Helpful Tips for Keeping a Travel Journal

Are you planning on taking a trip soon? You might want to document it by keeping a 
journal! In addition to the photos you will be taking, the journal helps you to write details 
of what you see, how you feel, and what you are experiencing. It can be easy to forget 
such details, which is why the journal is so beneficial. Here are some tips to start your 
travel journal.


Start Using it Before You Leave 

It actually helps if you buy your journal before you leave, and use it to help plan your 
trip. Choose a journal that reflects the type of traveling you will be doing, then use the 
first few pages to talk about your trip. Write where you are going, when you leave, what 
method of travel you are using, your packing list, your itinerary, and some things you 
want to remember. You can then add journal entries about what you are excited about, 
and maybe some things you are nervous about.


Find a Journal That is Easy to Bring With You

Of course, you want to consider the size and weight of your journal. Choose a smaller, 
lightweight journal that can easily fit in your purse or backpack you plan to walk around 
with. You really want it to be easy to carry around, and also easy to use. There are 
probably moments when you are standing in front of a building writing some notes 
down, so having a heavy, bulky journal isn’t going to be convenient.


Consider Bringing Multi-Media Items 

While you don’t want to go around with a bunch of art supplies in your bag, it does help 
to add some color or design to your travel journal, such as with coloring pencils or little 
embellishments. You may also want to add pictures to some of the journaling pages, so 
don’t forget to leave some blank pages for when you return home and can print pictures 
to be added. Adding color and illustrations or photographs to your travel journal can 
bring you back to those days and help you relate what you are talking about to what you 
experienced.


Write Details on Each Entry

When you start writing journal entries while on your trip, be as descriptive and detailed 
as possible. Include information like the date and time, where you were, what you were 
doing, what you saw and experienced, and other details. Even if it seems like it at the 
time, you aren’t going to remember every little detail about each thing you write about.



