Travel Journals, what to write about? When to journal?

Now you’ve got your journal, you’ve gathered your journal kit, your trip is coming up, you maybe wondering… “But what will I write about?”

Here are some ideas:

Before you go:

  • Packing list
  • Expectations
  • What you absolutely, definitely do not want to miss
  • Planned itinerary, flight details etc
  • Your fellow travellers, are they family, friends, travelling solo, a group tour?
  • Useful phrases – hello, goodbye, thank you, where is…
  • Shopping list – what you had to buy before you go, and/or what you want to bring back with you
  • How are you feeling? Nervous? Excited? Can’t sleep you’re so excited?

While you’re travelling:

  • Snippets of conversation
  • Memorable things people say
  • High point of your day
  • Food, unusual food you ate or that you ate the same food as home
  • Music/playlist, did you listen to a particular song everyday?
  • Likes and dislikes
  • Culture shock
  • The locals, how are they like you? How are they different? How does their daily life differ from yours?
  • Daily thoughts and impressions
  • Sounds, smells, tastes, don’t just stick to what you see
  • People you meet (& contact details if you wish to keep in touch)
  • Weather each day ( a quick weather forecast style sketch)
  • Is there something you forgot to pack? You really wish you had brought it.. Make a note for next time
  • A quick sketch of something you see, the people around you, a small moment, your coffee…

After your trip:

  • Top ten moments
  • What you missed from home
  • What you’ll miss from your destination
  • Must see/do if you return to that destination
  • Best and worst moment of the trip
  • Has this experience changed you? Changed how you view the world? How?

I hope some of these ideas appeal to you and inspire you to start journalling.

When to write in your journal? 

  • The obvious answer is when you get back to your accommodation each night, often easier said than done! You’re tired, possibly jet-lagged, have been on the go all day, the last thing you want to do is spend half an hour/an hour journalling. But if you can at least make a note of what you saw and did (and ideally the highlight of your day) each night, it will jog your memory for when you have more time to fill in details. Try not to go more than a couple of days without journalling though, the longer you leave it the less likely you’ll be to want to pick it back up!
  • If you’re an early riser, first thing in the morning (before your travel companions are ready) is a great time to reflect on the previous day and journal your expectations for today.
  • Waiting time or travel time is a great opportunity to jot a few thoughts. Sitting at airports, train stations, on planes or trains are great moments to catch up with your journal.
  • Sitting in a cafe, waiting for your coffee, pull out your journal and jot down a few observations.
  • Need a quiet moment, a park bench, a bit of people watching and journalling fits the bill.
  • Journal anywhere,  anytime you feel like it 😊

Have a wonderful trip! I hope these tips help you enjoy and re-live your adventures long after you return home.

(This article is part of a series on keeping a travel journal, to read the previous article click here.)