What Is a Travel Journal & How to Start One

Traveling isn’t just about the places you visit—it’s about the way those places make you feel, the small details you want to remember, and the personal growth you experience along the way. A travel journal is the perfect tool to capture all of that. It’s more than just a notebook; it’s a keepsake that holds your stories, sketches, itineraries, tickets, and memories in one place.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what a travel journal is, why you should keep one, and how to start creating your own, whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re already a seasoned traveler.

✈️ What Is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is a personal record of your journeys, combining written reflections with practical details. Think of it as a cross between a diary, scrapbook, and guidebook—uniquely yours. Travelers use them to record:

• Daily experiences – what you did, who you met, what you ate.

• Practical details – itineraries, expenses, packing lists.

• Emotions & reflections – how places made you feel, lessons learned.

• Creative elements – sketches, pressed flowers, tickets, or postcards.

Unlike digital photos that often stay trapped on your phone, a travel journal becomes a physical storybook you can revisit for years.

🌟 Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal

1. Keeps Memories Alive – You’ll remember not just the sights but also the feelings and little details.

2. Reduces Stress – Journaling while traveling helps you process new experiences and stay grounded.

3. Boosts Creativity – Sketching, doodling, and writing spark creative thinking.

4. Makes a Meaningful Souvenir – Instead of buying trinkets, you’re making a keepsake that’s one of a kind.

5. Inspires Future Trips – Reading your old journals can spark new adventures and ideas.

📝 How to Start a Travel Journal

1. Choose the Right Journal

• Notebook or dedicated travel journal – Pick a sturdy one that fits your style (lined, blank, or dotted pages).

• Digital option – Apps like Notion, Evernote, or Day One work if you prefer typing.

2. Gather Supplies

Pens, markers, glue sticks, washi tape, and envelopes for keepsakes make your journal visually engaging. If traveling light, keep it minimal with just a pen and journal.

3. Decide What to Record

You don’t have to write pages daily. Here are ideas to mix and match:

• Daily highlights (best moment, funniest thing, challenge of the day).

• Sensory details (smells, sounds, textures).

• Sketches or doodles.

• Quotes from locals or travel companions.

• Lists (foods to try, must-see spots, bucket-list items).

4. Add Keepsakes

Tape in tickets, postcards, receipts, or a pressed flower from a hike. These little details bring your entries to life.

5. Use Prompts

If you’re not sure what to write, try prompts like:

• What surprised me most today?

• What do I want to remember 10 years from now?

• What’s one challenge I faced, and how did I handle it?

6. Be Consistent but Flexible

Aim to write daily, but don’t stress if you miss a day. Even a quick list of highlights can be meaningful.

📸 Creative Ideas for Travel Journaling

• Photo + Words Combo: Print mini photos from your trip and pair them with short captions.

• Maps & Routes: Sketch your travel route on a map.

• Themed Pages: Dedicate a page to “Best Meals,” “Funny Moments,” or “Unexpected Discoveries.”

• Rating System: Create fun rating icons (🌮 for food, 🛏️ for accommodations, 🌅 for sunsets).

Final Thoughts

A travel journal isn’t about perfect handwriting or artistic talent—it’s about capturing your experiences in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether you jot down quick notes or create elaborate scrapbook-style pages, the key is to make it your own. Years from now, flipping through your journal will transport you right back to those moments.

So before your next trip, pack a travel journal—it may just become your most cherished souvenir.