19 Ways to Use a Travel Journal
Why use a travel journal?
Maybe you use a travel journal all the time…
Maybe you’ve haven’t taken advantage of them yet…
Did you know that travel journals have so many benefits?
Let’s look at 19 way to use a travel journal and how it can benefit you.
As we look at the benefits, you will be able to figure out which type of travel journal is best for you.
There are actually different types of travel journals. Let’s find out which one is best for you, by figuring out which benefits of journaling speak to you the most.
Travel journals have lots of pages for you to write freely with. There may be a few pages that you can fill in if you choose.
Whereas a travel planner and organizer has some blank journal pages, but more pages with fill in sheets, checklists, travel details and reminders pages.
So, let’s look at the benefits of using a travel journal.
1.To remember
A travel journal can be used after your trip to remember beautiful memories, interesting adventures, and unique experiences.
Maybe you climbed a mountain, ended up on a crazy adventure that was completely unexpected.
It’s nice to write it down, so you can look back and remember all of the details. Including what you were thinking and any details so that you could re-create this experience if you wanted to try to do so.
It’s your chance to write your story!
2. Write down your research
You can use a travel journal before your trip to brainstorm ideas.
Maybe you were looking on google and you found this really cool excursion or restaurant that you want to check out.
Write it in your journal so that you won’t forge about it, or have to research it again while you’re there.
Your trip may not be for 3 months.
You can keep track of any research and ideas that you have.
This could end up being part of your itinerary when you’re away.
3. To record details
You can use your travel journal to write down your flight, hotel and transportation details.
Wouldn’t it be great to have everything organized in 1 spot so you’re not fumbling in the airport or hotel lobby to find your details while everyone is waiting for you.
That’s not stressful at all… 🙄 security and immigration workers looking at you unhappily while you try to find the name of where you’re staying or any other details that they ask about.
Also, you can write down the times of any excursions or plans that you have booked.
Don’t forget your confirmation and booking numbers with all of these details too!
If this is an important benefit to you then a travel planner and organizer would be great for you!
4. To be Introspective
Maybe you had a life changing trip or learned something new that shifted your ways of thinking of being.
I find that travel can do that!
Wouldn’t it be great to write about it, the before, during and after…
What did you learn? How did you grow?
What insight did you gain about a culture or about yourself?
Moreover, you can include every detail, how you felt, what happened next, and any other thoughts.
If this is your style, than a travel journal will be great for you!
5. To hold souvernirs
Who says that a travel journal is only for writing…
That ticket stub, photo, or other momento… whatever it is, tape it or clip it into your travel journal as a keepsake.
You could add some notes around it if you like. In the past, I have put a ticket stub to a concert or festival that I went to in my travel journal.
Some other items that you may want to keep in your travel journal or travel organizer could be:
- coasters
- tickets
- pamphlets of places you enjoyed
- photos
- wrappers for interesting products
- tourist maps
- entry bracelets
- anything you want!
6. To plan out future trips
Maybe you met a couple on your travels who shared an incredible story about their travels to some where that you have never been.
It can be added to a list or page of your travel planner.
You could even use a checklist page in your travel planner and organizer to make your own bucket list with goals of places to go and things to experience!
7. Reduce stresses from travel
Travel planners and organizers have dedicated pages that let you fill in the blanks.
You can write about:
- your flight- gate, terminal, airline, confirmation number
- travel timing- flight time, boarding time, arrival time
- hotel check in information- address, confirmation number, check in and check out time
- trips planned- any tickets that you have, excursions you have booked
- departure information- when to get to the airport, how to get there, flight details
These fill in forms are great because if you forget something, the form will prompt you to remember and write it down on the sheet. …And everything you need is all together in one place.
This can leave you feeling more relaxed and prepared knowing that all of your information is organized in your travel planner.
All you have left to do is get there and enjoy! 😌
8. For Emergency Information
Some journals have designated pages where you can add emergency information like your:
- contact info
- emergency contact
- medical issues
- allergies
This way if there were ever an emergency, someone could see your emergency information to get you the help that you may need.
In both of the journals that I have published, I have included this type of page at the beginning so that in an emergency you can get the help that you need or get your things returned to you if they go missing.
9. Remember Details...
So, you’re on vacation and you’re chatting with other travellers.
A couple tells you about this very unique restaurant, you just have to go!
Maybe it is in another language or hard to remember. Jot it down in your travel journal so that you won’t be saying ‘what was the name of the restaurant… it was a long name.. I think it started with a T’.
You can just go to your travel journal and you have the details written down there.
You can also do the same for your address of your hotel, or where to meet for an excursion. You can include things to remember to bring with you… sun block, tickets, water shoes etc…
When you ask the concierge at the hotel lobby for some information for you about a great breakfast place, attraction to visit, or excursion recommendation, you can write it down in your journal.
Rather than getting one of those big tourist maps with the name written on it.
10. Self-reflection
You can write your thoughts about your travels in your travel journal. You can include things that you have learned. 😊
Some questions to think about:
- What you would do differently next time…
- What stereotypes were broken down for you… any surprises…
- Anything that has helped you to grow as a person?
- Pivotal moments from your travels?
Is this is your type of travel journal, one where you can just write and write and write✍🏼 …not too many forms, just free writing, check out ‘My Travel Journal’. There are some information sheets at the beginning, but majority of your journal will be pages for you to write on!
The link is a Canadian link, but to buy this travel journal internationally the Amazon code is: B0BRDPN51V
11. A creative outlet
Maybe you want to sketch something that you see like a beautiful view. Why not try your artistic talents out in your travel journal…
Maybe you are inspired to write poetry or some abstract or symbolic writing.
Perhaps you will write a pretend letter like you’re ‘Uncle Travelling Matt’ from Fraggle Rock sending postcards back home. 😃
Maybe you even use coloured pencils or markers and decorate your journal! Use it for colouring, doodling, mini scrap booking session…
Whatever it is, this is your chance to be creative. Enjoy and be free.
If this is you, a travel journal is perfect for you!
Check out my other travel blog that talks about 21 Reasons that Travel is Important!
12. Practice another language
Maybe you’re learning another language, you can use the travel journal to write down words and phrases that you feel would be helpful to remember.
You could use the journal as a chance to practice using some of the words that you learned during your travels. Practice writing the sentences, then later using the sentences during your travels.
As an English teacher, I know that often people feel nervous to speak a language that they are learning. If you write down the word, you can also write down the pronunciation of it too. This can help you to feel more confident to say the words to locals during your travels.
Even if you’re just beginning, you can write a couple key words…
Write them all down. I recommend writing down the way that they are spelled, and then put the way that you pronounce them in brackets beside the word. This way you will recognize the written word and know how to say it properly too.
13. Develop a positive mindset
You could get into the habit of writing one thing that you are grateful for each day during your travels. This way even if you miss your tour or had a bad meal, you are still focused on finding the good in your day.
I personally, find that it can make a huge difference when things aren’t going exactly as you planned.
I also believe that you will meet more people and have more positive opportunities because you are giving off a more positive energy. Can you tell I am an optimist? 😉
14. Preparing to go
You could use your travel journal as a way to prepare before you leave for your travels.
Travel planner and travel organizers are great for this!
You could write a packing list, or use the one provided by the journal.
The Travel Planner & Organizer that I have created has a packing list, a ‘don’t forget’ list and spots where you can create your own list with your own personalized items too.
You could write down anything you have to do before you leave home, so that you don’t forget. There is also a page of things to remember like ‘water the plants’ so that you can check them off as you prepare.
This way you can be calm as you prepare and feel confident that you didn’t forget anything and you’re ready to enjoy your travels!
Feel free to check out these blogs with tips on being prepared as well:
How To Be prepared for a long trip
15. Budget Planning
You could plan out your overall expenses.
Are you at an all inclusive, will you be eating out often?
Are there certain souvenirs you want to buy?
Excursions, attractions or events that you want to attend?
You can write them all down to help you figure out how much money you will need.
The Travel Planner & Organizer that I have created has different pages to help you organize your expenses to help you to decide how much money you will need while you’re away.
16. Itinerary Planning
Now I know this one is not for everyone. Some people want to have no schedule and chill.
If you’re the kind of person that wants to be organized and not miss a thing, then itinerary planning could be for you.
Some travel planners and organizers have a sheet to fill in with daily planning.
There are empty daily boxes where you can fill in your days, boat cruise on day 3, beach day on day 1 and 6, etc…
If you like to make sure that you fit in as much fun, culture and good times as possible during your travels, then itinerary planning sounds perfect for you.
If this is the kind of travel journal that suits you, you can check out my Travel Planner & Organizer on Amazon.
The link is for Amazon Canada, if you want to buy this book internationally, here is the code: B0BSJHHDD1
17. Plan your Travel Goals
In this Travel Planner & Organizer there is a page with a calendar.
You can use this calendar as a guide to help to make your travel goals become your reality.
Jamaica in February, New York in May, Prague in September, Mexico in December…
When you write it down and set a goal, you’re more motivated to make it happen! You see it there on your calendar… just waiting for you.
This can be a great source of motivation for you to save up for the vacation or book that ticket in advance.
You can plan well and meet all of your travel goals!
You can find this calendar in the ‘Travel Planner & Organizer’ that I have published.
18. Helping Others
When you write down your details, you keep the stress down for you and your travel buddies.
Feeling prepared and organized with your travel planner helps you and your fellow travellers to enjoy the moment more and to remain calm.
No panicking because you think you forgot something, or you don’t know where that information that you wrote down is.
Maybe after your trip, you talk to your friend’s and they’re going to the same place that you just went to!
They ask for any recommendations, instead of saying there’s this restaurant with a purple sign on a side street, you can go to your travel journal and tell them the exact details to help them out.
Maybe you’re sparing them a negative experience, or helping them to enjoy an amazing opportunity. Either way, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to help them out by sharing those details.
19. Feel Connected & In the Moment
Whether you’re waiting for your flight, sitting at the beach, having coffee at a cafe or anything else, writing in your travel journal can be a great way to connect with yourself, and with where you are.
It can make you notice more details and little things that you may not have noticed because you’re writing about it.
If this is you, then I recommend ‘My Travel Journal’ that I have published.
Another perspective…
You will be organized and have everything that you need written down in your journal, ready to go, you can just focus on enjoying the moment rather than looking for that confirmation number or where you can buy a toothbrush because you forgot yours.
You’re not feeling stressed or disorganized, you’re calm, peaceful and enjoying all the moments of your travel.
If this is you, then the ‘Travel Planner & Organizer’ that I created will be a great benefit to you!
So, which travel journal is the best for you?!
Let me know in the comments below, what is your travel journal style?
Were there any benefits of using a travel journal that you didn’t think about before?
If you’re interesting in getting one of the travel journals that I’ve created, they’re for sale internationally on Amazon. There are links here for Canada and below for the USA, then the code underneath for any other county.
Thanks so much!
B0BRDPN51V – Amazon code to add for any other country.
B0BSJHHDD1 – Amazon code to add for any other country
I hope that this travel blog has inspired you to take advantage of the benefits of using a travel journal or travel planner!
I wish you calm, prepared travels with fun and amazing vacations!
