Why Keep a Kids Travel Journal?
Retaining the essence of your trip in a different way is essential. Memories, as time passes, often fade away. This is where a kids travel journal comes in. It not only helps you remember the details of your trip but also captures those precious memories that tend to get lost in the fog of time.
But the benefits don’t stop there. A kid’s journal can become an heirloom, more valuable than any souvenir you bring back from your journey. Moreover, it serves as an excellent way to keep the little ones entertained during road trips, long plane rides, and other inevitable travel downtime.
Encourage Your Kids with Travel Journal Ideas
While any old notebook or journal will suffice, the key is to provide some travel journal ideas that will engage your children. So, let’s explore some options that will make journaling a breeze and keep your kids excited about documenting their travel experiences.
Kids Travel Journal Printables
To make writing easier for kids, it’s beneficial to provide them with writing prompts. I had a conversation with my daughter about what she loves to remember from her travels and what types of prompts might make journaling more enjoyable. Together, we designed these travel journal pages.
The Cover Page
Let your child put their personal touch on their journal with their name, mark the location on the map, and record the dates of the trip. Download the free PDF of the kid travel journal printable cover here.
Interior Pages
Print as many of these double-sided interior pages as you need for the duration of your trip. The first page allows your child to record the date and location, and express their feelings about the day. They can also write about what they saw, the best thing they ate, where they stayed, and their favorite part of the day.
Icons are provided to select the mode of transportation and describe the weather. Download the interior page PDF of the kid travel journal printable here.
The second interior page offers ample space for your child to draw a picture representing their day. It also provides room to write about something they learned during the trip, such as facts about a place they visited, a new word in a new language, or insights about the local culture. Download the PDF of the kid travel journal printable drawing page here.
Before you embark on your journey, print out the required number of pages, and secure them with staples, binding, or a pocket folder. This allows room to store ticket stubs, programs, and more.
On-the-Go Journaling
Remember not to wait until bedtime to start journaling. Keep the journal in your day bag along with crayons and pencils. Use it as a fun way to keep the kids entertained while waiting at restaurants or during other downtimes throughout the day.
By the way, if you want to involve your kids in both travel planning and journaling, make sure to check out these vacation planner worksheets for kids!
Other Kid Travel Journals
Sometimes a travel journal template may not be what you’re looking for. Here are a couple of alternatives to consider:
Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids
My friend Rob from 2TravelDads has put together The Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids: Awesome Activities for your Adventures. As a seasoned traveler with his two boys, Rob has some fantastic advice on keeping kids entertained and engaged.
My Travel Journal by Lonely Planet Kids
For those who appreciate Lonely Planet guidebooks, the My Travel Journal for kids, part of the Lonely Planet Kids book series, is a great option to explore.