It may seem like using a pen and paper is a bit old fashioned, but on all my trips so far I have taken a notebook with me and written down the days activities. I have really enjoyed it and here are some reasons you might too:
- It’s a chance to wind down and reflect after a busy day of exploring.
- It’s something to do while you wait for laundry (what I was doing in the picture above!) or while you are stuck on a long train ride.
- A journal does not rely on battery power or internet so you can write anywhere, anytime.
- The journal can be a special purchase you make in anticipation of your travels, or it can be a nice reminder of home if you use one that was given to you as a gift.
- Journaling adds something special to the travel experience. I don’t journal in my every day life so for me it is one of the fun things about being away.
- It helps you keep a record of everything you have done and prompts you to remember little stories. It is also usually a more accurate reflection of what you saw and how you felt at the time. Even if you wait a week to come back and write about your experience, your memory will be slightly different or influenced by other emotions.
- Your handwritten notes are something you can look back on in many years time along with photos and souvenirs.
- Even if you don’t end up journaling, having a pen and paper in your luggage is always handy for taking notes or writing directions.
Do you take a journal when travelling or do you just like to keep memories?
Categories: Packing Lists, Travel Planning
Your Travel Handbook 
Great post!! Keep it coming 😊😊
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Thanks Jessica!
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Yes I do this too! I journalled weekly when I went to Kenya for a month and it was my reflection time where I could just chill out, which was nice (I was leading a student trip so not much chill time haha). When I went there for a week beforehand I also journalled daily and then wrote it up when I came home and bound it into a hand-drawn cover, so I’ve always got those memories of my first time in one of my favourite countries.
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That sounds like a really lovely keepsake!
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I agree. One thing forget to write down though is the food we eat and it’s not always clear from my photos! It’s great to look back though and remember
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That is true, food is such a huge part of travel. I also have a few of those pics where I’m not 100% sure where I ate it or what the meal was :p
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This is great 😊
I take a journal with me everywhere but it’s more because I get very fidgety and unsettled when I’m on a plane. I will pack my tablet with films and series, my phone with games and music and I will bring a journal to write/draw/doodle!
I have to be doing something all the time otherwise I suddenly realise I’m in a sardine tin and I just want to stand up haha!
You’re right though, writing definitely has a nice feel to it! It makes me feel creative when I get my pens out 😊
Great post,
Jess (coffee and corfu) xx
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Oh I know exactly what you mean about planes! I take a book to read, a puzzle book, music and magazines as well as my journal. I have to constantly keep myself entertained not to freak out too much 🙃
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It helps to be occupied! Some of my best writing is done on the plane!
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I’ve only started journaling recently but I think I’d definitely take it on holiday with me as it’s really therapeutic using it to wind down after a long day!
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I tend to keep an online tour diary on FB that is just set to closest friends and I love it when I get my daily FB memories of holiday. I do feel I should write one though as FB won’t always be here.
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I write a little summary and share pics on facebook too 🙂
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I like this idea. I’ve recently considered doing this, often for the reasons you have cited. Collecting your thought on your phone isn’t the same. You have sold me, I think I’m going to get a journal.
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Yay let me know how it goes
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I will. Trip coming up next month. Can’t wait
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I always take my travel journal with me! I love using pen and paper to get down all my thoughts and memories and leave a few pages for scrapbooking!
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I love writing everything down in my planner! 💕 Great Post, tips & ideas!! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a great day!!
https://jessierenea.com/7-ways-to-challenge-yourself-everyday/
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Yes! I love to journal, especially while travelling. Sometimes reading about the adventure means more than a photo memory.
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I am so bad at journaling, but I always think I’ll get into it with my next trip.
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I love to keep a journal when I travel. Before I leave I start by putting my accommodation itinerary information at the front. I even have a daily budget section mapped out so that I can keep track of my purchases and make sure I don’t blow the budget while I’m away! Hahah. Then at the end of every day, I write about the things I saw and did. So much fun.
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I write in a diary every night before bed. I start with the date, weather, where we are, etc and add things we do, where we eat. We travel, usually, for 3-5 months at a time. I would NEVER remember what we did or where we went by the time we got home ! That is a good idea Fiona Whiley to write down purchases, I may start to do that.
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Agreed I forget the little details even by the time I have moved to my next destination.
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