travel journal que significa

• Dicas / Inspiracional

Travel Journal: o que é e como fazer

por Ana Luna · 19/08/2017

Pessoas criativas usam todos os meios para registrar suas ideias. Cursei faculdade de design gráfico porém não me encaixo nesse perfil criativo, infelizmente. Mas acho LINDO quem consegue fazer um Travel Journal , ou diário de viagem, cheio de detalhe, tudo coloridinho e registrando a viagem da melhor forma possível.

O Travel Journal nada mais é do que um caderno sem pautas onde você mesmo desenha um layout a mão livre e monta seu relato de viagem, é literalmente um diário. Porém algumas pessoas vão além do normal e tornam esses diários verdadeiras obras de arte!

Em sua maioria, você precisa de:

• um caderno sem pautas, ou folhas em branco em um fichário
• muita criatividade (ou não – mas fica mais bonito quando você inova nesses registros)
• uma boa história de viagem pra contar!

Tem gente que incrementa com fotos, polaroids, adesivos, colagens, estampas, desenhos, muita cor e um toque de imaginação com adornos e todas as coisas possíveis de se desenhar. É bem divertido registrar sua viagem dessa forma. Mas não pense que o registro precisa ser cheio de frufru. Existem opções mais clean , como as mostradas abaixo, e inúmeras possibilidades de layout. Porém se você for que nem eu que não tem o dom da criação, existem opções prontas tanto pra escrever sobre viagem, quanto planners pra se organizar (uso um desses pra organizar os posts do blog).

Abaixo você confere nosso board no pinterest com vários travel journal pra você ver e se inspirar pra criar o seu! Aproveita e segue a gente por lá 😉

Tags: diário de viagem travel journal

Fez intercâmbio, trabalha com turismo, viajou por aí e queria um espaço pra dividir suas experiências pelo mundo! Também é colaboradora do Maroon 5 Brasil

Você pode gostar...

O que NÃO fazer no intercâmbio: dicas indispensáveis

 por Ana Luna · Published 26/10/2017 · Last modified 19/03/2021

1 ano de Livre Embarque

 por Ana Luna · Published 06/07/2017

Vantagens de viajar de carro

 por Ana Luna · Published 11/02/2018 · Last modified 01/03/2022

Deixe um comentário Cancelar resposta

O seu endereço de e-mail não será publicado. Campos obrigatórios são marcados com *

Comentário *

• Próximo história Países que não necessitam de visto
• História anterior A vida na Nova Zelândia

Pesquisar destino

Reserve no livre embarque.

Blogs Parceiros

Conheça os blogs que leio e indico para organizar sua viagem!

What Is a Travel Journal + How to Make One with Examples

Traveling to new places and journaling about your exciting and enriching experiences is beyond rewarding. Whether you're exploring a bustling city, immersing yourself in nature's wonders, or embarking on a cultural adventure, capturing your travel experiences is a great way to preserve memories and reflect on your journey. One popular and creative way to document your travels is through a travel journal . In this article, we'll cover what a travel journal is, the benefits of keeping one, how to choose the best travel journal among different types, and provide you with tips and examples on how to make your own.

Ready to discover how to capture your travel experiences in different places, explore creative travel journal ideas and travel journal prompts, and more? Let the adventure begin!

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is a personal diary that allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during your travels. It serves as a visual and written account of your adventures, providing you with a tangible keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. Unlike a regular journal, a travel diary focuses specifically on your journeys, including details about the different places you visit, the people you meet, the food you try, and the sights you see.

Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal offers numerous benefits beyond simply documenting your experiences. Here are some additional reasons why you should consider starting one:

1. Emotional and Mental Well-Being

Journaling has been shown to have positive effects on emotional and mental well-being . When you write about your travel experiences, you have the opportunity to process and reflect on your emotions, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to different situations via your journal entries. It can be a therapeutic outlet for releasing stress, anxiety, or even excitement, allowing you to better manage your emotions throughout your journey.

2. Enhanced Memory Retention

Writing about your travels helps improve memory retention. By actively engaging with your experiences and recording them in detail, you reinforce the neural connections related to those memories. This makes it easier to recall specific moments, sights, sounds, and even the feelings associated with them in the future. Your travel diary becomes a valuable tool for preserving and retrieving cherished memories.

3. Cultural Exploration and Appreciation

A travel journal encourages you to be more observant and attentive to the details of the places you visit. It prompts you to delve deeper into the local culture, traditions, and customs. By documenting your interactions with locals, sampling regional cuisine, and exploring hidden gems, you develop a greater appreciation for the unique aspects of each destination. Your journal becomes a testament to the richness and diversity of the world around you.

4. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

Writing in a travel diary allows for introspection and personal growth. As you reflect on your experiences, you gain insights into your own values, beliefs, and perspectives. You may discover new passions or interests, challenge preconceived notions, or develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others. The process of self-reflection through journaling can lead to personal transformation and a deeper connection to the world.

5. Travel Planning and Preparation

Your travel journal can serve as a practical resource for future trips. By documenting your itineraries, accommodations, transportation details, and recommendations, you create a valuable reference guide that covers your experiences more fully. You can refer back to your journal to jog your memory or provide recommendations to fellow travelers. It becomes a repository of knowledge that can streamline the planning process for future adventures.

6. Connection with Loved Ones

Sharing your travel journal with friends, family, or future generations can be a meaningful way to connect and bond. Your journal becomes a storytelling tool, allowing others to experience your journey vicariously through your words, sketches, and photographs. It can spark conversations, ignite curiosity, and inspire others to embark on their own adventures.

7. Creative Expression

Engaging in the creative process of journaling stimulates your imagination and artistic abilities. Whether you're writing prose, sketching landscapes, creating collages, or experimenting with different art mediums, your travel diary becomes a canvas for self-expression. It encourages you to think outside the box, explore new artistic techniques, and develop your creative skills.

Keeping a travel journal goes beyond simply recording your experiences. It has profound benefits for your emotional well-being, memory retention, personal growth, and cultural appreciation. It serves as a tangible reminder of your adventures, a tool for planning future trips, a means of connecting with others, and a creative outlet for self-expression. So, grab a journal and embark on your journey of exploration and self-discovery through travel journaling.

Types of Travel Journals

There are different journals for just about any goal or activity you can think of – from travel journals to fitness journals , from gratitude journals to garden journals , and more. Similarly, there are various types of travel diaries to suit different preferences and styles. We cover the best travel journals below so you can find one perfect for you.

1. Guided Travel Journals

Guided journals provide travel journal prompts and structured sections to help you capture specific aspects of your journey. Guided journals often include questions, blank pages to fill in, and guided activities to guide your journaling process. Using a guided journal or planner , can ensure you cover all the essentials, without missing any crucial details you’ll want to revisit later.

2. Traditional Handwritten Journals

These are classic journals or notebooks with blank pages where you can freely write, draw, or glue mementos. Traditional journals offer the most flexibility in terms of customization for creative journal entries.

3. Photographic Travel Journals

For those who prefer visual storytelling, a photographic travel journal focuses on capturing moments through photographs. You can include pictures alongside brief descriptions or captions to narrate your journey visually.

4. Scrapbook Travel Journals

Scrapbook-style journals combine photographs, tickets, postcards, and other memorabilia with handwritten notes and decorative elements. They provide a visually appealing way to preserve your travel memories.

5. Sketchbook Travel Journals

If you have artistic inclinations, a sketchbook journal allows you to sketch and paint scenes, landmarks, and people you encounter during your travels. It's a great way to capture the essence of a place through your own artwork.

6. Digital Travel Journals

In the digital age, many people opt for digital travel journals, using apps or online platforms to document their adventures. Digital journals offer the convenience of easy editing, multimedia integration, and the ability to share your journey with others online.

7. Travel Bullet Journals

A popular trend in journaling, travel bullet journals combine organization and creativity. Based on the bullet journaling system, these journals use symbols, icons, and trackers to help you plan and record your travels. You can create sections for itineraries, packing lists, daily logs, and more, all while adding artistic touches and personalization.

You can also use a monthly planner with ample note pages and customize it as a travel calendar journal.

Whether you prefer the structure of guided journals, the freedom of traditional handwritten journals, the visual impact of photographic or scrapbook journals, the artistic expression of sketchbook journals, the convenience of digital journals, or the organization of travel bullet journals, there's a type of travel journal that will resonate with you and enhance your travel experiences. Choose the one that suits your style and embark on a journey of creativity and self-expression.

How to Make a Travel Journal

Now that you have an idea of the different types of travel journals, let's explore how to make your own.

1. Selecting the Right Journal

Consider the type of journaling experience you desire. If you prefer writing and sketching, a traditional blank-page journal or sketchbook might be ideal. If you want structure and guidance, opt for a guided travel journal. If you're tech-savvy, explore digital journaling options.

2. Gathering Essential Supplies

Depending on the type of journal you choose, gather supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, glue, scissors, washi tape, stickers, and any other decorative elements you'd like to incorporate. If you're going digital, ensure you have a suitable device and any necessary apps or software.

3. Planning Your Journal

Before your trip, plan how you want to organize your journal. Consider creating sections for different aspects like itineraries, accommodation, food, and sightseeing. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find information later.

4. Documenting Your Journey

During your trip, actively engage in your journaling process with regular (yet not restrictive or rigid) journal entries. Write about your daily experiences, jot down interesting conversations, glue in ticket stubs or postcards, and take photographs to complement your entries. Let your creativity flow and capture the essence of each moment.

Travel Journal Page and Layout Examples

The layout and organization of your travel journal pages play a crucial role in bringing your travel experiences, from all the different places you’ve visited, to life. By incorporating various elements and sections, you can create a visually appealing and informative journal that captures the essence of your journey. From practical pages for itineraries and packing lists to creative spreads for reflections and bucket lists, here are some ideas to help you design engaging and meaningful pages for your travel diary.

1. Packing List and Pre-Trip Planning Pages

Dedicate a page or spread to jot down your packing list and pre-trip preparations. Include essential items, travel tips, and any special considerations for the destination. You can even add checkboxes or symbols to mark off items as you pack, ensuring you don't forget anything important.

You may also want to check out these helpful travel and packing tips .

2. A List of Local Words and Phrases

Learning a few basic words and phrases in the local language can greatly enhance your travel experience. Create a page dedicated to practicing and referring to these words and phrases. Include translations, pronunciation guides, and space to practice writing them. This page can be a helpful tool for connecting with locals and immersing yourself in the local culture.

3. Itinerary Pages

Design pages dedicated to your daily itineraries. Include the places you plan to visit, opening hours, transportation details, and any additional notes or reservations. You can add maps, photographs, or illustrations to make the page visually appealing and easy to navigate.

4. Accommodation and Restaurant Reviews

Reserve pages to review and rate the accommodations and restaurants you experience. Include details like the location, ambiance, service, and any standout dishes. You can even attach business cards, menus, or photographs to accompany your reviews. These pages will not only serve as a reference for future trips but also help fellow travelers discover hidden gems.

5. Post-Trip Reflection and Wrap-Up

Allocate space in your journal for post-trip reflections. Create pages to summarize your overall experience, highlight your favorite moments, and reflect on the lessons learned during your journey. Include photographs, sketches, or quotes that capture the essence of your adventure. These reflection pages will serve as a reminder of the growth and memories you gained from your travels.

6. Travel Bucket List

Create a dedicated page to list destinations, landmarks, or experiences you aspire to visit or accomplish in the future. You can divide the page into different categories like countries, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or adrenaline-fueled activities. This page will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for your future travels.

7. Travel Budget, Savings Goals, and Tracking

If budgeting is important to you, design pages to track your travel expenses, savings goals, and tips for saving money during your travels. Create tables or graphs to visually represent your budget and savings progress. These pages will help you stay accountable and ensure you're making the most of your financial resources.

Your travel diary is a personal and creative space to capture the memories, emotions, and experiences of your journeys. Through carefully designed pages and layouts, you can transform your journal into a visual and written narrative of your adventures. Whether you choose to incorporate practical elements like itineraries and packing lists or focus on creative expressions like reflections and bucket lists, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination guide you as you create pages that reflect your unique travel style and personality. With each turn of the page, your travel diary will become a treasure trove of cherished memories and a gateway to relive your journeys again and again.

Creative Travel Journaling Ideas and Prompts

Stuck on what to write or include in your travel diary? Here are some creative travel journal ideas and travel journal prompts to get you started:

• Write a letter to your future self reflecting on your travel experiences and what you hope to remember.
• Describe the scents, sounds, and tastes that stand out in each place you visit.
• Create a "People You Meet" page, where you can jot down brief descriptions or draw portraits of interesting individuals you encounter during your journey.
• Write a short story or poem inspired by a specific location or experience.
• Make a to-do list of activities or experiences you want to accomplish at each destination. Challenge yourself to complete as many as possible and check them off as you go.
• Write a gratitude list, noting the things you're grateful for during your travels. It could be the stunning sunsets, the kindness of locals, or the serendipitous encounters.

A travel diary is a beautiful way to document and cherish your travel experiences. Whether you opt for a traditional handwritten journal, a photographic account, or a digital platform, the process of journaling will enhance your journey and provide a lasting memory of your adventures. Experiment with different styles, layouts, and prompts to make your travel journal uniquely yours. So, grab a journal and start capturing your travel memories today!

Shop now. Pay in 4. Always interest-free.

Add your favorites to bag

Select Afterpay at Checkout

Log into or create your Afterpay account, instant approval decision

Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks

You must be over 18, a resident of the U.S. and meet additional eligibility criteria to qualify. Late fees may apply. Estimated payment amounts shown on product pages exclude taxes and shipping charges, which are added at checkout. Click here for complete terms. Loans to California residents made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. © 2020 Afterpay

Pay in 4 interest-free payments

No impact on credit score and no late fees. Available for purchases of $30 to $1,500.

• Choose PayPal at checkout to pay later with Pay in 4 .
• Complete your purchase with a 25% down payment.
• Use autopay for the rest of your payments. It's easy!

Pay in 4 is available to consumers upon approval for purchases of $30 to $1,500. Pay in 4 is currently not available to residents of MO or NVMissouri or Nevada. Offer availability depends on the merchant and also may not be available for certain recurring, subscription services. When applying, a soft credit check may be needed, but will not affect your credit score. You must be 18 years old or older to apply. PayPal, Inc.: Loans to CACalifornia residents are made or arranged pursuant to a CACalifornia Financing Law License. GAGeorgia Installment Lender Licensee, NMLS #910457. RIRhode Island Small Loan Lender Licensee. NMNew Mexico residents:

Find more disclosures related to Pay in 4.

Latitude Infinita

Bog de viagens e vida nômade.

• Quem somos?
• Vamos trabalhar juntos?
• Política de privacidade
• Documentação
• Planejamento
• Caderno de Viagem
• Planilha Financeira
• Mala de viagem
• Foz do Iguaçu
• Bento Gonçalves
• Gramado e Canela
• Porto Alegre
• Florianópolis
• Guarda do Embaú
• Praia da Pinheira
• República Tcheca
• Rio Grande do Sul
• Santa Catarina
• Machu Picchu
• Los Angeles
• Washington DC
• Cidade do México
• Nômade Digital

Olá Latitudiano! Já garanta o seu seguro viagem com desconto clicando aqui! DESCONTO AQUI

Comece reservando seu hotel

Seguro viagem com desconto, assista os vídeos para se inspirar.

• Como montar seu roteiro
• Dicas de Viagem
• Dicas gerais
• papelarias-pelo-mundo

Travel Journal: O que colocar no Caderno de Viagem

Primeiro de tudo, você precisa ter noção de que um travel journal – caderno de viagem – precisa ser funcional, ter muitas informações que serão cruciais para a sua viagem. Por isso, falarei sobre o que colocar em seu caderno de viagem.

Aliás eu sou adepta de cadernos de viagens a muitos anos. Igualmente sou adepta a cadernos de forma geral. Adoro poder escrever sobre um local, um sentimento ou até mesmo minha lista de afazeres do dia.

• Temos um post sobre caderno de viagem digital

O que você verá nesse post

O que é um Travel Journal?

Então o travel Journal, ou Caderno de viagem em Português consiste em um caderno onde você colocará todas as suas experiências da viagem . Seja contando como um diário, ou apenas deixando os pontos altos da viagem em destaque.

Você pode usá-lo de muitas formas, e falarei sobre elas nesse post. Enfim esse tipo de caderno é ótimo para poder relembrar os lugares que você foi e gostaria de voltar. Aliás deixe algumas páginas para explicar como a viagem mudou sua forma de ver o mundo.

Qual modelo de caderno de viagem usar?

Pois bem, eu já mudei horrores a forma do caderno que uso . Vou colocar aqui cada um dos que eu já usei ( desde 2017 ) e o motivo deles serem vantajosos e o motivo de eu ter mudado o caderno ao longo do tempo .

Quando eu escrevi esse post pela primeira vez, lá em 2017 , eu usava o modelo da A.craft , que tem quatro elásticos no meio da capa e que possibilita você incluir vários pequenos cadernos.

Em 2018, eu mudei os cadernos para os da Moleskine e continuei usando a capa da A.craft . Então eu comprava os cadernos fininhos da moleskine e incluía na capa.

Vantagem e desvantagem desse tipo de modelo

Portanto a vantagem era que eu poderia incluir quantos cadernos eu quisessem e podia levar os que eu achava necessários para as viagens.

A desvantagem era que eu não consigo escrever em caderno sem espiral. Descobri isso usando esses cadernos, que quando eu precisava rasgar alguma folha, me dava uma dor no coração porque uma segunda folha mais a frente caia. Já que nesse modelo de caderno as folhas são costuradas, então se você arranca uma, a outra também cai.

Em 2019 eu usei um caderno da Leuchtturm . Aliás ele era específico para bullet journal e por conta disso a gramatura da folha era maior. Pra mim era essa a sua maior vantagem, nada passava pra folha do outro lado. Entretanto a desvantagem continuava sendo não ser espiral. ( tem foto dele mais abaixo )

Já agora em 2020 o que eu uso é um caderno inteligente . As folhas tem gramatura 90, então mesmo com minha caneta pigma brush não transfere pra folha atrás. Outra vantagem foi o fato de ser espiral, porem um espiral diferente, já que você pode retirar as folhas e recolocá-las. Isso mesmo que você leu, você decide em que parte aquela folha vai ficar no seu caderno.

Assim sendo, nesse momento ele é o meu caderno de viagem . De fato uso ele tanto para a viagem (que já te explico como usar) como também para o meu dia-a-dia, como uma agenda.

Por que escrever um Caderno de viagem?

Você não precisa usar esse caderno apenas quando chegar em seu destino . Eu sempre começo o meu bem antes, normalmente assim que fecho as reservas das passagens, isso me permite escrever sobre o lugar e seus pontos interessantes. Isso também me permite criar meu roteiro de viagem de forma mais assertiva, já que, para preencher o caderno, eu pesquiso sobre os lugares da cidade e quais eu gostaria de ir.

Enquanto você estiver viajando , pode colocar as experiências que teve, o que conheceu do local. Quem você conheceu e como foi interagir com os locais. São diversas coisas que você pode colocar em seu caderno e relembrar daqui algum tempo.

Eu gosto também de anotar quais restaurantes fui e o que achei da comida . Assim, mesmo os restaurantes que fui, na surpresa, são registrado e classificados. Vai que eu volto e quero provar um ceviche? mas aquele que comi quando fui a alguns anos atrás? Entende! Muitas vezes esquecemos o nome e endereço dos locais e isso pode dificultar em um próximo retorno, ou uma indicação .

O que colocar no Caderno de viagem

Minha melhor dica sobre caderno de viagem é: Comece-o antes de sua viagem ocorrer ! Aliás assim que eu compro um caderno novo, eu já deixo algumas partes destinadas para as informações de voo, hotel e passeio turístico. Isso me auxilia e muito quando preciso da informação de bate pronto , principalmente no aeroporto.

E agora com o caderno inteligente, eu posso deixar as folhas certas reservadas, já que posso posiciona-la onde eu quiser assim que escrever. Entendeu o motivo de eu ter gostado tanto dele? E não, isso não é um publi paga, eu paguei pelo meu e estou te recomendando porque ele de fato vale o investimento.

Eu sei, você pode dizer que vai usar o celular para esse tipo de informação. Eu também uso o celular, todavia, eu sempre prefiro colocar em papel, para o caso do meu celular acabar a bateria ou desligar repentinamente. Isso já me ocorreu no Japão . Estava nevando e o celular (todos os celulares fazem isso) , desligou automaticamente, para preservar suas funções. Imagina se eu estivesse sem ele e sem as informações que eu precisava? Ainda mais em um país com língua completamente diferente da minha? Sendo assim, mesmo que você não queira comprar um caderno novo, leve ao menos uma folha de papel preenchida.

Informações Cruciais

Coloque as informações de voo, reserva de hotel, passeio turísticos reservados, mas não se limite a isso . Eu também coloco as informações de seguro viagem , bombeiros , consulado brasileiro . Mesmo que você não queira fazer um caderno de viagem, sempre tenha essas informações consigo. Principalmente a do seguro viagem e do consulado .

Fiz um modelo do que uso abaixo. Não coloquei o da minha viagem em si, já que sempre constam informações pessoais, principalmente os códigos de reserva. Porém, esse exemplo abaixo é exatamente igual aos dos meus cadernos de viagem em si. Então, pegue como exemplo e adicione mais informações se preferir.

Roteiro de Viagem

Escreva sobre os lugares que você quer conhecer. Quais os museus que você quer entrar e o que tem de interessante lá dentro. Se tem alguma dica de restaurante, que você viu aqui no blog, e queira conhecer. Faça a pesquisa completa do local e anote as informações que lhe serão mais cruciais.

• Já te ensinei como fazer um roteiro de viagem

Escreva sobre tudo

Escreva também quais as suas expectativas para aquele local, o que você acha que irá sentir quando chegar, o que irá ver . Esse tipo de coisa irá lhe mostrar se você superou ou não suas expectativas. Sem esquecer que isso lhe mostra como sua mente irá se alterar com o decorrer da viagem. Como aprendemos com a cultura alheia. Como reparamos como as pessoas lidam uma com as outras, é uma ótima forma de estudo social viu.

Coloque sobre o restaurante que você foi . O que você pediu, o que achou da comida. Como foi a experiência de se comunicar com o atendente (principalmente se for em outro idioma) . Esse tipo de informação, além de lhe trazer boas lembranças no futuro, irá lhe auxiliar caso queira voltar .

Aproveite para deixar algumas páginas para o que você faria diferente. Eu sempre deixo uma parte onde eu escrevo como seria se eu fosse uma segunda vez, o que gostaria de visitar novamente, o que não gostaria de ver novamente.

O que devo colocar no caderno de viagem?

O que colocar então em seu caderno de viagem? Vamos ao resumo esperto para você ter uma boa ideia do que colocar.

• Dados do Voo.
• Informações da Hospedagem ( Booking ou Airbnb ).
• Tudo do seu Seguro viagem .
• Dados do Consulado de sua nacionalidade (se você tiver dupla nacionalidade, coloque de ambos)
• Roteiro dia-a-dia (com horário para os locais já reservados)
• Informações sobre transporte e como ir até seu hotel
• Informações pertinentes do seu roteiro. Nome e o que os lugares são e tem.
• Lojas e lista de desejos.
• Deixe folhas para o seu "diário" sobre sua viagem.
• Dicas de restaurantes e o que comer nesse local.
• Caderno de viagem digital? Temos também! E é de graça. 

Comente este post!

Ficou com alguma dúvida cancelar resposta.

Marcia Picorallo

Sempre começo registrando a viagem e abandono a prática. Já tentei na versão papel, na versão gravador de voz, na versão digital, nenhum estilo de caderno de viagem foi eficaz pra me prender na atividade. Acabo me guiando pelas anotações de planejamento que salvo no Drive, e no retorno, para escrever no meu blog, recorro a fotos, recibos e ingressos. Tem dado certo! Acho que não quero perder nem um só instante das viagens com a cabeça baixa, escrevendo, deve ser isso…

Mariana Menezes

Aline, Eu AMEI seu caderno de viagem!! Isso tá no Pinterest gente? Vai fazer sucesso! Nunca consegui me dedicar a fazer cadernos de viagem, mas acho super legal, funcional e com certeza muita mais fácil para guardar os detalhes dos lugares! Por outro lado, adotei o bullet journal para organizar minha rotina, e tem dado super certo! Curti a ideia de escrever sobre as expectativas, ótima sugestão! Nunca tinha pensado nisso, assim a gente consegue comparar bem ne? Legal!

Aline Kamiji

Haha está sim! Tem vários pins dele por lá 😆 eu uso muito o formato do bujo pra anotar as coisas da minha rotina, super da certo. É ótimo né hehe obrigada por comentar viu ♥️

Eu fiz um travel journal por muito tempo, bem organizado e bonitinho. Depois na correria, acabei parando mas sinto falta. Acho que vou voltar a fazer nas viagens pos-pandemia, é uma forma tão gostosa de guardar com mais carinho – e revisitar – as memórias de viagem 😀

Também viajo sempre com um Caderno de Viagem. Não perco esse hábito e adoro! É tão saudável escrever, tirar notas, exprimir pesnamentos. Bom demais.

Ultrapassando Fronteiras

Morar no exterior e viagens internacionais

Como fazer um travel journal

Fazer um travel journal, também chamado de diário de viagem ilustrado, é uma atividade realizada antes, durante e depois de uma viagem. Ela auxilia a manter as experiências vivas e a senti-las durante a criação do caderno ou ao abri-lo e passear pelas páginas.

O travel journal é um caderno sem pautas no qual você escreve e desenha à mão livre. Literalmente um diário de viagem, traz relatos, ingressos, memórias e fotografias. É a expressão profunda e pessoal da sua viagem. Nele, você pode mergulhar fundo nas experiências e abordar tudo o que viu, sentiu, provou e pensou.

Então imagine que você está sentou naqueles jardins do castelo de Versalhes durante o verão. As fontes estão funcionando ao som de ópera e as flores estão simplesmente magníficas! Ou então você senta num café parisiense experimentando o verdadeiro momento de sentar numa mesinha nas calçadas da cidade mais charmosa do mundo. Você precisa eternizar o passeio além das imagens, não é? Então providencie agora os materiais e mãos à obra!

O que você vai precisar para montar o seu Travel Journal

Qual é o melhor Travel Journal? Eu acho que é um prático, por isso, prefiro pegar um caderno pronto bem lindo, com as páginas em branco. Mas primeiro você precisa decidir se fará ele dessa forma ou com suas próprias páginas.

Modelos de Travel Journal

Existem opções que são bem carinha de diário, com capas de couro e muito charme. Nesse sentido, encontrei esse modelo gracinha na Amazon que você pode receber com facilidade em casa. Esse eu acho bacana para ser algo mais íntimo, que você não mostrará a ninguém de jeito nenhum!

Mas o modelo que curto para dividir com a família e amigos todos os detalhes da viagem é mais tipo scrapbook, com uma capa bem resistente como esse embaixo que você também encontra na Amazon .

Contudo, é importante destacar que a primeira versão é a que você consegue levar na viagem. Mas por quê? Porque quando você viaja, você não consegue levar muito peso, quer caminhar com tranquilidade e pode ser uma delícia parar num lugar bonito e gostoso como o café em cima e pensar e escrever sobre a vida! Mas sem dor nas costas!

Nesse caso, você precisa prever os espaços para fotos, adesivos, ilustrações… Eu confesso que os diários que eu levo acabam não ficando com espaço para isso. Eu preciso a me disciplinar ou conseguir passar a limpo as milhares de páginas, por exemplo, do Travel Journal que eu fiz na India e ficou só nos garranchos e na caneta preta! É por isso que acho o ideal ter um Moleskine : é charmoso, leve, resistente, tem tradição com travel journal e tem folhas brancas!

Complementos para escrever no seu travel journal

Para escolher os complementos para fazer o travel journal, você precisa saber que, se decidir começar durante a viagem, é necessário deixar alguns itens no hotel ou nem levar à viagem. Por exemplo: um número grande de canetas, tesoura e fitas adesivas. Mas os stikers podem ir com você! Se o seu destino for Berlin, Roma, Florença, Milão ou Paris, certamente você encontrará papelarias super especializadas em arte e pintura que ajudarão a complementar os itens charmosos!

As canetas dão aquele toque especial e, junto com a escolha do caderno, são os itens mais importantes para a beleza de um travel journal! Eu adoro escrever e criar arte nos meus diários de viagem com canetas da Stabilo e da Staedtler . Na minha opinião, as melhores para fazer um travel journal lindíssimo!

O conjunto acima, que você encontra na Amazon , é um exemplo de um ótimo custo-benefício para isso! Pegue a caneta preta e escolha outras três! Pronto, você já tem um kit bacana para fazer o seu travel journal! Desse estojo, eu selecionaria a rosa, a lilás e a verde. Aliás, talvez eu abrisse espaço a mais para a amarela ou laranja.

Mas esse outro estojo da Staedler, também à venda na Amazon , é interessante também porque traz canetas com duas pontas: uma fina e uma mais grossa. Uma bela otimização de espaço para você fazer seu diário de viagem ao longo de seus passeios.

Stickers e fitas

As fitas dão um toque especial e te ajudam a colar com charme fotos, folhas, ingressos, entre outros elementos que você queira incluir no seu diário de viagem. Você pode levar com você para deixar no hotel algumas (duas, no máximo três, para não ocupar muito espaço) ou então fazer em casa esse arremate especial! Abaixo inclui duas opções muito charmosas que você consegue pedir clicando na imagem, assim como os demais acessórios que incluo aqui nesse post sobre como fazer um travel journal!

Você não precisa levar os stickers, mas eles podem ser bons agregados para dar um charme na hora de finalizar o seu diário ilustrado de viagem!

O que pode estar no seu travel journal

Aqui estão algumas ideias do que colocar no seu diário de viagem:

• O que você aprendeu em cada situação
• O que a viagem mudou em você
• Lugares onde você foi
• Pessoas que conheceu
• Pensamentos que teve
• Sentimentos
• O que mais gostou de ver
• Impressões e sensações
• Os pratos que provou e o que achou
• Histórias engraçadas e tristes

Faça fotos para cada um desses temas e reserve espaço para essas imagens. Palavras e imagens juntas dão mais sabor ao diário ilustrado de viagem e te transportarão de volta àquele momento.

Se você sentir dificuldade de criar esse espaço, uma ideia pode ser você levar uma Polaroid e ir fotografando o que será destaque na hora de fazer seu travel journal!

Fazer o travel journal depois da viagem

Se você não está inspirado durante a viagem para fazer um diário ilustrado ou se sente que não vai dar certo deixar tudo lindo enquanto passeia, deixe o travel journal em casa! Assim, você o preparará depois que chegar. Leve então um caderninho e uma caneta e depois transfira tudo para o diário de viagem!

Para quem já fez a viagem e não desenvolveu um travel journal, essa pode ser uma ótima experiência de revivê-la, de viajar sem sair de casa .

O que guardar na viagem para seu diário

Sem dúvida, guardar ingressos, folhas, tíquetes de metrô, bilhetes aéreos e de trem, além de cartões postais pode ser bem interessante para dar vida ao seu travel journal! Você pode programar e organizar o que quer guardar durante a viagem para incluir no seu diário.

Na hora de selecionar fotos e pensar no que irá no diário de viagem, considere também os detalhes dos lugares: portas, flores, janelas, grafites, e por aí vai… Esse é um exemplo da cidade de Teggiano, na Itália , onde eu fiquei apaixonada pelas portas!

Versão super artística

Se o seu travel journal tiver uma folha mais grossa, você também pode separar um espaço para ilustrações em aquarela. O efeito será incrível! Lápis pastéis também geram impacto maravilhoso! Uma opção caso você não tenha tanta habilidade com essas técnicas é usar lápis aquareláveis como os da Carand’ache .

Que materiais podem ir no avião

Esses itens que comentei podem todos ir em avião. Aliás, você pode escrever um pouco na ida e na volta, contar o que está sentindo. Mas se você resolver, por exemplo, carregar líquidos, alguns tipos de flores vivas e tesouras, você pode ter problemas. Por isso, é importante que alguns itens sejam levados na mala a ser despachada, desde que não sejam proibidos, como os itens inflamáveis.

Que tal então começar a fazer o seu travel journal agora?

Tenho certeza de que você tem dezenas de fotos e memórias das suas viagens favoritas! Às vezes, precisa até organizar aquele monte de ingressos, cartões e mapas que tem guardado! Agora que você já sabe o que é um travel journal e como fazer, pode ser então o momento ideal para preparar o seu!

O travel journal é uma dos itens da lista das 10 maneiras de viajar sem sair de casa . Você já viu as demais? Adianto que uma delas é por meio de livros sobre viagens e eu já publiquei aqui no blog uma lista com 20 dessas obras !

Gostou? Então compartilhe! 🙂

• Clique para enviar um link por e-mail para um amigo(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no Pinterest(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no Facebook(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no WhatsApp(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no Twitter(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para imprimir(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no Pocket(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no Tumblr(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no LinkedIn(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no Telegram(abre em nova janela)
• Clique para compartilhar no Reddit(abre em nova janela)

Curtir isso:

Relacionado, o que você achou teria algum comentário cancelar resposta.

Esse site utiliza o Akismet para reduzir spam. Aprenda como seus dados de comentários são processados .

Descubra mais sobre Ultrapassando Fronteiras

Assine agora mesmo para continuar lendo e ter acesso ao arquivo completo.

Digite seu e-mail…

Continue reading

Savvy Travel Advice

14 Best Travel Journals for Travelers – Guide to Choosing the Perfect Travel Journal

Last updated: January 19, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 32 Comments

A travel journal can be a great way to record one’s memories and experiences while traveling. Laurence bought his first travel journal in 1999 to use on a trip to Namibia. I bought my first travel journal back in 2012 for a trip to France. We have both been keeping travel journals on most of our trips ever since.

Although I don’t do it often, I love re-reading my old travel journals. They bring back a lot of memories, and help me remember all the little things that happened that I may have forgotten, the good, the bad, and the hilarious.

I also find my old journals very useful in recording details, such as a guide’s name, the duration of a hike, or which restaurant we ate in during a trip which may not be something I can tell from a photo. This has helped us add details to travel blog posts, return to favorite spots, and give more specific travel advice to friends and family.

Over the years, we have used a lot of different journals for travel writing, from basic composition notebooks to custom handcrafted journals. We have used, gifted, and reviewed dozens of different types of journals.

This guide was written to help travelers find the best travel journal for them. Whether you are looking for a personal journal for an upcoming trip or looking for help in buying a travel journal as a gift, we’ll give you all the information you need to choose the best travel journal.

We’ll share what to look for when buying a travel journal, including things like size, page count, paper quality, closure types, and sustainability. Then we review a wide selection of different travel journals so that you can find one that suits your criteria, style, and budget.

Table of Contents:

14 Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Journal

Travel journals all have a lot in common, but there are also a number of differences. We’ll discuss the main factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a travel journal.

For many people, a journal for traveling is no different than a regular journal or diary. But there are things that may be more important to you for a journal that you take on a trip rather than one that stays next to your bed. These may include factors related to portability (size and weight) and durability (cover type, binding quality, closure type).

There is no perfect journal for travelers. My favorite travel journal is not necessarily the right one for you. Also the ideal journal may also depend on the type and length of your trip. A journal that is good for writing about short weekend trips may not work well on a month-long backpacking trip.

As you read this, I’d recommend making a list of the things that are most important to you in a journal. What size is right? What type of paper does it need to have? Do you want a guided or unguided journal? These notes can then help you narrow down the journals on our list and find the one that is perfect for you.

Journal Size

One of the more important factors to consider when buying a travel journal is its size or dimensions. The size of the journal that is best for you will depend on your needs.

For instance, someone who wants to be able to carry their journal in their back pocket or jacket is going to want a small journal. Those who plan to sketch or glue things onto pages (e.g., tickets, photos, flyers) of their journal may want to think about what size will be best suited to that.

I would recommend grabbing a book, journal, or piece of paper that you have handy at home and measuring them to get an idea of what size you prefer. You can fold or tear a piece of paper until you get the size that you think would be ideal, then you can search for journals with similar dimensions.

In most of the world, you likely see a lot of travel journals with sizing that says A5, A6, or B5 which are a standard size measured in millimeters. These are referring to the International Standard (ISO) paper sizes . For instance, A5 paper is 148 mm X 210 mm (5.8 inches X 8.3 inches).

However, if you are in North America or Central America, you are less likely to see journals advertised in ISO sizes. Countries such as the United States and Canada generally use North American paper sizes such as letter and legal paper sizes, which are measured in inches. You are much more likely to see journals that are designed to inch measurements, such as 5″ X 7″ or 7″ X 9″.

Generally if looking at measurements for journals, the first number will refer to the width and the second number refers to the height. So a 120mm X 170mm journal would be 120mm wide and 170mm high.

There is no “best” size for a travel journal, it just depends on your needs. I would just recommend not going any smaller than 3.5″ X 5″ or larger than A4 or letter-sized paper.

For some guidance from popular journal brands, Paperblanks has said its Mini (4″ X 5.5″) and Midi (5″ X 7″) sizes are the most popular. Moleskine has said that its brand’s “Pocket” (3.5″ X 5.5″) and “Large” (5″ X 8.25″) sizes are two of its most popular sizes. Leuchtturm1917 says its Classic A5 (5.75″ X 8″) and B5 (7″ X 10″) are two of its most popular sizes.

If you are looking for your first travel journal and have no idea what size to go for, I’d suggest either A5 (5.8 inches X 8.3 inches) or a “Mid-sized” one. So something that is approximately 5 inches X 7 inches (127 mm X 178 mm) to 6 inches X 8 inches (152 mm X 203 mm).

I have used a variety of journals of different sizes and tend to prefer more medium sized ones. We keep ours in our day bags or backpacks.

My current favorites are the Slim sized notebooks from Paperblanks which are 90 mm X 180 mm (3.54″ X 7″). Laurence typically uses the Midi sized ones which are 130 mm X 180 mm (5.1″ X 7″).

Journal Weight

Weight is another factor to consider when choosing a travel journal. The weight is going to be affected by the cover type, the number of pages, and the overall size of the journal. Generally, journals with hard covers are heavier than those with soft covers.

Note that most journal brands do not note the weight of their journals online or on the labeling. But most journals are designed to be lightweight and portable, so this is probably mostly a factor to consider for those wanting a larger sized journal.

The weight of a journal is going to be more important for those who are backpackers or light packers. Those looking for a more lightweight journal, should consider a soft cover journal that is smaller in size. A refillable journal may also be a good option as you can control the amount of paper in it.

Most standard or mid-sized journals are fairly lightweight so this is not normally a big factor of consideration for us. Our travel journals generally range between 150 grams to 400 grams (6 oz to 14 oz), with most of my journals being around 8 ounces or 230 grams.

Number of Pages

The number of pages you will want is going to depend on how much you write, the length of your trip, and the size of the journal pages. It is also good to think about whether you want a travel journal for a single trip or if you want one that will last for several trips.

The number of pages will affect the thickness and the overall weight of your journal. So we would generally recommend trying to keep the page count under 250 pages.

It is important to note the difference between sheets and pages. A sheet of paper has 2 sides that you can write on. So if you see a journal specification that says it has 96 sheets, this means it would have 192 pages. Most journals will just advertise the number of pages you can write on, but you do occasionally see it noted in sheets.

I generally write 3-5 pages per day, so if going on a 2-week trip, I’d want to make sure to have at least 70 pages. If going for a month, 150 pages. For instance, a 176-page Paperblanks Slim journal lasts me about a full month of travel.

If you are not sure how many pages you want in a journal, most journals contain between 120 and 200 pages. So I think any journal with a page count in that general range is probably a good place to start.

If you are going on a particularly long trip, say over 3 months in length, you might want to consider starting with one journal and then getting new journals along the way as you fill them up. You might want to mail home your completed journals (recommend backing them up digitally first through) to avoid lugging them around the world.

Type of Paper

The type of paper is something most people will want to consider when buying a journal. The main question for me would be how do I plan to use the journal. For example, you will likely want a different type of paper if you would like to use your journal for both sketching and writing versus someone who solely wants to be able to write in it.

Here are some of the things you might consider regarding the type and composition of the paper in a journal:

• Is the paper blank, lined, dotted/bulleted, or squared/graph paper?
• For lined/dotted/squared paper, does the spacing between lines or dots matter to you?
• Is it designed to be written on both sides of the pages (e.g., is both sides lined/dotted)?
• Is it smooth or textured?
• Is the paper acid-free? (acid-free paper ages better)
• Is it designed primarily for writing or sketching?
• What color is the paper?
• Is it made from wood or cotton?
• Is the paper made from a certified sustainable source (e.g., Forest Stewardship Council [FSC] certified)?
• Is it suitable for certain types of writing instruments such as fountain pens, pencils, or charcoal?
• Is the paper perforated?

Most journals are made of acid-free uncoated paper with a smooth texture that is designed to be used on both sides. Most paper used in made from wood pulp and is generally white, off-white, ivory, or cream in color.

Of all the above listed factors, the most important thing for most travelers is probably the type of page ruling in the journal (whether lined, dotted, blank, etc.). You probably already have a preference for the type of paper you write on. For example, I always choose journals with lined paper.

Note that a dotted, dot grid, and bullet journal are generally all referring to the same type of paper. Similarly, graph, grid, and squared paper are generally referring to the same type of paper.

The other thing you should consider is the type of writing instrument you plan to use. If using a regular ballpoint pen (the most common type), most journals should work just fine. Those with gel pens or fountain pens may want a slightly heavier than usual paper to avoid the ink going through the pages.

Those wanting to use pencils or draw with charcoal may prefer more textured paper. Those planning to use watercolor will need much thicker paper.

I would recommend avoiding notebooks with perforated paper unless you definitely plan to tear out pages. Perforated paper is much more likely to tear and come out of your journal.

I personally only use my journal for writing and strongly prefer lined paper. All of my travel journals have lined smooth acid-free paper that is designed to be written on both sides. But some people may prefer unlined paper or bullet journals; it really just depends on how you plan to use your journal.

Paper Quality

There are different things that you can look at in terms of evaluating paper quality such as the material, weight, thickness, finish, grain, etc. The majority of these things are not going to be that important to most people.

The paper used in travel journals is almost always made from wood pulp, but you might also see some premium journals or handmade journals using cotton or linen paper.

The main thing to look at when assessing page quality is the weight of the paper which is typically measured in grams per square meter and may be denoted as the gsm, g/m², or g/sq m. This is the most common indicator of paper quality that is provided to consumers.

Note that in North America you’ll likely come across the U.S. paper basis system where paperweight is measured in lbs (such as 70lb or 70#). But normally measurements are also given in the metric gsm as well. For example, 70lb paper is typically equal to about 100 gsm.

As you look at journals, you’ll notice a fairly wide range of paper weights from about 60 gsm to 140 gsm. I would recommend looking for a journal with paper between 70 gsm and 120 gsm.

Note that the size of the journal can affect the paperweight with thinner paper often used in smaller journals. For example, the smaller sized Paperblanks journals often have 85 gsm paper whereas the larger ones have 120 gsm paper.

For most people, the gsm of the paper isn’t going to matter very much. But if you plan to use a fountain pen, marker, etc. then the paperweight and type is going to be much more important. For example with a fountain pen, heavier weight papers are generally better able to resist feathering, ghosting, and bleeding.

We have had journals with a range of paperweights, from 70 gsm to 120 gsm, with most being around 85 gsm. On most of our journals, we have just written with various ballpoint pens and had no issues.

I also have a Platinum #3776 Century fountain pen and it seems to perform fine on most paper in this weight range but it can vary. The biggest factor seems to be how smooth the paper is, as the pen generally does better on smoother paper.

Fountain pens users may want to read reviews by fellow fountain pens users to judge performance of any particularl journal. However, the way that a fountain pen will perform on a specific journal will depend not only on the paper, but also on your specific ink, nib, and the pressure applied during writing.

Bound Journal Versus Refillable Journal

Most travel journals are bound, but another option to consider is a refillable journal system. These are where you purchase a journal cover that normally comes with a closure, replaceable paper inserts, and rubber bands to affix the inserts. You can then purchase additional paper inserts as you need them.

The refillable paper inserts are typically affixed inside using an elastic or rubber band, a cord, or a ring binder. Most refillable journals are designed to hold a total of 3 compatible paper inserts.

As you would expect with refillable journals, the paper inserts are not going to be as durable as a bound book. These inserts are often bound using saddle stitching and/or staples. But if you are just using these for one trip and then storing them at home, this is probably not that important to you.

Although a refillable journal is typically more expensive than a bound journal, they tend to be less expensive over time versus buying a new bound journal for each trip. They can also be a more sustainable option if you keep using the same cover and just replace the paper inserts. They also allow you to have the same journal cover and writing experience for a long time.

Investing in a refillable journal is probably best for people who already know they enjoy journaling, know the size of journal they prefer, and know the type of journal they like. You don’t want to invest in a system you are not sure you are going to like.

Another benefit of refillable journals is that you easily personalize them and change the type of paper you are using. With many brands, you can also add things like folders, pouches, pen loops, decorative charms, etc.

A couple of popular brands making refillable journals are The Traveler’s Company (Midori) and Wanderings . Most brands use leather covers but you can also find faux leather covers out there as well. You just want the material to be durable enough to last through years of wear and tear from traveling.

If you decide on a refillable journal, things to consider are the quality/durability of the cover, extra features (e.g., pockets, ribbon, etc.), and the availability of correctly-sized paper options for your chosen journal. You’ll also want to check to see how the paper refills are inserted and check to see if it will lie completely flat when you write in it.

Journal Binding

If you are planning to buy a bound journal, you will want to consider how the journal is bound. The journal binding can affect the durability of your journal. It can also affect how it opens, such as whether you can open and lie it down completely flat or not.

There are a lot of different book binding methods and the options available may depend on the type of cover (soft versus hard cover) and the thickness of the journal. Common journal binding methods include Smyth sewn binding, case binding, glue binding, spiral binding, and saddle stitch binding.

For many people, the type of journal binding may not be very important as most people just want to make sure that their journal is strong enough to last the duration of their trip.

But if you are wanting something more durable, I recommend journals that have been bound using Smyth sewing. This is considered the best type of binding in terms of quality and durability. But these journals are also a little more expensive than ones that have been bound using other techniques.

Smyth sewn means that groups of folded pages have been stitched together with binder thread, and then multiple groups are joined together. This makes it more durable than those that have just been glued for instance and it is much less likely that pages will come out. It also allows for the book to be opened completely flat.

If you don’t like the Smyth sewn bound journals or are looking for something a bit less expensive, you might look at a good quality spiral-bound or coil-bound notebook. These are usually fairly inexpensive, lie flat, and the pages won’t fall out. However, spiral notebooks tend not to be designed as travel journals (often they are designed for school or work use, an exception being the Write it Down journals ) and often don’t have any type of closures, but you can create your own binding with a piece of elastic.

The type of bound journals I generally avoid are those bound using only glue, staples, or basic stitching. These tend not to be that durable and you may have an issue with the pages coming out, especially for the ones where pages are just glued to the spine. But if you are going on a short trip or just need something to jot notes in, these will work just fine.

Journal Closure

Another thing to consider is whether you want a journal with a closure or not, and if so, what type of closure you prefer. I would strongly recommend having some kind of way to close your travel journal. This will help protect the pages and binding of your journal from getting bent, torn, or soiled. If you plan to shove your journal into your backpack or purse on your trip, we’d definitely recommend one with a closure.

Probably the most common type of closure for a journal is an elastic band that stretches lengthwise over the journal to keep it closed when not in use. Other types of closures include magnetic wrap, magnetic strap, snap, metal clasp, leather strap, hook, button wrap, and ribbon tie closures. The more creative ones, such as ribbon ties and button wraps, are more typical on handmade journals.

The type of closure may or may not be important to you. I always buy a travel journal with a closure; however, I don’t have a strong preference for a specific type of closure. I have used travel journals with a variety of closures, including magnetic strap, metal clasp, elastic band, and magnetic wrap. All of these worked fine. My favorites are probably the magnetic strap and metal clasp ones.

The only issue that I have found with elastic band closures, which are very common, is that they can with use over time lose their stretch and/or wear little grooves into the edges of the cover. These are minor issues but something to consider if planning to use the same journal for a longer period.

Note that many guided travel journals don’t come with a closure for some reason. So if you are looking for a guided journal and you want a closure, be sure to check the description carefully.

If you have a notebook or journal you like, but it doesn’t have any type of closure you could consider adding one. For example, some companies like Midori Traveler’s Company and Wanderings sell replacement closure straps for their journals that might work for your journal. Or if you have some DIY skills, you could consider adding an elastic band, ribbon, or magnetic closure of your own. For example, this is a DIY video of someone adding an elastic closure to a hardcover Wire-O bound journal.

When choosing a travel journal, another feature you might consider is the type of cover. The main two options are a softcover or hardcover journal.

A softcover journal is generally lighter, more flexible. and slimmer, whereas hardcover journals are generally sturdier, heavier, and thicker. Hardcover journals generally allow for more pages for those looking for journals with a lot of pages.

Most popular journal brands such as Moleskine, Paperblanks, and Leuchtturm offer both softcover and hardcover journals. For example, Moleskine offers a selection of both softcover and hardcover journals. Most of their hard covers are made of polypropylene, while the soft covers are made of polyurethane.

Covers can be made of a variety of materials including binder’s board (chipboard), plastic, cardboard, kraft paper, leather, and cork.

Leather journals (or vegan alternatives) are a popular choice for refillable journals as they tend to be both durable and age well.

Unguided Versus Guided Journals

A guided journal is a journal that includes prompts, questions, or exercises of some kind to inspire and encourage one’s writing. An unguided journal is just full of blank pages for people to free write as they wish.

Most people use just a regular journal or notebook as a travel journal. But you can also get journals that are designed exclusively to be used as a travel journal and include things like travel-related writing prompts, questions, quotes, and trip planning exercises.

If this is your first journal experience, you might enjoy things like writing prompts and lists that can help guide your writing and help you get into the habit of daily writing. They can also help make sure that you remember to write about all the different aspects of your trip.

Some of the really focused travel journals may come with a lot of specific travel-related features like memento pouches, waterproof covers, maps, packing lists, planning checklists, etc. So they can also be used for planning activities before your trip.

Some examples of guided travel journals include the Everywhere You Go Journal , the Promptly Minimalist Journal , the Duncan & Stone Journal, the Clever Fox Planner & Journal , the Write it Down journals , and the One Line Voyage Travel Planner & Journal .

Most journals designed for kids and teens are also guided and generally include a lot of exercises and activities in them as well.

I personally just use regular unguided journals as my travel journals as these allow me as much space as possible to just write. So if you are someone who writes a lot and likes to write about whatever topic comes to mind, you’ll probably want to avoid these types of journals. But if you are someone who is new to journaling, these can be a great first journal.

Travel journals are sold at a wide variety of price points, from a few dollars to over $50. You’ll pay more for premium refillable journal systems, handmade journals (particularly those with leather covers), and personalized journals. Guided journals also tend to be more expensive than unguided.

Price will depend primarily on the type and quality of the materials used, the binding method, the size of the journal, where it is manufactured, and any included personalization

You don’t need to pay a lot for a travel journal. Most of the journals we have used over the years have fallen in the $10 to $20 range, although inflation has been driving up prices. The last journal I bought cost me about $16.

But I’ve also used a simple composition notebook that cost a few dollars on one trip. If you have a small budget, don’t worry too much about finding a fancy journal, just find something that is the right size and has the kind of paper you want. The most important thing is that you have something that you can and will write in during your travels.

For instance, if you have a small budget you can get a school notebook or memo pad for a few dollars. Field Notes is a great USA-based brand focused on selling packs of pocket-sized notebooks at good prices. You can easily find basic journals for under $10 at a local store or online such as the Amazon Basics Journal .

Paying more for a journal sometimes results in better quality, but sometimes not as more well-known brands can charge more than less popular brands for similar quality. So we definitely recommend paying attention to the details if you are looking for something a bit nicer.

Sustainability

There are a lot of factors you might consider when it comes to evaluating a brand’s sustainability. These might include the materials used to produce the journal, where its products are manufactured, where its products are shipped, the company’s ethos, the staff working conditions at the company, whether the journal is reusable or recyclable, the journal’s durability, etc.

You’ll have to do your own research on a specific brand, some brands are very transparent whereas others provide very little public information regarding their sustainability practices. Some brands that specifically market themselves as being more sustainable are Dingbats , Karst (a B Corp), Rocketbook (reusable), and Field Notes .

One factor will depend on where you are based. If you are based in the USA for instance, a journal made of American materials and manufactured in the USA, such as those by Field Notes , is likely going to be more sustainable than one that is produced in Europe or Asia. See the next section on country of origin for some tips on finding brands produced in your own country.

Refillable journals would also likely be more sustainable over time than a bound journal as you can keep using the same cover for many years. You just need to replace the paper refills rather than the whole journal. You would just want to make sure the cover is well-made and durable so it will last for a long time.

For those looking for vegan travel journals, many journals are not vegan due to either the glue or dye used or the use of leather as part of the cover or binding. Even many companies that sell faux leather journals are not fully vegan (due to glues, inks, or dyes).

However, there are still several vegan-friendly journal options out there. Dingbats and Scribbles That Matter , for example, are two brands that only produce vegan-friendly journals. So if you are vegan or buying a journal as a gift for a vegan, I’d check out those two brands first.

Country of Origin

Travel journals are made in countries around the world with many being produced in China since it is cheap to manufacture products there. If you are concerned about quality control, sustainability, working conditions, or carbon footprint, you may want to pay attention to where products are made and from where they are shipped. Some companies even provide details of their whole supply chain.

If you have a hard time finding where a product is made on a journal description or company website, it is typically made in China. Some companies will use phrases like “British design” or “Italian heritage” but this typically just means their products are designed in Europe but are actually produced in China.

For example, while a lot of companies are based in North America or Europe (e.g., Moleskine, Paperblanks, Leuchtturm1917), most manufacture their journals in China and/or Taiwan. This also goes for smaller more “indie” brands like BaronFig, Scribbles That Matter, Archer & Olive, and Beechmore Books, which all produce their journals in China.

It can be difficult to find a journal produced in one’s own country or region, but here are some journal brands listed by where they produce their products (to the best of my knowledge) to help get you started:

• United States : Field Notes , Write it Down , Appointed , Leather and Earth Co ., Roaring Spring , and Word. journals are made in the USA.
• United Kingdom : Bespoke Bindery , Pink Pig , The Stamford Notebook Co ., Billy Tannery , and Citrus Book Bindery make their journals in the UK.
• Canada :  MacLellan Books and Ecojot produce their journals in Canada.
• Germany : Nuuna and X17   both manufacture their journals in Germany.
• France/Morocco : Rhodia journals are made in France (although it appears their Webnotebooks are currently being made in Morocco but still use the French Clairefontaine paper)
• Italy : Epica , Ciak , and Belcraft produce their journals in Italy.
• Australia : Notely makes their notebooks in Australia.
• Turkey : Dingbats journals is based in Lebanon but journals are currently made in Turkey
• Japan : Midori MD journals, and those of their subsidiary The Traveler’s Company.  are made in Japan (leather covers made in Thailand).
• Nepa l: The Kathmandu Valley Co makes its journals in Nepal.
• Any Country : Try Etsy to find homemade journals and notebooks produced in your own country or region. You can filter by shop location and then research where it is made.

The above is by no means a comprehensive list of journal brands, and if you have a brand of journals you’d like to recommend that is manufactured in your own country, feel free to leave us a comment.

Other Travel Journal Features

There are a lot of other features you might see on different travel journals. Some are just general journal features and some are specifically tailored to travel journals.

Some common features that you may see are attached ribbon markers, interior pockets or folders, rounded corners, pen loops, foldouts, writing prompts, stickers, waterproof covers, memento pouches, travel or packing lists, etc.

• Ribbon bookmarks
• Interior pockets or folders
• Rounded corners
• Numbered Pages
• Daily writing prompts
• Waterproof covers
• Travel info / maps
• Travel packing lists

One nice design feature can be rounded corners, as these are designed to protect the cover and pages from wear and tear compared to sharp corners. Rounded corners are common in travel journals; most journals produced by popular brands Moleskine and Leuchtturm1917 have rounded corners.

Some of the really focused travel journals come with a lot of specific travel-related features like maps, memento pouches, waterproof covers, travel specific writing prompts, packing lists, etc.

For me, the only feature of the above that I always look for is an attached bookmark ribbon to keep my place in the journal during a trip. Other features can be nice but are not must-haves for me.

14 Best Travel Journals 

Below is our list of 14 different travel journals and notebooks. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, styles, price points, and countries of origin. All can be purchased online.

We are fairly certain that most people will be able to find the perfect travel journal for them on this list!

These 14 travel journals are listed in no particular order.

1. Moleskine Classic Journal

Moleskine is one of the best-known journal brands, particularly for travel journals. Most Moleskine journals feature rounded corners, a ribbon bookmark, an expandable inner pocket, and an elastic band closure. The journals are Smyth-sewn and bound to be able to lie flat.

The journals are available in both hardcover and softcover versions, with a choice of blank, lined, squared, or dotted paper, and in a number of colors. They come in a wide range of sizes from XS (2.5 inches X 4.25 inches) to XXL (8.5 inches X 11 inches). Most Moleskine journals come with ivory-colored 70 gsm acid-free paper.

Don’t worry, no moles were harmed in making these journals! Most of Moleskin’s hard covers are made of polypropylene, while the soft covers are made of polyurethane. They also offer more expensive leather-covered and silk-covered versions of the Classic Journal.

The regular Moleskine Classic Journals have 192 pages, but the expanded versions have 400 pages. So be sure to double check if you are concerned about weight or number of pages.

In addition to their original Classic collection, Moleskine also offers a wide range of other journal options, including journal collections designed for those who want to sketch, draw, and/or watercolor. They have also released a number of limited editions and collaborative notebooks.

Moleskine journals are designed in Italy and most are manufactured in either China or Taiwan.

A lot of people think it is a heritage brand with a long history, but it was actually introduced in 1997 by the Italian company Modo & Modo. The name was inspired by the type of journals that English travel writer Bruce Chatwin used which he called “carnets moleskine” in his book The Songlines .

Chatwin specifically used small notebooks bound with black shiny oilcloth covers which were wrapped in an elastic band. He also notes that he used squared paper. According to Moleskine founder Francesco Franceschi, many famous writers and artists used these “moleskine” type little notebooks, including Ernest Hemingway, Vincent Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. These notebooks were produced in France and purchased in paper stores in Paris.

While the modern versions are certainly not the same thing, the version that was inspired by these 19th and 20th century journals of Chatwin and others is the Moleskine Classic notebook line. The closest to Chatwin’s journal would probably be the black softcover pocket-sized Moleskine journal with squared pages.

Due to their popularity, Moleskine journals receive both a lot of praise and criticism. Probably one of the biggest criticisms is that they use a fairly low paperweight (70 gsm) compared to their main rival Leuchtturm1917 (80 gsm to 100 gsm on their classic journal). This means a bit less quality, but it does mean a more lightweight journal and they are able to sell them at a lower price than Leuchtturm1917.

My personal opinion is that they are good journals and perfectly fine for most people to use as a travel journal. They are decent quality, lightweight, readily available (both online and in stores), and come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles.

One of the great things about Moleskine is they are widely available in many bookstores and stationery stores, at least in Europe and North America. This means you may be able to easily go check them out in person and although color choices and sizes are usually limited in stores, the most popular ones are usually kept in stock.

If you are considering a Moleskine travel journal, but are not sure which to try, I would recommend starting with one of their regular Classic Notebook ones . You can then choose between a softcover or hardcover and the type of paper you prefer. If unsure of which size to get, Moleskine has said that it brand’s “Pocket” (3.5″ X 5.5″ | 9 cm X 14 cm) and “Large” (5″ X 8.25″ | 13 cm X 21 cm) sizes are two of its most popular sizes.

I’ve personally used both a large Classic soft cover (Large size, lined paper, 192 pages) and a medium Classic hardcover (Medium, lined paper, 208 pages) journal in two recent trips, which both happened to be to Italy. Both worked well as journals, but my clear favorite was the medium lined hardcover journal—I liked both the hardcover and the slightly smaller size.

Price:  Check the  latest prices here

2. Leuchtturm1917 Classic Journal

Leuchtturm1917 is another popular journal brand; it is based in Germany. The brand first released its journals in 2005, although the company’s history loosely dates back to 1917 when it began printing coin and stamp books under the brand KaBe.

Leuchtturm1917 journals are Smyth sewn and feature rounded corners, an expandable inner pocket, and an elastic band closure. A few features that the brand is known for are its numbered pages (most journals come with page numbers, some feature dates), 2 attached book markers, table of contents page, stickers for labeling and archiving, and having some perforated sheets at the back of each notebook that are easy to remove if needed.

The buff-colored paper in the Classic journals ranges between 80 gsm and 100 gsm, depending on the size of the journal. The heavier paper is used in the larger sized journals. Available paper choices are blank, lined, squared, or dotted.

The Leuchtturm1917 Classic journals come in several sizes from Pocket (A6, 9 cm X 15 cm | 3.5″ X 6″) to Master (A4+, 22.5 cm X 31.5 cm | 8.8 inches X 12 inches). Its most popular sized notebook is its Medium A5 (5.75″ X 8″).

Both hardcover and softcover journals are available, but the availability depends on the journal size. Some sizes are only available with one type of cover. Their main hardcover journal covers are made of acrylic paper and their soft covers are made from polyurethane.

Note that the page count in Leuchtturm1917 journals depends on both the journal size and whether they have a hard cover or soft cover. For example, the Classic A5 journal in the soft cover format has 123 pages and the hard cover format has 251 pages.

They come in a rainbow of colors with a wider array of color choices than many other brands. I believe the Classic journals are available in 24 colors in total, but not in every size or color type. You’ll need to shop online to find the full color range.

In addition to their classic notebooks, they also have a range of bullet journals, change journals, sketch journals, and limited editions. Their “Official Bullet Journals” have been popular in recent years with the bullet journal (BuJo) community.

Leuchtturm1917 journals are designed in Germany, and made in Taiwan and China.

The brand launched its journals in 2005 to compete with brands like Moleskine. So many of the features between the two brands are similar. Differences include the extra bookmark, heavier paperweight, page numbering, archival stickers, and more color options. The heavier paperweight is often a feature preferred by fountain pen users. But Moleskine notebooks are generally a little more lightweight than Leuchtturm1917 (and sometimes less expensive); they are also easier to find in certain parts of the world.

If you are considering a Leuchtturm1917 and not sure which to try, I’d probably recommend starting with the Classic A5 journal. It is available with either a hard cover or soft cover, with 4 paper choices, and lots of color options.

One thing I don’t love about the Leuchtturm1917 notebooks is that the number of pages and size options vary by cover types. So a softcover and hardcover journal of the same size will probably have a different number of pages. So just be sure you check the page count if you are considering various options.

I think Leuchtturm1917 journals are nice journals and are likely to work well for most people wanting a travel journal. If you are trying to decide between a Moleskine and one of these, the paper is a bit nicer than that in the Moleskine Classic journals and they offer a few more features, but the differences are not likely to make a huge difference to most people.

3. Paperblanks Journals

Paperblanks is another popular brand of journals and notebooks. The company was founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1992. In 2022, it became part of the Hachette UK publishing group.

Paperblanks journals are all Smyth-sewn and use acid-free ivory paper. The paper weight used varies from 85 gsm to 120 gsm, depending on the journal size and type. The majority of journals contain a bookmark ribbon (some contain two) and an inside memento pouch. Most of the journals contain either lined or unlined (blank) paper, but they do have a few options for dot grid or gridded (squared) paper.

Paperblanks is unique in that there is no “classic journal” in their collection, and they don’t really make any plain-looking journals. They are much more focused on the journal’s cover designs and many are an homage to old manuscripts, artists, or writers. They also offer a variety of journal styles, sizes, and closure types.

So I think with Paperblanks, the first thing to decide is what size you like, and then whether you prefer a softcover or hardcover journal. That will then narrow down your choices so you can see the available designs.

The sizes of Paperblanks journal range from Micro (7 cm X 9 cm | 2.75″ x 3.625″) to Grande (21 cm x 30 cm | 8.25″ x 11.75″), so most people should be able to find a size that suits them. If you are looking for a “standard travel journal” size, I’d recommend their Midi sized journals .

The page count varies depending on the size and design, but most Paperblanks journals contain between 144 pages and 208 pages.

Paperblanks journals are designed in Canada and made in China.

Personally, I love their hardcover Slim sized journals and Laurence prefers either the Mini or the Midi. The Slim size format, which I really like, has led to me buying a lot of these journals over the years as this size of journal is not common. I also enjoy their old manuscript designs over the more plain designs of most journals.

If you are having trouble finding Paperblanks journals available in person or online in your area, we’d also recommend checking out similar journal designs by Peter Pauper Press . These journals are easier to find in North America whereas Paperblanks are easier to find in Europe.

4. Rhodia Webnotebooks

Rhodia is a French brand that has been selling paper products since 1934. The company was acquired in 1997 by Clairefontaine which has been making paper at its own mill since 1858 and stationery products since 1890.

While not as well known as some of the other brands on this list, Rhodia is a brand that is often recommended to fountain pen users and those wanting a journal with high-quality smooth paper. Their most well-known product is the Rhodia Webnotebooks, also affectionately known by users as “Webbies”.

The Rhodia Webnotebooks are Smyth-sewn and feature 90 gsm ivory acid-free Clairefontaine paper, rounded corners, an inner pocket, a ribbon marker, and an elastic band closure. Each has 192 pages (96 sheets), and is available with a choice of blank, lined, or dot grid paper.

The classic Rhodia Webbies are hardcover notebooks with a faux leather black and orange cover. However, they now offer hardcover Webnotebooks with a variety of cover color choices as part of their Rhodiarama range.

The Webbies come in two main sizes: Pocket size (A6) which is 9.5 cm X 14 cm (3.5 inches X 5 inches) and the larger size (A5) which is 14.5 cm X 21 cm (5.5 inches X 8.25 inches).

In addition to the Rhodia Webnotebooks, Rhodia makes a variety of other types of journals, writing pads, and notebooks. These include softcover journals, wire-bound notebooks, pocket memo pads, calligraphy pads, etc. The brand Clairefontaine is well known in France for its quality school notebooks.

Rhodia journals are designed and made in France using Clairefontaine paper. Many of the Rhodia products are made in the Alsace region. However, some of their journals, including the last Webnotebook I bought, are now made in Morocco but still use the French paper.

Rhodia journals can be more difficult to find in stores outside of Europe, so I would recommend looking online.

These are nice quality notebooks with smooth paper, and the Webbies are often recommended to those wanting to write with a fountain pen. Those who enjoy smaller journals will likely want to try one of the pocket A6 size Webbies and those wanting a more typical travel journal size will likely want to try one of the A5 size Webnotebooks .

5. Amazon Basics Classic Journal

If you like the classic simple design of a Moleskine journal but not the price, consider a Amazon Basics Classic Journal. It has many of the same features as the Moleskine journal but comes at a significantly lower price, usually priced under $10.

The Amazon Basic journal has a hard cover with off-white, acid-free paper and rounded corners. It is bound to lie flat and it has 80 gsm paper and 240 pages (120 sheets).

Simple design but does include a black elastic band closure, an attached bookmark ribbon, and an expandable paper pocket in back. Available with lined/ruled, blank (classic), and grid paper options.

It comes in one main size of 5 inches X 8.25 inches (close to an A5 size) and comes in several different colors. Amazon journals are made in China.

So compared to my Moleskine classic hardcover with ruled paper, the Amazon Basics journal has many of the same features such as rounded corners, elastic closure, back pocket, and ribbon bookmark. It has the same number of pages as the Moleskine Classic Large hardcover journal. The Amazon one has darker lines and says it has 80 gsm paper (versus 70 gsm in Moleskine). So there are many reasons to recommend the Amazon one.

Now the price difference does mean that the quality isn’t quite the same. The Moleskine cover does feel nicer and “softer”, seems to be better constructed, and the Moleskine includes a “In Case of Loss” page in the front. So if you value the feel and construction, the Moleskine is definitely nicer and feels and looks more premium. You also get a lot more choices in the size, color, and cover in a Moleskine.

However, if you like the style, size, and color options of the Amazon Basic journals, then there is little question that it is a good value buy in comparison to the Moleskine. I am currently using an Amazon journal for daily notes and keep it in my backpack or purse, and it has been a good journal so far.

The Amazon Basics Classic Journal is a great budget buy if you are looking for a simple hardcover journal. It can be purchased online directly from Amazon.

Price:  Check the  latest price here

6. Field Notes Journals

Field Notes is an American brand that specializes in pocket-sized notebooks and memo pads. If you are looking for a pocket-friendly journal or looking for a journal made in the USA, this is a brand to consider.

Field Notes started in 2007 and was inspired by the simple 20th century agricultural field notebooks used by farmers across rural America. Field Notes staple product is a pocket-sized memo book with a kraft brown cover.

The Original Kraft memo book measures 3-1/2″ wide by 5-1/2″ tall (89 mm X 140 mm), uses 90 gsm acid-free bright white paper, is bound by a rugged saddle stitching and three staples, has rounded corners, and has a kraft brown cover. They are available with blank, lined, or squared paper. Each memo book contains 48 pages and are typically sold in packs of 3.

These pocket-sized memo books are probably better suited to those who prefer to jot down notes rather than to write out long daily journal entries. Although these little memo pads can still be great for short trips even for those who tend to write a lot. For those looking for a more traditionally sized travel journal, you can check out some of the other options from Field Notes.

Field Notes are known for their limited edition covers and designs that change regularly. They also now offer a much wider variety of memo book and notebooks with a variety of covers, sizes, and styles. These include larger sized formats, wire flip notebooks, waterproof editions, perforated notebooks, and notebooks designed for left-handed writers.

If you are looking for a more durable or larger journal that is more like a typical travel journal, I’d check out their Field Notes Pitch Black Note Books which have sturdier black covers. These are offered in the regular pocket size in 3-packs with each containing 48 pages. They are also offered in a larger size at 4.75 inches X 7.5 inches (121 mm X 191 mm) and sold in packs of 2, each containing 64 pages.

Adventure travelers may also be interested in their durable and waterproof Expedition Edition notebooks. These feature a waterproof and durable hi-vis cover and synthetic waterproof paper.

All Field Notes brand products are printed and manufactured in the USA. The company provides some of the most detailed information I’ve seen for a company about its materials, printing, and manufacturing process.

If you are looking for simple, lightweight, smaller notebooks, these are a great option to consider. They are also very budget-friendly as you can get a 3-pack for under $15. If you are a fan of Field Notes regular kraft memo notebooks, you can get a journal cover case to help protect them when traveling.

I’d also recommend Field Notes if you are looking for a brand that prints and manufactures all its journals in the USA. These are mainly sold online and can be hard to find outside of North America.

7. Midori Traveler’s Company Traveler’s Notebooks

Midori started making paper and stationery products in Japan back in 1950. In 2006, they released their Traveler’s Notebook, a refillable travel journal, and it became very popular. In 2015, they changed the brand name of these travel notebooks from Midori to Traveler’s Company.

The Traveler’s Notebook is essentially a reusable leather cover with replaceable rubber band connectors, elastic and metal clasp, and paper notebooks. Each journal also comes with a cotton storage bag. The Traveler’s Notebook is designed to last for a very long time and all the elements are repairable or replaceable.

Each Traveler’s Notebook comes with one paper journal insert. The inserts are saddle stitched and each contains 64 pages. Paper inserts are available in a variety of paper types including blank, lined, squared/grid, watercolor, kraft, sketch, calendar, and thin paper. It depends on the insert but the paperweight of the paper inserts is normally 80 gsm.

The paper inserts can be replaced and changed out, and you can use a variety of different inserts at once if you wish. Depending on the insert, you can fit up to 5, but most people report using 2-3 inserts at once.

The Midori Traveler’s Notebook comes in two sizes: Regular and Passport. The Regular size is 120mm X 220mm (4.7 inches X 8.7 inches) and they also have a smaller Passport size which is 98mm X 134mm (3.9 inches X 5.3 inches). The leather covers come in a several different colors.

The company also sells a number of accessories you can add to personalize your Traveler’s Notebook. These include pen loops, kraft envelopes, zipper pockets, cases, stickers, charms, etc.

The products are designed and made in Japan. The MD paper is made in Japan. The leather covers are made in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I personally got a Traveler’s Notebook for the first time only last year to try it out since I had heard so much about it. I have the regular sized one in the dark brown (tea color) . It came with a dust cover, band, and a blank paper insert. I have since purchased several lined paper inserts, a craft folder, a zippered case, and a band refill set.

Overall, I really love my Traveler’s Notebook. I like the feel of the leather cover, the paper is good quality, and I like being able to personalize what I put into the journal. The downsides have been that the Regular size is a bit larger than the journal I typically choose (and the Passport smaller) and I wish they had more size options. It has also been hard to find and buy some of the accessories (they are often sold out).

There have been a lot of copycat products of the Midori Travel Company’s Traveler’s Notebooks. So if you want this specific product, be careful to check product descriptions and photos carefully to ensure it is actually from this Japanese company.

Note that Midori has gone through a lot of company name changes and now has multiple brand names which can be confusing. But The Traveler’s Company, Midori, and MD Paper are part of the same overall company which is now called Designphil.

8. Wanderings Refillable Journals

Now, the success of Midori’s Traveler’s Journal (discussed above) has spawned a number of similar products, often competing at a lower price than the Japanese brand. Wanderings is one such company which is based in the USA and has been around since at least 2016. The company mainly sells its products online via Amazon.

The Wanderings travel journals have a full-grain leather cover that comes with replaceable rubber bands to hold inserts and an elastic and leather closure band. The covers are made of Crazy Horse cow leather and come in a few different color options. Each comes with the company’s compass rose logo on the front.

Some of the covers also have pockets that can be used to hold money, paper, credit cards, passport, etc.

Each notebook cover is designed to hold up to 3 refillable inserts. The replaceable paper inserts contain 100 gsm paper and are available with lined, blank, dotted, scrapbooking, calendar, or squared (graph) paper. The inserts are easily added and removed and secured using elastic bands.

The total number of pages varies based on journal size, but each journal is designed to hold between 180 to 240 pages (90 to 120 sheets) in total.

The Midori Traveler’s Company inserts and Wanderings refillable paper inserts are interchangeable and can be used in either brand’s journals of the same size.

The journals are available in several sizes: Pocket/Passport (4″ X 5.1″ / 9cm X 12.5cm), A6 (4″ X 5.7″ / 10.5cm X 15cm), Regular (4.5″ X 8.5″ / 11cm X 22cm), A5 (6″ X 8.5″ / 15cm X 22cm), and Grande (7.5″ X 11″ / 19cm X 28cm).

There are also the Wanderings 6-ring binder journals that come in various sizes and are very similar to the folio ones above except the paper inserts are kept in place inside by a set of 6 metal binder rings instead of elastic bands. The binders come with 120gsm paper inserts, internal pockets, and a pen loop.

Most of the Wanderings products are made in China. Although the owner notes that some of the products are also made in India.

if you are looking for a refillable leather journal, the design of the Wanderings travel journals is very similar to the Traveler’s Journals from The Traveler’s Company. Some people prefer one to the other in terms of design and quality. Some advantages of the Wanderings version is that they are less expensive, easier to purchase outside of Japan, and are available in more sizes.

For those looking for a similar refillable journal that is not made of leather, check out the refillable faux leather journals called Atlas Journals made by Tribute Products.

9. Guided Travel Journals with Prompts

If you are new to journaling and/or traveling, you may prefer a travel journal that gives you some writing prompts, asks questions, and gives suggestions for writing topics. These guided travel journals can also make nice gifts for someone who is new to traveling.

Travel themed prompts often ask about what you’ve seen, the weather, your transportation methods, people you met, food you tried, new words you’ve learned, best/worst experiences, etc. Many of these journals also leave room for drawing, sketching, pasting mementos, and adding photos.

Some journals also contain a planning section that can be used for pre-trip planning such as packing lists, maps, budget sheets, safety tips, etc. These can be used to help you plan out your itinerary, accommodation, budget, transportation, etc. Just note that planners tend to have fewer pages for actual journaling.

There are a lot of travel journals with prompts, and when searching you’ll often see them listed as guided travel journals or travel journals with daily prompts.

Here is a list of popular travel journals with prompts to get you started:

• Everywhere You Go Journal (112 pages)
• Waypoint Goods Pocket Travel Journal (58 pages, designed for up to 14 days of travel)
• Promptly Minimalist Journal (88 pages, designed for up to a month of travel)
• Duncan & Stone Journal (100 pages, up to 15 trips/destinations)
• A Guided Journal (77 pages, up to 10 trips/destinations)
• Letterfolk Passport Sized Trip Journal (48 pages, up to 20 days of travel)
• Clever Fox Planner & Journal (129 pages, planner/journal, up to 5 trips/destinations)
• One Line Voyage Travel Planner & Journal (72 pages, planner/journal, up to 4 trips)
• Honeymoon Planner & Journal for Couples (112 pages)

When choosing a guided travel journal, you’ll want to consider all the factors we listed for a normal journal, including size, paper quality, number of pages, type of closure, etc.

Travel journals with prompts are a great gateway into journaling. They give you plenty of ideas and ways to record your trip and your memories so you’ll have them for years to come. They can also be a good introduction to find out if you are the kind of person who enjoys keeping a travel journal or not.

10. Promptly Guided Journals

Promptly travel journals are hardcover guided journals that are designed to be used before, during, and after your trip. Their journals have a minimalist design and their slogan is that their travel journals are great from “boarding to exploring”.

Their main journals have a hardcover covered in either a lightly textured faux leather (leatherette) or a linen cover. They are debossed on the cover and spine. The journals are designed for a single trip and contain 86 total pages.

These include a world map, 4 general travel planning pages with questions, 8 pages for a trip itinerary for up to 31 days, 5 memorable moments, several pages to denote trip highlights with prompts, 2 pages for transportation, 5 accommodation reviews, 6 food experiences, 2 pages for travel companions, mementos sections, 2 pages cultural observations, 2 pages for trip takeaways, and then 10 lined pages at the end that you can use for free journaling/extra notes/address book etc.

The Promptly hardcover journals are 6″ X 9″ (15cm X 23cm). They do include a ribbon marker, but do not include a closure or any pockets.

Note that Promptly also have smaller 4-pack paper softcover journal packs available that are designed for shorter 14 day trips. As well as a  children’s journal version 4-pack designed for kids age 5-12 which be a nice addition if you want to get journals for your kids too. So just be sure you know which variation you are buying.

The company is based in Salt Lake City, Utah and the journals are made in China.

These journal are only going to work well for someone wanting to use it for a single trip (up to 31 days), and I would not recommend for someone wanting to use it for multiple trips. Since there are a number of pages where you can paste photos (or other flat mementos like tickets), then it is probably ideal for someone who wants to add photos to the book after the trip.

I personally have bought one of the faux leather ones, and these journals feel and look nice. They make it easy to follow along from trip planning to completion, and are thin and easy to pack. I think this is a great travel journal gift option for someone going on a trip of 2-4 weeks.

Price : Check the latest prices here

11. Dingbats Vegan Journals

Dingbats* was started in 2016, although it is part of a larger family-run paper trading company that has been operating in Lebanon since 1800. Dingbats sells vegan-friendly journals and is notable for its focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products.

Most of the Dingbats journals feature acid-free, coated 100gsm cream paper, a ribbon bookmark, an attached pen loop, an expandable back pocket, an elastic closure, and a vegan leather (polyurethane) cover. They are hardcover and Smyth-sewn, and most versions contain 192 pages (96 sheets).

Dingbats journals are available with your choice of lined, dotted, blank, or squared paper. Some journals contain perforated pages.

The Dingbats journals are available in a variety of colors, and each Dingbats journal features an embossed animal or natural element on the front, such as an elephant, whale, cactus, wolf, Great Barrier Reef, or deer.

Dingbats journals are designed in Lebanon and produced in Turkey. They are 100% vegan. They also say that most of their products are fully recyclable in most countries.

Most of the Dingbats journals range in size from approximately A6 (9.5cm X 14.5 cm / 3.7″ X 5.7″) to A4 (21.5cm X 30cm / 8.5″ X 11.8″). Most open like a book, but they also have a smaller reported-style flip-style notebook as well. There is also a Pro Collection of Dingbats journals which are larger in size (B5), use higher quality paper (160gsm), and nicer textiles.

The Dingbats journals are really nice and will especially appeal to wildlife lovers and vegans. Dingbats journals can be difficult to find in stores in many countries but they can be purchased online.

In terms of choosing a size for a travel journal, their A6 sized journals are good if you are looking for a pocket-sized travel journal and the medium A5 sized journals are perfect if looking for a more standard-sized travel journal. If you are wanting something bigger, like a school composition notebook size, then you might be interested in their B5 Pro Collection journals .

12. Leather and Earth Co. Handmade Journals

If you are looking for something more handmade and crafty looking, I highly recommend going onto Etsy and seeing what you can find there. There are a number of talented artisans making various kinds of journals and notebooks.

Leather and Earth Co. is one such small business run by a mom of 4 kids named Laura in Nebraska, USA. She has also recruited a couple of other local moms to help her as well. Together they hand-make, sew, and personalize leather journals.

The paper used is a thick 90lb (185 gsm) mixed media paper available in blank, lined, music writing, or recipe formats. There is also an option for a thicker watercolor paper.  All the journals are designed to hold up to 140 pages of regular paper or 60 pages of watercolor paper.

They offer both bound and refillable journals. The hand sewn bound journals are hand stitched together with a linen thread. The refillable journals include 3 elastic straps where you can add and remove up to 3 paper inserts.

All journals can be personalized with text on the front cover. For example, you can have initials, your name, a date, or trip destination embossed on your journal. You can also design a custom title page if you wish.

The journals are available in several sizes: 4″ X 6″ (10 cm X 15 cm), 5″ X 7″ (12.5 cm X 17.5 cm), 6″ X 9″ (15 cm X 23 cm), or 9″ X 12″ (23 cm X 30.5 cm).

These journals, including the leather and paper used in them, are made in the USA. Note that these journals currently only ship to addresses in the United States.

If you are looking for more handmade journals from around the world, check out the options on Etsy , where you can search for those made in your own region. For example, Bespoke Bindery is a great option if you live in the UK. Most handmade journals can be personalized just for you.

13. Travel Journals for Children & Teens

If you are traveling with children, then getting them their own travel journal can help them record their own memories. Travel journals and activity books can also keep kids entertained when there is downtime on your trip.

Each of these travel journals are designed for children of a certain age range and reading level. Depending on the age level, they may have colorful illustrations, travel-related activities and games, writing prompts, areas for drawing or coloring, stickers, quotes, fun facts, maps, memento pockets, etc.

There are a number of travel journals for children out there and you can find a lot of them online on Amazon. Here are some good options to consider:

• Lonely Planet Kids Journal (ages 6-8)
• Peter Pauper Kids’ Journal (ages 6-11)
• Awesome Activity Journal (ages 6-10)
• Promptly Kids’ Activity Books & Journals (ages 5-12, typically sold in packs of 4)
• Happy Fox USA Road Trip Activities & Journal (ages 7-10)
• Lonely Planet Older Kids Journal (ages 9-12)
• Teen Journal (age 10-14)
• Clever Fox Planner & Journal (teen to adult)
• Refillable Vegan Leather Journal with Map (teen to adult)
• A Guided Journal (teen to adult)

Each travel journal is generally designed for children of a certain age range. So you’ll want to take your child’s age, reading level, writing ability, and general interests into consideration when choosing a journal.

Some journals are also tailored to a particular region (e.g. USA or Europe) or a specific type of travel (e.g., road trip), so it is good to read the full description and user reviews.

14. Page-A-Day Journal

This next journal is made by Peter Pauper Press which is an American company based in New York, which has been selling books and other paper goods since 1928. Today, the company sells a number of journals, books, puzzles, etc.

The Page-A-Day Journal is intended to give you enough space to write and take note of memorable places and events on your travels, but is still brief enough that writing in it doesn’t take up too much time. As the journal name suggests, it is intended that you write one page per day.

This journal is Smyth-sewn and features smooth acid-free 120 gsm paper, rounded corners, an attached ribbon bookmark, a back memento pocket, and an elastic band closure. The brown faux leather cover is embossed with “Page-A-Day Travel Journal” and has a globe design. The endpapers have a cloud design.

Each page provides space for you to put the date, location, and weather as well as a number of blank lines to write down whatever you want. The paper is lined (gray dotted lines).

The journal is 5″ X 7″ (82 cm X 114 cm) and contains 176 pages in total. So the journal will last you about 170 days of travel if you write one page per day. But you can also use multiple pages per day if you wish as you can just put the same date. For most people, this journal will last for multiple trips.

The Page-A-Day journal is designed in the USA and printed in China.

If you are on the fence between a guided journal and an unguided journal, this may be a perfect solution. This journal gives you a small bit of structure and a page per day to write whatever you want.

** You can also see many of the travel journals we recommend above in a single page on Amazon here with current prices for a handy reference. Just note that not every journal on the list is available via Amazon. **

So that is our list of the best travel journals for travelers! Which is your favorite?

Planning to purchase a travel journal in the near future, but not now? Pin this article to Pinterest to read later:

What do you think about travel journals? Have you kept a travel journal or diary while traveling? Is your favorite travel journal brand on the list? Tell us below!

Share this Post!

There are 32 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Logan Gross Post author

May 28, 2024 at 7:42 am

This is such a great & thorough article! You guys put so much effort into these it’s honestly inspiring to see. I had to do some research on travel journals and this wa SUPER helpful.

I sincerely appreciate all the work you’ve put into this!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 30, 2024 at 10:17 am

Thanks for your kind comments, and glad to hear our travel journal reviews and research were helpful to you in your own search. If you have any questions about journals, just ask!

Best, Jessica

Olivia Post author

September 26, 2023 at 3:43 pm

Hi there! Could you tell me what the little blue and gold journal is in your photos? It is beautiful and would love to buy one like that for myself! Thanx

September 26, 2023 at 5:00 pm

I think the journal you are referring to is the Paperblanks Azure Journal, it is specifically a lined journal in the Slim size with a metal clasp closure. I love this journal and used it for years but have been unable to find any in the Slim size for a couple of years on their website or on Amazon. But you can get the Azure journal design in the Mini and Midi sizes, and you can see those here .

If you prefer something the same size as the one I had, the most similar one that is a newer design is the Paperblanks Blue Rhine journal as part of their River Cascade collection. You can see the Slim version here and it is available in a few sizes. I took it on a recent trip around Europe and really liked it.

Hope that helps! Jessica

ADAM HINES Post author

September 12, 2023 at 5:49 pm

Hi Jessica, My gf and I are preparing to leave for a trip to Mexico in a couple of weeks. Your review has helped me figure out what I want in a travel journal, but I am struggling a bit on the prices. Want one line (me), one grid (her), black, simple design, some kind of closure, bookmark, archival quality pages, “normal size”.

We need two journals and I think the Leuchtturm and Moleskin both fit the criteria and those look nice. But the prices are a bit high for us and I am wondering what you think would maybe be a good cheaper option for those? Have you tested the Amazon Basics or Paperage ones as those look to fit what I am looking for as well and are both under $10 right now. Thank you!

September 13, 2023 at 6:46 pm

First, so glad you know what you want in a travel journal and that our article was helpful in that. I think knowing that info can help make sure you choose a journal you are actually going to take and use on your trip. And certainly you don’t need to pay much for a journal (anything with paper will work!), I would definitely recommend sticking to your budget. Basically I would say just find something that meets your needs and that you will use and will want to keep.

Now, I can’t comment on the Paperage brand journals as I haven’t personally tried them (I suspect they are very similar to the Amazon Basics ones since they are comparable in price), but I can comment on the Amazon Basics journal versus a Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 journal. Specifically I would say that the Amazon Basics journal is closer to a Moleskine than a Leuchtturm1917 journal as its more simple and doesn’t have any of the extra features that you see in a Leuctturm1917 journal.

The Amazon Basic journal (this is specifically the one I am reviewing and one I have in hand) seems to currently come in mainly one size (5 inches X 8.25 inches, close to an A5 size). I have it in black so you can definitely get that color. It has a hardcover with off-white, acid-free paper and rounded corners. Designed to lay flat. I think most are 240 pages (120 sheets). Says made with 80 gsm paper. Simple design but does include a black elastic band closure, an attached bookmark ribbon (gray in mine), and an expandable paper pocket in back. I have the ruled or lined version but it does also come with grid or blank paper so will work for your gf as well in terms of paper types. Made in China. I think I paid about $9 for mine.

So compared to my Moleksine I have in my hand for comparison (hardcover black classic ruled paper), the Amazon Basics journal is a bit thicker and has more pages (my Moleskine has 208 pages and the Amazon 240). The Amazon one has almost all the same basic features with the closure, rounded corners, back pocket, ribbon bookmark. Some of the differences are that the Moleskine’s cover feels nicer and “softer”, seems a bit better constructed, and there is a front title page with “In Case of Loss” info. The color of the paper and line ruling width is about the same although lines are darker and easier to see in the Amazon Basics. The Amazon Basics says 80 gsm paper while most Moleskine journals use 70 gsm. Both are made in Asia.

So yes, my opinion would be that if you like the color, style, and size of the Amazon Basics (since there is not much choice or variety), then there is little question you are getting a good value with the Amazon Basics versus the Moleskine. In a few areas, the Amazon could be a better choice depending on what you want most. Now if you valued the touch, feel, and construction, then obviously the Moleskine does look a bit nicer (and certainly feels nicer, I can tell its a more premium journal just by picking it up). But in terms of value for price, I think the Amazon Basics journal is a great choice to consider for what you are wanting and seems to tick all the boxes.

Hope that helps, and wishing you and your girlfriend a wonderful trip to Mexico!! Jessica

Anika Post author

June 14, 2023 at 11:54 am

hello, do you know where I can buy field notes in the uk or eu or have suggestions for similar simple little notebooks like this? need some for big upcoming trip. thanks for advice!!!

June 15, 2023 at 2:02 am

Happy to try to help. So the Field Notes if you purchase directly from their website they do offer international shipping options but it can take a long time and be more expensive but that is an option. But you can find them on Amazon in some parts of Europe, so on Amazon UK, for example, they have a couple of the Field Notes notebooks available. You can see those options on Amazon UK here .

If shopping on Amazon or similar, there are a lot of copycat products so if you want something by Field Notes brand, make sure it says “Field Notes” on the cover and in the description.

But if you can’t find the Field Notes product you want and are looking for similar sorts of pocket-sized or memo notebooks, some you might consider are the Moleskine Cahiers , Silvine Originals Pocket notebooks (UK made, ones with thread better than ones with staples), and Portage pocket notebooks . VENTED also has pocket sized notebooks, but they have cotton or recycled leather covers so may not be the best fit if wanting a kraft paper sort of cover.

There are other brands as well and you’ll see more if you search Field Notes notebooks in Amazon. If shopping in person you’ll have less selection but if you drop into a Waterstones (if in the UK) or similar large bookstore or stationary store, you can usually find one or two options of that type of pocket notebook or memo pad.

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip!

June 16, 2023 at 10:22 am

much gratitude and thanks Jessica, such a detailed answer. I can’t wait to check these pocket journal options out and get travelling again!

June 16, 2023 at 10:32 am

You’re very welcome Anika, and I hope you find a travel journal that works best for you.

Wishing you many future happy travels! Jessica

Lorna Post author

June 2, 2023 at 5:16 am

I am a longtime Moleskine user here but am thinking about possibly trying another journal and found your great and thorough article. Thoughts on one to choose that is similar but maybe a bit of an upgrade? Hard cover and either ruled/lined or squared paper.

Also, I always thought that Moleskine journals were made in Italy. Is that not true??

June 2, 2023 at 9:52 am

So I would say Leuchtturm1917 (see description above in article) is probably the most similar journal brand and they have hardcover notebooks and most of the sizes are similar. They have a few more features than Moleskine, offer more colors, and I think they have slightly nicer paper and covers. And they offer journals with both the ruled/line or squared/checked paper. So you could try one of them out and compare them with the ones you already have and see which brand you prefer. Prices are similar but depends where you buy it and in what country.

The Rhodia Webnotebooks (see description above) is another one to consider. But I didn’t love the quality of the last one I ordered (they started making them in Morocco) and it arrived with a dent and wasn’t as good as past ones.

So Moleskine journals are designed by a company started in 1997 and is based in Milan, Italy. The journals are designed in Italy but they are not made in Italy. According to their website they are manufactured in the “Far East” which is oddly vague. But they tend to mainly be manufactured in China or Taiwan (same as Leuchtturm1917 and many other journal brands). Although the last Moleskine I bought (while in Italy actually) says it was designed in Italy and manufactured in Turkey. I think during COVID-19 a lot of companies moved manufacturing to countries like Turkey to keep up with demand as China basically shut down for so long. But the journals are popular in Italy as we have seen several Moleskine stores while traveling in Italy.

Ciak is an Italian brand and is made in Italy so another one you could consider if wanted one made in Italy but these are a bit different in style than a Moleskine and offer fewer options in terms of sizes, paper types, and cover types.

Anyone hope that helps!

Deb Post author

June 1, 2023 at 5:23 pm

Wooooow! I just got pumped up reading about the benefits of keeping a travel journal but wasn’t really sure which journals were worth the time and money. This post was crazy helpful, thank you!!

June 2, 2023 at 5:03 am

So yes, travel journaling can certainly be helpful. We find by far the biggest benefit is being able to look back on what we did, where we went, and our thoughts/feelings along the way from past trips. It is also a nice excuse to relax with a coffee or drink and take a break when traveling 😉

Glad that you found our travel journal reviews helpful in finding a travel journal that works best for you! If you have any questions, just ask!

Hari Sitaula Post author

May 16, 2023 at 11:12 pm

Very helpful, been looking for a good travel diary! We appreciate you sharing this.

May 18, 2023 at 9:37 am

Glad you found our travel journal reviews helpful and I hope you find a perfect travel diary for you and your travels!

Martha Wells Post author

April 16, 2023 at 5:15 am

Oh, thanks so very much for this very thoughtful and detailed reply to my very specific questions. I have ordered this kids’ travel journal for my grandson (it sounds perfect!) and will be getting a different travel related coloring book for the granddaughter as she is only 4 and prob too young to make much out of the PPP one.

Thanks again for taking the time to write such a detailed reply to my questions about this journal!!!!! Martha

April 16, 2023 at 6:10 am

You’re very welcome Martha, hope your grandkids love the travel journal and coloring book!

April 14, 2023 at 7:13 am

Hello! Do you think the Kids Journal by PPP that you list would be Ok or a 9 (almost 10) year old? Does it close? How many pages of the actual journal writing part does it have? sorry if you don’t know this, just trying to buy a gift for grandkids and having lots of questions, thanks

April 15, 2023 at 4:09 am

I think you are asking about the Kids’ Travel Journal by Peter Pauper Press, this one here ?

So if that is the correct journal, we have bought that one before (as a gift) and had the chance to review it. So I do personally think it would be a good fit for a 9 or 10 year old. I think that is probably an ideal age as they should be able to read it and do the activities on their own.

It has a printed hard cover and it does close. It has a red elastic closure to keep it closed when not in use.

The book has a total of 96 pages. It contains pre-planning pages, packing lists, contact info pages, maps, games, puzzles, post-trip thoughts, fun travel-related facts, etc. In terms of pure journaling pages for writing, there are 15 pages dedicated to a daily journal so ideal for say a 2 week trip. But it also has other pages that ask questions that you can fill in about your trip related to who you met, where you stayed, type of transport, what you ate, etc. as well as some pages for free writing, drawing or pasting things. There is also a memento pouch.

If you are thinking about buying this for more than one grandchild, given the more personal and individual nature of the book and the journal, probably best to give one per child rather than having them share unless they are the type of kids who like to write and do these types of activities together.

A couple of things to note is that it has no ribbon bookmark so including a thin bookmark with the Kids’ Travel Journal might be nice if it is a gift. It is also more geared to American travelers (uses American English and terms) and for those traveling somewhere in either North America or Europe (as many of the facts are about these places), although it could, of course, be used by anyone really.

Anyway, hope that helps answer all your questions about this travel journal and will help you decide if it is a good gift for your grandchildren or not.

ROHIT PATLE Post author

March 23, 2023 at 9:22 am

Traveling is not just about reaching a destination, it’s about the journey and the experiences along the way. It opens your eyes to new cultures, people, and ways of life.

March 24, 2023 at 11:32 am

That is definitely true, and keeping a travel journal can be a great way to remember all those experiences along your travels!

conner Post author

March 9, 2023 at 4:46 am

wow, so many of these journals sounds great. could your recommend a travel diary option made in italy available online in US – looking for a gift for the gf for a month long college trip to Italy. I think she prefers lined paper and something sort of mid-sized (so no pocket or huge ones). option to put her initials in it would be great but not absolute. thanks for any help!

March 9, 2023 at 5:46 am

Happy to try to help!

So the Italian brand that is probably best known & available in the USA is Moleskine. They are really popular as travel journals. However, Moleskine journals are designed in Italy but made elsewhere (I think mostly in China, Taiwan, & Turkey).

If you want a journal made in Italy, the most available brand in the USA would probably be Ciak. I have one of them and it has really great paper quality (most have 110 gsm paper) and they have a variety of different types and colors of covers. So you can check their website for options, not sure if they deliver to the US or not, but you can also buy many of their products online via Amazon here or online stationery shops. Hard, but not impossible, to find in person depending on where you live. They offer plenty of lined journal options in a variety of sizes. I don’t think the company offers the option to add initials or personalize individual journals but you may be able to have someone locally add personalization.

Also, a note about buying the Ciak journals via third parties, they are often listed as leather bound, but I think the company primarily uses faux leather (so expect faux leather). If looking for actual leather bound journals, I’d check out Belcraft or Epica which have a lot of leather options.

Two other Italian brands you might want to check out are Epica and Belcraft , which both produce their journals in Italy. I believe both companies offer the ability to personalize a journal, including adding initials via embossing, engraving, and/or branding.

Hope that helps. I am sure your girlfriend will enjoy whatever journal you get her!

Aimee Fionda Post author

March 8, 2023 at 4:14 am

This is such a knowledgeable, in depth article about travel journals and we thank you so much for mentioning us! We love to think of our hand bound leather travellers journals journeying with their owners across the globe! We are always happy to create a bespoke journal too, as we make everything from scratch!

Thanks again and happy travels! The Stamford Notebook Company

March 9, 2023 at 4:49 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment, and glad you liked our article on travel journals. You’re very welcome for the metnion.

For those reading this, The Stamford Notebook Company is a great place to check out for all those looking for UK made journals or notebooks!

Seana Turner Post author

February 26, 2023 at 4:33 am

In spite of everything being digitized these days, I do love all things paper! I prefer the dotted pages because they give me just enough guide to keep my journals looking orderly without having too many lines making them look like homework.

I do like the ones that have a strap to keep them closed. Not that journals falling open is really an issue, but I just like the feel of pulling that elastic over the book. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.

On a side note, I’m just so happy that we are talking about traveling again. All of the flights I’ve been on recently have been packed, and I find this encouraging. Go travel! I imagine you will have to revisit many places now and give us updated, post COVID information!!

February 26, 2023 at 6:56 am

Yes, so good to be talking about and more importantly traveling again. We are currently in Rwanda and plan to be doing a lot of traveling in 2023! And yes, COVID has sadly changed or closed a lot of places so updates are certainly needed.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on journals – everyone has such different preferenes. I am a lined girl myself but I know a lot of people prefer dotted pages. I guess they probably do remind a lot of people of their school notebooks 😉 But without lines, I have a hard time writing in a straight line – Laurence is even worse.

For me, since I mostly use my journal while traveling, they have to be able to be shoved in and out of my day bag and backpack so being able to securely close it an important feature for me. When I’ve had notebooks without a closure, they were more likely to get bent and the pages damaged if I didn’t put them in the “right way”.

Wishing you a year full of fun travels!! Jessica

Colleen Post author

February 25, 2023 at 11:37 pm

I have been using Moleskine journals for many years now…I think the Large size ones with lines. I use black ones for travelling and then I have colored ones that I use for my everyday/work notes. This article gave me some other brands that I am definitely going to consider the next time I need a journal like the Rhodia and Dingbats. My daughter is a vegan so I think I may surprise her with a Dingbats one as that elephant is so precious!!!

February 26, 2023 at 1:16 am

Hi Colleen,

Thanks for taking the time to share the brand of travel journal you use.

Yes, Moleskine is a very popular option for a travel journal. I like that you can always seem to find them as it is easy to find them in most bookstore and stationery shops (at least in the US and UK) whereas other brands can be more difficult to buy in person. Yes, you may definitely like the Rhodia Webbies and Leuchtturm1917 Classic notebooks as they are very similar but have slightly heavier paper – you may or may not notice the difference though if you are already happy with Moleskine. I think it makes the most difference to those using fountain pens etc.

Dingbats is a great choice for anyone looking for a vegan-friendly journal and the animal designs are really cute!

ALAN JOHN COOK Post author

February 25, 2023 at 12:13 pm

This article is completely unnecessary. I’m so pleased I didn’t waste my time reading more than the first few paragraphs. As a vastly experienced traveller and professional writer you don’t need all this stuff about bindings and paper quality and decoration. All you need – if you don’t have a laptop computer or similar – is a spiral bound notebook and a few cheap pens. I say spiral bound as they lay flat and can be folded back on themselves which is handy (although not essential). You can buy them almost anywhere and they are cheap. Also easy if you need to rip out a page to use for something like a shopping list or to give someone your contact details. It’s not the look of the journal that counts for anything – it’s what you write in it that’s important.

February 26, 2023 at 1:10 am

Thanks for sharing your opinions on journals. As I noted in the article, any journal or notebook can work fine as long as it is something you can and will write on during your trip. For someone who is on a tight budget or using it as you are (tearing pages out for shopping lists etc.) then a composition book or spiral school notebook or something will work fine. I have used one before and they work, although I found it less than ideal in many ways compared to other options which are designed to be actual journals.

We’ve tested dozens of notebooks and journals and definitely think that there are much more ideal options for those looking for something nicer and better suited for travel. Most people aren’t using their journal to tear out pages but are wanting to keep it to look back at later.

Many people want a journal that is a bit more durable & lasting, and do care about the paper quality, binding, cover, having a closure, etc as they want it to last and to store it to read again later. Many do care about what their journal feels and looks like and some care about how and where it is made. Also some travlers also use them for sketching or scrapbooking in which the page type, quality, and size are more important, along with those like myself who have a fountain pen (it will bleed through the paper on most cheap notebooks).

Our guide is designed to help those who are new to journals or who want to upgrade their current travel journal to find the perfect notebook for them or to give as a gift. Whether it is an inexpensive spiral bound notebook or a fancy leather custom journal. There are lots of options out there and we are just sharing information and our thoughts about this so people can make an informed decision.

We are happy you have found the journal type that works for you!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

The Planner Addict

Daily Dose of planner Ideas

What is a Travel Journal and Why use it ? – Beginners guide Part – 01

Published: Apr 24, 2022 | Updated: Apr 24, 2022

Isn’t travelling the best hobby we all have ? It gives us the opportunity to explore different places and experience new culture . It takes us beyond our capabilities and imagination .

For someone like me who loves to write and make art , keeping a journal by side ease me alot . Setting aside my phone and capturing the feeling onto pages is the miracle that can only be experienced.

What is Travel Journal ?

Travel Journal helps you document your journey , experiences and memories . They are the safest place to write your feelings , collect memories in form of pictures . They are the best fantasies one can own . You can plan your trips and write down itinerary . Travel Journals are the most common journals amongst other existing journals .

Many people considering travel journal for long trips or voyages but it doesn’t matter if its a 2 day trip to the nearest island . The whole point of travel journals is to document in different forms .

You can write about your learnings on the trip , important people you met , hotels you stayed at and food you ate etc .

Why use a Travel Journal ?

I had seen people planning their trips and making mess at the last minute . SO why being a messy person when you have leverage to plan you trips in your journal and freedom to carry around . Here are few things you can have in your travel journal while planning your trip:

• Budget : Plan your budget for the trip , make an expense tracker where you feel comfortable to write down your budget for everything you assume to spend your money at . Keep tracking the live expenditure while on trip and places where you can save money .
• Places to visit : Before you reach your final destination , make a list of places you would love to visit , famous architecture , food spots and cool people to meet etc . Researching about the place before you plan your trip can save alot of time and will let you know what exactly you are expecting from the trip .
• Travel Itinerary : This small step can save you from alot of travel hassle . Its good to have a plan instead of no plan . Despite all the research you had done , it’s important to put them together and delegate days to it . Making a plan on what you want to do on first day of your trip can give you directions and next steps for other days . A “GO TO” Travel itinerary is always a best option to have in your travel journal .
• Pre- travel to do list : We always have a huge list of things to complete before leaving for a trip . Washing off clothes , storing and cleaning food , washing dishes etc . You can make a complete list of things you need to complete so that you leave for trip with a fresh mind .
• Packing list : A humongous task when it comes to packing for your trip . The task of deciding what to carry and what not to . The great deal comes when we put things off to BUY list . I almost every time forget to pack things that I had bought specially for the trip . Having a packing list handy in my journal helps alot .

Record memories

Meeting new people , visiting new places , learning new things are all a part of travel . Having the priceless moment with your loved ones or solo is something that deserves a revisit . Record your best time , your best moments in your journal so that you can revisit any time you want . You can write about your most weird experiences too .

Make your travel journals more interesting by adding pictures , voice notes , tickets , business cards etc . A hoarder person like me collects every single ticket and sticks them in journal . If you are more into art , you can replace pictures with drawings .Practicing urban sketching while travelling can bring a lot of joy crazy angle to your journals.

New Discoveries and Learnings

Writing a reflective story after your trip ends can give alot of insights about how your trip went vs what you thought ideally . You can write about how you dealt with problems that felt almost impossible to face , your challenges and experiences with places , how you grew as a person and what all you learnt about different culture and people .

Write about different facts of the places , a historical story and funny incidents on trip . There is so much you can write about your trip and take insights out of them .

What you can put in your Travel Journal?

You must be wondering what exactly i can put in my travel journal . Since there is not limit to it and every one has their own taste , here are few things that i like to put in my travel journal personally :

• Memory Tracking
• Expense tracker
• Savings page
• Donation Page
• Places to visit
• Making my travel partner write
• Things to do on a trip
• Lessons I learned during my trip
• Important contacts
• Hotel and reservations
• Travel itinerary
• Travel Roadmap
• Packing list
• Doodles and sketches
• Tickets and bills
• Business cards
• Pressed flowers and leaves
• Food labels and tissue paper
• Postage stamps
• Unique Currency and exchange rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to keep a separate journal for travel .

It’s not necessary ! Travel Journals are your personal choice and they can make you feel more organized and in place . You can diy travel journal too . If you want to record your memories else where and plan your trips on phone, its absolutely fine . Travel Journals should not feel as a burden but a medium to express .

What to write in a travel journal ?

There are alot of things you can write in your journal like an incident that you never want to forget , a good food that felt so good , a new mate you found at trip , conversations with random strangers , a scary story you heard about a place , songs that put you in good mood , ancient story of architectures , new culture explorations etc . There are ample of things to include , still if you feel you are bad at expressing , try writing a simple diary entry .

Some posts that might Interest you

Related Posts:

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Information

• [email protected]
• Mon - Sat : 10 am - 6 pm
• Payment Partner

How to Travel Journal: Tips for Getting Started

Posted on Published: July 19, 2020  - Last updated: April 26, 2023

A travel journal is a powerful way to record your travels. In a time when destinations, souvenirs, and even iconic photo-ops barely vary from traveler to traveler, creating a personal notebook of your trip guarantees you’ll have a treasured souvenir that’s all yours. A journal filled with lists, photos, longhand reflections, ticket stubs, itineraries, doodles, and/or art is sure to be a treasured keepsake long after other souvenirs are lost or forgotten.

In this article, we’ll talk about getting started making your first travel journal or travel art journal. Including: supplies you’ll need, types of travel journals, how to decide which type is right for you, set up, post-trip storage, and a FAQ. It’s a long article, so feel free to use the table of contents below to jump around to find the information you need.

My First Travel Journal

I didn’t start my first travel journal until I was 30. I spent most of my 20’s working so hard I never made space for art and journaling, but after selling my business at 33 and returning to school for a Masters’s degree, I found myself often doodling in the margins of my notes. These margin doodles eventually turned into illustrated notes, so when I took my first big solo international trip the summer after my second year of grad school, it felt like a natural extension to begin the first of many solo international travels cataloged in mixed media art journals.

I created my first travel journal on my inaugural solo trip – a month-long trip from Italy to Croatia , then Bosnia and Herzegovina and back again. It was the PERFECT trip to experiment with my style and practice of travel journaling, since as a solo traveler I had the time to make my own schedule, and my trip included a little bit of everything- including famous art, iconic architecture, awe-inspiring visas, and a few amazing air B&B experiences to illustrate.

Download my Free travel Journal eBook

Get this full article- plus all the information you need to create an amazing travel journal, via my free eBook: The Ultimate Guide to Travel Journaling . Download the PDF + eReader bundle below!

Download the Free eBook

Types of Travel Journals

The way I see it, there are five types of travel journals, explained below. Which style – or which combination of types – that you use is up to you.

How to choose? Consider what style works best for you, what skills you’d like to practice and grow through your travel journal, and what kind of memories you most want to put on record through art and illustrations.

The “Listicle” Travel  Journal

Half article, half list, the “listicle” is a top format for new sites, and it’s a format that works great for travel journals. A photo or doodle, paired with a brief description is a good way to organize a travel journal without spending too much precious travel time writing.

This style of journal works well with a bullet journal style format, and can even be started well before your trip. Using your travel journal before your trip to plot out things to do , itineraries, and points of interest you dream of traveling to can be a helpful way to organize your trip and set up journal pages that can then be filled out in more detail on-location. (Need some inspiration to start? Download my printable Bullet Style Travel Journal Template )

The “Sketch Note” Travel  Journal

In medieval times, scribes who were tasked with hand-copying sacred texts often added complex illustrations in the margins. Over time, these illustrations began to communicate context and tone in a language all their own. These text, which came to be known as “ illuminated texts ” were valued because they offered something that text alone could not- the visual experience of the story.

Similarly, this style of travel journaling draws on the inspiration of the naturalist illustrations of 19th-century environmentalists- who painstakingly recorded botanical or animal details, adding Latin genus and species and common names, to create records that to this day are used in biology textbooks.

The sketchnote style travel journal brings both of these traditions together in a format that combines short-format text mixed with small and medium-size illustrations. The travel journal page shown here describes my unforgettable day on a truffle hunting Airbnb Experience in Italy. It’s a combination of a landscape-style travel art journal page and a sketch note version.

In the illustration above, I capture a broad-stroke memory of the day via the landscape, add words, and include an educational close-up illustration – in this case, a little study of what I learned to look for in a good black truffle mushroom.

Sketchnote Travel Journals are best for:

Sketch note style journal pages are great for taking notes on things you want to remember. They can help illustrate your memory and review what you learned. This type is perfect for remembering details, key points, and specifics of your trip. It’s perfect for using your travel journal occasionally. If you’re in the food business, you can make notes about meals and ingredients to try back home, if you work in tourism/travel, you can take notes detailing what is/isn’t working about your current trip, etc.

How to create sketchnote style journal pages

• REFLECT. When you sit down to work on your art travel journal, think about what sticks out to you from your day – what objects or images are most poignant? What did you learn?
• ILLUSTRATE  2 to 3 of these items. Even if they’re just rough sketches, research shows that the process of translating the memory to a drawing (even a terrible drawing) helps us remember much better than we would if we wrote about it or didn’t record it all.
• ANNOTATE. Once you’ve done a rough doodle – or a full-on finished illustration, add a few notes to the drawing. Draw lines connecting important parts to relevant text and highlight what you’d want a reader to notice or know about the thing that you drew.

My Experience Sketchnoting in my travel journal in Italy

I didn’t actually get the chance to doodle the page above until I was in Croatia. To be honest, it’s not one of my favorite travel doodles but it captures that experience well- and that is what my travel journals are all about. The journal gave me space to capture what stood out about the experience- the texture of a truffle, our guide and his dog, and the views as we hiked through the Tuscan hills overlooking Florence. Space left for text allowed me to record a few things I learned about truffles. You can read more about my adventure truffle hunting in Italy on my post about it .

The architectural record travel art journal

If you’re a student of architecture, an artist practicing perspective, or just appreciate the hard lines of urban landscapes, including architecture in your art travel journal – or even creating a travel journal that focuses exclusively on architectural scenes, may be a fun way to create a personalized, unique record your trip and practice your architectural drawing skills.

The following section may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Steps to create an architectural focused travel art journal:

• PLAN. Decide if you will dedicate entire pages or if you will split pages to also include journal entries.
• PACK. If this is your focus, your travel art kit may need extra tools or, I recommend, just a goniometer . This fancy word actually just refers to a simple, hinged ruler that can replace packing a ruler, protractor, and a drawing compass. It makes it easy to draw straight lines, circles, and measured angles while weighing hardly anything and flexing enough to not break in your pen case.
• DECIDE whether to sketch live or by photos. Keep your eye out for sketchable scenes as you travel. For travelers with a lot of flexibility, you may wish to stop and find a park bench or café where you can sit and sketch. For others, it may fit better with your itinerary to take photos and later create a sketch from the photographs.
• BE INCLUSIVE. You’ll be tempted to put only iconic, majestic, or famous buildings in your travel art journal, but one of my favorite things to include in this type of travel art journal is ordinary rooms and buildings that were significant to my trip: the interior of an  Airbnb apartment overlooking an Adriatic coastal bay, or the exterior of my Florence Airbnb apartment, shown below, that blended so nonchalantly into the background of shops, vendors, and residents’ doors.

A travel printer is such a cool way to add easy visual elements to your art journal- creating a travel scrapbook as you go. Sometimes, like shown below, I print a photo of the scene I drew live, just to add more depth to my record of the experience.

Studying the Masters with a Travel Art journal

I started my very first travel art journal in Florence Italy. Starting my travel art journal in the city that is home to so many of the art world’s greatest masterpieces was an invitation I didn’t quite expect.

I didn’t start that journey expecting to create studies of these famous artworks, but I couldn’t resist the invitation to sit in the great hall at Galleria dell’Accademia with Michelangelo’s David or stand in front of The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery  without creating. After a jaunt over to the Dalmation coast of the Adriatic, I ended my trip in Rome and I got a repeat: again getting to create replicas of Caravaggio and the iconic Trevi fountain in my travel art journal.

If you’re a student of art- formal or informal- dedicating pages in your travel journal to creating your own versions of classic art isn’t just fun – it’s an important part of how art students have learned and honed skills for ages. It’s okay if you aren’t a dedicated art student, giving yourself the opportunity to learn in this way can both improve your skills and create a souvenir that’s far more personally significant than any of the replica tchotchkes sold in gift shops in the surrounding area.

How to create a travel art journal focusing on studying the Masters:

• MAKE TIME. Plan your travel itinerary so that you’ll have plenty of time for live sketching. Although you can technically do this through photographs later in the trip, there’s something really powerful about creating the work live. Plan to spend at least an hour creating your own version of the art. Some museums may have seating nearby, and others do not, so be prepared. (When I doodled David, I just had to wait for a bench to open, but the Birth of Venus had no chairs, so was created via a combination of standing-sketching and working from a photo from a bench in the hallway)
• MODIFY KIT. Modify your travel art journal kit for museum rules: NO scissors, NO paint, and ADD a hard-backed drawing surface since you won’t have a table. Although scissors and watercolors are must-haves in my travel art kit , there’s a chance that security will confiscate any art supplies that could damage valuable art – like scissors or, in the case of many museums, even watercolor and pen-style watercolor brushes.
• PREPARE to be, well, looked at. If you choose to sketch in a popular museum, you may become something of a tourist attraction yourself. My advice? Keep focused and let people look.
• PACK LIGHT. Most museums that house priceless artwork will not allow a large purse or even a tiny backpack. On museum days, pack yourself down to a tote bag or even a fanny pack to be sure that the essential art supplies you need will be with you in the museum. (I love Travelon’s travel purses because they are secure/zippered, hands-free, big enough for my whole art kit, but small enough that museum security waves them through without a glance.)

My Experience Studying Classical Art via a Travel Journal

Florence was my first big solo trip- and what a great place to start! I intentionally planned my days without an itinerary, so I had the freedom to wander, to bask, or to explore. On my first full day of my trip, the only thing on my to-do list was to make it to the Academia Gallery by day’s end. Galleria del Academia was built specifically to house their most famous piece:  Michelangelo’s David sculpture.

It was at this gallery that I discovered the best part about solo travel as an artist- the freedom to really pause and take in great art. Without having to be sensitive to a partner or group’s interest or boredom, I could sit for hours with David- and I did! After some study and some people watching I went to work on this little doodle shown above.

I had so much fun doing this sketched that when I stumbled onto Logia Del Lanzi plaza later that day, I sat and doodled one of those ancient sculptures as well:

Making a Landscape-focused Travel Art journal

Landscape travel art journals are perfect for capturing a broad glimpse of what it’s like to be in the place for you are. Unlike architectural-focused urban drawings, landscapes tend to feature natural elements or a combination of natural and urban, like this cityscape of the bay in front of the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia.

A landscape travel art journal can be fun to create in cafés and restaurants in tourist spots. Often, prime locations with scenic overlooks feature cafes, making them a perfect spot to sit for a bit and rest while creating a piece for your travel art journal.

To create an artistic travel journal that focuses on landscapes:

• PICK supplies accordingly. Landscapes sometimes require different supplies than a basic travel art journal kit. For example, if you plan to get very detailed you may need multiple sizes of pen nibs.
• PLAN. Landscape travel art journaling is perfect to do as a midday break – especially since landscapes sometimes require climbing up to a vista point. A break is much needed and desired by the time I reach the pinnacle of a scenic overlook on foot!

“Self-portrait as a traveler” travel art journal

I’m not sure this exists as a genre outside of my own travel art journal, but some of my favorite art from my travel journal has been drawings of myself experiencing something significant from my trip. In the image below, it’s me wading into the Adriatic Sea on a beach about 20 minutes south of Dubrovnik near Cavtat, Croatia .

A self-portrait in your travel art journal offers the opportunity to create art that represents both internal and external landscapes . It says something about the place and it says something about you. At the time of this drawing, I was doing a lot of processing around what it means to be a human with a larger than average body and to live fully in that body in environments that aren’t always welcoming to it.

This little painting in my art journal is so special to me because it captures not just the beauty of the Adriatic seascape, but also something really beautiful that was happening within me as I waded into open water.

To create a travel art journal that focuses on self-portraits:

• Give yourself permission to represent yourself however it feels right at the time. When we do self-portraits can be tempting to feel that we have to be accurate or that we might be judged if other people look at our self-portrait and don’t determine it to be “close enough”. Allow yourself to create what you need to create, in the way that you need to create it – this is never more true and art and when it comes to your own journal and your own body.
• Work from photos or by feel . When I created this doodle at a little seaside café after my swim, I was looking at the water but obviously not at my own body. Instead, I drew the landscape as I saw it and sketched in my own body informed by feeling rather than what was in front of me.

Where to Start: Materials and Planning your Travel Journal

Best notebooks to use for travel journals:.

The two most important things when you’re looking at journals to use as a travel journal are (1) paper quality and (2) how flat the book lays when it is opened. Although strong binding can be helpful in other journals, for a travel journal it’s important that each page be able to lay completely flat in order for your art not to be distorted and for the paint to dry right where you put it.

The journal featured most prominently on this site is a blank staple-bound Fabriano EcoQua softcover notebook . The staple-bound binding (like a basic booklet) lets the notebook lay perfectly flat with no significant gap- enabling double-spreads. The hardcover spiral-bound version of this notebook offers more rigidity which may be helpful if you expect to create art on the fly without a table or flat surface. The paper quality in these journals is, to me, well balanced between texture, weight, and finish. Read on to learn more about paper quality for a travel art journal.

I like the paper in these notebooks because it’s smooth to write on but not too slick to accept simple watercolor washes. It’s thick enough to prevent bleed and minimize show-through between pages.

The paper that works best for you might favor pen and ink, or lend itself to standing up to more complex watercolor art. If you know you’ll be watercoloring a lot, you’ll want to choose thicker paper, but if your emphasis is pencil or pen sketches – even with a bit of watercolor wash, you’ll want to choose thinner, smoother paper. Notebooks in Canson’s Mixed Media Paper line have paper that is perfect for journaling and mixed art use, but I personally find their notebooks too bulky to make good travel journals.

Gathering & Packing Supplies for your travel journal

Whether you’re creating a traditional travel journal, a bullet journal, or a travel art journal, the supplies you bring will significantly shape the final look of your journal.

Free Bullet Journal Style travel art journal template

It can be hard to know how to get started when you are staring down a blank page. If you find that the blank page can be a little bit intimidating, I recommend starting with templates. A template can be as simple or as complicated as you need or wanted to be. Sometimes, rotating a few basic layouts can be a way to create visual interest while stimulating your own creativity within those blocks.

If you think a template might be helpful for you, you can start with my  travel journal template printable , which you can download and print for free. It includes page layouts for a typical size travel journal as well as some prompts of things that might be helpful to journal about during your trip.

If you like the idea of the support of template blocks, but don’t want to be tied into my single layout in the resource above, you can make your own templates to pack them to use in your travel journal.

How to Pack Art Supplies

My list for making your own travel art journal kit is designed to provide you with all the supplies you might need without triggering any issues and airport security or airline policy. Everything in the travel art journal kit is allowed in your carry-on on an airplane and allowed to be used in the airplane during your trip.

Use a pen case.

The best way to pack art supplies for your trip is inside of a pen case. A pen case often has interior straps that help keep art supplies in place to keep them from getting damaged during your trip.

Keep your art supplies in your carry-on.

Always keep your art supplies with your carry-on luggage. Scissors under 4 inches from the pivot point are allowed through any airport in your carry-on luggage (even if they are sharp scissors) however museums and UNESCO sites set their own rules and may x-ray bags and demand the surrender or paid-storage of scissors, paint, or even permanent markers before entry into their area. Art supplies are generally always allowed on a plane, within reason.

Place art supplies inside of an airtight bag before flying.

Be aware that some markers and pens can do funky stuff due to changes in air pressure (I’ve observed pens ooze ink uncontrollably after being uncapped mid-flight). To remedy this, many travelers carry their journaling supplies in sealed zip lock bags. This method can work to prevent potential issues caused by air pressure changes during takeoff and landing, but you should avoid opening the bag at any point during your flight . 

In years past, simply keeping pens capped helped avoid issues with pressure changes, but with most caps perforated to prevent choking, you’ll need to be a bit more proactive about protecting your pens from pressure changes in flight.

6 Things you should always include in a travel journal

Everyone’s travel journal will turn out different and will include different elements – after all, our journals are a reflection of who we are, where we went, and how we travel! Despite these huge differences, there are a few elements that every single travel journal should include:

• Date marking the day of your visit and the day of the art-making, if different.
• Location  – always identify where you made the piece.
• Location Depicted – if different from above.
• Your Signature – or an @username tag you plan to share on social media
• Something about your experience. If you don’t want to write a block of text about your day, just name something you touched, saw, tasted, smelled, or experienced.
• Anything else that’s important. I love adding Illustrative Highlights: see above in the sketch note style travel journal, it can be fun to add arrows and circles to highlight important things to remember within a larger piece of art in your travel journal.

1 Tip for Bridging Journals and Social Media

Although your travel journal exists as a way to keep the memory of your travel adventures, one of my favorite ways to bridge the gap between a travel journal and social media (which, for many, is a modern format for journaling life events like travel) is by merging the analog journal and the digital. I do this by taking photographs of my journal spreads on location, in front of the icon or landmark they depict.

Taking a photograph of your travel journal entry in front of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the White House, or an Iconic mountain scene in Patagonia is a great way to digitize your travel journal – keeping it safe in case something happens to it and making it more accessible.

Why You Should Create a Travel Journal

To enhance memories.

Over time our memories of travel naturally fade. By creating an art journal as we travel, we can not only create an amazing unique record of our trip, but researchers have found that through making art, we can actually experience our trip in a different way- and remember more of it!

Taking photographs, it turns out , makes us less likely to remember an experience than just being present to the experience. Drawing an experience, however, increases the vibrance of our memories significantly. For this and so many other reasons, a travel art journal is an incredible way to enhance any travel experience.

In my professional life, I’m part researcher- so I’ve tracked the research (or rather, lack thereof) of travel-journal related research for a few years.

Finally, in early 2021, a research team from Hong Kong, the UK, and the Netherlands presented the results of the first study centering on how a journaling practice may or may not enhance the experience of traveler. You can read the full pape here , but essentially researchers found that travel-created happiness is generally short-lived, but journaling well (in the case of the study, through a guided journaling app designed by the researchers) increased the memorability and meaningfulness of participant’s travel experiences, which appeared to result in positive long-term benefits from travel.  

To create a totally unique souvenir

Except for the unique, antique souvenirs you can pick up at a good street market , most travel souvenirs are pretty unremarkable. 5-10 years after your trip, you’re probably going to donate that Starbucks mug emblazoned with “London” to a thrift store and toss out those laminated travel magnets, but a well-preserved travel journal creates a unique, quality souvenir that even your grandkids would likely treasure. Journal well and follow the journal preservation instructions below, and you’ll return home with a priceless and enviable souvenir of your travels.

To grow writing or art skills

We are often led to believe that the ability to make art or write well are skills that people are born with. While it’s true that some people are more artistically inclined, everyone has the capacity to develop their skills as an artist. Often, the way that we encourage children based on their natural inclinations determines what they dedicate time to, which determines what they become good at. Whether you are a skilled artist/writer or not, practicing will make you better at your craft .

Travel is an amazing opportunity for practice – it dovetails so well with exhausting days of endless walking as a tourist. Taking a very long break in a café to sip a hot drink and sketch- even very terrible sketches- allows you to experience a location in a completely different way while developing your skills.

To grow through personal reflection

Research is very clear that when we reflect on experiences, our ability to be mindful and make more thoughtful, emotionally mature decisions develops. Journaling isn’t just a great way to grow your art skills and create a cool souvenir, journaling can help you grow into a kinder, braver, more thoughtful human.

To share your experience with others

One of the hardest parts of traveling is not being able to share the experience with the people that we love. Even if we are traveling with a partner, a group of friends, or family, there are people we love back home that are only getting the Facebook version of our experience. Being able to come home and walk our loved ones through a travel journal is a gift both to them and to us. This has been especially true for my elderly grandmother who passed away just after I returned from my Transylvania trip , sending her postcards with foreign stamps and hand-scrawled doodles was an important way that we stayed connected over the many miles. ( Click here to read more about my story and how sending postcards to my grandmother from around the world was a way we stayed connected)

Steps to Make a Travel Journal or Travel Art Journal

How to Make a Travel Journal

Time required: 30 minutes

Pick a notebook and create a kit of supplies

Use our travel journal supply list as a guideline to create your own, compact journaling kit.

Take your journal everywhere

While traveling, always keep your journal in your bag. Use it to fight boredom on long layovers , jot down impressions of a place, sketch loved scenes, collect papers, and even to press flowers or leaves.

Create a routine

Your journal will turn out best if you create- and stay faithful to- a routine. When I’m solo travelin g, I often spend an hour or more after dinner relaxing, drawing, writing, painting, making a bullet list of the day’s itinerary, and printing photos on my travel printer for my journal.

Give yourself permission to make mistakes

Think of your journal like a record of your trip- and embrace the imperfect parts as part of the experience. In a travel journal, like in travel, perfectionism can ruin the fun.

After your trip, preserve your journal

Follow our tips to preserve your journal safely so you can return to it to remember your trip for many years to come..

Estimated Cost: 10 USD

• Blank notebook
• Pens and/or Art Supplies

Flip Through of a Mixed Media Travel Journal:

A travel journal can be an amazing way to record your adventures while traveling, help you grow as an artist, and improve the memory of your significant travel experiences. By creating a travel journal that focuses on- or combines- scenes of architecture, natural landscapes, studying the Masters of classic art, creating self-portraits, or creating a sketchnote styled doodle record of your trip, you can create a souvenir with priceless value that’s totally unique to you and will be cherished for years to come.

Lynli Roman’s unique approach to travel is informed by decades of experience on the road with a traveling family and, later, years spent as a solo international traveler. When she’s not writing about Seattle from her Pike Place Market apartment, Lynli writes on-location while conducting hands-on research in each destination she covers. Lynli’s writing has been featured by MSN, ABC Money, Buzzfeed, and Huffington Post. She is passionate about sharing information that makes travel more accessible for all bodies.

Friday 3rd of September 2021

"It’s ok for your art to reflect your experience of a place rather than create an exact record- you get to make the rules and document what is important to you" - truly, truly priceless advice. So very obvious in retrospect, but the sense of freedom it brings is astonishing. Thank you!

LynLi Roman M.A.

Saturday 4th of September 2021

Thanks for commenting Tammi! I'm glad that way of looking at it was helpful- it's definitely helped me feel freer to make MY travel art, whatever that will be!

Trending Post : The Mega List of Free SVG Files

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping a Travel Journal

Create a travel journal for your next adventure.

Let’s talk about creating a travel journal for your next trip that you’re planning.

Traveling starts long before an actual trip begins. 

It usually starts with a dream. 

A dream of a different place, new scenery, a vacation or a getaway.  It can  even just start with a feeling.  We call it Wanderlust….

Planning a trip is just as much a part of traveling as the trip itself.

A travel journal can be start all the way at the beginning of the idea of the trip and then be a keepsake when the adventure ends.

~This post may contain affiliate links.  If you click one and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.  This helps us fund creating great content for you! For more information  click here  ~

Why Keep a Travel Journal?

When you travel, you are collecting memories. 

When you bring those memories back home with you it gives you a chance to relive them, and share them, and maybe even learn from them. 

Travel can expand your view of the world around you, even if you don’t go very far from home and it gives you a chance to escape from your daily routine.

I know that we all use our phones to organize things thees days, I love having everything at my fingertips too, but there’s something romantic and special about writing things down in a journal. 

This is your chance to disconnect from your daily habits and try something new.

A travel journal can be a great keepsake and also a great resource after your trip has ended.  How much easier will it be to remember the name of that fantastic restaurant if you’ve got it written down in your journal?

By keeping a travel diary you have a reflection of your experiences that you can revisit anytime.

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is your diary of a trip, or multiple trips.  It’s where you can write about your experiences and how you felt about them.  It’s the place for you to collect your stories and memories of your trip.

Your travel journal is yours.  It’s personal and it can include anything that you want to jot down about your trip or during your trip.  It’s also a great place to store memento’s.

Using Your Travel Journal to Plan Travel

You can use your travel journal before your trip even begins.  Keep a travel bucket list of places you want to see and things you want to experience.  This is a great list to refer to, and to update and see if it changes as you travel and have more experiences.

You can keep your packing list in your travel journal.  Make notes on what things worked best on your trip and what things you didn’t need.  This can help you plan your packing for future trips. 

Remember that one thing you always forget?  Write it down for next time!

Travel Journal Tips

Plan your trip in your travel journal.

Use your travel journal to plan your trip.  Write down your ideas while you’re researching your trip or talking with fellow travelers.  Is there a great hike you heard about or a restaurant you want to try? 

Put them in your planning pages.

This is a great way to keep track of your ideas before the trip to help you plan your time during the trip.  You can keep contact information and planning all in one central location.

If you’re moving around to different places you can keep your itinerary and lodging information in your journal.

Write During Your Trip

You don’t want this to feel like a chore, but you do want to get a few notes down while they’re fresh in your memory.  Try to spend a few minutes each day putting your thoughts on paper.  Even if it’s just a few lines to be able to jog your memory later, getting some notes down will help you put your story together.

Try to use all your senses when you’re writing – how did you feel, what were the smells and tastes  you experienced.  All these details will help you retain a more vivid picture of your trip and experiences.

There’s always an aspect of wonder when you travel too. 

Try to put down a few of your feelings so that you will be aware of how the trip changed you.  Travel is a great chance to experience personal growth.

Add Keepsakes to Your Journal

You can glue in photos, menus, napkins; really anything that strikes your fancy can be included in your travel journal. 

I like to keep ticket stubs and entry bracelets and write about the places that we’ve visited.  After we return home I might add a few photos that go along with the trip.  If we pick up a tourist brochure for someplace we visit I like to keep those too.

Finish Up When You Return

When you get home be sure to take a little time to look back through your journal.  You may have some memories that you want to add or you may just want to relive a few moments from your trip.

It can also be a great stress reliever to review your journal after you’ve been home awhile.

The Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal

It’s a great way to beat boredom.

If you’re traveling a great distance, or traveling alone, your journal gives you a nice distraction when you need something creative to work on.  You can write anything you want in your journal, it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you when it’s all said and done.

But don’t feel that you have to write about every little thing.  You journal belongs to you and it can just be a keepsake of your favorite things, or notes for future travel.  Remember that it’s always supposed to be fun and not a chore.

You’ll Remember More

Writing helps us commit things to our memory. 

By putting down your thoughts and memories in a journal you will remember more about your trip.  It’s also a great place to jot down notes when you visit with the people you meet along the way.

Ask the local’s the best place to eat and jot it down.  Ask a fellow traveler about what they saw that was unexpected and make a note of it.  Sometimes these are the things that will you get off the beaten path and have experiences that you didn’t expect.

It’s a Great Keepsake

When your trip is all said and done you’ll have a live scrapbook about it.  It can be a great resource when planning another trip or offering tips for someone traveling to the same area. 

It’s also a great place to revisit some memories later.

I always like picking up little things, bottle caps, napkins and other small items.  This gives me a great place to hang onto them so that they’re memories and not clutter.  It’s always fun to keep a bit of the local currency and ticket stubs. 

But don’t be limited to that, you can keepsake most anything.

It also helps me keep different trips and places straight.  I can look back and tell my friend where we ate or the name of the hotel.  It’s all written down and easy to find.

Travel Journal Prompts

Do you need some ideas for thing to include in your travel journal?  Sometimes staring at a blank page can be a hard way to begin.  Here are some prompts to help get you writing.

Where are you going and why?

It can be as simple as taking a vacation or it can be traveling for a service project.  There are no right or wrong answers, it’s your trip.  Tell about why you chose the place and what you hope to find there.

Some trips are mainly for relaxation and some are to enjoy a great activity.  They are all equally important.

What are you planning to do?

Maybe some drinks by the pool, or maybe you’re building a school.  Hey Dr. Seuss, what do you want to do on your trip?  This is something you can write about before you leave and then follow up with while you’re traveling.

Don’t forget to talk about the food  you want to try.

No matter where we travel, we always make it a point to eat locally and not at chain restaurants.

Pick something to focus on

I have a thing about doors. 

I love to see all the beautiful painted and patinaed doors and I make it a point on every trip to take door photos.  At this point I could probably publish a book of just those alone, but it’s also something that ties many of our trips together.

If you have a similar fascination it’s a great focus.  Do you visit all the beaches?  Do you collect sand from each one?  It’s amazing how different beach sand can be.

Write about the Food

You can use your travel journal as a food diary too.  Trying new foods can be a great experience when you travel, or it can be a funny tale in the future.

I know that we only eat beignets in New Orleans.  In my mind they are part of that city and the food there is part of the whole experience.  Conch fritters in the Bahamas, Red Stripe beer in Jamaica.  Is there a food that’s native to the region that you want to try while you’re visiting?

Make a Highlight Reel

If a friend was visiting, what experiences would you tell them to not miss.  What restaurants would you send them to?  Where’s the best place to see the sunset, go dancing, etc. 

Devote a page to just your favorite’s from the trip for reference.

Next time you visit

Every time we visit a place we make a list of things we’d like to do the next time we are there.   The best part of traveling is feeling like there are still things to discover when we return.

Where do you want to go next?

Did this trip give you more ideas of places to visit?  Is it someplace that you can’t wait to visit again?  Did it change your mind about other places you thought you were interested in? .

Travel Journal Inspiration

Here’s a great example of a journal spread for your packing list.

Here is a great example of a memory page in a travel journal.

Here’s a map spread so you can keep track of where you’ve been or where you want to go!

As you can see there’s no end to the creativity you can use in your travel journal.

Do you already keep travel journals or are you planning to start? Let us know in the comments below!

Follow us on Pinterest and on Instagram for lot’s more ideas and inspiration!

Similar Posts

Why your journal isn’t just a journal – it’s a great planning system.

Find Out Why You Need a Mood Tracker – and get your free printable now

The Best Journal Writing Prompts to Inspire You

How to Use a Vision Board to Improve Your Life

How to Easily Create a Dutch Door Spread (Bullet Journal)

Easy Budget Trackers That Will Save Your Finances

This was quite useful for me. I already purchased a nice notebook for my next travel plans. I would like to receive more ideas about this. Thank you very much. Mariana

Mariane: We’re so glad that you found this helpful – I bet your travel journal is going to be amazing! WildOnes

Your post on Pinterest says ‘Hot to make a journal…” instead of ‘How’

Thanks so much for letting us know!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• May 1, 2023

The Art of Travel Journaling: Why, Benefits, and What to Look for in a Travel Journal

Why use a travel journal, benefits of keeping a travel journal, what to look for in a travel journal.

TripList Product Recommendations: Travel Journals

Travel journals are a wonderful way to document your adventures and create a lasting record of your experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, keeping a travel journal can enhance your journey in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons people use travel journals, the benefits of keeping one, and what to look for when considering a travel journal.

There are many reasons people use travel journals. For some, it’s a way to remember the details of their trip – the sights, sounds, and smells – long after they return home. Others use travel journals to capture their thoughts and emotions while on the road. Still others use them as a creative outlet, using sketches, collages, and other art forms to capture the essence of their journey.

Whatever your reason for keeping a travel journal, it can be a valuable tool for enhancing your travel experience. Not only does it provide a way to remember the details of your trip, but it can also help you process your thoughts and feelings about the experience, and even help you plan future trips.

There are many benefits to keeping a travel journal. Here are just a few:

Memory Preservation: A travel journal is a wonderful way to preserve your memories of a trip. By recording your experiences and observations, you can look back on your travels years later and remember the details that might have otherwise been forgotten.

Personal Growth: Travel can be a transformative experience, and keeping a travel journal can help you process your thoughts and emotions about your journey. By reflecting on your experiences and writing down your thoughts, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Creativity: Keeping a travel journal can be a creative outlet, allowing you to experiment with different art forms and styles. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, a travel journal can be a great way to explore your creativity.

Planning Tool: Your travel journal can also serve as a planning tool for future trips. By documenting what worked and what didn’t, you can use your journal to plan more effective and enjoyable trips in the future.

When considering a travel journal, there are a few things to look for:

Size: Consider the size of the journal – do you want something that can fit in your pocket or a larger, more substantial book?

Durability: Look for a journal that is durable enough to withstand travel. Consider a hardcover or spiral-bound journal that can handle being tossed around in your bag.

Paper Quality: The paper quality is important, particularly if you plan to use watercolours or other wet media in your journal. Look for a journal with thick, high-quality paper that won’t bleed or smudge.

Style: Consider the style of the journal – do you prefer something sleek and modern or more rustic and handcrafted? There are a wide range of styles to choose from, so find one that resonates with you.

Whether you’re an experienced traveller or just starting out, a travel journal can be a valuable tool for capturing your experiences and enhancing your journey. By preserving your memories, fostering personal growth, and serving as a planning tool for future trips, a travel journal can be a lasting reminder of your adventures around the world. When considering a travel journal, look for one that suits your needs and preferences – and enjoy the journey!

Avocado & Spice

Avocado & Spice are a British based brand of vegan leather A4, A5 & A6 notebooks, with a pledge to create products with a minimal footprint, which don't add to the earth's growing waste problem. Currently they have a range of 6 different unique animal-themed options to choose from:

The Flamingo

The Avocado and Spice A5 notebook (A4 & A6 also available) is a great tool for travel journaling, with 200 120gsm lined pages for recording stories, daily activities, goals, and more. It features bonuses like a ribbon bookmark, a built-in pen holder, and an elastic band, and comes with a premium gift box and velvet bag. Crafted out of PU leather, it's cruelty-free and makes a beautiful gift for writers, poets, or travellers.

Paper options available include lined, plain, dotted and squared to cover a wide range of preferences. All options come with a gift box and gift bag for safe and stylish storage.

Click Here To Shop

Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal

The Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal is a vegan PU leather notebook designed to record memorable details of your travels, with a page per day providing enough space to note down locations, weather, and your own thoughts. Its handsome design features decorative stitching, embossing, and a soft, leather-like cover material, with dotted lines to guide your writing. The smooth-finish paper is acid-free and of archival quality, and a ribbon bookmark and elastic closure keep your place and secure your writing. Its compact size of 5'' wide x 7'' high fits easily into most bags and backpacks.

Soft Covered Travel Planner & Journal

The Soft Covered Travel Planner & Journal by Rachel Ellen Designs is a practical and beautifully illustrated organizer, featuring a bright elastic closure and a handy pocket to keep important items. With 4 tabbed sections including planning, itinerary, lists, and journal, it offers a comprehensive way to organise your travels. Measuring at 18.50 x 13.50 x 1.50 cm, it's compact and easy to carry on the go.

OMEYA Premium PU Leather Journal Notebook

The OMEYA Premium PU Leather Travel Journal & Notebook has a beautiful dandelion design on the cover, measuring 16.5 x 23.4cm. The refillable paper is thick, 100GSM material that prevents ink bleed through. It comes with two zipper binder pockets to store and organise bills, vouchers, and other small items. It makes an ideal gift for friends, families, teachers, and yourself for various occasions. They come in both A5 & A6 options, and the following colour choices:

Moleskine Travel Journal 400 Page Hardcover Notebook

The Moleskine Travel Journal is a hardcover notebook with 400 plain pages to collect memories of your travels. It features sections to record memories of past and future trips, and tools such as a calendar and timeline for detailed planning. The journal allows you to record 20 short and 6 long trips, with checklists, suggestions on places to visit, and budgets. The notebook can be used as a personal travel diary and is packaged in an elegant box, making it a perfect gift for travel enthusiasts.

Established in Milan, Italy in 1997, Moleskine is a company that designs and produces premium paper products, including luxury notebooks, planners, sketchbooks, wallets, leather backpacks, holdalls, stationery, and various accessories. As well as a Travel Journal , Moleskine also offer journals for: Weddings , Babies , Film & TV , Books , Recipes , Wellness , Wine and more

MALEDEN Leather Travel Journal & Notebook

The MALEDEN Leather Journal Notebook is a stylish and functional accessory for anyone looking to record and keep their valuable travel memories. The refillable journal comes with blank paper, craft paper, and additional 6 postcard pockets and a zipper pocket, making it perfect for writing, sketching, and keeping a personal diary.

The journal features a PU leather cover that not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also helps in keeping the original condition of the journal intact. Its blank and craft paper allows you to write, draw, and scrapbook anything you want, while the 6 postcard pockets and a zipper pocket offer additional space for small items like pens, pencils, business cards, and even your phone. The journal is also refillable, allowing you to add more paper to it or take all paper out easily. With its vintage/casual/business style, this journal makes for a perfect gift for yourself or your loved ones for any occasion.

Didn't find the one that's right for you? Shop a wider range of options here

• Travel Gear Recommendations
• Shopping Guides

Recent Posts

Essential Supplements for Travellers: Supporting Health On-the-Go

Essential Toiletries for Travel: A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Fresh and Hygienic on the Go

Conquering Travel Sickness: Causes, Prevention, and Remedies

What Is Travel Journal And How To Make It

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links . This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Sharing is caring!

Traveling is something we prepare for, save for, and daydream about. Plus, it can grant you remarkable experiences and many things to learn.

At these exciting times, our memory can be unpredictable and sensitive. Due to that, it can be hard to recall your memories, feelings, things you learned, new people you met, and even where you went.

Therefore, I highly suggest you have a travel journal with you.

What is a travel journal?

A travel journal helps you keep track of your large to small physical and emotional experiences, people you met along the way and things you learned.

Besides that, you can use the travel journal to plan your trip.

To sum up, a travel journal is a collection of memories, adventures, discoveries, and stories of yours. 

What do you write in a travel journal?

Remember that you don’t have to be a ‘writer’ to write a travel journal. Grab yourself a notebook that is only for travel journaling.

You can start by writing small impressions in short sentences. It doesn’t necessarily have to be you describe yourself in your own words. You can express yourself with anything that inspires you at the moment.

It could be a sketch, a receipt, a postcard, a new phrase you learned, doodles, pressed leaves/flowers, labels, photos, tickets, seashells, candy wrap, flyers, songs, texts, money, you name it.

The things you write in your travel journal should not be an endless record of facts and truths.

When you write, think about the places you saw and what lasted as a memory of that particular place.

Here are a few things that you can start with.

• Bucket list of destinations

You can start writing your travel journal by writing down a list of your favorite destinations that you would love to visit. Writing these locations and why you like to go to them adds a fine introduction to your tour journal.

When you finally go to these destinations, you can simply recall and add more to your travel journal. Was it as great as you expected? Did you get to see everything in that location? Documenting how your expectations are in contrast to your travels is an extraordinary way to reminisce.

• Travel Research

Once you write down all your destinations, you can do research and jot down the findings of your desired destination.

• Schedules of your trip

This is another thing that you can write in your travel journal. You can add prior planning of your trip like, what activities you can do at your destination and when you plan to do them.

If you find things to see in a specific destination, take notes on information like open hours, reservations, and costs.

Years later, when you look back at your travel journal, you will be able to recall the things you did and what made you happy at the time.

• Buying list

When you start planning your trip, you may realize that you need to buy things before the trip. Take note of those too.

• Things to pack

You can use your travel journal to list things that you need to pack for your trip. For example, chargers, medicine, hygiene products, and the things you may forget easily.

• Significant travel memories

To complete your travel journal, document your travels by writing down significant memories along with visuals such as photos or sketches. A photo can refresh your memory more than a thousand words.

• Post-trip reminiscences

The ending of your journal should be dedicated to reflecting on the things after the trip. There you will find a collection of your sentiments on your trip. You’ll have the privilege of recalling the exact feeling you had back in the day.

Here are 35 travel journal prompts for more inspiration on what to write in your travel journal.

Why should you keep a travel journal?

Journaling is a great way to keep you out of stress and release tension. It can also add a boost to your creativity, bring the vision to your life, and most importantly promote gratitude in yourself. You will learn to appreciate the adventures and the moments you have lived in your life. You’ll be able to find your voice. On top of that, you will become more aware and stay alert about the things happening around you.

Having a travel journal allows you to ponder, examine, and process the complex emotions and experiences you face as a traveler. Moreover, as you write down the names of special places you went to, new cuisines you discovered, names of bars, and other details, you will be able to recommend those to a friend who is visiting the same place. Your travel journal can be an excellent reference for your friends and family to get an insight into the places you have visited. You don’t necessarily have to share your travel journal with others. You can keep it to yourself if you wish. Anyway, years later, you will be fascinated when you read all your thoughts, experiences, and knowledge you grasped while traveling.

How do you make a travel journal?

Let me tell you how you can make a fun and creative DIY travel journal for yourself. First, you have to grab the tools and supplies you will need to make a travel journal. So, the obvious item you will need is a diary or a notebook. How you arrange your travel journal is up to your preference. You can decide if you want more visuals than writing or the other way around. To decorate your travel journal, you will need glue sticks, photos, stickers, washi tape, scissors, highlighters, colored pencils, pens, and a ruler.

I will share some ideas and layouts you can use in your journal. When you are writing a list, you can use a cute bullet-style format. You can draw or paste a map of your destination. You can attach Polaroid photos to your journal. They are really cute and can make your travel journal appealing to read. You can try drawing things you see. You can attach travel tickets where necessary.

Just don’t worry about it not being perfect. It doesn’t matter if you are bad at drawing or have bad handwriting. There are no RULES! Just write what pops into your head.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• New? Start Here
• Try For Free

How To Write A Travel Journal: Ideas, Tips, Prompts & Resources (2023 Definitive Guide)

Before I give you the A-Z on creating your travel journal, I have an interesting thought experiment for you…

Can you imagine packing up your life into ONE SINGLE duffel bag?

That’s exactly what my wife and I did when we first moved onto our sailboat  Sea Otter : one duffel of personal items each, and one small box of other items stored at our folks back home.

It turns out over  90% of the “stuff” we all own can happily be given away  or tossed in the bin.

Look around you right now. How much of the things you see are truly meaningful enough that you’d NEED to keep if all you could leave your home with was ONE duffel?

You’ll like this…

One of the  DEAD SIMPLE decisions you’d face with a “purging” like this is with your travel journals  because I can GUARANTEE it wouldn’t take more than a nanosecond for them to be placed delicately in your bag so you could keep them forever (which is exactly what I did with mine).

That’s how important your  travel diary  will become to you. It will become a cherished vault of memories…

…stories you’d have forgotten if you didn’t jot them down…

…memories you’ll look back on for the rest of your days with an ear-to-ear grin…

…a memento you can pass along to future generations so they can bask in your adventures.

And today you’re going to see  how to write a travel journal of your very own , including travel journal ideas, writing prompts, tips and all the best resources around!

What Is A Travel Journal?

Simply put, a travel journal is a diary of your time on holiday or vacation. It’s a place to jot down the things you never want to forget: people you met, important details, funny events, raw experiences.

And as we’ll discuss, it can take many forms, such as a paper notebook, a DIY scrapbook, an app, a website, and everything in between.

Is There A Difference Between A Travel Journal, Trip Diary, And Travel Log?

People often get confused about whether there’s a difference between these terms, but the answer is that they’re all the same thing.

Whether you prefer to call it a diary or a log doesn’t matter because you enter inside is the same: the stories of your travels.

And here’s an interesting fact you might enjoy: 

The term “travel log” (otherwise known as “travelogue” or “travelog”) originally comes from the term “ship’s log,” which was how sailboats and other seafaring vessels tracked the details of the voyage. They called it a “log” because of a wooden float that they used to drag behind the boat to measure speed.

…You know, in case you were really wondering. 😉

Why Keep A Journal While Traveling?

The experience is priority one.

Followed closely by a way to remember that experience.

You know this conundrum:

If a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?

Now how about this doozie:

If you forget most of the things you did on your trip, did they really happen?

Well of course they did! But wouldn’t it be so much sweeter if you KNEW you would remember that adventure for the rest of your life? Hell yeah!

THAT is why it’s SO important to keep a journal while on your trip: to remember the best days of your life — those days spent abroad exploring new places, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures.

What Are The Different Types Available?

If you want the best travel journal, you first need to know what  type  you would prefer.

There are  2 main types  to consider, and they are very different:

1. A paper notebook style journal 2. A digital, multimedia style journal (such as an app)

Let’s take them one by one:

A Paper Travel Journal:

These are, most often, simple notebooks that you tailor to your travels. Blank page after blank page, ready for ink to cover the lines.

The main benefits of a paper notebook style journal are:

• Some people like the physical act of writing, as opposed to typing on their phones or tablets.
• It’s physical. You can hold it in your hands. It can sit on your bookshelf and physically take up space. 
• They make really cool gifts (especially  personalized travel journals ). 
• You scrapbook with it by gluing in boarding passes, ticket stubs, and anything else you want to keep a hold of.

A few shortcomings of a physical journal are:

• You can lose it! 😩
• You can only write it in, not easily add pictures or videos from your phone.
• You can’t track or tag locations automatically.
• They take up physical space (if you are a diehard minimalist).
• You can’t share your stories online.

A Digital Travel Journal:

Digital journals are usually apps and websites that work well for journaling. That said, you could also DIY it by simply documenting your travels in a simple text doc on your computer or the ‘Notes’ app on your phone (just make sure you back them up properly!).

The main benefits of a  travel journal app :

• The best ones store all your entries securely to the cloud, so you never have to worry about losing your memories.
• You can add pictures directly from your phone’s camera.
• The best ones allow you to add videos too!
• You can collaborate with travel-mates to the same journal, which makes sure you get ALL the stories from all angles (and pics too).
• The best ones automatically tag locations for you and show your routes on a map.
• The best ones allow you to  ‘publish’ your journals online for your friends and family to follow along .

A few shortcomings of a digital journal are:

• It’s in the cloud, so you can’t place it on your coffee table and peruse when you’re in the mood (although the best ones do allow you to print your journals too).
• You can’t glue in physical mementos you want to hold on to.
• They’re harder to give as gifts because the “ unwrapping ” just isn’t the same.

As you can see, there are tradeoffs with each style and the answer to which is better truly lies in what you find as more important. Do you want to  share it online  or are you happy to  keep it privately written  on your bookshelf? Are you cool with just being able to write or do want to add pictures, videos, and maps ?

Think about what’s best and go for it! Remember, you can always choose a different style next time!

5 Of The Best Travel Journal Notebooks To Buy

There are loads of travel journals available for you to buy online. Some with simple ruled pages, others with prompts and other interesting things inside, and some are personalized for that extra cool touch.

Here are our top 5 favorites (including a few of our best selling personalized journals, of course 😊):

1.  The Extraordinary Life & Adventures Notebook (Personalized!)  by Journo Travel Goods

2.  Refillable Leather Journal Traveler’s Notebook  by Moterm 3.  Personalized ‘Comrades in Life, Love & Adventure’ Couples Travel Journal  by Journo Travel Goods

4.  Simple Premium Leather With Monogram  by OxAndPine

5.  The Custom Boarding Pass Travel Journal  by Journo Travel Goods

There are plenty of options out there. The best of which comes with personalization and are an ideal size for hauling around on a trip.

What Is The Best App For Journaling?

I founded  Journo  to do ONE THING: help fellow travel junkies track, remember and share their adventures like they couldn’t do ANYWHERE else.

It all started while at anchor in a secluded bay in The Bahamas, when I was trying to describe in my paper journal the most strikingly red sunset I’d ever seen. But I couldn’t find the words.

…and  I felt like I was going to miss out on that memory  if the only way I was trying to document it was on paper.

The very next day the idea for  Journo  was born. It’s taken on a life of its own since – developing a huge community of incredible travelers and winning “Best Travel App” by IMA Awards. 

National Geographic Travel put it simply:

“Sharing memories from a trip can get messy. Journo removes the pain.”

Journo  is loaded with cool capabilities that make it so much easier to document your trips. And even comes with your very own travel blog so your friends and family back home can follow along (and endlessly drool at your adventures 🤤).

Journo is  available on iOS for iPhones and iPad , with Android coming soon. Of course, there are a few other travel journal apps out there and I encourage you to compare with Journo and use whichever you think is best. 

What do you write in your journal? 10 Fun Travel Journal Ideas To Inspire You!

A little nudge can go a long way when you’re first starting out. So to get your mind running, here are 10 of our favorite ideas to include in your trip diary:

1. Start before your trip.  Jot down your  pre-trip planning list , where you’re going, who with, what items are on your  must-see and must-do lists . Write about anything you’re most excited about, even if it’s simply relaxing on the beach and going through a couple of  great books !

2. A picture is worth a thousand words.  If you’re using a travel journal app like Journo, the simplest thing to do is start in your photo album. Look through, grab a pic that catches your eye, add it to your Journal and then write the story about it! If you’re using a paper journal, consider bringing along  a mini polaroid like this , and then paste in your pics!

3. A video is worth all the words.  This one only works with a limited number of apps that allow for video (like Journo, of course 😉), but including a video of a memorable moment can really take your entries up a notch.

4. Oh, the sights!  We often say, “ Don’t be a tourist. Be a traveler. ” But we always recommend seeing the big sights, even if they’re in massive tourist traps. They’re big sights for a reason – they’re incredible! Add them to your journal. Write about if they lived up your expectations or not.

5. It’s all about the people.  I guarantee some of the longest-lasting memories you’ll have from a trip are of the people you meet. We, humans, are built for connection, and so a beautiful connection with a new friend or complete stranger can have a lasting impact. Document it!

6. Let’s not forget about the food.  Even the most non-foodies amongst us love to talk about  amazing food experiences abroad . I’ll never forget my squid ink spaghetti on The Amalfi Coast, or navigating my way through Cuy (Guinea Pig!) in Cuzco, or my daily  street dumplings  in Shanghai. Take pics of your favorite dishes, jot down the restaurant (or pin it on a map in Journo), and describe the food in detail! 😋

7. Map it!  If you’re anything like me, you love the look of a cool map. Now, doesn’t that map get even sweet when it’s of YOUR travel route? Yep! Draw it and color it if you’re using a paper journal (gives you something to do when in limbo or on a  long train ride ). If you’re using an app, it should  pin your route for you .

8. Paste in awesome mementos.  This one is best for the paper journalers amongst us because you can literally glue in cool stuff from your adventures, like maps, ticket stubs, bottle labels, coasters, postcards, foreign dollar bills, candy wrappers, etc. Whatever you find interesting, toss it in! If you’re using an app, just take a pic of it!

9. Write about yourself.  No better place for a little bit of introspection than on a trip. And that’s usually because – if you’re doing it right – you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and growing as a person. Write about that. Write about your feelings, changed opinions, ups, and downs, whatever it may be that you’re going through!

10. Team up!  We created Journo as a collaborative journaling tool because it’s a ton of fun for you and your travel-mates to be journaling in the same place ( here’s my wife, Mak, and my collabo Journo from a sail a while back , as an example). You get all the stories and, oftentimes, a hilarious new angle on a shared experience. If you’re using a paper journal, just pass it around, maybe even taking turns documenting the days.

>> New: 100 travel journal prompts for ever part of your adventure.

And whatever you do… don’t overthink it! It’s better to just roll with it than overthink it. It’s just an entry, after all. Just write!

One thing we’ve discovered from our community of travel journalers is that it can be hard to find the time  while on a trip  to keep up with your journaling. Here’s some help with that…

4 Writing Tips To Fill Your Travel Journal With Ease WHILE Vacationing

1. Start with today.  With limited time, and being pretty beat after a long day, it’s tough to keep up. So just don’t worry about previous days, just start with today (and catch up as soon as you can or when you get home and maybe  feeling the post-trip blues ).     

2. Think “highlight reel.”  The quickest way to get that entry rolling is to think about the top 1-3 things that went down today. Add those, then expand later if you want. 

3. Start in your phone’s photo album.  As mentioned above, it’s simplest to start by pulling up the date in your phone’s photo library, find the best pics, add them to your journal and write a short snippet of it.     

4. Consider giving your friends back home a touch of the #TravelEnvy bug.  😜 With Journo, you can publish your entries to your very own travel blog with a couple of taps. This will both  make your friends drool  and also keep you on track with adding more stories of your adventures.

I hope you found this helpful in getting started with traveling journaling. Remember, the most important thing is to simply begin.

Step one is to grab the right journal  for you  (thanks for considering Journo in your decision).  Step two , if you have time before your departure date,  is to start writing now ! That easy!

Ok here’s one last helpful tip for you…

Try to develop the habit of daily journaling now will make it even easier while on your trip.  Here is a free downloadable journaling prompt exercise book for you: The 21-Day Journo Challenge.

Inside you’ll get ONE word or image, and all you need to do is write about WHATEVER comes to your mind as you read the word or lay your eyes on the pic.

Have any tips we didn’t mention? What do you love travel journaling about the most?  Tell us in the comments below!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Posts:

Advertiser Disclosure

This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. We appreciate your support!

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Travel Tips, Tricks, & Hacks — Straight To Your Inbox

No spam, only the goods. And we would never share your info with anyone.

• Bucket List
• Travel Tips
• Remote Work
• Gift Guides

Most Popular Stories

11 Proven Ways To Be A Responsible Traveler

We want to be responsible adults, responsible citizens, but what about responsible travelers? Are there things we can do that protect us and those around

7 Literary Cities for the Book Lover

We read books to learn new skills, understand our world better, and get lost in the incredible stories of authors from all walks of life. 

14 Tips for Anyone Traveling Alone

In these challenging times, our schedules are out of whack and we are itching to explore. You may find that significant others and close friends

13 Unique Gift Ideas For Father’s Day

Our fathers hold a special place in our hearts. Whether you’re able to spend this Father’s Day with yours or not, we hope to help

Travel More, Remember Better.

• Journo Travel Journal
• Currency Converter
• Become An Insider
• Digital Nomad Secrets
• Remote Work Wealth Club
• Travel Hacker's Toolkit
• Travel Fund Challenge
• Insider Adventures
• Shop Travel Goods
• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• PRIVACY POLICY

If you’ve been wondering how to start a travel journal, you’re in the right place! I love travel journals and am slowly working up to a solid collection of them from my various travels throughout my life. From wandering in Europe to roadtrips in the US, you can start a travel journal for almost any trip you take.

It’s a worthwhile thing to do, as the further you get away from a trip the more the memories fade. I love having my journals to go back to as it helps jog my memory on details I might have forgotten or how a place made me feel. Plus, I’m one of those people that loves travel photos – whether they’re my own or someone else’s. I like seeing far away places through the lens.

There are a variety of ways to get started travel journaling, and it might seem a little daunting at first but don’t let this scare you off!  You just have to find the version of travel journaling that’s right for you. So here’s an outline of a couple different versions, but remember, as always, your journal is your own and the beauty of journaling is that it can be whatever you want it to be! I’m just here to help spark some ideas for you.

Transparency Note: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase through my links I will make a small commission through no extra charge to you. You can read more on the  privacy policy and disclosure .

How to Start a Travel Journal: Kinds of Journaling

Just the Facts Travel Journaling

This is the easiest way to start a travel journal. It involves nothing but a notebook, a pen and jotting down the things you saw, foods you ate, and where you stayed. You can create a daily log that just highlights where you’ve been. You can use a separate notebook for this or you can incorporate it into another form of journaling or planning you do. A great way to do this is to incorporate it into your bullet journal !

Storytelling Travel Journaling

This is taking your just the facts to the next level. You can go beyond the facts to explore the sites, describe the smells and tastes of the food you had, the feel of the cobblestones under your feet, or maybe something less romantic – like how your flight had rough turbulence and then the airline lost your luggage and you had to improvise for two days until it finally arrived at your hotel (who hasn’t been there at some point, right?).  This is where you take your facts and make them a little more vivid with your imagination.

Envelope Travel Journaling

This version of travel journaling uses some combination of one of the above along with saving lots of odds and ends that you collect on your trip.  Your receipts, ticket stubs, post cards, the napkin from the cafe where you had your first real cappuccino in Italy, the brochure from the museum you visited, and so on. You’ll want to make sure the journal you have has lots of pockets and envelopes and other places to stuff those things so you can bring them back with you. They are a low-key way to illustrate your trip.

Scrapbook Style Travel Journaling

This version is the slightly more complicated version of the previous way of starting a travel journal. It involves taking some of those odds and ends, some photos that you’ve taken along the way (do you know they make awesome pocket sized printers these days?) and gluing them down in your journal with washi tape or some other kind of adhesive. You can get super creative with this, adding doodles and drawings and other elements to it or you can just keep it simple. Writing is up to you – but I highly recommend at least jotting down the places and times you were at when you collected things. Down the road these will be helpful reminders!

Sketchbook Travel Journaling

Do you love to sketch and doodle? Do you see a place and your fingers start itching for a pad of paper and a good pencil? Maybe you just find the idea of sitting in a plaza in Europe sketching the outline of a 15th century building inspiring. If so, this might be the right way to start a travel journal for you then.  All you really need is a sketchbook and a pencil, but this is also a great way to incorporate details into any other form of travel journal you create. Even if you’ve never tried sketching before, you should give it a go. You might be surprised with what you come up with, and if nothing else it gives you the opportunity to find a nice cafe table or park bench to set up and people watch from!

Just remember, you should do the kind of travel journaling that appeals to you. Don’t compare yourself to other journalers out there and don’t think that because your travel journal isn’t perfect that it isn’t worth doing.  Checking out other travel journals is an opportunity for you to have inspiration, not dictate how you have to do your own journal.  Besides, it’s the imperfections that make your travel journal great!

Supplies to Start a Travel Journal

The kind of travel journaling that appeals to you above will help you start to decide what kind of supplies you might need. You may only want a notebook or a pen, or you may want to create a small pouch of things to take along with you. Just remember to keep your supplies as minimal as you can. You don’t want to have to carry around a bunch of extra things you might not even use. And while sketching in a plaza might seem romantic, it won’t if you have to bring an entire office worth’s of supplies along with you.

The things I’d highly recommend bringing with you are:

• A journal – whether you want to make your own journal or you want to just pick one up. You can go the simple route and just get a blank notebook or bullet journal, or you can find a version that has prompts ready to go for you.
• Pens or pencil – I like taking something erasable, so I’d recommend a mechanical pencil or an erasable pen. I love these frixion pens !
• Washi – Whether you want to decorate a page or just need a practical way to get your ticket stub to stay stuck to the page, washi can serve all these purposes. And the best part is that if you change your mind later, you can easily remove it and move things around.

Beyond those, it’s really up to you. What will make you feel motivated to journal?

How to Fit Travel Journaling Into Your Trip

You might be really excited about the idea of a travel journal, but there’s just one problem. You have big plans for you trip – whether its spending time relaxing on the beach or packing in as much sightseeing as Paris can offer. When the heck are you supposed to take time to travel journal?

There’s no right answer, but I do have a few suggestions.

Take your travel journal with you in your day bag or purse. You never know when you might have to wait in a long line, or you might have some extra time at a restaurant to jot down a few words. Or if you’re sketching, you never know when you might feel inspired. There have been numerous times I’ve ended up in a park or with time to spare while waiting for my food to come at a restaurant that I could have used to jot down a few words.

Journal at the end of the day. Whether it’s after you get back to your room at night or right before you go to sleep, there’s usually some extra time at the end of the day where you can squeeze in some travel journaling. And best of all, the memories are all fresh in your mind. This is my second favorite way to get some travel journaling in when I’m on the road.

After the Trip…What to Do With Your Travel Journal

I like to bring it home and add additional pages I might not have thought about while I was on the road. It’s also a great time to write a sort of “wrap up” entry, to summarize the trip.  You can also sneak in some extra photos or finish any pages you didn’t get a chance to.

If you have a significant amount of leftover blank pages, you can reuse the journal over and over again on future trips until you fill it out. Or you can choose to just keep one journal per trip. It’s up to you.

After the trip find a place to store your travel journal so that you can preserve it (and find it when you’re ready to head out on your next adventure).  You can keep it on a shelf or in a drawer, but to keep it safe long term it’s best to keep it somewhere where the temperature and humidity are moderated (aka not a basement or an attic). 

What About Previous Trips?  

Also, if you have a trip that you’ve already been on and wish you would have kept a travel journal – you can go back!  I’ve started doing this myself with trips that I’ve taken and didn’t keep a journal on. I still have dozens (okay hundreds) of pictures that are just sitting on drive somewhere and lots of memories.  When I have some free time and feel inspired, I go back and add to the journal. Better late than never, and the sooner you get those memories down the better.

Plus, getting those photos off a drive and into a place where I can page through them makes them so much more meaningful.

Like it? Pin it to your board for later:

How to Start and Keep a Travel Journal: A Guide to Travel Diaries

When you capture your memories, you’ll never lose them.

Traveling is a transformative and enriching experience – and one of the best ways to capture and preserve those memories is by keeping a travel journal. A travel journal serves as a personal record of your adventures, reflections, and emotions throughout your journey.

A travel journal offers numerous benefits and can become a cherished keepsake for years to come. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to start and keep a travel journal – and how to make the most of your journaling experience.

Why Keep a Travel Journal?

Keeping a travel journal is a gateway to a treasure trove of memories , self-reflection , and creative expression . From preserving the details of your journeys to unlocking personal growth, a travel journal is definitely worthwhile. Let’s uncover the magic of travel journaling together.

Preserving Memories

Preserving memories is crucial when it comes to maintaining a travel journal. It is essential to capture the moments and experiences during your trips. Here are some techniques to effectively preserve your memories:

– Write comprehensive descriptions of the places, individuals, and activities you encounter. It is important to be vivid and use expressive language in your writing.

– Capture photographs of the landscapes, landmarks, and memorable moments you come across.

– Keep tickets, receipts, and other mementos from your travels as keepsakes.

– Maintain a daily log of your activities, thoughts, and emotions throughout the journey.

– Consider recording voice memos to encompass ambient sounds and conversations, which will add depth to your memories.

– Document the people you meet on your journey, including their names and stories .

Incorporating these practices into your travel journal will allow you to effectively preserve your memories for the years to come.

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Self-reflection and personal growth are essential aspects of travel journaling. When you take the time to introspect and process your experiences and emotions, you not only gain a deeper understanding of yourself but also foster personal growth .

Here are five effective ways to enhance self-reflection and personal growth through your travel journal:

1. Embracing emotions : Use your journal to describe your feelings and emotions during your travels. This practice can help you process and comprehend your emotional responses.

2. Contemplating experiences : Take the opportunity to write about the impactful moments, challenges, and lessons you encounter. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights, learn, and grow.

3. Recognizing strengths and weaknesses : Assess your reactions to various situations and identify areas where you excel as well as struggle. This self-awareness will optimize your personal growth.

4. Establishing personal goals : Utilize your journal to set realistic development goals for yourself. For instance, if you tend to be shy, challenge yourself to interact with locals. Regularly reflect on these goals and track your progress.

5. Documenting achievements : Take the time to celebrate your accomplishments in your journal. Whether it’s conquering fears, trying new activities, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, recognizing these achievements will boost your self-confidence and inspire further growth.

By actively engaging in self-reflection and personal growth through your travel journal, you can maximize your travel experiences and create positive changes that spill over into various aspects of your life.

Creative Outlet

Travel journaling provides you with a valuable creative outlet that allows you to express yourself and document your experiences in unique ways.

There are several methods through which travel journaling serves as a creative outlet:

1. Writing: You can vividly describe your adventures, including the places you visit, the people you meet, and the emotions you experience. By skillfully using descriptive language, you can bring your experiences to life on the pages of your journal.

2. Drawing and Sketching: If you possess artistic abilities, you can visually represent your travels through sketches and drawings. You have the opportunity to capture breathtaking landscapes or intricate architectural wonders.

3. Collages and Scrapbooking: Incorporating various mementos such as pictures, tickets, and postcards can elevate your travel journaling experience. By artfully arranging these items, you can create visually appealing collages that effectively capture your journey.

4. Mapping and Planning: You may enjoy incorporating maps and itineraries into your journals. By using different colors, markers, and symbols, you can highlight your routes, points of interest, and even plan future adventures.

5. Poetry and Prose: Travel journals offer a platform for you to explore your emotions and experiences through poetry, short stories, and song lyrics. This allows you to express your thoughts and reflections in a profound and meaningful way.

Incorporating a creative outlet into travel journaling enhances the overall experience, enabling you to express yourself artistically. It adds a personal and unique touch to your journals, reflecting your unique personality and perspective.

Editor’s Note : You don’t have to be a famed artist to enjoy adding artistic touches to your journal – even a postcard can help you capture a moment or memory, it’s art!

How to Start a Travel Journal?

You might be wondering, “Where do I start?”

You’ll need to start with a journal and a journey. Consider the following guidelines as you choose and prepare to record an adventure you’ll never forget. Are you ready to dive into the world of travel journaling and embark on an adventure of self-expression and reflection?

Choose the Right Journal

When selecting a journal, it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

Consider these factors to choose the right journal that meets your needs and enhances your travel journaling experience.

Determine Your Journaling Style

When it comes to travel journaling, determine your style. This helps capture your travel experiences authentically and true to your voice. Consider these factors when determining your style:

1. Writing or Visual: Decide if you prefer writing or capturing your thoughts and experiences through drawings, sketches, or collages. Some may prefer a combination.

2. Length and Detail: Consider how much detail you want in your journal entries. Do you enjoy writing long and descriptive passages or shorter, more concise entries? This determines entry length and depth.

3. Structure: Think about if you prefer a structured journal with a specific format like a daily log or reflection on specific trip aspects. Alternatively, you may prefer a free-flowing and spontaneous approach.

4. Multimedia Elements: Decide if you want to include additional elements like travel photos, tickets, or souvenirs. These bring memories to life and add a visual dimension.

Remember, your journaling style can evolve and change over time. The important thing is to find a resonating style that effectively captures your travel experiences. Experiment with different approaches and embrace the freedom to authentically express yourself. Happy journaling!

Gather Essential Supplies

To gather essential supplies for your travel journal, follow these steps:

1. Choose a journal: Select a journal that fits your style and preferences. Consider factors like page count, paper thickness, and lay-flat design for easy writing.

2. Pens and markers: Bring a variety of writing tools , including pens, markers, and highlighters, to add color and creativity to your journal.

3. Sticky notes and adhesive: Pack sticky notes or adhesive to incorporate extra elements like tickets, postcards, or photos into your journal. This will make your journal visually appealing.

4. Travel accessories: Consider including travel-specific items such as a small pouch for souvenirs, a ruler for straight lines or measurements, or a pocket-sized travel guide for reference.

5. Accessories for organization: Keep your journal organized with accessories like paper clips, binder clips, or page flags. These can be useful for marking important pages or sections.

6. Glue or tape: If you plan to add larger or heavier items to your journal, such as brochures or maps, bring glue or tape to securely attach them.

7. Travel-friendly storage: Make sure you have a sturdy and compact bag or case to store all your journaling supplies in one place. This will make it easier to access them while traveling.

Remember, the purpose of gathering essential supplies is to enhance your journaling experience and creativity. Consider which items will be most useful and enjoyable for you personally.

What to Include in Your Travel Journal?

Keeping a travel journal is the perfect way to capture the essence of your adventures. You have a lot of options when it comes to what to include – especially if you’re detailed oriented. Here are some of the major players.

Daily Itinerary and Activities

When traveling and keeping a journal, you may want to document your daily itinerary and activities. Here are some key points to consider:

– Record your daily activities: Write down the places you visit, the attractions you see, and the activities you engage in each day. This helps you remember the details and experiences.

– Date and timestamp your entries: Include the date and time of each activity in your journal. This creates a chronological account of your journey.

– Include details and descriptions: Be descriptive in your writing, capturing the sights, sounds, and smells of each activity. Use vivid language to paint a picture of your experiences.

– Add personal reflections: Alongside your itinerary, include your thoughts and feelings about each activity. Reflect on how the experience impacted you and what you learned from it.

– Document any challenges or surprises: Note any unexpected obstacles or pleasant surprises you encountered during your activities. This adds depth and authenticity to your travel narrative.

– Attach mementos: Include tickets, brochures, or other physical items related to your daily activities. These mementos bring back memories and enhance your journal entries.

Remember, the goal of documenting your daily itinerary and activities is to create a comprehensive record of your trip. By capturing the details and emotions of each day, you’ll be able to relive your travel experiences in the future. Happy journaling!

Impressions and Emotions

Impressions and emotions are crucial aspects when capturing the essence of travel experiences. By actively describing and reflecting on them, you have the ability to construct a vibrant and meaningful travel journal.

• To start, describe your impressions by taking note of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that stand out to you when visiting a new place. Utilize descriptive language to effectively convey the atmosphere and essence of the location. For instance, instead of simply stating “the beach was beautiful,” vividly describe the vibrant colors of the sunset reflecting off the water, the delightful scent of the salty breeze, and the comforting sensation of warm sand between your toes.
• Describe the enticing taste of local delicacies, the texture of cobblestone streets beneath your feet, or the vibrant array of colors at a bustling market. Engaging multiple senses not only makes your journal entry more immersive but also evokes a more vivid recollection .
• It is important to reflect on your emotions while traveling. Travel often evokes a range of emotions, such as excitement, awe, nostalgia, and introspection . Write about how certain moments or experiences made you feel. Did you experience a surge of adrenaline while embarking on a chalenging hiking trail? Were you filled with a sense of wonder and reverence when visiting a historic site? By capturing your emotions in words, you are able to evoke and relive those unforgettable moments while comprehending their impact.
• Express your personal connections in your journal. Share how you connected with the individuals you encountered during your journey. Write about the meaningful conversations you had, the friendships you formed, or the cultural exchanges that touched your heart. These personal connections and interactions leave a lasting impression and add depth to your travel journal.
• Reflect on your personal growth as a result of your travels. Travel provides unique opportunities for self-discovery and personal development. Contemplate how your experiences challenged you, pushed you out of your comfort zone, or broadened your perspectives. Write about the valuable lessons you learned and how you have grown as an individual. Reflecting on personal growth helps to further enrich your travel journal.

By prioritizing and focusing on impressions and emotions in your travel journal, you can create a comprehensive and meaningful record of your adventures. This record will effectively transport you back to those treasured moments whenever you revisit your journal.

Photos, Tickets, and Souvenirs

Photos, tickets, and souvenirs are important for travel journals to capture and preserve trip memories. Here are reasons why these items are valuable:

– Photos: Capture landscapes, views, and moments of travel. They serve as visual reminders of places and experiences.

– Tickets: Save tickets from attractions, museums, shows, or events attended during the trip. These tickets transport you back to the exact date and time of something new and exciting.

– Souvenirs: Physical mementos that evoke powerful memories of travel. They can be notes, postcards, shop receipts, or even food wrappers. Souvenirs remind you of the culture, traditions, and unique aspects of the destination.

By including photos, tickets, and souvenirs, you create a comprehensive record of your experiences. These items add depth and richness to your written descriptions , allowing you to relive your adventures more tangibly. Photos serve as visual aids to jog your memory and bring back specific details of each location visited. Similarly, tickets and souvenirs help recall specific events or attractions interacted with during the trip.

Tips for Effective Travel Journaling

Looking to up your travel journal game? Say goodbye to mundane travel entries and hello to captivating narratives that will transport you and your readers back to your adventures in a heartbeat. Ready to unleash your inner storyteller and create a travel journal that will truly stand the test of time?

Here are our top tips.

Write Regularly

To maximize your travel journal’s effectiveness, it is crucial to write regularly. By consistently recording your experiences, thoughts, and feelings, you can capture the essence of your travels and create a vibrant and meaningful record.

1. Set a schedule : Establish a routine for journaling, whether in the evening before bed or during breakfast each morning. By incorporating journaling into your daily routine, you ensure that you don’t forget to record important moments and details.

2. Make it a habit : Treat journaling as a regular practice, like brushing your teeth or exercising. By prioritizing journaling and making it a non-negotiable part of your day, you are more likely to write regularly and consistently – at home or away.

3. Write in the moment : Don’t wait too long before jotting down your experiences. Memories fade quickly, and by writing while the details are still fresh in your mind, you can capture the nuances and emotions of each adventure.

4. Keep it simple : You don’t need to write a lengthy essay every time you journal. Sometimes, a few sentences or bullet points can be enough to jog your memory and capture the essence of the moment. Focus on the key highlights and impressions that stand out to you.

5. Use prompts and writing techniques : If you’re feeling stuck, use prompts or writing techniques to stimulate your creativity. Try freewriting, list-making, or describing a specific sensory experience. This can help generate ideas and deepen your journal entries.

By writing regularly, you will cultivate a substantial collection of travel memories for future reflection. So, make it a habit, be consistent, and enjoy the process of documenting your adventures. Happy journaling!

Be Descriptive and Detailed

Keeping a travel journal requires being descriptive and detailed. This allows you to capture the essence of your travel experiences and create vivid memories. Besides sharing sensory descriptions and your emotions and responses , here are some tips to help you be descriptive and detailed in your travel journal:

1. Include colorful anecdotes : Share interesting stories, encounters, or observations that stood out to you during your travels. These anecdotes add depth and personality to your journal entries.

2. Add context : Provide background information about the places you visit. This can include historical facts, cultural traditions, or local customs. It helps create a richer understanding of the destinations you explore.

3. Use quotes and dialogue : Incorporate conversations you had with locals or fellow travelers, as well as any memorable quotes or phrases that resonated with you. This adds authenticity and liveliness to your journal.

Being descriptive and detailed in your travel journal creates a personal time capsule of your adventures . So, grab your journal, embrace your inner storyteller, and let your words transport you back to those incredible moments you experienced while traveling.

It can also enhance memory retention – writing about experiences in detail helps solidify memories and improve recall.

Keeping Your Travel Journal Safe

When it comes to keeping your travel journal safe, there are a couple of important considerations to keep in mind. With the increasing use of technology, finding the right methods for digital backup is crucial. Safeguarding your physical journals from loss or damage is also a key aspect of preserving your travel experiences.

Let’s explore the best practices for keeping your travel journal safe and secure!

Digital Backup

When it comes to keeping your travel journal safe and secure, digital backup is essential. Here are some options to protect your travel journal:

• Cloud Storage: Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to upload digital copies of your travel journal. This way, even if you lose or damage your physical journal, you can always access your entries from any device with an internet connection.
• External Hard Drive: Backup your travel journal regularly with an external hard drive. These devices have large storage capacities, allowing you to store written entries, photos, and videos.
• USB Flash Drive: Keep a USB flash drive specifically for your travel journal backups. These portable devices are compact and easy to carry, ensuring you always have a backup copy of your journal.
• Email Yourself: Send digital copies of your journal entries to your email address. This serves as a quick and convenient backup method accessible from anywhere.

In addition to these options, it is advisable to password-protect your digital backups for added security. Remember to regularly update your backups and store them separately from your physical journal to minimize the risk of losing all your travel memories.

By implementing one or more of these digital backup methods, you can have peace of mind knowing that your travel journal is safeguarded, and your cherished memories are securely preserved. So go ahead and embark on your next adventure, knowing that your travel journal is backed up and ready to capture every moment.

Protecting Physical Journals

Protecting physical journals is crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of travel memories. To safeguard your travel journal, consider the following tips:

– Use a sturdy cover : Opt for a durable journal , like a hardcover or leather-bound notebook , to prevent tearing or damage.

– Waterproof protection : Invest in a waterproof journal cover or use a plastic sleeve to shield your journal from spills or rain, preserving your writing – especially if you’re hiking or camping with it.

– Keep it separate : Avoid storing your journal with sharp objects or liquids. Use a dedicated pouch or compartment in your bag to minimize accidents.

– Store in a safe place : When not in use, store your journal in a secure and dry location , away from sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent fading or warping.

– Back it up : Make digital copies or scans of your journal pages to mitigate the risk of loss or damage. Store them securely on your computer, external hard drive, or cloud storage.

– Handle with care : Use clean hands and gentle handling to preserve the binding and keep the pages intact.

By following these precautions, you can protect your travel journal and ensure it remains a treasure of memorable experiences for years to come.

Interesting fact : The oldest surviving travel diary dates back to the 2nd century AD. It was written by a Roman soldier named Aulus Plautius , who documented his exploration of Britain !

Sharing Your Travel Journal

When sharing your travel journal, follow these steps to effectively communicate your experiences to others so they can experience your adventure with you all over again.

– Organize your entries : Arrange your journal entries in a logical order, either chronologically or by location. This helps readers follow your journey and understand its progression.

– Include visuals : Alongside your written entries, add photographs, postcards, or sketches that capture the essence of your travels. Visuals enhance readers’ understanding and create a more immersive experience.

– Be descriptive : Use vivid and detailed language to describe the places, people, and experiences you encountered. Paint a picture with your words so that readers can feel like they are there with you.

– Share personal insights : Include your thoughts, reflections, and emotions in your journal entries. This adds a personal touch and allows readers to connect with your experiences on a deeper level.

– Consider your audience : Think about who you want to share your journal with. If it’s a close group of family and friends, you can be more intimate and less formal in your writing. If you plan to publish or share your journal with a wider audience, make sure your tone and content are appropriate.

– Set boundaries : While sharing your travel experiences can be exciting, respect the privacy of others. Be mindful of what you include in your journal and obtain consent before sharing personal stories or photographs involving other individuals.

Sharing your travel journal allows you to relive your adventures and inspire others to explore the world. So grab your pen, gather your memories, and let your words transport you and your readers to the incredible places you’ve visited.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how can a travel journal be beneficial for business purposes.

By keeping a travel journal, you can jot down ideas and inspiration for business ventures during your trips. It allows you to document potential collaborations, networking opportunities, and innovative concepts that can be implemented in your work.

2. What are some pre-departure ideas to spark travel journal ideas?

Before leaving for your trip, consider researching the history and culture of your destination. This can help spark ideas for what to include in your travel journal, such as unique landmarks, local customs, or traditional cuisine.

3. How can a travel journal help with post-holiday ideas?

After your trip, reviewing your travel journal can jog your memory and inspire ideas for future vacations. You can reflect on your favorite experiences, places you want to revisit, or even new destinations you discovered during your previous trip.

4. What are some different versions of travel journaling?

There are various ways to approach travel journaling, including “just the facts,” storytelling, envelope-style, scrapbook style, and sketchbook. Each version offers a unique way to document and remember your trips, allowing you to choose the style that suits you best.

5. Can a travel journal be stored digitally?

Absolutely! In modern life, digital travel journal options are available. You can use diary software or dedicated travel journal apps to create a solid collection of your travel memories. Just make sure to backup your digital journal to keep it safe.

6. Is it essential to keep a separate notebook for each trip?

It is not necessary to have a separate notebook for each trip. You can use a single travel journal and section it off for various travels. This way, you can maintain one comprehensive journal that includes all your travel adventures.

Brooks Manley

Creative Primer  is a resource on all things journaling, creativity, and productivity. We’ll help you produce better ideas, get more done, and live a more effective life.

My name is Brooks. I do a ton of journaling, like to think I’m a creative (jury’s out), and spend a lot of time thinking about productivity. I hope these resources and product recommendations serve you well. Reach out if you ever want to chat or let me know about a journal I need to check out!

Here’s my favorite journal for 2024: 

Gratitude Journal Prompts Mindfulness Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Anxiety Reflective Journal Prompts Healing Journal Prompts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Journal Prompts Mental Health Journal Prompts ASMR Journal Prompts Manifestation Journal Prompts Self-Care Journal Prompts Morning Journal Prompts Evening Journal Prompts Self-Improvement Journal Prompts Creative Writing Journal Prompts Dream Journal Prompts Relationship Journal Prompts "What If" Journal Prompts New Year Journal Prompts Shadow Work Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Overcoming Fear Journal Prompts for Dealing with Loss Journal Prompts for Discerning and Decision Making Travel Journal Prompts Fun Journal Prompts

How to Start a Bullet Journal + 25 Bullet Journal Ideas

You may also like, the best pens for journaling, notebooks, & planners.

Investigating the Relationship Between Creativity and Intelligence

How to use a planner to stay organized and get more done, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Productivity
• Favorite Journals

Travelling is ultimately a tool for growth. If you want to venture further, click this banner and take the leap 😉

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » Best Travel Journals

The BEST Travel Journals of 2024! | Leather, Bullet Journals, Refillable Notebooks + More!

Looking for something special in which you jot down memories of your travel adventures? Then our list of the  best travel journals  out there is definitely going to help you out.

In our world of smartphones and social media, anything remotely physical – like writing down stuff on a page – feels super old fashioned. But just because you could type it or tap out your thoughts on a touch screen, it’s still good to connect with physical objects.

The main thing about having a travel journal is how one-of-a-kind it feels. Having memories of your year-long backpacking journey around the world actually physically written in a book would be amazing to read back in years to come; likewise, having somewhere to note down ideas whilst you’re on the go and use for inspiration later feels more organised than some character-less notes on your phone.

So whatever you are looking for – be it a smart journal that you can use for short city breaks, something cute to encourage your children to write about their travels, or a classic travel journal that’ll last you practically forever – our handy list has you covered.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Quick Answer: These are the Best Travel Journals of 2024

Best travel journals of 2024, #1 – best travel journal for bullet journaling, #2 – best travel journal for scrapbooking, #3 – best travel journal for painting, #4 – best travel journal with pockets, #5 – best midori-style travelers notebook, #6 – top choice for beautiful leather travel journal, #7 – best moleskine travel journal, #8 – best vacation diary, #9 – best travel diary for kids, more best travel journals of 2024, buyer guide – how to choose the best travel journal for you, faq about the best travel journals, final thoughts on the best travel journal, #1 leuchtturm1917 a5 notebook – great travel journal for bullet journaling, #2 siixu colorful blank notebook – best travel journal for scrapbooking, #3 conda hardcover spiral sketchpad – best travel journal for painting, #4 refillable leather journal traveller’s notebook  – best travel journal with pockets, #5 traveler’s notebook by traveler’s company  – best midori-style travelers notebook, #6 travel passion journal by moleskine – best moleskine travel journal, #7 travel journal by promptly journals – best vacation diary, #8 fofun leather travel journal  – top choice for beautiful leather travel journal, #9 kids’ travel journal  – best travel diary for kids.

Leather Journal by FOFUN

• Price > $28.95
• > 100% Full-Grain Leather
• > Hand-made and durable

Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook

• Price > $24.40
• > Great travel journal
• > Pages are gridded

Siixu Colorful Blank Notebook

• Price > $14.59
• > Stitch-bound notebook
• > Pastel-coloured

Conda Hardcover Spiral Sketchpad

• Price > $12.99
• > Hard cover
• > Spiral-bound

Refillable Leather Journal Traveller’s Notebook

• Price > $36.99
• > With all sorts of compartments
• > Opening accordion-style

Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company

• Price > $47.99
• > Minimal design exterior

Travel Passion Journal by Moleskine

• Price > $27.88
• > Journal specifically for travel
• > 400 pages

Travel Journal by Promptly Journals

• Price > $32.99
• > Four pretty high-end colours
• > Comes with a map

Mudpuppy Kids’ Travel Journal

• Price > $11.99
• > Wire-bound book

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook is a classic – and if you ask us, very cool – notebook that we think is ideal for bullet journaling.

With enough space to put all your organization and creativity into the 249 (numbered) pages, this great travel journal for bullet journaling is compact enough to fit into day packs and filled-to-the-brim backpacks alike; the pages are standard A5 size (obviously), but the notebook itself measures in at 5.57″ x 8.25″. It’s secured with elastic.

This classic, mid-century modern notebook comes in 17 punch colours for even the most discerning traveller. From muted navy blue and olive green to bright raspberry and popping yellow, you will definitely be able to find one for your personality.

Inside, the book itself has three blank tables of contents, which means you can organise your outpourings, scribblings and note-taking by creating your very own index – which is definitely what makes it the best travel journal for bullet journaling. The pages are also gridded: perfect for bullet points, even better for geometric doodlings.

Price: $19, Amazon

The Siixu Colorful Blank Notebook is a colorful canvas with lots of space for you to unleash your own creativity.

The 192 pages in this stitch-bound notebook come with pastel-coloured, watercolour-style backgrounds for vibrancy, which are the perfect base for pasting, sticking and doodling all of your travel memories.

Other than the watercolor pattern, the pages in this 5.3″ x 7.2″ are blank and sizable enough to fit all your used tickets, memories and doodles onto the pages, but compact enough for carrying around the world. It’s easily our top pick for the best travel journal for scrapbooking.

The notebook comes in two designs: one with added quotes on the pages for charming character, the other with simple washes of colour on each page. Another plus is how budget friendly this travel journal is!

Price: $11.59, Amazon

Coming in a classic spiral-bound sketchbook style, this journal from Conda is ideal for anybody looking to get crafty with their paints whilst they’re gallivanting around the world.

It’s a traditional hardcover sketchbook, with 120 blank pages of 90gsm paper – thick enough that it’ll take acrylics, oils and watercolors without bleeding through. The pages are also perforated, meaning you can tear ’em out and offer people your drawings and paintings as gifts, or to send back home.

This is a pretty sturdy book, so it should be able to withstand your travels, being shoved into a daypack, and general day-to-day wear and tear. The hard cover is also waterproof, which will help to protect your precious pieces of art. For the sturdiness alone, we’re saying this is the best travel journal for painting.

Though it may not come in different colours, it does come in different sizes, starting at 8.5″ x 11″ and with larger available for you to really get your Picasso on.

Price: $9.29, Amazon

Refillable Traveller’s Notebook by September Leather

The ultimate in travel journaling, this stylish notebook is a chic buy for you, or as a gift! It’s genuine leather, which is cool, but it’s all the stuff you get in addition to the journal itself that makes this easily one of our favourite travel journals out there.

You get a lot of bang for your buck when you opt for this notebook: a binder clip, a pen and penholder that attaches neatly to the book, lined, plain and grid inserts, a kraft folder and zipper pouch.

In addition to the storage space, this journal is refillable, so you can swap out the pages when you’ve run through them without having to buy a whole new book. You know we love to lessen our travel footprint however we can, so we’re really into that!

Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company

The best Midori-style travelers notebook out there simply has to be the aptly-named Traveler’s Notebook, created by the aptly-named Traveler’s Company (also a Japanese outfit).

This aesthetically minimal, mahogany leather notebook is handmade in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. It comes as a package of goodies: a spare elastic band and a fine fabric bag to keep it safe from scuffing – if that’s your thing.

This is a pricer notebook, but, it’s refillable, so there’s no end to the travels you can take it on. Our favourite thing about the Traveler’s Notebook is how the leather ages and changes with daily use and general travel wear, becoming a real companion on your travels around the world. We love it.

Price: $49, Amazon

So you’re looking for a beautiful leather travel journal? Well, stop right here, because this is the one for you. Complete with wrap closing (also leather), it’s chic enough to not look like some scrappy backpacker’s scribbling pad, but rugged enough to last some pretty rough journeys in a long-term travel backpack.

Coming from the folks at FOFUN, who make a whole range of leather journals and notebooks, this one features 288 pages of top quality 100GSM lined kraft paper, all covered in full grain leather cowhide. It’s A6 size, which is 5″ by 7″.

The cool thing about this top leather travel journal is how leather ages over time, gaining personalised character as it gets scuffed and worn with use. We love that sort of thing.

When you think “notebooks,” you think “Moleskine,” so this stunning 5″ x 8.5″ journal made especially for travellers had to make our list.

Perfect for everything from weekend getaways to longer backpacking voyages, the inside of the book comes packed with an 8 (!) year calendar, a travel planning timeline, a wishlist, check-lists, lists of must-see travel destinations, and even space for that all-important travel budget .

Don’t worry, though: at 400 pages, there’s lots of free space for all of your travel memories – Moleskine estimates you can fit 6 long trips or 20 short ones into this notebook. Oh, and did we mention it comes with stickers?

Moleskine has created this journal specifically for travellers, so you can turn it into an archive of your trip once you’re back home – it even comes with a keepsake box for storage.

Price: $29.95

This elegant journal by Promptly clocks in at 88 pages, so you can fill it up in a single trip – and fill your bookshelf up with a whole series of your trips! You’ll want to display it, too – the fabric covers of this journal definitely make it the most attractive vacation diary going.

Inside the journal, there are handy thought-starters(true to the company name) to help you more easily note your favourite restaurants, hotels, sights and more. There is also space for you to keep your mementoes like train tickets, museum stubs, and photos, and a roomy back pocket for everything else.

Measuring at 9.2″ x 6.1″, the covering fabric of this top vacation diary also comes in four pretty high-end colours: grey tweed, solid grey, deep blue and dusty rose.

As a bonus, this Promptly journal also comes with a map, to help you plan your journeys, star wishlist destinations, or otherwise decorate or use as you see fit. Neat!

Price: $20, Amazon

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

Kids’ Travel Journal

Wouldn’t you love to look back on your childhood travels as a grown-up? Give that gift to the kiddos in your life with this travel diary for kids by Mudpuppy.

This cool company is all about moving kids away from digital devices and into tactile creativity. This time around, they’ve created this travel journal designed specifically with kids in mind.

It’s sturdy (very important when it comes to children), and colourful (also important), spanning 128 pages so that your kids have plenty of room to channel their inner explorer. Inside the wire-bound book, there are various sections, illustrations and prompts to help children document their travels, whilst still including enough space for creativity.

One of our favourite parts are the prompts, in fact: the best and worst parts of a trip would be hilarious to read later on, as would “memorable quotes from mom and dad.”

Price: $9.99, Amazon

Soft Cover Notebook by Sloane Stationery

This offering from British brand Sloane Stationery is a very sleek and stylish notebook, perfect for the stylish travellers among us.

A softcover journal with gold-embossed pages and a vibrant orange crocodile cover, it’s definitely is one of the most high-end-looking travel journals we’ve seen – especially for $15!

Even though the exterior of the book is flashy, the pages are blank so you can get on with doodling, making diary entries, taking notes, or whatever! Size-wise, it’s 5.9″ x 8.3″, the perfect size for both a backpack and chic handbag.

Just think how stylish you’re going to look sat on a terrace cafe, coffee in hand, with this journal on the table, writing about your adventures in foreign lands. Add to cart!

You Are Here: A Mindful Travel Journal by Emma Clarke

The internet makes it easy to succumb to the pressure of being rushed from spot to spot, Instagramming the heck out of your trip – this can really take you out of the moment.

You Are Here: A Mindful Travel Journal by writer Emma Clarke, aims to put you back in the moment and helps you get the most out of your experiences while you’re experiencing them.

Clarke (fun fact: she’s also the voice of the Bakerloo and Central Lines of the London Underground) says: “No one has ever seen this place in the same way you’re seeing it right now, right here, in this moment.” Amen!

The book is a mixture of prompts to keep you grounded and mindful, as well as blanks to fill in and, of course, pages for you to fill with notes, all of it spread over 190 pages. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to charity. Talk about a feel-good purchase!

Rite In The Rain Notebook

You go through a lot when you’re travelling. Downpours, heat, snow, skiing, hiking, swimming – there are all sorts of weather conditions and situations that you can get yourself into. Not to mention open water bottles knocking around in your backpack – an easy way to ruin months of journalling!

This bad boy from Rite In The Rain (which has been going since 1916) is the answer to all sorts of adverse conditions you might encounter. Plus, at 6″ x 8″, it can slot right into even small day packs.

The tough but flexible outer shell of this notebook is waterproof, and notebook’s 64 pages  will repel water, grease, sweat, mud, and all manner of other grossness. It will even go through the laundry without turning into mush!

Just use a pencil (water-based inks aren’t waterproof) and your notes will stay intact through it all. And unlike other synthetic papers, the Rite In The Rain Notebook can be recycled!

Price: $6.55, Amazon

Rifle Paper Co. Memoir Notebook

This floral notebook from the distinctly feminine Rifle Paper Co. is  the perfect choice for lovers of design, color and kitsch.

Printed on linen-based paper, the 8.5″ by 6.25″ Memoir Notebook comes in five beautifully illustrated covers – Juliet Rose, Tapestry, Sun Print, Terracotta and Jardin de Paris – you can choose which of the bold colours to suit you. The 130 inside pages feature beautiful illustrations as well.

Price: $15, Amazon

Marco Polo My Way Travel Journal

This notebook from Marco Polo is actually part of a whole series of travel products in their My Way line – but this journal has to be our favorite of the lot.

Marco Polo have made taking notes of your journeys easy by including fun emoji stickers, a pocket for mementoes, and fill-in-the-blank guides and travel tips. By the time you’ve filled this book, you’ll have created your very own IRL infographic of your trip. Cool!

At 160 pages and 4.8″ x 7.2″, this notebook is smaller and lighter than some notebooks – and, super affordable!

Price: $3.44, Amazon

I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded

Making waves in all sections of the journaling world, I Was Here designs journals for the curious, prompting travellers to take in the big picture and all the small and meaningful details of their trip.

Inside, the book has all sorts of spaces for notes, spaces for local tips, addresses, and wacky pages where you’re encouraged to do things like start a collection of random convenience store-bought items from the countries you visit.

In a word, I Was Here is fun! It may not be the most practical travel journal out there, but it is a cute way to collect memories and remind even jaded travellers that stopping to smell the roses (or stare at the bugs) shouldn’t be something you leave behind on the road.

Price: $10.86, Amazon

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

So there you have it: those are our favorite travel journals for every kind of writer – but by no means the end of your options! Whether you’re buying for yourself or considering purchasing a travel journal as a gift, there’s lots to consider in the world of stationery.

From colourful covers and page prompts, to durability and simply whether or not pages are lined or blank, there are actually a surprising amount of factors that go into the decision making process.

Closure on journals is important, especially when they might be knocking around a suitcase or a backpack for longer stretches of time. If you don’t want your pages to get crumpled, and especially if you’re someone who likes to store mementos between the pages of your journal, a solid closure is a must.

Moleskine, for example, have that classic elastic band closre that keeps things safe and sound, whereas others come with a stylish leather or fabric bound tie that not only adds to the design detail but also means you’ll be able to slot things in between the pages.

The cover of a journal is pretty important. But first of all, what the cover of a travel journal is actually made out of will make a big difference as to what notebook you actually opt for.

Vegans will probably not want to go for a leather bound notebook, and may want to go for something like a fabric covered hardback book or more durable waterproof notebook instead.

If you’re open to leather, you’ll find it to be a durable option, and it will weather over the weeks, months and years to look worn and rustic.

You should also consider soft vs. hardcover – softcover is lighter, and easier to fit into a tightly-packed suitcase, but hardcover will give you a writing surface wherever you go. For something simple (and undoubtedly budget friendly), a card covered notebook or journal may be the best option for you.

What type of paper is used for the pages of a travel journal will also play a part in your decision making. It’s easy to think that paper is paper and that’s that, but in fact, there are many different types of paper for many different uses.

A thicker gsm of paper, for example, is something that’s more likely to be used in a sketchbook (90 gsm or higher), and is good if you don’t want permanent pens to bleed through, if you plan on painting, or sticking things in.

Then again, if you want something that’s a little more stylish and classic than bleached, white paper, then maybe more classy, cream-coloured pages will be what you want in your travel journal.

It’s also possible, as the Rite In The Rain brand shows, to have waterproof, weatherproof paper, in case you plan on writing in adverse weather conditions.

Essentially it comes down to what you will be doing on those pages: painting, sketching, doodling, making notes, or whatever. Consider the effect of your planned use will have on different sorts of paper and then make your choice.

4. What’s on the page?

Though in the past, travel journals were pretty simple affairs (either a spiral bound journalists’ notebook, a Midori-style travel journal or something similar), things are a little bit different now.

Even just a few years ago, pages only came either blank, ruled or squared. Nowadays, pages in travel journals sometimes come pre-decorated. This may be cool for some people, but for others it may feel like any pre-existing writing or illustration on the page takes away from your own memories.

Prompts in some books can be fun: they encourage you to make lists of things you otherwise wouldn’t have considered, like your favourite foods, favourite hotels, and even random convenience store items you find in the countries you visit. Other times, text on the page acts as a prompt to get you thinking, maybe even getting you to write something more in-depth than you were planning to.

All in all, the choice is whether you want a completely blank page to start with – which can be daunting for a lot of people – or if you want to be gently nudged into creating an awesome travel journal for yourself. Either way, though different, is totally legit.

It’s very simple and very basic, but this is going to be a pretty huge (no pun intended) deal when it comes to deciding exactly what travel journal you are going to purchase for yourself.

If you’re heading off on a year-long backpacking trip around the world and you feel like you’ve got your one bag travel down to a T, then you’re going to want something compact and light.

However, if you want to really get into creating a scrapbook-style travel journal full of memories, sketches and tickets, then you are going to want a big enough book to fit all of that in.

If your plan is to use your travel journal for things like city breaks and two week-long vacations – in which instance you may be using a suitcase – then you may not worry too much about the size, with room in a large suitcase for a larger travel journal, naturally.

Another thing to consider is what you’re going to look like if you feel like writing your travel journal in public. It may not be practical to be lugging around an A4 sized travel journal, or to get it out if you want to make note of the tiny cafe you’re in, or trying to write on a cramped seat on a train or bus. Compact in these cases may be a lot better!

6. Length of your trip

Next to size, when thinking about what sort of travel journal is going to be right for you, a lot of people often circle back to this factor: just how long is the trip?

The thing is, some travel journals are more geared up towards one single trip: a month in Thailand, two weeks exploring Italy, a six week long road trip through the USA. That sort of thing, in which case, you won’t be needing (or wanting) a zillion pages.

Other travel journals are for numerous trips, such as the lengthy options offered by Moleskine and Midori-style notebooks (the latter of which have no structure, and for which you can buy paper-only refills for the leather cover), mean that you can dip in and out, adding different details to your various adventures, referring back to past travels: a weekend in Berlin here, an epic hike in Nepal there.

Essentially, the fewer the pages, the more likely the travel journal in question will be good for a single, perhaps lengthy trip. For the serial travellers and backpackers out there, something longer and more permanent may be the travel journal for you.

7. Organization

No longer simple collections of pages between two hard (or soft) covers, the best travel journals of today sometimes boast a whole load of interior organization to help keep you and your trip on the right track.

From simply adding an interior pocket, where you can keep a few important tickets and pictures safe, to going all out and adding plenty of envelopes and places to slip in all manner of small, special physical memories from your travels, it can vary quite a bit.

But organization isn’t just about pockets. There are other things to think about, too. Some travel journals come complete with calendars, spaces for to-do lists, maps, itineraries and even packing tips. These kind of added extras mean that the journal turns into more of a planner all round scheduling.

Obviously. Money, money, money: it’s going to be a big factor in whether you choose to buy such and such a travel journal over another one. Let’s face it, you can’t buy what you can’t afford.

Even if you can afford it, $48 might just seem – to some people – like too much to ask for a travel journal. On the other hand, some people may not trust that a sub-$8 travel journal will be any good in terms of durability.

The fact of the matter is that cheap things can be surprisingly good, and expensive things can be surprisingly bad. When it comes to budget, it’s best to choose something mid-range that has good reviews and that meets the needs of what you’re looking for in a travel diary: don’t skimp out just because it’s $5 more than you wanted it to be. If it sounds like you, then treat yourself.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Why should I get a travel journal?

Journaling during travels, whether that’s just for a couple of days or for weeks, is a great way to remember travel stories, clear your head and add some routine and structure to your day. It’s always great to look back on it once you finished your travels.

Which is the best leather travel journal?

These are our favorite leather journals: – Refillable Traveller’s Notebook by September Leather – Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company – Leather Journal by FOFUN

Do waterproof journals exist?

Yes they do! And the Rite In The Rain Notebook is one of the best. Each page is water repellent while the cover is fully waterproof.

What is the most minimalistic notebook?

We love the Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company for it’s simplicity, yet stylish design. It’s a leather notebook that is handmade in Chiang Mai.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

There you have it, budding Jack Kerouacs: the very best travel journals out there right now! With our list, you’re all set to venture out into the wide world, then pop in your headphones and record all your thoughts, feelings and observations like the explorer you are.

For the best, all-round travel journal out there, the Leather Journal by FOFUN is a great choice. This is a stylish, timeless sort of journal that’s going to be a good choice for anybody.

Then again, if you’re thinking of something a little less traditional, I Was Here – with its kooky prompts and quirky way of working – may be more what you’re looking for.

And if there’s something we’re missing the travel journal world, let us know in the comments!

Clair Cathryn

Share or save this post

Oh my gosh, I’m a sucker for a pretty journal! Can I document my travels in 3 or 4 of these?! ? Thanks so much for the killer suggestions.

100% you can use a number of these as travel journals, Deb!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

10 Best Travel Journals to Inspire Your Wanderlust

As a digital nomad who so far has visited over 40 countries in the last 14 years I can tell, keeping a travel journal is a must!

Helping to plan, track, and then record your journeys, activities, experiences, and memories, your travel journal becomes both your guidebook and keepsake.

But what kind of travel journey is best for your trips?

That’s what we’ll be exploring in this post.

Table of Contents

Travel Journal Features to Consider;

1. what’s it for (memory, blog notes, places to revisit).

When choosing a travel journal the first thing to think about is what’s it actually for?

I write travel blog posts, so for me, it’s a tool to help me highlight the best experiences, and the best places to visit and make notes about the best points of interest to include in my posts.

It also serves as a bit of an activity planner, and a reference guide should I return to somewhere I’ve been before and want to remember the best hotel, restaurant, etc.

So what will you use your journal for? If it’s more of a pre-trip planner, you’ll want to make sure it includes packing lists and pages for dates, times, trip reference numbers, etc.

If it’s for drawing or writing poetry about the places you visit perhaps you’ll want plain pages with nothing on them to fill them with your creativity.

Perhaps you want somewhere to load or stick photos, or simply want a beautiful notebook to journal your days.

2. Vacation or Long Term Travel

Secondly, are you a long term traveler or digital nomad like me? If so, the type of journal you’ll need will likely be very different than if you’re heading off on a 2 week vacation from work.

As a long term traveler, you’ll want more sections to split the countries, the journal will need to be digital or at least light enough to fit in a backpack and it will need to last a long time as you traverse across the globe.

If it’s a keepsake of a wonderful holiday, it can be bigger – to fit inside a suitcase, lean more towards a photographic memory book, or a journal of your activities and best experiences.

3. Format (Digital, Printable or book)

Once you know what your travel journal is for and the kind of size, and type you want, it’s time to decide the format of your journal.

As a digital nomad, if you have an iPad, a digital journal is ideal. You can use goodnotes or notability and keep track of as many countries, trips, and experiences as you like without ever running out of space!

Perhaps you’re someone who enjoys putting pen to paper and if this is the case a printable or physical travel journal is a better choice for you.

If you go down the physical journal route, you’ll need to consider the size and weight of your travel journal. You don’t want a journal that’s too big and heavy and yet, it needs to be big enough to be useful.

Be sure to look at the weight when looking at listings on Etsy or Amazon and in particular note what the cover is made of. A hardback book will always be more bulky than a paperback for example.

5. Guided or Freestyle

Lastly, do you want a guided travel journal with pre-scripted pages including packing lists, trip itineraries, journal highlight pages, etc? Would you rather have a simple lined notebook for you to fill with your thoughts and memories, or is a plain art style scrapbook more to your liking?

There are travel journals for every type of traveler, so be sure to try out a few and pick the style that works for you!

Here are 10 recommended travel journals to get you started.

Best Travel Journals

1. the clever fox travel planner.

Embark on your travel dreams with the Clever Fox Travel Planner, your essential companion for adventure and exploration. With its eco-leather hardcover and compact A5 size, it’s durable and portable, designed to fit seamlessly into your travel gear. Its premium 120gsm paper ensures a smooth writing experience, capturing your memories and plans without the worry of ink bleed-through.

Features include:

• Bucket List & Itinerary Planning: Dedicated sections for crafting your ultimate travel bucket list and detailed daily itineraries, ensuring you make the most of every trip.
• Travel Essentials: Includes safety tips, a packing checklist, and helpful travel information to keep your journeys smooth and worry-free.
• Document Your Adventures: Ample space for journaling, sketching, and storing ticket stubs or photos, turning your planner into a cherished keepsake.
• Premium Paper Quality: Thick 120gsm paper that’s perfect for a variety of pens and pencils, ensuring your writing stays crisp and clear.
• Functional Design: Features a pen loop, elastic closure, and a bookmark for convenience, along with a pocket for loose notes and stickers for personalization.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, providing peace of mind for your purchase.

Designed for every type of traveler, from weekend wanderers to seasoned nomads, the Clever Fox Travel Planner is the perfect tool to fulfill your wanderlust and keep your travel memories alive.

2. The Moleskine Traveller’s Journal

The Moleskine Traveller’s Journal is your dedicated companion for every kind of trip, designed to capture the essence of your travels, from quick getaways to epic journeys. Its structured format not only helps you plan meticulously with practical tips and an extensive calendar but also serves as a canvas to record and preserve your travel memories. With its high-quality hardcover and acid-free paper, it’s built to withstand the rigors of travel and time, turning into a cherished collection of your adventures.

• Comprehensive Planning: Intro pages with an 8-year calendar, timeline, and sections for up to 20 Short Trips and 6 Long Trips, allowing for detailed pre-trip planning including checklists, budgeting, and must-see recommendations.
• Travel Memories & Wish List: Ample space to reflect on past travels and dream up future destinations, ensuring your wanderlust is always fueled.
• Scrapbook Ready: Transform the journal with tickets, photos, and mementos post-travel, creating a personalized scrapbook of your adventures.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Features ivory-colored 70 g/m² acid-free paper, a hard cover with themed debossing, rounded corners, elastic closure, and 2 ribbon bookmarks for durability and ease of use.
• Organized Note-Taking: Tabbed sections and themed introductory pages guide your journaling, with 400 pages for extensive note-taking and themed stickers to customize your journal.
• Elegant Presentation: Comes in a premium box with themed graphics, making it a perfect gift for travel enthusiasts and a splendid addition to your travel book collection.

3. Travel Journal by Duncan & Stone

A premium travel notebook, this beautiful travel journal measures 7.75 x 9.25 inches with 100 pages, making it easy to carry around in your backpack or travel bag.

• Traveling Scrapbook with Prompts – Fill out basic details, favorite memories, & photos from each trip to remember the specifics that made the trip unforgettable
• Personalize your memory organizer by writing down your bucket list & special memories from 15 trips
• Adventure Journal Made to Last – A high-quality heirloom journal with a linen-bound hardcover diary and an embossed title made to last a lifetime
• Create a family keepsake journal to capture all your important travel memories
• Close the flap pocket in the back for additional keepsakes

4. Page a Day Artisan Leather Travel Journal

A beautiful vegan leather travel notebook with a handsome page-a-day journal design features travel and cloud motifs, decorative stitching, embossing, and soft, leather-like cover material.

• A page a day with just enough space to take note of memorable places you’ve visited and explored, but brief enough for you to have more time to experience those places, rather than spending time writing about them.
• Each page provides space for you to note the Date, Location, and Weather, and jot down your own notes.
• Smooth-finish paper takes a variety of pens or pencils beautifully.
• Dotted lines subtly guide your writing.
• The paper is acid-free and of archival quality.
• A ribbon bookmark keeps your place.
• An elastic closure secures your writing.
• Tuck maps, tickets, and other flat travel mementos within the inside back cover pocket.
• Complementary cloud-pattern design endpapers.
• Sturdy bookbound-style binding.
• Rounded corners for reduced wear.
• Measures 5” wide x 7” high.
• Compact size fits easily into most bags and backpacks.
• 176 writing pages.

5. Papier Travel Journal

Set off on your adventures with the Papier Travel Journal, an essential accessory for every travel enthusiast. With its elegant foiled cover and meticulously designed pages, this journal is perfect for planning your trips and preserving your most cherished travel memories. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an epic journey, this journal ensures that every detail of your travels is captured and treasured.

• Structured for Six Journeys: Organize up to six separate trips, with dedicated sections for budgets, itineraries, packing lists, and all your essential travel planning needs.
• Memory Preservation: Ample space to journal, scrapbook, and highlight your favorite travel memories, ensuring every moment is recorded for posterity.
• Engaging Extras: Includes travel games and a world map to color in, perfect for entertainment during those long journeys.
• High-Quality Construction: Boasts 192 pages of 85gsm paper with a silk finish, ensuring durability and a smooth writing experience, all encased in a 3mm hardback cover.
• Unique Designs: Choose from a selection of eclectic designs to find one that resonates with your personal style, making your travel journal as unique as your adventures.
• Ideal Gift: A thoughtful choice for a Christmas stocking filler, a colleague’s farewell, a teacher’s thank you, or a personal treat to fuel your wanderlust.

6. Everywhere You Go Compendium

This unique guided planner holds unexpected daily journal prompts to help inspire thoughtful reflections from any travel adventure. It includes breakout spreads with uplifting quotes to help frame your thoughts and experiences, along with space for packing lists, notes, addresses, and things you want to remember.

• Foil stamping on a soft cover and a ribbon marker. Printed with soy and metallic inks.
• 5.75″W x 8.5″H, 112 pages
• Quick snapshot pages to record important memories
• Unique travel pages to list trip highlights
• Creative prompts and inspiring goal-setting quotes
• An elegant gift to celebrate a travel adventure, retirement, bon voyage party, or big vacation

7. Leather Journal Notebook & Sketchbook for Women

A premium leather notebook, made of high-quality soft leather, comfortable in your hands and suitable for pockets or bags. Durable for outdoor activities, travel, and storage. Exquisite printing on the front cover makes it more retro and attractive.

• Notebook Inserts – good quality craft paper, sturdy but smooth for most pens and pencils, such as fountain pens, and ballpoint pens, with no bleed-through.
• Comes with 6 card slots and a zipper pouch.
• Freestyle traveler notebook including 180 blank pages, perfect for writing, drawing, sketching, quick notes, sticking ticket stubs, or other memorabilia.
• Refillable diary, super-easy to remove or replace and make as thin or as bulky as you want.
• Multifunctional vintage travel journal – works well for journaling, spiritual or gratitude journals, bullet journaling, art journaling, daily planner, adding notes, doodles, and to-do lists.
• Perfect for all travelers whether vacationing or a digital nomad.
• A lovely gift for yourself, your family, or friends for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthday, etc.

8. Handcrafted Vintage Leather Journal for Life with Accessories

A High-quality full-grain 100% leather journal that looks, smells, and feels beautiful. Naturally tanned leather will age with character and develop its own unique patina. A lifelong keepsake for your travel thoughts and expressions.

• Refillable travel journal. Buy this leather notebook once and use it for a lifetime.
• Fountain Pen-friendly paper for writing.
• Blank and un-lined.
• 90 double-sided sheets (180 total). Refills available online
• Contains 1 Standard-size travelers notebook with three BLANK inserts, Wanderings leather notebook conditioner, Kraft paper card holder, and PVC pouch, a binder clip to help stay organized, with 2 elastics for replacements or to add additional inserts. Almost a $50 value if purchased separately.
• A stunning leather travel journal, carefully handcrafted for quality with a rustic, vintage look, soft and supple feel, and the durability of leather journals.
• Also available on Amazon in sizes A6 (B083JYG6VR), A5 (B07JNPNKKJ), Pocket (B01N24BYQ7), and Large (B079K8GS6W).
• Money back guarantee – If for any reason you don’t love the Wanderings leather notebooks please let them know and they’ll send you a refund – no questions asked

9. Travel Journal for Teens

Features Include:

• Pages for documenting trip itineraries and calendar overviews of travels
• Six pages for each day of traveling, or for each stop on their itinerary: Three pages with writing prompts and three pages for additional journaling, sketching, and attaching items such as photos, tickets, postcards, etc.
• Prompts for location, weather, mode of travel, favorite activities, people met, favorite foods, funny experiences, and much more!
• Packing checklist
• Ideal for teens and tweens!
• The compact 6″ x 9″ size is perfect for taking along on travels
• 120 prompted pages, providing space to document 19 days or 19 destinations on your trip
• Colorful, fun cover design
• Matte, softcover paperback

10. Travel & Activities Journal for Kids

• Over 100 games, puzzles, mazes, mad libs, journal prompts, scavenger hunts, and other activities
• Reduce screen-time with interactive activities that both kids and families can enjoy on the road
• Take a road trip to get away from it all, while the kids are happy, occupied, and engaged
• Enjoy the journey as much as the destination, no phones, apps, computers, or screens required
• Create the Ultimate Playlist
• Photo Scavenger Hunt
• You’re a Poet
• Rainbow Cars
• Interview with a Passenger
• Learn to Write in Code
• Make a Grass Whistle
• Daily Journal Pages
• Rebus Puzzle
• Travel Log Pages
• Match the Signs
• And much more!

Best Travel Journals Summary

As a traveler, not keeping a track of your journeys, activities and events means hours of searching through your photos to remember where you’ve been!

Instead, start journaling now, note down all the important things that happened and enjoy hours of leafing through old entries remembering all your fun times.

As a digital nomad it’s an imperative planning & learning tool! With each experience you’ll discover something new which can help with future travels, so purchase or download your travel journal right now and start tracking your trips!

Subscribe to the Working Traveller Newsletter and alongside weekly money making and nomadic lifestyle tips, get instant access to my FREE ebook – 200+ Ways to Generate an Income While Travelling the World !

P.S. Do you have a specific question you’d like me to answer in a blog post, podcast or in my weekly newsletter? If so click below and ask away!

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, from which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services I’ve used or would use myself. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊

101 Travel Tips To Save You Time & Money!

Packing light; 24 expert tips to travel light (from a fellow traveler).

9 Benefits of Travel Journaling: Why You Should Document Your Adventures

Avid journal writer and founder of JOURNLING.

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure here .

Have you ever gone on a trip and felt like you missed out on fully experiencing it? Maybe you forgot the name of a restaurant you loved or the details of a conversation with a local. Travel journaling can help you capture those moments and memories. Not only does it serve as a record of your travels, but it also has numerous benefits for your mental health and personal growth.

Journaling while traveling allows you to reflect on your experiences, gain self-awareness, and boost your creativity. It can also help you stay present in the moment and appreciate the little things you may have otherwise overlooked. By taking the time to write down your thoughts and feelings, you can process them more effectively and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Whether you’re an experienced writer or a beginner, travel journaling can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their travel experience. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of travel journaling and provide tips and ideas to help you get started on your own journaling journey.

Mental Health Benefits

Travel journaling is not only a great way to document your adventures but it also has numerous mental health benefits . Here are some of the ways travel journaling can improve your mental health:

Stress Reduction

Traveling can be stressful, but writing about your experiences can help reduce stress levels. Research shows that journaling can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a better understanding of them and work through any negative emotions.

Increased Creativity

Travel journaling can also help increase creativity. When you’re in a new environment, you’re forced to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. Writing about your experiences can help you process these new ideas and turn them into something tangible.

Additionally, journaling can help you tap into your creative side by allowing you to experiment with different writing styles and formats. You can try writing poetry, short stories, or even draw sketches to accompany your writing.

Improved Memory

Writing about your travels can also help improve memory. When you write down your experiences, you’re creating a record that you can refer back to in the future. This can help you remember details that you might otherwise forget.

Additionally, research shows that writing by hand can help improve memory retention. By handwriting your travel journal, you’re engaging different parts of your brain and creating a stronger memory.

Personal Growth Benefits

Travel journaling is an excellent tool for personal growth. It helps you to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Here are some personal growth benefits of travel journaling:

Self-Reflection

Travel journaling helps you to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. It allows you to document your thoughts and feelings about your travels. By reflecting on your experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your values. You can also identify areas for personal growth and set goals for yourself.

Cultural Awareness

Travel journaling can also help you to become more culturally aware. By documenting your experiences in different cultures, you can gain a better understanding of the world around you. You can learn about different customs, traditions, and ways of life. This can help you to become more open-minded and accepting of others.

Improved Communication

Travel journaling can also help to improve your communication skills. By writing about your experiences, you can learn to express yourself more clearly and effectively. You can also learn to listen more attentively to others. This can help you to build stronger relationships with people from different backgrounds.

In conclusion, travel journaling is an excellent tool for personal growth . It can help you to reflect on your experiences, become more culturally aware, and improve your communication skills. By using your travel journal as a tool for personal growth, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Practical Benefits

Trip planning.

One of the most practical benefits of travel journaling is that it can help with trip planning. By recording your experiences and impressions of a destination, you can refer back to your journal for future trips. You can use your journal to make notes about places you want to revisit, restaurants you enjoyed, and activities you want to do again.

Additionally, your travel journal can serve as a valuable resource for others who are planning to visit the same destination. You can share your journal with friends and family members who are planning a trip and provide them with insider tips and recommendations.

Memory Preservation

Another practical benefit of travel journaling is that it can help preserve your memories of a trip. As time passes, it can be easy to forget the details of a trip, but by recording your experiences in a journal, you can revisit those memories again and again.

Journaling can also help you remember the small details of a trip that might otherwise be forgotten. For example, you might write about a conversation you had with a local, the taste of a particular dish, or the way the light looked at a certain time of day.

Future Trip Inspiration

Finally, travel journaling can provide inspiration for future trips. By reflecting on your experiences and the things you enjoyed most about a destination, you can start to plan your next adventure.

Your journal can also serve as a source of inspiration for others. You might share your journal with friends or family members who are looking for travel ideas, or you might use your journal to create a travel blog or social media account to inspire others to explore the world.

4 Health Benefits of Gratitude Journaling: How It Can Improve Your Life

5 Best Travel Journal Brands for Your Next Adventure

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Reach out to me for sponsorship opportunities

My mission is to empower and encourage people to consistently write, sketch, and record important moments in their lives.

© 2024 JOURNLING

• Travel Guides
• Top Destinations
• Inspiration & Ideas
• Booking Tips
• Packing Guide
• Where to stay
• At The Airport
• How-to Guides
• First Times
• Travel Community
• World Flavours
• Travel Products

10 best travel journals for your 2022 journeys

We love travelling! Besides getting to know new places and interacting with different cultures, we also treasure the memories of each trip.

No matter how many photos and videos we take, some of us still like a travel notebook to document our experiences and feelings on our journey. Travel journals are perfect for this purpose and are, perhaps, the most valuable treasure a traveller has.

As the world is starting to reopen for tourism and we are preparing to hit the road again, we take a look at why they are essential to pack and the best travel journals out there to document your trip.

READ MORE : Want a hot coffee wherever you travel? Here are the best travel kettles for you to choose from.

What are travel journals, and who uses them?

A travel journal is a special notebook that can be used to document experiences, make plans, and can also serve as a diary of your adventures. Many are packed with tools, tips, bucket lists and maps too.

Whether you are an occasional holidaymaker or a nomad constantly on the move, taking note of your adventures can help remind you of the fun or difficulties of your trip and serve as guides if we revisit those same places.

What should it contain?

The content may depend on what you want to portray and your style. However, some essential points will serve as a guide for your trip.

• Countries and places to visit
• Itineraries and daily trips
• Where to stay and addresses of hotels/hostels/homestays etc.
• People we meet and their contact cards if they provide us with one
• Activities to do and enjoy in each city/country
• Curious stops and other interests in each city/country
• Things we liked and our impressions of the places we visited
• Pictures and other imagery references

You can also accessorise your travel journal

For those with an artistic side or if you just want to customise your travel notebook, then you might consider using custom stickers . You can create your own unique designs that make your notebook your own.

It is something to consider if you want to bring a bit of spark and personalisation to the travel journals that you buy.

What to look for when purchasing a travel journal

When purchasing one, you should make sure it is of high quality and has a theme that reflects your personality and style. It must also be easy to carry wherever you go.

Among the features of a good travel notebook are:

• Type of paper quality and style. Decide if you prefer them to be blank pages, lined or dotted, according to your convenience and liking
• Spiral or bound; maybe refillable, too. Choose whichever you find easier and more comfortable for your writing
• Size of the journal. Generally, light and pocket-size travel notebooks are more portable and convenient. A mid-size of 5” x 7”—120 x 170mm—is more than enough for most travellers
• Type of cover. Pick one with a hardcover, leather, waterproof or just a classic notebook

Best travel journals for 2022

• Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal
• Passion Journal – Moleskine Travel Journal
• Moleskine National Geographic Traveller’s Journal
• Indestructible Field Travel Journal
• Journey Journal by Cracked Design
• Voyager Refillable Notebook
• DIY Travel Journal
• Old World Journal
• Promptly Journal – Compact Travel Journal
• Travel Journal Apps

1. Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal (vegan leather notebook)

If you like to write in a traditional-style leather travel journal, but you love animals more, this is the perfect one for you. With round corners, smooth-finish pages and dotted lines, it fits easily in your backpack or bag.

You can purchase it on Amazon for $5.40 USD.

2. Passion Journal – Moleskine Travel Journal

Moleskine brings us this 400-page journal to record our trips. It has a neat hardcover, rounded corners and intro pages filled with tips and an eight-year travel planner calendar. Protected in a rigid box, it is the treasure you were waiting for.

You can purchase it on Moleskine’s website for $29.95 USD or on Amazon .

3. Moleskine National Geographic Traveller’s Journal

Another gem from Moleskin, it is packed as the previous one in a hard box. This journal is 5” x 8.25” in size, and the National Geographic element shares journey tips for all kinds of explorers.

You can buy it for $34.95 USD on the Moleskine website .

4. Indestructible Field Travel Journal, All-Weather

A waterproof journal with 192 pages in total, this one is built to last. What makes it extra convenient is its pocket size and paper type that works with a ball-point pen or pencil to capture the details of your journeys.

You can acquire it on eBay for $20.89 USD.

5. Journey Journal by Cracked Design

These journals are not conventional at all, as they come with different maps. You can pick the edition that best suits your next trip by choosing where you want to go. It is conveniently light, designed for a 30-day-trip, and you can find map editions with maps for the US, Asia, Australia, Europe and Canada.

Purchase it for $18.00 USD on the Cracked Designs website .

6. Voyager Refillable Notebook

This flexible-faux-leather-cover journal is ideal for those who long for a vintage feeling while recording their trips and travel memories through words. It is refillable with attractive every-60-pages separators, so it can be reused over and over.

Purchase it on Amazon for  $6.17 USD.

7. DIY Travel Journal

Many travellers love to create their own travel notebooks. A do-it-yourself journal feels more intimate and can be personalised with the information any intrepid explorer wants .

Build it using easily accessible materials and enjoy your handiwork as you update it.

8. Old World Journal

This exclusive notebook is trimmed with shimmering gold maps, navigation lines and lightly lined cream-coloured pages. Its interior art makes it the perfect present for vintage lovers.

Purchase it on Amazon for $33.41 USD in hardcover and $12.15 USD in diary format.

9. Promptly Journal – Compact Travel Journal with Minimalist Design

This unique journal has a content table and meaningful prompts to guide your writing along the journey. It has 88 pages and includes travel-inspired artwork by illustrator Kelli Murray.

Buy it now on Amazon .

10. Travel Journal Apps

Though underrated, travel journal apps are a great start for journaling your globetrotting experiences. They provide you with guidelines to help lead your trips while recording your interests and memories quickly in an online travel journal. Some of them are free to download, while others can be purchased for more features. Among the most useful are: Diarium for Windows and Android users, Day One for Mac and IOS users, Penzu , Five-minute Journal for beginners, Daylio for non-writers, etc.

These are some of the most used and popular travel journals, but it’s important to find one that suits your needs. Whether it is a physical, classic one you handwrite or an app with lots of whistles and bells, choose one that allows you to easily portray every journey experience giving you a lifetime of travel memories to re-enjoy any time.

• Travel journal

RELATED ARTICLES

Travel wanderlust reviews the kagami true wireless earbuds, travel wanderlust presents: the traveller christmas gift guide 2023, be smart travellers: how quality accessories make all the difference.

[…] READ MORE: Here are our choices for the best travel journals for 2021 […]

Comments are closed.

LATEST ARTICLES

The ultimate guide to the best destinations for digital nomads in 2024, 10 best destinations for a girls trip in asia, 10 best destinations for a solo trip in europe, most popular, the 5 most visited tourist attractions around the world, what are the seven wonders of the world, 10 places to visit before you die, the 5 best islands in thailand.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Use

Copyright © 2024 Travel Wanderlust - All Rights Reserved.