Greetings, readers! Upon creating this blog I knew I really wanted to share about travel journals. To me, they have several upsides. Not only can you document where you've been going and what you've been doing, but they also pose as a great reference for future travels. I started mine back in March. Although I wouldn't call it a traditional travel journal (I call mine my adventure book), because I also paint and write poetry in it, it serves the same basic purpose: memory-keeping! For me, I have a routine style to when I use my adventure book. Anytime my family goes on a trip, I take it along with me, also bringing plenty of pens, pencils, my pocket watercolor set, tape, etc. During the day I don't usually use it (unless I find spare time to watercolor or jot down a thought), but instead I collect brochures, business cards, and other findings that can fit inside my journal to put inside later. Then, when we are back in the hotel for the night, I can spend a solid 30min-1hr laying out my day with what I have collected as well as journaling about the day. It really is a great habit! With travel journaling, as I have said before, you have a great log of where you've been. I even like bringing my handy Instax camera to add a quick picture inside along with my other pieces. Obviously if you don't have an instant camera, take plenty of digital pictures and add them in later when you get home or are near a printer. The other thing I mentioned before was what a great reference/tool your journal can serve for the future. For me, I like looking back at old journal entries to see where I've been, to give a quick restaurant recommendation, or even plan out where to go in the future. It really does help, and it doesn't take much time! |
You might want to use other bits/pieces for your journal. It's really up to you! There's no rhyme or reason to mine, I just kind of go with what feels right at the time. Something I'd like to note is that you should avoid big, bulky brochures, handouts, etc. Even postcards can make your journal get a little bulky. Although I don't usually listen to my own advice (I will try to fit anything into mine), it would still be helpful to be able to fully close your journal. Hah! Or, get a bigger journal. I like the size I use because I can transport it easily, but a bigger journal would allow for more space when you find those totally-cool momentos that you just have to add in!
Well I hope this post inspires you to start memory-keeping, even in the smallest of ways! Enjoy your day!