Journals have been around for a while, but a new trend that seems to be emerging is travel journals!
So, how does a travel journal differ from a regular journal? I’m glad you asked!
A travel journal isn’t just about the places you want to go or the places you’ve been. It’s about planning your travel goals, organizing travel information such as accommodations and flights, and serving as a place for your memories and photos. You can customize it to be anyway you want!
Travel Journal Highlights
There’s several different aspects of a travel journal as opposed to only notes or personal thoughts.
Set Trip Goals: A travel journal allows you to list your dream destinations, compile bucket lists of experiences and adventures, and outline specific goals for your travels. Documenting these goals helps maintain motivation and ensures that you remain focused on achieving them.
Trip Organization: Keep essential trip information in one place! You can plan trip details such as accommodations, flights, and activities, and create a detailed itinerary. This organized approach makes sure you don’t miss any places or experiences you really want to check out during your trip!
Store Memories: Sure you have your phone, but with a travel journal you have a spot to keep written entries, sketches, photos or souvenirs. Reflecting on key points of your trip will help capture possible emotions, insights and lessons you may have learned.
Types of Travel Journals
Perhaps you’ve never considered getting a travel journal because you don’t like wasting paper or writing isn’t your forte.
Apart from the various types of travel journals available, there are important factors to consider when selecting your journal, such as size, type of paper, and the kind of entries you intend to write, short, long, detailed, etc…
Physical Journals
Physical journals are the most common type. There’s a certain charm in curling up on a couch and jotting down how your day went. However, in this digital age, more and more people are turning towards digital products.
Digital Journals
If buying a physical travel journal doesn’t appeal to you, digital journals are gaining popularity. For some, it’s easier and more convenient to have everything in one digital spot that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. You can create your own digital journal on platforms like Canva or purchase one from sites like Etsy.
Blogs/Vlogs
In addition to traditional journals, consider documenting your travels through blogs or vlogs on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram. Not only will you preserve your travel memories, but you can also share valuable travel insights with fellow travelers.
How to Create Your Own Travel Journal
If you don’t want to spend money on purchasing a travel journal, there are online tools you can use to help you customize one for yourself.
If you decide to create your own journal, you have the freedom to tailor it to your preferences, including the content you want to include, the format-if you want a traditional notebook or a digital journal- and whether you prefer a printed version or a digital one. Essentially, you can create a travel journal anyway you want!
Below are some key features you may want to include in your travel journal;
Essential Information
Begin your journal by listing emergency contact information, details of your travel insurance, and important addresses. This way, you’ll have all the necessary information in one convenient spot for easy reference. An added bonus is that you can send an extra copy to someone back home in case of an emergency, allowing them to contact you if needed.
Set Themes
Create separate sections in your journal to organize your information effectively. Having distinct sections makes it easier to find specific details. You can organize sections based on the type of destination, dates of travel, and other relevant categories, ensuring that your journal is well-structured and easy to navigate
Documentation
Similar You’ll need a space to record your thoughts, track your journey, and document your experiences. You can include details such as the weather, your feelings, people you met, favorite restaurants, activities, and much more!
Create Visuals
Ensure there is space in your journal to add pictures, sketches, or drawings. Including visual elements enhances the journal and adds depth to your travel memories. You can even include items like tickets to a show you attended or receipts to track your purchases.
Reflection
Set time aside to reflect on your trip by creating a reflection section in your journal. Write about how your trip was, the feelings you experienced, and revisit your favorite memories. This process will help you reconnect with the moments from your trip.
Prompts & Questions
Include prompts and questions that inspire you to travel.
Here’s 5 prompts to help you get started:
- Share a funny or embarrassing story that happened today.
- Describe an experience you had with a local.
- How did today’s experience change your perspective?
- Reflect on a moment or place that felt serene or gave you a sense of calmness.
- Describe what you saw, heard, and smelled that stood out to you today.
There’s so much information you can add to create your own journal, if you decide not to purchase one.
Make sure to include a routine and stay consistent, whether it’s writing in the morning or at the end of the day.
Most importantly, have fun and be creative! Your travel journal is a personal experience, so add as much information as you want or as little as you prefer.
Time to Journal
From setting trip goals to organizing essential information, a travel journal enhances your travel experiences and deepens your connection with the places you visited.
Now you’re all set for your journey!
Happy journaling, and may your travels continue to inspire!
Want a free travel journal? Check out ours below and download now!
Are you going on a trip? Make sure you’re protected with Travel Insurance!