travel Journal: Tips And Tricks

    A well-structured Travel Journal is the most important thing you can do to anchor in all those great experiences into memories. The journal not only provides a written safekeeping of your travels but the act of writing these thoughts down helps to solidify them in your memory. Learn how to write a travel journal so that it's fun.

  11. Travel journaling: 10 tips to create a gorgeous travel journal to

    #5. Digital travel journals vs paper travel journals. I'm sure you're aware that there are countless travel journal apps available. Personally, I prefer a good old fashioned paper journal. I find the words flow easily when written with a pen and it's a more rewarding and creative process.

  12. How To Write A Travel Journal

    2. Record Your Days And Experiences. Make a note of the places you visit and the things you see and do. From the sights and how they made you feel, to the food you tried and the people you met. Write down anything you learn or felt during the day, as well as any stories you heard and activities you tried.

  13. How to Write a Great Travel Journal: 9 Tips

    A travel journal can be your most treasured souvenir from a trip. Here's the best journal app plus old-school tips for writing and keeping a great journal. ... For more details on how to write a great travel journal, read the nine tips in the next section and the meaning of the W.R.I.T.E. acronym in the last section. With an old school journal ...

  14. How to Write a Travel Diary

    A travel diary (or travel journal - whichever you prefer), is a book in which you can accumulate the beginnings of travel plans, from aspirations to the nitty gritty of budgets, as well as daily logs of good and bad memories once you make your trip. It provides an excellent space to reflect on your journey.

  15. 15 Ways to Make a Travel Journal

    To make a travel journal, write entries in a journal as you're traveling so you don't forget any important details. Try to engage all of your senses as you're writing by describing how your destination smells, sounds, looks, feels, and tastes, which will make your journal entries more vivid and interesting. Remember to take photos and collect ...

  16. How to Start Travel Journaling: The Ultimate Guide

    Travel journaling is a great way to document your adventures and track the different places you visit. It can also help you remember the amazing experiences that you have on your trip. By including pictures and drawings in your journal, you can capture the essence of your journey in a way that words alone cannot.

  17. 40 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Writing Prompts to Save Your Best

    These travel journal ideas & writing prompts will make you fall in love with trips all over again and keep your favorite memories alive. Travel journaling is therapeutic, fun, and provokes self-reflection and creativity. ... meeting new people. But just because you're busy during your trip doesn't mean you can't keep a travel journal ...

  18. How to Write a Travel Journal? Writing Tips || The Travel Tester

    According to the dictionary, travel writing is "a genre of writing in which the author describes places they have visited and their experiences while travelling". It sounds simple, but as we all know, travel writing is a bit more than just describing what you did in a place you visited. It's so easy to become repetitive when writing ...

  19. What to Write in Your Travel Journals

    Remind yourself of what you found so profound on your trip; remind yourself of the little details. 4. Food. In a few of my travel journals, the main thing I wrote about was the food I ate. And I'm so thankful I did. Thanks to this, I can relive those delicious meals.

  20. How to Make a Travel Journal? Tips & Supplies

    1. TRAVEL SKETCHBOOK. You don't have to be a master artist to have fun with a travel sketchbook. Just take a notebook with blank pages and start drawing (or painting!) what you see. You can use pen, pencil, markers, crayons, watercolours or other paint, whatever you like! There are some great travel journals specifically made for making ...

  21. Travel literature

    Travel guides can also take the form of travel websites. Travel journals Goethe's Italian Journey between September 1786 and May 1788. A travel journal, also called road journal, is a record made by a traveller, sometimes in diary form, of the traveler's experiences, written during the course of the journey and later edited for publication.

  22. Travel Journal 101

    Imagine the incredible feeling of keeping a Travel Journal that captures your adventures and also nurtures your creative spirit! I specialize in helping travelers discover the art of creating Journals that hold deep meaning in their lives and that become cherished memories for generations to come.

  23. How To Keep A Travel Art Journal (With Tips, Ideas, And Writing Prompts)

    Step 1: measure approximately 0.7 in (2 cm) from the edge of the paper. Mark the 0.7 in (2 cm) with a pencil. Step 2: take the ruler, align it with the pencil marks and take the folder/knife to create a folding line. Step 3: put the ruler along the folding line and gently fold the paper on the inside. Step 4: Then, punch the holes on each sheet ...

  24. Why Your TSA Security Checks Are Different From Airport to Airport

    New tech and a patchwork of policies and procedures create confusion for travelers on security lines.

  25. 'No cap' meaning: Understanding and using the slang term

    Here is the meaning and how to use the slang "no cap". What does 'no cap' mean? " No cap " means "no lie" or "for real", according to Dictionary.com. "Cap" is another word for lie, so "no cap ...

  26. Stocks Rise Ahead of Fed's Rate Decision

    The U.S. added 275,000 jobs in February but wage gains slowed, signaling that the economy remains robust as inflation edges lower. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images The S&P 500 climbed to a new ...

  27. Why is my poop green? What does it mean?

    It's the day after St. Patrick's Day and your poop is green.. Perhaps all that green beer wasn't such a good idea after all. Should you be concerned? We checked in with Mayo Clinic, UnityPoint ...

  28. Is a salmon's diet right for you? Study suggests humans eat more of

    In order to get essential nutrients, a new study suggests that people should be eating as if they were a salmon. The study, published in the journal Nature Food, found that consuming wild fish ...

  29. The British government wants to define extremism. Critics say it risks

    Groups that raise concerns under the new definition include the British National Socialist Movement, a neo-Nazi organization, and the Muslim Association of Britain, the U.K. affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, Gove said. Authorities are expected to publish a list of such organizations in coming weeks. The new guidelines will not criminalize or ...

  30. Can't travel for the April 8 solar eclipse? Experience it at these

    Milwaukee might not be on the "path of totality," but you can still get in on the eclipse fun at local events, from livestreams to outdoor viewing.