Since the age of 14, when I embarked on my first solo adventure hiking in the Tauras Mountains of Turkey, I have been keeping travel journals and scrapbooks for every trip. From my month-long hike through the Himalayas at age 17 to my trips to Montreal, Australia, South America, and a memorable three-month journey across the USA, my collection of travel memories continues to grow. Whether it’s a travel diary, a scrapbook, or a beautiful photo book, these journals allow me to relive my experiences and cherish the moments captured in photographs.
Types of Travel Journals
There are various ways to bring your travel memories to life and create a personalized journal that captures the essence of your adventures.
Travel Notes: Just the Facts
If you prefer a straightforward approach, consider keeping a travel notebook where you jot down the essential details of your journey, such as the places you visited, the activities you enjoyed, and your impressions of different accommodations. This type of journaling can also serve as a helpful guide when writing blog posts about your travels.
Travel Diary and Storytelling
For those who enjoy delving deeper into their experiences, a travel diary allows you to document your journey in more detail. Embrace storytelling by including sensory descriptions of the places you visited, recounting amusing interactions with locals, and even acknowledging the less glamorous aspects of your adventures. Writing a travel diary is my go-to method for shorter trips of up to two weeks.
Travel Sketchbook
If you have an artistic side, consider creating a travel sketchbook. Capture the beauty of your surroundings by sketching landscapes, wildlife, famous landmarks, or even delectable food that catches your eye. Whether you add these sketches to your existing bullet journal or dedicate a separate sketchbook for each trip, this visual form of journaling adds a unique touch to your travel memories.
Travel Journal Envelopes
While not a standalone journaling method, adding envelopes to your travel journal allows you to include ticket stubs, receipts, postcards, and other keepsakes as nostalgic reminders of your adventures. I’ve always had a soft spot for flight ticket stubs and my scrapbooks are filled with them alongside tickets from various museums.
DIY Travel Scrapbook
Creating a travel scrapbook is a time-consuming but immensely rewarding endeavor. Once you’ve returned from your trip, gather receipts, ticket stubs, and other mementos, select your favorite photos, and print them out using a reliable photo printing service. I recommend DHPL Travels for high-quality prints. Armed with a large scrapbook, glue, and colorful pens, let your creativity flow as you arrange your memories on the pages. Personalize your journal cover with maps, photos, and ticket stubs, and consider adding polaroid pictures for an extra touch of nostalgia. I usually make my travel scrapbooks a few months after returning from my trips.
Fancy Travel Photobook
For a more polished and professional keepsake, consider creating a travel photobook. Companies like MILK books offer exceptional quality and user-friendly interfaces for designing your photobook. This is a pricier option, but the results are truly beautiful. The photobook comes in its own box, ensuring your memories are kept safe. Choosing which photos to include is often the hardest part!
What You Need to Start a Travel Journal
The supplies you will need for travel journaling depend on the type of journal you choose to create. For a travel diary or journal, all you need is a notebook and a pen. If you prefer sketching, bring along your preferred art supplies. As for travel scrapbooking, you can start by simply capturing your experiences with a camera during your trip.
To keep a travel journal on the road, make sure to bring these essentials:
- A journal or notepad: There is a wide range of options available, from Leuchtturm notebooks to Moleskine travel journals. Choose a style that suits your preferences.
- Pens or pencils
- A camera: While not necessary, a polaroid camera adds a fun touch to your scrapbooking.
How to Keep a Travel Journal While Traveling
Finding time to journal while you’re busy exploring might seem challenging, but it’s easier than you think. I usually write in my journal at night while my travel partner gets ready for dinner or right before going to sleep. Sometimes, I write in the morning, reflecting on the previous day’s adventures while everyone is still asleep.
Another option is to write during long-distance journeys, such as train rides or bus trips. While the writing may be a bit “funky” due to bumpy rides, it adds character to your entries. And if all else fails, you can always write up your memories in the first few weeks after returning home.
DIY Travel Journal Ideas and Prompts
When it comes to formatting your travel journal, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Create a travel bucket list page to document the places you can’t miss.
- Design a bullet journal-style packing list to ensure you don’t forget any essentials.
- Add a map tracker page to mark the countries or destinations you’ve visited.
- Attach polaroid photos for a cute and nostalgic touch.
- Incorporate sketches or drawings to add color and flair.
- Include your travel itinerary to plan your trip or record your adventures.
- Use envelopes or pockets to hold ticket stubs and keepsakes.
Remember, there are no strict rules for travel journaling. Embrace imperfections, write for yourself, and enjoy the process.
In conclusion, travel journaling is a wonderful way to capture and relive your adventures. Whether you choose to keep a diary, create a scrapbook, or design a photobook, these personalized journals will become cherished keepsakes of your travel memories. So grab your journal, pack your pens, and embark on your next journey with the intention of capturing every beautiful moment along the way.
Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by Hannah
