I also love packing for my trips carefully, thinking about every single item I’ll carry with me. The first item on my list is a notebook. It’s always been that way. These notebooks that I carry around in my bag from cafe to cafe in Berlin or my favorite bookstores in London (really good spot to stop for a journaling session with myself), become my traveling memory collection. I capture my thoughts, ask myself questions and use the new surroundings to get my answer. I also capture moments and places I want to go back to.
Yep. Traveling is an incredible way to discover new places, meet people that feel “your kind of people”, and immerse yourself in different cultures. Travel journaling is the way to remember it all and to make the experience more intimate, self-reflective and memorable.
Choose the Right Journal for you
Whether you’re a journaling person all the way or just want to try and capture your next trip in a new way, these 10 essential tips will help you make the most out of journaling while traveling.
The first step that will help you keep a routine of journaling during your travels, is finding the right kind of journal for you. Are you a minimalist like me who prefers a clean design, “sketch book style”? Are you traveling light? Opt for a compact, lightweight journal that won’t take up much space. I always use a durable notebook with a thick cover so it won’t fall apart in my bag while I pack it with all my make-up, wallet, phone and other nicknacks.
Now what about digital tools? I’m all for it if it helps you keep up with your writing routine and do it comfortably while you’re on the go.
Set a Journaling Routine
My writing routine has been a part of my life for the last 20 something years, since I was a teenager. And when I’m traveling, I ask myself how I can fit it in a laid back vacation schedule. I use the first coffee of the day as quiet time for writing. I buy my coffee, find a quiet place to sit and write, sometimes for 10 minutes, asking myself how I feel this morning and what’s going on in my head. I also reflect on the day before.
Find a time of day that works best for you, whether it’s enjoying a quiet morning coffee, jotting down notes during a bus or train ride, or reflecting at the end of the day before you sleep. The key is consistency and putting down the judgment. It doesn’t have to be for 20-30 minutes and more, you can write for 5 minutes. It doesn’t have to be daily. Just make sure you “meet” the notebook and download your thoughts regularly.
No rules.
Journaling while traveling isn’t homework and it doesn’t have to feel like that. Write as you wish, write as you feel. You can skip from subject to subject, you can write long lines or short reflections. You can make lists. Be intuitive with your writing, let the thoughts come and the words “fall into the page” without judgment.
Use Writing Prompts
I learned to be intuitive with my writing through asking questions. We can call them writing prompts. I ask myself, “what do I want to reflect on now?”, “what’s bothering me?”, “What I’m excited about?”.
Six prompts that can help you travel Journaling
- What was the most surprising thing I saw today?
- What was the best moment yesterday?
- How can I remember this experience best?
- What did this experience teach me?
- How am I feeling this morning?
- What am I looking forward to?
This work, for only a few minutes a day during the trip, can help you frame and remember great experiences and release any bad ones.
Collect Mementos and pics as Writing inspiration
When you sit to write, take a look at the photos you capture on your mobile or think about the mementos you collected, even reflect on your shopping spree. This will help you reflect on the day and write about your experiences.
Plus, One of the joys of travel journaling is the ability to collect small mementos from your journey. I always keep tickets from museums, postcards and take loads of pics.
Breath and be mindful through your journaling
Travel journaling isn’t just about documenting where you went or what you did; it’s also tool to gain peace of mind and keep your wellness routine. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on your experiences. Write about what you’re grateful for, moments of joy, or lessons learned. This mindful approach will help you stay present and be mindful about pace, rest and changes you go through.
So whether you travel to the beaches of Greece or your favorite neighborhood in NYC, to the grey skies of lovely London or a beautiful trek in India – make sure to grab your notebook and meet it for a daily date. Let your thoughts flow onto the pages and your experiences stay there, through your own words, as a proof of a meaningful vacation.
