Traveling is great. Keeping memories of it : even better!
We all know that photos and videos are essential to remember all the wonderful moments spent on vacation, but travel journals are an even better way to turn your memories into a unique keepsake.
For kids, travel lovers, families, creatives… everyone has a good reason to create their own travel journal!
credit : Sophie Lambda via Instagram
What is a travel journal?
It’s a diary, a photo album, a creative experience, a sketchbook… it’s a bit of all that at once, and at the same time, it’s exactly what you want it to be! The beauty of a travel journal lies in its very personal nature and originality.
Although it can be made digitally, we stationery lovers have a special fondness for the paper format.
It can be a way for you to remember your trip, practice writing through stories and anecdotes, or a meaningful gift to share with someone.
Preparing before departure
We recommend gathering all the necessary materials before the big day. The base, above all: choose a journal you like (a Liligraffiti one, for example ;)), with or without spirals, alternating blank & lined pages, or only blank pages…
Colored pencils, washi tape, stickers (you can also buy some along your travels!) … The idea is to start with everything you need, so you don’t risk getting discouraged due to lack of preparation.
You can also create a few pages before leaving, like a cover page, a checklist, a decorated itinerary… In short, bring it to life even before the trip begins!
credit : Ma petite usine bricole via Instagram
During the trip: what to write down, what to collect?
Write funny anecdotes, bits of overheard conversations that stuck with you, your fresh impressions — always more relevant and true than two weeks later!
Draw sketches (or take pictures!) of houses, people, dishes that you liked.
Collect Polaroids, transport tickets, museum stubs, plants, and even postcards from places you visited.
Find your own sections that will make your journal unique: “Word of the day,” “Today I learned…,” etc.
The idea is to fill your journal every day while leaving space to add more later: don’t spend all your vacation time on it!
crédit : Ariane Butto via Instagram
After the trip : finalize and enrich your journal
Now it’s time to sort your memories and lay them out creatively! Add titles, frames, little drawings around everything you paste on the pages as you go.
Add photos, and don’t hesitate to cut them out too.
You can share excerpts of your journal on a travel blog or social media to inspire others to create their own.
Credit : Laura Travel Book via Instagram
Our favorite inspirations via the GRAM
+ And of course, browse Pinterest by searching for “Travel journal” or “Travel diary” for more inspiration!
A travel journal is like a gift you give your future self! Such a beautiful way to keep the best experiences of our lives alive, whether traveling alone, with family, or friends. It’s worth giving it a try, right?
And you, what will you put in your travel journal?