Wouldn’t it be nice to not only keep your travel photos but also to remember how you felt in that moment?
Traveling can be an important moment in someone’s life because not everyone has the luxury of doing it. Forget about photos—we have our phones or cameras to do that. Let me introduce you to travel journaling: a simple way to remember and record your travel memories in a way that will be treasured forever.
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What is Travel Journaling?
At its core, travel journaling is the practice of recording your experiences while traveling. Some people write daily entries in a notebook, others create scrapbook-style pages filled with tickets and doodles, and some prefer digital journals or planners.
Think of it this way: a photo shows what you saw, but your travel journal captures how you felt in that moment.
Why Start a Travel Journal?
Keeping a travel journal has benefits beyond just remembering your trip:
Capture memories: Writing down the small details makes your experiences unforgettable.
Boost mindfulness: Journaling helps you slow down and notice things you might otherwise miss.
Create a keepsake: A travel journal becomes a storybook of your adventures to look back on or share with family.
Ease travel overwhelm: Writing helps you process new places, especially on long or busy trips.
Types of Travel Journals
There’s no one “right” way to do travel journaling. Here are some popular approaches:
Written Journal: A simple notebook where you jot down daily reflections.
Scrapbook-Style Journal: Mix writing with keepsakes like tickets, postcards, maps, and photos.
Digital Travel Journal: Use a digital planner or journaling app to stay organized on the go.
✨ If you want a more creative approach, my junk journal kits are a beautiful way to design your own travel diary pages with printable ephemera, vintage papers, and decorative elements.
How to Start Travel Journaling (Step by Step)
1. Choose your journal. Notebook, planner, or a handmade junk journal—it’s up to you.
2. Set an intention. Decide whether you’ll write daily entries, quick highlights, or reflective stories.
3. Collect details. Save ticket stubs, receipts, or even pressed flowers.
4. Add prompts. A simple question can help you dive deeper into your experience.
5. Make it yours. Add washi tape, stickers, or sketches to bring your pages to life.
Travel Journaling Prompts
Not sure what to write? These prompts can help you start, even if you only have a few minutes at the end of the day:
1. What’s the most surprising thing I experienced today?
Travel always brings little surprises—maybe it’s a street performance you didn’t expect, or a local tradition you never knew about. Writing it down keeps the memory fresh and fun to revisit later.
2. How does this place make me feel right now?
Instead of just listing what you did, capture your emotions. Were you relaxed at the beach, overwhelmed in a crowded market, or inspired by a sunset? Feelings give your journal more depth.
3. Which small detail do I want to remember forever?
Big landmarks are easy to recall, but it’s the little details—like the color of a door, the kindness of a stranger, or the smell of spices in a café—that truly bring your travels back to life.
4. What new food did I try, and what did I think of it?
Food is such a big part of culture. Describe the flavors, textures, or even the story behind the dish. Later, you’ll be glad you remembered your first reaction.
5. If I came back here in 5 years, what would I hope to see again?
This question helps you reflect on what really matters to you about this place. It could be a hidden street, a view, or simply the feeling it gave you.
✨ Using prompts like these keeps your travel journal flowing and helps you capture moments you’d otherwise forget.
Creative Travel Journaling Ideas
Want to make your travel journal more fun and personal? Go beyond just writing with these ideas:
Save little souvenirs. Tape in a bus ticket, museum pass, or even a coffee sleeve from a local café. These small things instantly bring you back to that moment.
Sketch your surroundings. Even a quick doodle of a landmark, market stall, or street corner feels more personal than a photo—and it shows the trip through your eyes.
Decorate with flair. Add washi tape, stamps, or stickers to give your pages character. It’s a simple way to make your journal feel like a keepsake.
Create a “day in the life” spread. Jot down where you went, what you ate, who you met, and add little doodles or snapshots. These spreads capture the ordinary details that often become the sweetest memories.
💡 Tip: If you want to skip the fuss of designing from scratch, my printable junk journal kits are perfect travel companions. They come with decorative pages, tags, and cut-outs you can mix in with your notes—so your journal looks creative while you’re still on the road.
How to Keep Up with Travel Journaling on the Go
When you’re traveling, it’s easy to get caught up and forget to write. Here are a few practical tips:
Keep it short. Spend just 5 minutes each night jotting down highlights.
Travel light. Carry a small pen, glue stick, and a few supplies.
Use your phone. Write quick notes or voice memos and expand later.
Review weekly. Take time at the end of each week to add in details, photos, or tickets.
Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.
Final Thoughts on Travel Journaling
Think of travel journaling as your memory book, a creative project, and a reflection of your journey. This type of journaling helps you treasure the actual feelings you had when visiting the places you always dreamed of.
If you’re ready to start, check out my junk journal kits and printable planners—beautifully designed to help you create a travel diary you’ll love filling in. Or grab my free journaling starter kit to get inspired today.
Happy travels, and happy journaling!
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