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Travel journal examples and how to get the most out of a travel journal

A travel journal: your new best friend.

Travel journal examples can spark ideas for your own journal. This matters a great deal because a travel journal can be one of your most helpful travel — make that life — tools. It can serve myriad purposes from recording your thoughts, emotions (an important aspect many overlook) and experiences to being a repository of creative ideas and even artwork. You can use it as a scrapbook, planning tool, contact book, organizer, reference book (for vital information such as passport numbers, hotel addresses, places to visit, etc.) and even a place to hide certain valuables.

It’s simple enough to put information into your travel journal. The hard part is being able to find or extract that information easily later on. But don’t worry. I’ll show you travel journal examples, techniques, hacks and tips for that and more based on decades trying a wide variety of travel journals and approaches. You’ll find these useful whether you’re an old pro at journaling or even if you’ve never used a travel journal before. And be sure to read all the way through this article since the Additional Resources section at the end is loaded with inspiring and helpful travel journal examples and ideas.

Getting started

The first and most important thing to remember is that there is no one right way to set up your travel journal. In fact, I’ve found that the best approach is to just start with something and learn as you go. My first travel journal was basically a daily diary: “Today I did this, etc.” Now, however, I use it in a very different matter. But it all comes down to this: What is the purpose of your travel journal?

Two typical entries from my first travel journal on my first trip to Europe in high school. I have upped my travel journal game a bit since then, or so I hope.

This is such an important question because it will guide what kind of notebook/journal/sketchbook you use, how you organize it and how you interact with it. If you’re just starting out, you may not even know your purpose other than to record your experiences. That’s fine. Start there. Then refine over time.

For me, I see my travel journal as a collection tool for travel drawing and notes where I gather ideas, sketches, some to-do’s, trip details and anything else that interests me. But the main difference between this and most journals is that as a tool, I want to use my journal after I return. Not just for nostalgic reminisces on my trip, but to glean from it what I’ve learned, gained and become. I’ll explain this more momentarily.

Picking the right journal

Again, I’m not sure there is a universal “right” travel journal. Your goal is to find what works for you. You can start by determining if you want a blank notebook or a travel journal that comes with prompts, quotes, organizing categories, etc. Here’s a helpful list of 17 travel journals to give you a sense of travel journal examples and possibilities. Mostly, consider if you want to do travel drawing or even painting in your travel journal. If so, you’ll want thicker paper that won’t warp with the water or bleed through with ink. You likely will want blank pages, as opposed to lines, grids or dots.

Just as there’s no right or wrong size (just what works for you), so too is the orientation up to you. As you can see here, I sketched holding the journal in a portrait orientation (left page) but wrote (right page, partial) using a landscape orientation. Both work.

If you want to use it as a form of a scrapbook, get one with pockets or that is expandable enough for when you’ve doubled the thickness with all those tickets, stamps, samples of currency, bottle labels and other elements you’ve glued to the pages.

Buying a nice looking or feeling notebook or journal can be motivating. But getting too nice of a notebook to use can be intimidating: You’ll be afraid to do any travel drawing or mess it up. Thus, I suggest starting somewhere in the middle. Find a journal or notebook that will hold up well (hard covers help in this regard), but isn’t so expensive you’ll only want to use it on special occasions. 

Even fancy patterns on your pages can be fun. I tend to prefer blank pages, but sometimes I’ll try different patterns just to mix things up.

Your travel journal is more of a workhorse than a show pony (though sometimes a bit of that too later on). You’ll get far more out of one you use all the time, where you write, do travel drawing or urban sketching, doodle and record with the intent that only you will ever see it. If you choose to show it to others later, fine. But don’t make that your main goal, at least as a beginner, or you’ll never get the most out of your journal.

How will you use your travel journal?

Back to purpose, you can choose to have a general-use journal or one devoted only to your trips (or to a particular trip). I have done both, and there are pros and cons to each. A journal for all situations allows you to connect everything you do so that if a great work idea hits you on a trip, you can reference back to a meeting about that, etc. You can also find things easier in some ways since your whole life, trip or home/work, is laid out in a chronological fashion in one book.

Here’s a recent journal of mine that I use daily, as well as for trips. You can see the basic outline for this article here that I wrote on the plane on a business trip. How do I know it was on a trip? From the notation that the sketch was done from a photo in the airplane’s magazine somewhere between Baltimore (BWI) and Seattle (SEA)

A really popular approach these days to general journals is the Bullet Journal . Many people swear by this way of organizing their journal and their life. I love many of the ideas found in bullet journaling. But I choose not to follow that approach completely. Why? Bullet journaling is primarily intended as a productivity tool. I personally don’t find it helpful in that regard because, for example, tracking all my calendar events and moment-by-moment to-do’s in a journal slows me down.

Combine digital and analog

Instead, I use a combination of Outlook, Trello , Evernote and Scrivener (the latter two for organizing ideas and writing projects or content) on my phone and computer. The main reason for tracking tasks digitally is that they roll over automatically. I don’t have to constantly move them manually from one day, week or month to-do list to the next.

But the main reason I don’t use the bullet journal methodology for my travel journal is that when I travel, productivity is not my goal. Exploration and discovery are. I use my travel journal to capture what I learn as I explore the world around me and the world within me wherever I go.

On a trip, I’m less interested in productivity than in explaining why this sketch was hard to do well.

In the last few years, I’ve taken up sketching and even watercolors, so for me, I now maintain a separate travel journal for each major trip. I use one that has thicker watercolor paper, so on a three-week trip, I can pretty much fill up the whole book. But for shorter trips, I do use my day-to-day journal. And I’ve even done both: Used my day-to-day journal to record words and a smaller sketchbook for travel drawing or watercolors. Again, no right or wrong way to do this. Just start with an approach and build from there.

Organizing your travel journal

What follows is how I organize my travel journal. It’s the same way I do my day-to-day journal but with some additional pages in the end for travel-specific information. My purpose, remember, is to capture ideas, information and experiences and then to be able to use these later. For that reason, the most helpful part of my journal is the index. I’ll explain that in a moment along with travel journal examples, but here’s what else goes into my journal.

Starting with a brand new empty journal

The first thing I do with a new journal is to put my name, cell phone number and email address on the inside cover.

Next, if the journal doesn’t have a rear pocket, I make one or glue/tape in a small envelope that fits on the inside of the rear cover.

If you glue in your own, consider hiding a few large denomination bills, both dollars and the local currency, behind the envelope or anything else you tape or glue inside the covers. It’s a great place for hiding back-up money. It works because once you start using your travel journal regularly, you’ll find it is one of your most precious possessions. You’ll learn to guard it like your wallet, passport or phone.

These are just some of the many travel journals I’ve filled up over the years.

In addition to the pocket or envelope in your journal, consider bringing a quart or gallon-sized zip lock bag to hold all the small items you pick up along the way. I used to shove them into pockets in my carry-on bag, but having a single location now keeps them from getting lost or mangled. And it keeps my travel journal from looking like George Costanza’s wallet on Seinfeld . This same bag can hold a glue stick, paper clips or anything else you want for adding items to your journal.

Start in the front and work back

I track everything chronologically noting the date at the top of each day’s entry. If it spans multiple pages, I’ll write “(cont.)” after the date on later spreads so I know to keep looking for the start of that day when I review the entry later.

I work in this chronological fashion for recording most of my entries because I find it flows better to write the item down right away and then figure out how to classify it later. I set up indexes in the back for classifying and locating the entry. But that comes as a review step, not a creative or collecting function.

What to write

Starting at the front section of the travel journal, I may use the very first page as a title page if the journal is devoted to a single trip. Otherwise, I skip over that page and then start with the date of the start of the trip and then just keep going from there. Here are the types of content I write/draw along with some of my travel journal examples:

Sometimes, I’ll devote a whole page or spread to nothing but sketches.

• General thoughts . These make up the majority of my journal and are what you’d expect in any journal.
• Sketches . I’m still just a beginner, but I’ve committed to one sketch per day, at home or on a trip. Sometimes they are involved. Others (most of the time), are just a quick gesture. But the discipline helps improve my skill.
• A daily log . At the end of each day, I do a very quick list of summary activities, where I went, who I met, what I did. I actually note it like this: “(Log 11/27/19 – Wed.):” so that I can see at a glance what were log entries versus other ideas. For logs, the shorter the better. Here’s where bullet journal techniques can help: Record a few words as a bullet rather than full sentences. At the end of every daily log, I also record two specific items in addition log entries themselves, gratitude points and what I’ve read or watched.
• Gratitude points : I jot down what I call a Goodness Journal (abbreviated as GJ) entry. This is the highlight of my day for which I am most grateful. On trips, this can often end up being multiple points.
• Read/Watched : The second additional component is what I call Read/Watched (R/W) where I list any books I’ve read that day or any movies, programs, concerts, etc. that I watched. It can include podcasts and anything else you want to track. Before I started doing this, I’d get to the end of the year and couldn’t recall all the books I’d read. Now I can just by referring back to these entries.
• Insights and Ideas . Most of my journal at home is filled with these. On trips, these happen more on plane, train or bus rides than every single day. But they could happen any time which is why I keep a pocket-sized travel journal with me or at least a note card or my phone so I can write the idea down immediately.
• Quotes . These can be formal written ones I encounter or snippets of conversations I overhear. As a writer, I want to always be gathering dialog examples or clever turns of phrases.
• To-dos. Yes, I said I record these digitally for the daily tasks. But sometimes on trips, you have opportunities for dreaming and planning. I mark all to-do’s with a checkbox I can fill in later. I like the bullet journal way they do this as well (a dot instead of a box).

I had a gentleman in China demonstrate his woodblock stamps by stamping some examples in my journal. You can paste in stamps, tickets, receipts, postcards or any other artifacts from your trip onto your journal pages as you go (if you remember to bring some glue or paste).

• Descriptions . These are either quick notes on what I’m seeing, hearing, tasting or tasting, or longer ways to capture the details of a place. See Look Closely for details on how to do this as a way to learn to see details better or to write better based on your travels. I also make sure to write down the names of places, people, food, local expressions and anything else I want to write about later. Don’t assume you’ll remember it or can look it up later. Write it down.
• Miscellaneous . I’ve had artists draw in my journal, had people stamp it (see photo above), record different colors of beverages spilled or intentionally dripped on it and a wealth of other things added. Be open to how you can use your journal. Or for fun, try this exercise: Come up with as many ways as you can think of to use your travel journal on your next trip.

The back of the journal

The front of the journal is used for a chronological input of information each day (or whenever you choose). The goal there is to record the idea, insight, drawing or information just like in a diary. The back of the journal is where you’ll organize it all for later retrieval.

Working from the last page backwards, I set up a series of index or topic pages (see the list below) where I record anything related to that topic either verbatim (if I have the time and forethought to write it down there such as contact info or a quote I came across) or as a page number reference and summary line from the front of the journal (hence the reason these back-of-the-journal pages are called Index Pages).

For me, I find that most index sections only require one page (e.g. for Contacts or Travel Details) but I leave two pages for Ideas or Vocabulary since they tend to have more entries. I write small (some would say ridiculously small), so if you don’t, you may want to leave more room.

Review your entries and record them for easier retrieval

I don’t assign page numbers as I write in the front of the journal. Instead, I jot down a page number later, maybe daily, maybe weekly, as I review my journal. Writing down the page number during the review phase shows me which pages have been indexed. No page number indicates it still needs to be indexed. As I review each page, I also code the entries themselves on the journal pages by highlighting the topic or assigning a word or letter to let me know what it is. For example, if there’s a quote, I will write “Quote” and circle it right before the quote. For blog ideas, I’ll write “blog” and circle that, etc. If  an idea that has distinct merit, I’ll draw a star next to it. Particular project ideas get a corresponding code, e.g. if it’s about  my book on Hidden Travel,   I’ll write “HT” and circle that. The whole point is to make it easier to spot the entry when you’re reviewing the page later.

Here you can (hopefully) see how I’ve written and circled page numbers at the top and put a box around the word “Quote” on the left page and “Visual appeal article” on the right page. Then, on the Quotes index page, I’ll write “108” and circle it with a quick notation like, “E.B. White on saving/savoring the world.” On the Ideas index page, I’ll write “109” and circle it with the notation, “Visual Appeal article questions.”

In case you’re wondering why the index/topic pages go in the back and not in the front like a table of contents, it’s because I often add topics as I progress through the journal. Working from the back gives me room to add new pages whereas if I’d started from the front and I didn’t guess correctly, I’d be out of room before running into my journal entries.

Travel journal examples of Pre-Trip Items

Some of my index/topic pages get filled in (or at least started) before my trip either as planning or to load my travel journal with important information to have on my trip. Here are some travel journal examples of the key sections.

Here’s a travel journal example of a shot list from my China trip journal. I tend to write pretty small in the back section of a journal! The whited out area was my passport number in code. Writing key information on pages with other entries makes it even less obvious this is something valuable.

• Vocabulary. On trips to countries where I’m learning the language, I’ll add new vocabulary words here usually starting long before the trip. These are key words to practice, as well as new ones I pick up as I travel.
• Shot list . When planning my trip, as a photographer, I make a list of specific places, scenes, techniques I want to try or even times of day I want to shoot. Check out my Beginner’s Guide to Making Awesome Travel Photos for more on this and other travel photo techniques. In addition, as I review guidebooks or articles, I’ll add interesting places to this list. Even if you’re not a photographer, you can make a list of “must see” places or “must do” experiences or activities. Writing them down really helps because it makes it so easy to find all these in one place rather than hunting through a guidebook or other pages on your trip.
• Themes and Moments . This is yet another pre-trip fill-in page. I try to come up with a theme or quest for each trip. Writing down ideas about that or defining it really adds to the anticipation of the trip. On this page, I’ll also jot down ideas for creating magic or defining moments for others on the trip. This includes ideas for the activities or contact info for places or people that will be part of the activity.

Travel journal examples of elements to add as you travel

Here are some typical index/topic pages in the back of my travel journal that get filled in as I go:

• Contact information . I keep a separate page to record the names, email addresses, etc. of people I meet along the way. If, in a hurry, I just write down a name and email address in the front-of-the-book journaling section. I’ll later record the page number and contact name on the page here so all I can find all my contacts in one place later.
• Ideas . This becomes a catchall for any creative ideas I’ve had. I normally start with the page number(s) followed by a brief summary such as “27 – 29: Dining room chair design” or “73: Article on architecture styles in Morocco.”

Here’s a specific travel journal example, the Ideas Index Page from my China trip journal. I had started the page on the left as a vocabulary list but made room from more ideas when I ran out of space on the page on the right.

• Books and Movies . This too is a catchall for any form of entertainment I want to read. I constantly get book and movie (and even song or podcast) recommendations as I travel that I add here with an open check box. I also record books I’ve finished to this list noting those with a checked box.
• Quotes . As noted above, these may be written quotes I come across or snippets of dialog I pick up. I either write the quote here directly or reference the journal page where I wrote the quote with a reminder such as “53-quote from Leipzig waitress on timing.”

You can do a trip highlights page on the flight home, but sometimes it helps to record a summary of details in the midst of your trip of things that stand out to you.

• To-do’s. I said I like to keep my travel journal free from productivity and time management, but I always have big-picture to-do activities that arise on a trip. I’ll record these as I go in the journal section, but for longer-term ones I don’t want to lose track of, I sometimes add a to-do index as well in the back of the journal. This can also be a great place to record future planning ideas for things you want to accomplish after your trip.
• Trip highlights . I’ll normally note the big moments in the journal section as they occur. But often on the flight home, I like to review these and capture them all in one place with the page reference and a brief notation. I may also add in additional ones at this point because sometimes, you don’t realize how powerful or meaningful a moment was at the time.

When your journal is full

Eventually, you’ll fill up your journal with entries. You’ll then review and have every page numbered with key entries noted in your index pages. Then what?

I use Scrivener (for writing projects) and Evernote (for others) as software/apps to track ideas over time. Thus, when I finish a journal, I go copy the content from my index pages into one of these digital programs.

There are several reasons for this. First, it helps to have all your ideas over time in one place so you can view them easier. Second, with the online tools, I can tag content by subject making retrieval later much easier. Most of us focus our efforts on having ideas and maybe writing them down. But those ideas won’t serve you well if you can’t find them later. Finally, putting everything into one place helps me see patterns and related ideas which, in turn, sparks new ideas.

It all relates to the concept of Collect, Connect and Share. If all you’re doing is collecting, you’re missing out on the main value of your journal.

Make a copy

This may be overkill to some, but my journals are precious repositories of life. I would hate to lose them. I could dictate the contents and transcribe that, but I don’t have that kind of time. Instead, Evernote comes to the rescue.

The Evernote app has a photo function. I open the app and take pictures of every spread or page of my journal. I save the results as an Evernote file and can even tag it by date, country or other criteria. It then resides on the cloud (and I also do a back-up on a drive at home). That way, if the original gets lost, I know that all those memories are secure.

Let’s review

Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Know the purpose for your journal
• Choose the type of journal based on your intended purpose.
• Start with something that’s not too nice so that you’re not afraid to mark it up.
• Keep daily entries in the front and a list of index pages in the back of the journal.
• Periodically review your journal entries. As you do, number each page and record that page number and a brief reminder on the appropriate index page.
• At the end of each journal, photograph each page and save to a secure location. Then enter the index information into whatever tool you use for tracking all of your ideas over time.

Additional resources and travel journal examples

Here are other resources and travel journal examples to both inspire and help you get the most out of your travel journal:

• A helpful article with visuals of different travel journal examples
• Writer and artist Austin Kleon’s comments on notebooks 
• Travel journal examples (and notebooks) of author Robert MacFarlane 
• Some additional travel journal examples and notebook types
• The Sketchbook Projec t, one of my favorite places to visit in Brooklyn, NY and a great source of inspiration for sketchbooks. If you’re looking for a single place for travel journal examples, it is this one. Here are just a few screen shots of some random travel journal examples I looked up by Julia Yellow . There are thousands of such journals at this site.

• If you really enjoy the travel drawing aspect of a travel journal, you might want to connect with the whole Urban Sketchers movement and see travel journal examples that include urban sketching. Here’s an example of an urban sketch by Stephanie Bower . I took some of her architectural sketching courses online at Bluprint and they were excellent.

Parting thoughts

Finally, if you want even more travel journal examples and information, be sure to read Lavinia Spalding’s excellent book on the subject, Writing Away: A Creative Guide to Awakening the Journal-Writing Traveler. Here’s one of many great quotes from the book:

“If we’re committed to honest investigation, the travel journal can be a cornerstone of growth and a catalyst for great work, providing a safe container for astonishing discoveries and the life lessons we take away from them. We write words in an empty book, and an inanimate object is transformed into a living, breathing memoir. In turn, as we write, the journal transforms us. It allows us to instantly process impressions, which leads to a more examined layer of consciousness in both the present and the future. It’s a relationship, and let me tell you, it’s no cheap one-night stand.”

You might want to consider writing that quote down in your travel journal. Either in the daily entries or on the quotes index page. Or however you want to do it. It’s your travel journal and the possibilities are endless.

Thanks Steve! Informative and creative. Your sketching is lovely, too! Merry Christmas to you and the fam

Thanks, Alan. I was just editing a section in my upcoming book, “Hidden Travel,” on the subject of sketching and the advice I was given by Gabriel Campinario, founder of Urban Sketchers. He told me to never apologize or say, “Oh, I’m just a beginner” when someone compliments your sketching because no matter how bad you think it is, it is still better than that of the 99% of the population who never attempts to draw. So I will leave it at, “Thank you!”

[…] I mainly get inspiration from a Reddit group called Journaling, and also I get a few ideas on making travel journals. Despite it being fun to do having a physical notebook, at times it can be difficult to finish them […]

You’ve inspired me to resume creating tiny travel journals, with scrapbook like additions. I use photo double sided stickies, not glue. Someone asked what do I do with these? As if creating isn’t pleasurable. I often use them as primary sources to create photobooks. Along with my Bird lists.🐦😁.

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Free Printable Travel Log Templates [PDF, Excel, Word]

A travel log can quickly become an un-tracked mess if you don’t organize it. But you’ll soon realize that keeping a travel log is almost like a lifestyle for anyone who goes on many trips. There’s so much to write down, from flights to hotels and miscellaneous expenses.

Table of Contents

What is a travel log?

A travel log is a way of documenting your travels, whether personal or professional. A travel log can be beneficial in helping you recall memories of your trips and also act as an excellent guide to help you plan your next. It enables you to keep track of all the information you need on each trip so that when it comes to following up with it, you can do so.

The travel log only travels within the framework of a route. Rather than ordinary diaries, it is an object that tries to convey the ambiance of the places visited. People can keep a travel diary for themselves or share their journey with a community. The language to be preferred in travel diaries is entirely up to the individual, but if shared with a community, fluency in the language to be created and the chronological order of events are of great importance.

Travel Log Templates

Document your adventures and keep track of your travel experiences with our comprehensive collection of Travel Log Templates . A travel log is a journal or diary where you can record details about your trips, including destinations, activities, accommodations, and memorable moments . Our customizable and printable templates provide a structured framework for organizing and preserving your travel memories. Whether you’re a globetrotter, an avid explorer, or a digital nomad, our templates offer various layouts and designs to suit your style.

By utilizing our Travel Log Templates , you can capture important details, reflect on your experiences, and create a personal keepsake of your journeys. With visually appealing designs and user-friendly layouts, our templates make it easy to document and share your travel stories. Enhance your travel documentation, relive your adventures, and create a lasting record of your wanderlust with our user-friendly templates. Download now and embark on a journey of preserving your travel memories with our Travel Log Templates .

How to write the perfect travel log?

“How to write a travel log?” It is the most logical option for travelers searching for an answer to the question to start by obtaining a notebook set first. One of the notebook sets should be divided into days directly with its pages or sections, and the travel notes for each day should be transferred to the relevant sections. Other essential features of the travel book are that it is easily portable, has a stylish structure, and is of high quality. The successful storage of the notes obtained during the trip will be possible with the travel book.

• Flow is a significant detail in a travel diary to be created from scratch. To prepare the flow according to the route and to make the events consist of a pattern, the “chronological” order is of great importance. Just before the creation of the travel book or diary, there are various notes, photographs, sound recordings, etc., that individuals must do. It is to obtain records that will facilitate the recall of the moments put into the memory with the elements. Thanks to these records, creating the final version of a travel diary will become much more perfect.
• Of course, every traveler takes a lot of photos during travels, and from time to time, he may not even be able to find a space to fit his photos. While preparing a travel diary, the inability to fit the images on the pages is a bigger problem than the pictures cannot be stored in the digital space. It is of great importance that the images of the days are chosen very well in the travel diaries. The most crucial photo of the day should be on the page related to that day, not to exceed a few.
• What’s a good travel log be like? Individuals looking for an answer to the question should pay attention that photographs tell much more than words. On the other hand, it is a much better reminder of the details of that moment. Therefore, doing a little photography training before preparing a travel diary or even before traveling will improve your travel diary. Afterward, it will be straightforward to decide on the photos to be chosen while organizing a travel diary and the photos taken at critical moments and times during the trip. Then, the travel diary can obtain photographs that contain the most important and most profound meanings of the days or contain the most details and describe much more than words.
• A street, a monument, a museum, a garden, a historical place, etc. You may have visited many places. Unfortunately, boring your diary with details while talking about these visited areas will make it difficult to read. It will disrupt the flow of the log and make it boring. Only the necessary details should be included in the travel diary to avoid such a situation.
• Avoiding telling personal details will be one of the best moves when writing a travel journal. For example, I did my hair like this today, chose that color bag, etc. Instead of unnecessary details, more details should be given about the cultures of the places visited during the trip or the ambiance of the events at that moment. With accurate descriptions, one of the primary purposes should be to make the reader live that moment in his mind with the diary and feel himself in that journey.

To better convey the feelings or experiences you have experienced while traveling a place, you need to include the sense organs in writing. Details such as talking about the smell of the environment during the trip, indicating the condition of the air temperature, giving information about the taste of what you eat and drink, conveying the details that catch your eye, and being descriptive about the general sound of the environment are the elements that should be included in the diary when writing a travel log.

Have you learned how to write but haven’t gone anywhere yet? Then hit the road, travel, roam, and share your experience with us!

How do you write a trip log?

A trip log records details during travel, including dates, locations, transportation, accommodation, activities, food, costs, weather, and personal experiences. Write down notes each day in a journal or log template. Supplement with photos, ticket stubs, etc.

What is the travel log?

A travel log is a diary where travelers document details about their trips, often including where they went, what they did, who they met, how they felt, and more. It helps preserve memories from vacations and adventures.

How do I create a key log spreadsheet?

To create a key log spreadsheet, make columns for the date, employee name, key number, time checked out, time returned, purpose/area accessed, and notes. Use rows to log each instance a key is used. This tracks key usage.

What is a log template?

A log template is a pre-made document with fields to enter repetitive data over time, allowing the user to track details, patterns, and progress. Logs help organize information like project tasks, exercise routines, work hours, expenses, etc.

What are the benefits of keeping a detailed travel log?

Benefits include preserving memories, recording expenses, writing down tips for future travelers, reflecting on experiences, maintaining a catalog of places visited, and appreciating how much you accomplished.

Should you write in your travel log during or after your trip?

It’s best to write frequent, brief log entries during your trip so details are fresh, then expand on them afterwards. In-the-moment notes capture true thoughts.

What makes a good travel log?

A good log is consistent, personalized with stories and anecdotes, has fun mementos attached or inserted, highlights new discoveries about people/places/yourself, and evokes the feeling of the experiences.

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How To Write A Travel Journal: Ideas, Tips, Prompts & Resources (2023 Definitive Guide)

Before I give you the A-Z on creating your travel journal, I have an interesting thought experiment for you…

Can you imagine packing up your life into ONE SINGLE duffel bag?

That’s exactly what my wife and I did when we first moved onto our sailboat  Sea Otter : one duffel of personal items each, and one small box of other items stored at our folks back home.

It turns out over  90% of the “stuff” we all own can happily be given away  or tossed in the bin.

Look around you right now. How much of the things you see are truly meaningful enough that you’d NEED to keep if all you could leave your home with was ONE duffel?

You’ll like this…

One of the  DEAD SIMPLE decisions you’d face with a “purging” like this is with your travel journals  because I can GUARANTEE it wouldn’t take more than a nanosecond for them to be placed delicately in your bag so you could keep them forever (which is exactly what I did with mine).

That’s how important your  travel diary  will become to you. It will become a cherished vault of memories…

…stories you’d have forgotten if you didn’t jot them down…

…memories you’ll look back on for the rest of your days with an ear-to-ear grin…

…a memento you can pass along to future generations so they can bask in your adventures.

And today you’re going to see  how to write a travel journal of your very own , including travel journal ideas, writing prompts, tips and all the best resources around!

What Is A Travel Journal?

Simply put, a travel journal is a diary of your time on holiday or vacation. It’s a place to jot down the things you never want to forget: people you met, important details, funny events, raw experiences.

And as we’ll discuss, it can take many forms, such as a paper notebook, a DIY scrapbook, an app, a website, and everything in between.

Is There A Difference Between A Travel Journal, Trip Diary, And Travel Log?

People often get confused about whether there’s a difference between these terms, but the answer is that they’re all the same thing.

Whether you prefer to call it a diary or a log doesn’t matter because you enter inside is the same: the stories of your travels.

And here’s an interesting fact you might enjoy: 

The term “travel log” (otherwise known as “travelogue” or “travelog”) originally comes from the term “ship’s log,” which was how sailboats and other seafaring vessels tracked the details of the voyage. They called it a “log” because of a wooden float that they used to drag behind the boat to measure speed.

…You know, in case you were really wondering. 😉

Why Keep A Journal While Traveling?

The experience is priority one.

Followed closely by a way to remember that experience.

You know this conundrum:

If a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?

Now how about this doozie:

If you forget most of the things you did on your trip, did they really happen?

Well of course they did! But wouldn’t it be so much sweeter if you KNEW you would remember that adventure for the rest of your life? Hell yeah!

THAT is why it’s SO important to keep a journal while on your trip: to remember the best days of your life — those days spent abroad exploring new places, meeting new people, experiencing new cultures.

What Are The Different Types Available?

If you want the best travel journal, you first need to know what  type  you would prefer.

There are  2 main types  to consider, and they are very different:

1. A paper notebook style journal 2. A digital, multimedia style journal (such as an app)

Let’s take them one by one:

A Paper Travel Journal:

These are, most often, simple notebooks that you tailor to your travels. Blank page after blank page, ready for ink to cover the lines.

The main benefits of a paper notebook style journal are:

• Some people like the physical act of writing, as opposed to typing on their phones or tablets.
• It’s physical. You can hold it in your hands. It can sit on your bookshelf and physically take up space. 
• They make really cool gifts (especially  personalized travel journals ). 
• You scrapbook with it by gluing in boarding passes, ticket stubs, and anything else you want to keep a hold of.

A few shortcomings of a physical journal are:

• You can lose it! 😩
• You can only write it in, not easily add pictures or videos from your phone.
• You can’t track or tag locations automatically.
• They take up physical space (if you are a diehard minimalist).
• You can’t share your stories online.

A Digital Travel Journal:

Digital journals are usually apps and websites that work well for journaling. That said, you could also DIY it by simply documenting your travels in a simple text doc on your computer or the ‘Notes’ app on your phone (just make sure you back them up properly!).

The main benefits of a  travel journal app :

• The best ones store all your entries securely to the cloud, so you never have to worry about losing your memories.
• You can add pictures directly from your phone’s camera.
• The best ones allow you to add videos too!
• You can collaborate with travel-mates to the same journal, which makes sure you get ALL the stories from all angles (and pics too).
• The best ones automatically tag locations for you and show your routes on a map.
• The best ones allow you to  ‘publish’ your journals online for your friends and family to follow along .

A few shortcomings of a digital journal are:

• It’s in the cloud, so you can’t place it on your coffee table and peruse when you’re in the mood (although the best ones do allow you to print your journals too).
• You can’t glue in physical mementos you want to hold on to.
• They’re harder to give as gifts because the “ unwrapping ” just isn’t the same.

As you can see, there are tradeoffs with each style and the answer to which is better truly lies in what you find as more important. Do you want to  share it online  or are you happy to  keep it privately written  on your bookshelf? Are you cool with just being able to write or do want to add pictures, videos, and maps ?

Think about what’s best and go for it! Remember, you can always choose a different style next time!

5 Of The Best Travel Journal Notebooks To Buy

There are loads of travel journals available for you to buy online. Some with simple ruled pages, others with prompts and other interesting things inside, and some are personalized for that extra cool touch.

Here are our top 5 favorites (including a few of our best selling personalized journals, of course 😊):

1.  The Extraordinary Life & Adventures Notebook (Personalized!)  by Journo Travel Goods

2.  Refillable Leather Journal Traveler’s Notebook  by Moterm 3.  Personalized ‘Comrades in Life, Love & Adventure’ Couples Travel Journal  by Journo Travel Goods

4.  Simple Premium Leather With Monogram  by OxAndPine

5.  The Custom Boarding Pass Travel Journal  by Journo Travel Goods

There are plenty of options out there. The best of which comes with personalization and are an ideal size for hauling around on a trip.

What Is The Best App For Journaling?

I founded  Journo  to do ONE THING: help fellow travel junkies track, remember and share their adventures like they couldn’t do ANYWHERE else.

It all started while at anchor in a secluded bay in The Bahamas, when I was trying to describe in my paper journal the most strikingly red sunset I’d ever seen. But I couldn’t find the words.

…and  I felt like I was going to miss out on that memory  if the only way I was trying to document it was on paper.

The very next day the idea for  Journo  was born. It’s taken on a life of its own since – developing a huge community of incredible travelers and winning “Best Travel App” by IMA Awards. 

National Geographic Travel put it simply:

“Sharing memories from a trip can get messy. Journo removes the pain.”

Journo  is loaded with cool capabilities that make it so much easier to document your trips. And even comes with your very own travel blog so your friends and family back home can follow along (and endlessly drool at your adventures 🤤).

Journo is  available on iOS for iPhones and iPad , with Android coming soon. Of course, there are a few other travel journal apps out there and I encourage you to compare with Journo and use whichever you think is best. 

What do you write in your journal? 10 Fun Travel Journal Ideas To Inspire You!

A little nudge can go a long way when you’re first starting out. So to get your mind running, here are 10 of our favorite ideas to include in your trip diary:

1. Start before your trip.  Jot down your  pre-trip planning list , where you’re going, who with, what items are on your  must-see and must-do lists . Write about anything you’re most excited about, even if it’s simply relaxing on the beach and going through a couple of  great books !

2. A picture is worth a thousand words.  If you’re using a travel journal app like Journo, the simplest thing to do is start in your photo album. Look through, grab a pic that catches your eye, add it to your Journal and then write the story about it! If you’re using a paper journal, consider bringing along  a mini polaroid like this , and then paste in your pics!

3. A video is worth all the words.  This one only works with a limited number of apps that allow for video (like Journo, of course 😉), but including a video of a memorable moment can really take your entries up a notch.

4. Oh, the sights!  We often say, “ Don’t be a tourist. Be a traveler. ” But we always recommend seeing the big sights, even if they’re in massive tourist traps. They’re big sights for a reason – they’re incredible! Add them to your journal. Write about if they lived up your expectations or not.

5. It’s all about the people.  I guarantee some of the longest-lasting memories you’ll have from a trip are of the people you meet. We, humans, are built for connection, and so a beautiful connection with a new friend or complete stranger can have a lasting impact. Document it!

6. Let’s not forget about the food.  Even the most non-foodies amongst us love to talk about  amazing food experiences abroad . I’ll never forget my squid ink spaghetti on The Amalfi Coast, or navigating my way through Cuy (Guinea Pig!) in Cuzco, or my daily  street dumplings  in Shanghai. Take pics of your favorite dishes, jot down the restaurant (or pin it on a map in Journo), and describe the food in detail! 😋

7. Map it!  If you’re anything like me, you love the look of a cool map. Now, doesn’t that map get even sweet when it’s of YOUR travel route? Yep! Draw it and color it if you’re using a paper journal (gives you something to do when in limbo or on a  long train ride ). If you’re using an app, it should  pin your route for you .

8. Paste in awesome mementos.  This one is best for the paper journalers amongst us because you can literally glue in cool stuff from your adventures, like maps, ticket stubs, bottle labels, coasters, postcards, foreign dollar bills, candy wrappers, etc. Whatever you find interesting, toss it in! If you’re using an app, just take a pic of it!

9. Write about yourself.  No better place for a little bit of introspection than on a trip. And that’s usually because – if you’re doing it right – you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and growing as a person. Write about that. Write about your feelings, changed opinions, ups, and downs, whatever it may be that you’re going through!

10. Team up!  We created Journo as a collaborative journaling tool because it’s a ton of fun for you and your travel-mates to be journaling in the same place ( here’s my wife, Mak, and my collabo Journo from a sail a while back , as an example). You get all the stories and, oftentimes, a hilarious new angle on a shared experience. If you’re using a paper journal, just pass it around, maybe even taking turns documenting the days.

>> New: 100 travel journal prompts for ever part of your adventure.

And whatever you do… don’t overthink it! It’s better to just roll with it than overthink it. It’s just an entry, after all. Just write!

One thing we’ve discovered from our community of travel journalers is that it can be hard to find the time  while on a trip  to keep up with your journaling. Here’s some help with that…

4 Writing Tips To Fill Your Travel Journal With Ease WHILE Vacationing

1. Start with today.  With limited time, and being pretty beat after a long day, it’s tough to keep up. So just don’t worry about previous days, just start with today (and catch up as soon as you can or when you get home and maybe  feeling the post-trip blues ).     

2. Think “highlight reel.”  The quickest way to get that entry rolling is to think about the top 1-3 things that went down today. Add those, then expand later if you want. 

3. Start in your phone’s photo album.  As mentioned above, it’s simplest to start by pulling up the date in your phone’s photo library, find the best pics, add them to your journal and write a short snippet of it.     

4. Consider giving your friends back home a touch of the #TravelEnvy bug.  😜 With Journo, you can publish your entries to your very own travel blog with a couple of taps. This will both  make your friends drool  and also keep you on track with adding more stories of your adventures.

I hope you found this helpful in getting started with traveling journaling. Remember, the most important thing is to simply begin.

Step one is to grab the right journal  for you  (thanks for considering Journo in your decision).  Step two , if you have time before your departure date,  is to start writing now ! That easy!

Ok here’s one last helpful tip for you…

Try to develop the habit of daily journaling now will make it even easier while on your trip.  Here is a free downloadable journaling prompt exercise book for you: The 21-Day Journo Challenge.

Inside you’ll get ONE word or image, and all you need to do is write about WHATEVER comes to your mind as you read the word or lay your eyes on the pic.

Have any tips we didn’t mention? What do you love travel journaling about the most?  Tell us in the comments below!

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Travel Log: The Art of Documenting Adventures

Embarking on journeys and exploring new horizons is a thrilling experience. To make these moments last, many travelers turn to the art of keeping a travel log. In this article, we delve into the world …

Written by: Johny D.

Published on: July 4, 2023

Embarking on journeys and exploring new horizons is a thrilling experience. To make these moments last, many travelers turn to the art of keeping a travel log. In this article, we delve into the world of travel logs, their significance, and the benefits they offer. From preserving precious memories to inspiring others, discover how a travel log can become your ultimate travel companion.

What is a Travel Log?

A travel log is a record of your journeys , a personal chronicle that captures the essence of your travel experiences. It serves as a window into your adventures, allowing you to document the places you visit, the people you meet, and the emotions you encounter along the way.

A log can take various forms, from a traditional written journal to a digital blog or even a collection of photographs and videos. It is a space where you can express your thoughts, reflections, and insights, preserving memories and creating a narrative of your travel stories.

It is not just a collection of facts and figures; it is a tapestry of experiences that brings your journeys to life and provides a glimpse into the beauty and wonder of the world you have explored.

The Benefits of Keeping a Travel Log

Preserving memories and experiences:

A travel log acts as a time capsule, preserving the memories and emotions associated with your travel adventures . It allows you to revisit those special moments, relive the experiences, and evoke the same feelings you had during your travels.

Capturing details for future reference:

A travel log serves as a valuable resource, capturing essential details such as itineraries, accommodation information, and local recommendations. It becomes a reliable reference for future trips or when sharing recommendations with fellow travelers .

Inspiring and sharing travel stories:

Your travel log can inspire others to explore new destinations and embark on their own adventures. By sharing your experiences, insights, and recommendations, you contribute to the collective knowledge of the travel community, fostering a sense of connection and inspiration.

Tips for Creating an Engaging Travel Log

Choose a format that suits your style:

Select a format that resonates with you, whether it’s a traditional written journal, a digital blog, or a combination of visuals and narratives. Find the medium that allows you to express yourself authentically and enhances your storytelling.

Include essential information in your entries:

Ensure that your travel log captures important details such as dates, locations, and key highlights of each adventure. Include vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and personal reflections to bring your experiences to life.

Incorporate visuals and multimedia elements:

Incorporating visuals and multimedia elements into your travel log adds depth, enhances the storytelling experience, and brings your adventures to life. Here are some ideas on how to effectively utilize visuals in your travel log:

• Photos: Capture the essence of your travel experiences by including high-quality photographs in your travel log. Select images that showcase the landscapes, landmarks, people, and moments that made your journey memorable. Embed them within your entries or create dedicated photo galleries to visually complement your written narratives.
• Videos: Create engaging and immersive content by integrating videos into your travel log. Use short video clips to capture the sights and sounds of your destinations, document activities and events, or record personal reflections. Video snippets can be embedded directly into digital platforms or linked to external video hosting platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.
• Maps: Include maps in your travel log to provide visual context and help readers navigate through your journey. You can mark the locations you visited, highlight specific points of interest, or trace your route. Digital tools and apps often offer built-in map integration features, allowing you to create interactive maps with pins or annotations.
• Sketches and Drawings: If you have artistic skills or enjoy doodling, incorporate sketches and drawings into your travel log. Create quick sketches of landscapes, architectural details, or memorable moments. These hand-drawn illustrations add a unique and personal touch to your entries.
• Collages: Create collages using a combination of photographs, tickets, postcards, and other memorabilia. Collages allow you to visually represent a collection of memories or a specific theme in a visually appealing and creative way. You can either create physical collages in your physical travel log or use digital collage-making tools for your digital log.
• QR Codes: Consider incorporating QR codes into your travel log. These codes can be linked to additional content such as videos, audio recordings, or online resources related to your travel experiences. This interactive feature adds an extra layer of engagement and enables readers to access supplementary information with a simple scan.

Organizing and Managing Your Travel Log

Categorizing entries by destinations or themes:

Categorizing entries in your travel log by destinations or themes is a practical and efficient way to organize your experiences. By grouping entries based on specific locations or common themes, you can easily retrieve information and create a cohesive narrative of your travels.

When categorizing by destinations, you can create sections or chapters dedicated to each place you visit. This allows you to capture the unique aspects, highlights, and recommendations for each location, making it convenient to revisit specific details when planning a return trip or sharing your adventures with others. It also helps in comparing different destinations and reflecting on the diversity of your travel experiences.

Utilizing digital tools and apps for organization:

In today’s digital age, numerous tools and apps are available to help you organize and manage your travel log efficiently. Here are some popular options to consider:

• Note-taking apps: Apps like Evernote, OneNote, or Google Keep provide a convenient platform for creating and organizing digital travel logs. You can create separate notes for each entry, add tags, attach photos, and even synchronize your notes across devices for easy access.
• Travel-specific apps: Several apps are designed specifically for travel logging and organization. TripIt, for instance, allows you to create itineraries, add notes, and store important travel documents all in one place. Travefy and Polarsteps are other popular apps that provide features for tracking and documenting your trips.
• Cloud storage services: Utilizing cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud ensures that your travel log is accessible from any device with an internet connection. You can create folders to organize your entries and upload photos, videos, or text documents directly to the cloud.
• Digital journaling platforms: Platforms like Day One, Journey, or Penzu are dedicated to digital journaling and offer features specifically tailored for travel logging. These platforms often include rich text formatting options, photo integration, location tagging, and automatic date/time stamps.
• Social media platforms: Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest can also serve as a medium for creating a travel log. You can create dedicated accounts or use hashtags to categorize and archive your travel posts. Additionally, these platforms allow you to interact with a community of fellow travelers.

Creating a system for easy retrieval and access:

Creating a system for easy retrieval and access is essential to make the most of your travel log. Here are some tips to help you organize and manage your entries effectively:

• Use consistent tags or labels: Assign tags or labels to your entries based on relevant keywords, such as destination names, activities, or memorable experiences . This makes it easier to search and retrieve specific entries related to a particular tag.
• Create an index or table of contents: For physical travel logs or notebooks, consider maintaining an index or table of contents at the beginning. This allows you to quickly locate specific entries by page numbers or section titles.
• Utilize digital search functions: If you’re using a digital platform or app for your travel log, take advantage of the search function. Most digital tools offer search capabilities that enable you to find specific entries by keywords, dates, or tags, saving you time and effort.
• Arrange entries chronologically: Organize your entries in chronological order, starting from the earliest to the most recent. This timeline-based arrangement helps you retrace your journey and provides a sense of progression throughout your travel log.
• Include cross-references: If an entry refers to a previous or related entry, consider adding cross-references or hyperlinks to facilitate navigation between related content. This allows you to establish connections between entries and create a seamless flow of information.
• Use dividers or tabs: For physical travel logs, use dividers or tabs to separate different sections or categories. This makes it easier to flip to specific sections and adds a visual element to your organization system.
• Backup your digital travel log: If you maintain a digital travel log, ensure regular backups of your entries to prevent the risk of losing valuable content. Store your backups in multiple locations, such as cloud storage or external drives, for added security.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Should I keep a digital or physical travel log?

The choice between a digital or physical travel log depends on personal preference. Physical logs offer a tangible experience and can be cherished as keepsakes, while digital logs provide ease of sharing, multimedia integration, and accessibility across devices.

B. Can I use a travel log for trip planning?

Absolutely! Your travel log can serve as a valuable resource for future trip planning. You can refer back to your previous experiences, recommendations, and itineraries to craft new adventures or enhance existing plans .

C. How can I ensure the privacy and security of my travel log?

If privacy is a concern, be mindful of the platform you choose for your digital travel log. Select reputable platforms with robust privacy settings and consider sharing only what you’re comfortable with. For physical logs, keep them in a safe place and exercise caution when sharing personal details.

In the ever-changing landscape of travel, the power of a travel log remains constant. By capturing memories, preserving details, and inspiring others, a travel log becomes a treasure trove of experiences. So, whether you choose pen and paper or embrace digital platforms, start documenting your adventures today. Let your travel log be a testament to the transformative power of exploration.

Fun Fact: The famous explorer and author, Marco Polo, kept a travel log during his epic journey across Asia in the 13th century. His detailed accounts, known as “The Travels of Marco Polo,” became one of the most influential travel logs in history, inspiring generations of adventurers to follow in his footsteps.

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How to plan a trip a guide to inclusive travel.

Travel Log Template

What is a travel log.

Why do people use travel logs?

How to use the travel log, 1- for planning trips:, 2- for writing expectations, 3- for tracking expenses, template for a travel log, what are the benefits of a travel log template.

• It keeps you organized: Using the travel log keeps the person organized. Writing down everything in the log helps a person know what to expect and what to be prepared for. In this way, people stay focused and they know what to do while they are traveling and how. Furthermore, such people never fall short of anything while traveling because they have everything with them that they thought they might need while traveling.
• It helps manage the finances: People frequently traveling often face the problem of lack of money because they spend more than they ever expected. Wise people always use the log and make a list of all the expenses. They can also mull over their expenses and can have good control over their budget.
• It makes travel more enjoyable: Those who plan everything ahead of time usually stay stress-free while traveling. This peace of mind comes with a travel log for such people.
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A Little Journal… These Digital Travel Diary Apps Are Worth Your Time

Last updated on July 7, 2024 by Shannon

As travel enthusiasts, we yearn to capture the essence of extraordinary travel moments and freeze them in time. We even want those mundane details preserved—what was the name of that hilarious taxi driver who shuttled you from the airport to your guesthouse?

If you’ve logged those details in a travel journal, you don’t have to remember—that’s where travel journaling apps come in, offering a digital travel scrapbook that easily documents even the craziest travel adventures.

I’ve been traveling the world for 15 years, writing, photographing, and sharing my travel stories from the first day. That means I have pretty high expectations when it comes to using digital travel diaries meant to preserve the memories of your expeditions. Here’s what you need to know about the best online travel journal apps available.

Table of Contents

What are Digital Travel Diaries?

While journaling about your travels via a paper notebook used to be called a travel log, the more modern equivalent is an online travel journaling app. That said, even diary app is just a new way to log the most important moments of your travels—and the mundane ones too.

Travel journals essential just document your experiences, capturing your memories as you travel the world. By logging your travel memories in real time via a journaling app, you ensure the smaller details are captured.

Was it a torrential downpour on the day you had booked an “any-weather” tour of the Norwegian fjords? Log that and then share how you felt at that very moment, otherwise the details fade with time.

That’s the real magic of keeping a travel log in any form, a beloved notebook, an app, or a blog. I’ve used all three over my 15+ years of travel. This travel blog was my primary travel log, but at times I’ve used these travel apps to capture moments more immediately.

And no matter my online travel journal app of choice, I always, always have a small physical journal. Even if you diligently record all of the best moments of your trip in your digital travel diary app, you should also carry a small travel journal that acts as your travel log—you use it to jot down funny off-the-cuff moments, or even just mundane details.

Perhaps you press between the pages ticket stubs, a pretty flower from your world wanders, and other small memorabilia that can’t be captured in a journaling app. It becomes a place to log currency conversions you can surreptitiously glance at when haggling at a market, or jot down lists and travel plans.

I never travel without a pocket Field Notes waterproof notebook and this Moleskine travel journal —its these two things that have allowed me to share such rich details on this blog, my personal travel log that’s been running 15 years and counting.

How to Choose an Online Travel Journal App

Travel journal apps are not one-size-fits-all. The best apps offer the exact range of features you need and at a price point you can afford—which can mean free! Many journaling apps offer a free version that may just meet your needs. Often its the more sophisticated features that require a paid upgrade.

Given that you’re probably snowed under travel planning, don’t waste your time downloading every travel diary app here. To pick the right app for your travels, consider these things before you download it:

When choosing an online travel diary app, there are several factors to consider that can help you find the one that best fits your needs. Here are some tips to help you make a decision:

• Features : Review what the journaling app actually does—what are the key features these app developers believe are the hallmarks of their app? That will tell you a lot about functionality. Standard features of most digital travel diaries include: text entry, photo and video uploading, geotagging, and weather data. Decide which features are important to you and ensure that the app provides them. Maybe you want an awesome map interface because you’re hopscotching around the world for a year ? Or you’re studying abroad you might want an app with more functionality around text and photo entries.
• Platform Compatibility : Check if the digital journaling app is available on your preferred platforms, such as iOS, Android, web-based, and desktop. If you’re bringing both a smartphone and laptop on your travels , you may wan a travel diary app that seamlessly switches between the two devices.
• Syncing and Backup : Consider whether the app offers syncing and backup options—and if those are free or paid features. You want access your travel diary across multiple devices, and you want it securely backed up to the cloud.
• Export and Sharing Options : If you plan to share your travel diary with others or would like to have a backup of your entries outside of the app, check if it offers export options, such as PDF or other file formats.
• Company Story : If the travel journaling app you’re considering using hasn’t been around for at least two-to-five years, run in the other direction. Companies, especially app makers, fold quickly. The last thing you want is an email saying you have a matter of days to download your cherished memories before they’re all deleted.

Best Travel Journaling Apps

Day One tops most of these lists because it’s actually that good—and it’s been around since 2011, so you know your travel memories are safe with this online diary app. The company has invested in a high-quality product, and updates over the years have responded to user reviews and feedback—which is enthusiastic across the board.

Its clean interface and seamless integration with iOS (both iPhones and Macs) and Android make it a joy to use. You can effortlessly capture each destination through text and photos, while popping in location data too.

Best app features : The “On This Day” functionality is neat because it doesn’t pull in the best of anything, but rather that exact moment years ago when you were on an incredible adventure out there in the world—or maybe you had logged a tasty hot chocolate at a hipster spot near that landmark you were visiting.

Either way, you’ll be transported back there in an instant and that app feature is maybe one of the strongest motivators to journal about all the big (and small) things that happen as you travel.

Cost : The free version is enough to see if you like it, but if you’re using this as your main digital travel journal then the one photo per entry restriction on free plans isn’t going to cut it. Premium is affordable though, at just under $3 per month, which buys you unlimited photos, videos, audio, drawings, and more.

If you go all in on Journey as your travel journal app, it will become your trusted companion. Rather than being a journaling app that’s great for travel, this travel-centric journaling app goes above and beyond with its extensive features.

Geotagging allows you to pinpoint the exact location of you experiences, while the inclusion of weather data and “mood” status adds depth to entries. You can import photos from your camera roll directly into journal entires, creating vivid visual narratives of your travels.

This robust app works on iOS devices and Android phones, Mac or Windows computers, and there’s even a web app! Basically, it’s an accessible and essential tool for any travel writer seeking to document their adventures with style and precision. Not only because of the features, but also because it allows multi-media exports in PDF or doc format.

It’s also a bit cheeky and has a handy guide to what Journey offers versus Day One or Daylio .

Best app features : Stand out for many will be the features that let you automatically sync and import social media content from Instagram and the like—what a time saver! And the full text editing screen is nice—you can bold, bullet, color, or link to anything you’d like right inside the text. Surprisingly, that’s not in every diary journaling app.

But one of the neater travel-focused elements are the three views for your journal—media (where you scroll by photos), map (which shows your entries pinpointed on a map of the world) and calendar (journals organized by date).

Cost : Unlike essentially all competitors, Journey offers a one time purchase license—currently $18. You can buy a membership for ~$4.20.

3. Journalfy

The Journalfy Travel Journal app is a new contender on the market with a lot of potential. It entered the market earlier this year, so the company has a short track record, but it’s beautifully designed with a lot of thoughtful touches—including an analog, old-school travel journal that you can back up using their app.

I love using a physical travel journal, so it’s a neat differentiator that you can use these either together or independently (the paper journal is as beautifully designed as the app). If you use the app without the physical journal, the free plan allows you to upload up to 10 photos per entry, which is plenty for most travelers. The free and paid plans include the same features, however, you can just add more photos and create more entries with the paid plan.

Best app features: The share function is seamless—friends and family can view entries without the app. The writing prompts are helpful, and the intuitive, ad-free layout makes it easy to record travel memories on the go. The PDF export feature is handy, though adding images to the exports would be an improvement.

Cost: The free version is probably enough for most, however, they do have a monthly option for $2/month or an annual plan for $18.65/year.

Daylio , billed as a “simple micro-diary app,” adds an interesting twist to a travel journaling routine. As a mood and activity tracker, it enables you to record daily experiences and emotions with ease—and without writing anything. It’s an interesting way to to reflect on how your travel adventures have impacted your overall well-being .

It’s not for the hardcore travel writer, but rather, Daylio captures the essence of the travel experiences in a uniquely personal way. It’s a good companion for those seeking to intertwine their emotional journey with their physical travels. And for those who want a more streamlined diary app with fewer features and just straight to the meat of what you want to do.

Best app features : This app is dead simple to use and can be updated in under a minute thanks to the tap interface. It’s certainly not going to be the only way you record you travels, but if you’re already planning to share extensively on a Facebook or Instagram page , then this ease of use may just ensure that you use it every day.

Cost : You could get pretty far with the free version, or upgrade for just $3 per month—only the premium version supports exporting to PDF.

5. Evernote

Real talk: The digital travel journal of your dreams may be something you’re already using. When it comes to versatile note-taking, Evernote reigns supreme. Its functionality goes beyond simple journaling, allowing the creation of multimedia-rich entries.

I’ve organized my entire life via Evernote—travel pans, stories, etc—and its robust features make a compelling case for this being one of the best journaling apps out there, period. Not just in travel, but in general.

As one of the best digital diary apps, you can update it seamlessly across iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Best app features : Well, you could use Evernote to basically plan and execute your trip, in addition to using it as a digital journal. You can also stay ruthlessly organized.

Cost : The free version offers 60 MB monthly uploads, which is constraining for travelers looking for an online app where they could add photos and videos to Evernote itself—this would like be better if you’re embedding YouTube videos, for example, versus storing them in Evernote.

The Personal version offers a more reasonable 10 GB in monthly uploads, but costs $11/month for that perk. If you’re already paying for Evernote for other reasons then this could be an excellent online travel journal, otherwise some of the other ones are likely better priced for a traveler.

6. Travel Diaries

For those seeking a dedicated travel journaling app, Travel Diaries hits the mark. It’s really a truly solid option. As a travel writer, I’m captivated by its interactive features. You can easily create immersive travelogues, complete with photos, maps, and annotations.

It’s also a captivating way to showcase your journey to fellow travelers (and your family and friends back home, of course!). The ability to share your travel stories and explore others’ adventures on the platform adds a sense of community not available in the other digital travel journaling apps.

It’s available as software for web, iOS and Android, but will only work with an internet connection (either cell data or wifi)—which means this might not be the best journaling app for those going far off-the-beaten path .

Best app features : A broad range of fonts and styles allow you to design your travel diary according to your own taste, and your travel log can include itineraries, travel photos, and a traveling map. The layout as an actual travel journal is a fun and personal touch that makes it feel like your digital diary is just as capable of creativity as a blank page in front of you.

Cost : There is no free version of Travel Diaries—it’ll be a subscription for as long as you want access to your travel journal. The basic plan costs $1 a month and includes unlimited storage and is really all most travelers will need for a robust travel journal. If you want to export your stories to PDF, you’ll have to upgrade to $3 per month.

Diaro App is a reliable companion for millions of people, not just globetrotters. This comprehensive diary app offers an array of features that elevate a travel journaling experience. Sometimes the best travel journal is, well, just a great online diary that you happen to use to document your travels.

The ability to add text, photos, tags, and organize entries into folders keeps this app well-organized—you can effortlessly find specific memories or delve into specific themes from your trips. It has a map of entry locations, which is especially important for those using this as a travel journal diary.

Diaro’s sleek interface and user-friendly design make the process of documenting adventures a true pleasure. Available on web, iOS or Android devices (with cross-device syncing via Dropbox) Diaro is a go-to app for travelers who want to capture the essence of their trip with elegance and efficiency.

Best app features : The multilingual UI (30+languages) may be a real boon for those for whom English is not their native language, but the shining standout features is just how easy it is to create a robust diary accounting for all of the key moments on your trip.

Cost : The free version has robust functionality. Upgrading to Diario Pro costs $10 per month and offers more customizability.

8. Polarsteps

Polarsteps is a great travel journal app that offers automatic tracking of your journey, making it effortless to document and share your trips. With its GPS technology, the app traces your route in real-time, creating a visually appealing map of your adventure without requiring any manual input.

This feature sets Polarsteps apart from other travel journal apps, as it eliminates the need for constant updates and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip while the app takes care of recording your route—and uses minimal data and power to do so.

What truly makes Polarsteps unique is its ability to create a beautifully presented travel log that showcases your journey. This app is made for the travel photographers out there also wanting a digital travel log of their journey.

Along with the automatic tracking, the app allows you to add photos, captions, and personal insights to your entries. These elements are then combined to create a visually stunning travel journal that can be shared with friends, family, and fellow travelers. I think this is one of the prettier apps—the maps alone are just a step up from the others.

Best app features : The GPS tracking is easily the standout here. You’ll know the precise spot you took a photo, and can then include a quick note—an inside joke you shared with a friend while there, a tidbit about the day, and more. This kind of precise location data is invaluable in the months and years after you travel.

Cost : It’s free! Polarsteps offers you a printed travel journal of your trip, which is how it’s monetized.

9. Waffle Journal

Waffle Journal stands out from the rest as a a collaborative journaling app that allows you to document and share your travel experiences with others—probably those on your same trip. Its unique approach fosters collaboration, allowing friends, family, or fellow travelers to contribute to your journal. With the ability to add stories, photos, and memories, everyone can create a collective travel diary that captures the essence of your adventures.

The app goes beyond traditional journaling by integrating multimedia elements. You can include photos, videos, and audio recordings. It’s not a travel journal specifically, so you’re not going to have any of those map features the travel apps have integrated into the experience, but it could be a great option for those travel in a group, or a group of friends who just love to share their travel adventures with each other. Social sharing features make it easy to showcase your travel adventures on social media platforms or via email.

BONUS: RIP: Bonjournal

Bonjournal captured my attention many years ago for its visually stunning approach to travel journaling. As you penned your travel stories, this app transformed them into beautifully presented narratives—and it made you choose just one photo to represent your day. Which was really quite neat.

This travel journal app is no longer available! Even though other websites are still recommending it as a travel diary app, the gorgeous app that debuted more than a decade ago is no longer up and running. Instead, a new app with the same name launched in 2021—it’s not a viable alternative. This new Bon Journal diary app is glitchy and poorly rated—storing your cherished travel memories there is not a good idea.

Don’t forget a paper journal as well.

This Moleskin travel journal is well made and worth the space it will take up in your bag. There will be times you just want to put pen to paper—you’ll be glad you have an analog record of your travels too.

How to Safely Store Travel Photos and Videos

These travel journaling apps are a terrific way to document your journey for personal memories, and to share with others. Although some long-term travelers create a travel blog to record their trips, using a travel diary instead is a great alternative.

You get amazing functionality and the ability to share your travel stories without the hassle of running a blog—which can get pricey and generally lacks the ability to share some stories privately with family, or keep other journal entries entirely private.

One thing all of these apps have are general constraints on how you upload, store, and present your travel photos and videos. Although some of these apps offer paid subscriptions with unlimited uploads, you’re likely safer if you store your actual travel photos elsewhere, too. Here’s a quick review of other places you can store travel photos, and the perks of using them in addition to, or instead of, a travel diary app.

• Facebook pages : Rather than use your personal profile, consider setting up a Facebook page for your trip—then you can share unlimited stories, photos, and videos. And you’re creating and sharing in a place where it’s likely your family and friends are already hanging out.
• Instagram : This is a great way to share photos, but videos and stories are a little more constrained on this platform. This might be a good option in addition to a digital travel diary.
• SmugMug : If you need a place to both store and display all of your travel photos, SmugMug is a great option. I’ve had an annual plan for more than a decade and it offers unlimited storage for all of my photos from all over the world for $88 per year. And it’s totally customizable—you can create gorgeous albums on a custom domain name if you own one.
• Google Drive : If you just need a backup solution without the need to share then Google Drive is a good option (I find Google Photos a chore to use). It’s just $2 a month for 100GB of cloud storage.

Ready for some travel inspiration? These are the best travel stories of travelers to follow now, inspiring books from historic travels, and short reads, too.

#1 Travel Journal App

Capture every detail of your travels in a personal journal, share your unique adventures with family and friends, and turn your memories into beautifully printed books.

Create your travel journal online

Easily add stories to your diary in our online editor or app, which have been designed to look like an actual book. Choose from numerous fonts and styles to design your travel diary according to your own taste.

Change the layouts

After adding a text (or several texts), you can continue formatting the diary by choosing different layouts. Place a layout on the desired page and fill the grey areas with photos, maps or other features.

Add photos and maps

A travel journal is not complete without photos and maps! Click on a grey area and add an image, picture or map. You can place pins on the map to indicate certain locations or specify an entire travel route.

Share your diary

You choose which – if any – of your chapters you’d like to share with friends and family. Once you share them, they are automatically converted into an online travel blog that you can share with the world.

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What our customers say

Beautiful editor.

A lovely way to share my travel stories with those who stay at home. But I especially like that I can also have my own booklet made!

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The application is very accessible to anyone and the illusion that you are writing in a real diary also works well. I love using Travel Diaries.

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I used to create photo books, but now that I have discovered Travel Diaries that is a thing of the past. The combination of text and photos is unique.

Get started right away!

What are you waiting for? Capture your adventures in a digital diary that you can share with friends and family. You can switch between any of your devices anytime. Get started in our online web application.

Travel Journal: Ideas, Tips, and How To Write a Travel Diary

• Travel Journal

Traveling has the potential to be wildly fulfilling. It exposes you to new cultures, different perspectives and unique experiences. The further you travel the more you are pushed out of your comfort zone. And the more you are pushed out of your comfort zone, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you.

One of the most popular types of journals is a travel journal. By having a travel diary, you can keep all these new experiences and knowledge in one place where you can reflect on them.

What is a travel journal?

Travel journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and the experiences you had. It is a collection of adventures, stories, memories and discovery.  It doesn’t matter where you're going or who you’re traveling with, an online trip journal can come anywhere. 

Why Write A Journal When Traveling?

There are many benefits of keeping a journal when traveling, but here are a few to start with:

Remember More

By writing down the things you want to do on your trip and the things you have done during it, you won’t forget the reasons you wanted to go and will remember more of your visit.

When traveling somewhere new, you will learn a lot about that place’s culture, customs and people. By having a place to write down your observations, you will absorb more of your surroundings.

Reflect More

A journal is a place to record new things you have discovered while exploring various places you visit. By having all these new findings in one place, you will be able to look back and reflect on what you have learned and apply it to other parts of your life.

How To Write Travel Journals: 5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Journaling

You don’t need to be traveling to Timbuktu to write a travel diary. Your writing can start with a family vacation or a weekend getaway. All you need is a destination and your holiday journal can begin!

1. Use your journal to plan your trip

Your trip journal can begin before your trip has even started. Use your journal to start planning the things you want to do. It can be anything from a cool restaurant you want to eat at, a hike you want to go on or different sights you want to see. Write down whatever is on your trip check-list, so you don’t forget it.

Once you know what you want to do, do some research and figure out the best way to do it. If you want to go see a special monument, figure out the best way to get there and put it in your journal. If you want to do some cool activities, write down the contact information of the people, places or tours that facilitate them. Your journal is also a great place to keep the contact information of your accommodations and transportation.

2. Write about what you imagine it will be like

Sometimes when you travel, your destination is wildly different than what you expected. Maybe you expected the local food to be bad and it turned out to be delicious. Maybe you imagined the town to be smaller than it actually is. Maybe you thought you would be more comfortable with the language. Whatever it is, think about writing it down before you arrive. It will be interesting to compare these predictions to what you actually experienced.

3. Write during your trip

It is always easier to remember things when they are fresh in your brain, so try and write as much as you can while traveling; every day if you can. Your journal entries don’t have to be long, but let them highlight what you feel was most important or exciting. How did you feel during your visit to the local market? What did you smell, taste and hear? Did you learn something new from the person you spoke to at the bar? Were you surprised by the clothes people were wearing? What was the view from the top of the mountain like? Before you go to bed, try and recall what you did that day, what you thought and how you felt. This will serve as a great way to remember more from your trip, but will also help you reflect and grow from what you encountered.

4. Add pictures to your journal

Even though your journal is meant for writing, pictures are still worth a thousand words. Combining pictures with your first-hand accounts of what they represent, or what happened when they were taken, will make for an even more comprehensive narrative of your travels. Don’t worry about glueing or taping anything either. Penzu allows you to upload pictures straight into your online travel journal, so you can keep your pictures and words connected and organized.

5. Write about your trip after you leave

Since you write about your trip before you arrive, you should also write about it after you leave.

• What was it like?
• What did you learn?
• What surprised you?
• What disappointed you?

It is important to reflect on your travels, so you can retain new understandings and apply them to future adventures. This is also a great way to learn about yourself, other people you may have travelled with and how you can grow. Step back from all the things you did and try to see the big picture. It may surprise you.

10 Travel Journal Ideas To Inspire You

The blank pages of your travel journal may not be serving as great inspiration, but your new trip should! Here are 10 travel journal ideas to get those creative juices flowing, kick-start your writing and help you get the most out of your travels. We hope these journal prompts help!

1. Why are you going?

Not every trip needs an explanation and not every vacation needs a justification. People travel for all sorts of different reasons or for no reason at all, but if your travel has purpose, write about it. Even if you’re traveling for the sake of it, that is a reason worth talking about too.

2. Write about your expectations.

As we mentioned above, expectations can wildly differ from reality, especially when going somewhere you’ve never been or going with someone you have never travelled with before. Jot down what you think the trip will be like, or hope it will be like.

3. What are you going to do?

Write about the things you want to do, the sights you want to see, the music you want to dance to, the food you want to taste. Writing it all down will get you excited and help you not to forget.

4. Write about the people.

Did you meet anyone new? Did you make a new friend? Were the locals welcoming? Did you learn something new from a stranger? Did you learn something new from a friend? People can really make a trip. Whether you came with them, or met them there, write about how the people you encountered affected your experience.

5. Write about the food.

Just because you call it your travel diary, doesn’t mean it can’t double as a food diary . If there are any foods you loved, dishes you hated or recipes you can’t live without, write them down to remember them all. Maybe some new fare you tried will influence your tastes when you return home.

6. The ups and the downs.

What did you like most about the trip? What did you like the least?

7. Write about yourself.

Reflect on the new experiences you had, what made you uncomfortable and what enticed you. Did you learn anything new about yourself on the trip? Did being somewhere else expose something you hadn’t seen in yourself before? Traveling can help people grow. Think about your journey and if it helped you grow in any way.

8. Write a travel guide.

If you knew friends were going to the same place, what would you tell them to do? Write down your recommendations and the stuff that should not be missed.

9. What would you have changed?

Is there anything about the trip you would have changed? Is there anything else you wish you did? Anything you wish you didn’t do? Write about your travels and how you can improve them for the next time you go away.

10. Where do you want to go next?

We all have a wish-list of places we want to go. Write yours down and try to start checking them off.

Using Penzu for Your Travel Journal

Penzu’s journal software allows you to access your journal from any computer, smartphone or tablet. Penzu will be your travel journal app ; all you need is your mobile phone or tablet and can write in in it, with or without wifi. You never have to miss an entry or forget a moment, as Penzu can come with you around the world. No internet necessary.

Now that you know what to write in a travel diary and how to write one, all you need to decide is where to go. Pick a place get start your online journal today!

There's no time like the present - start your free online journal today!

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Get access to your diary wherever you are – download the free Penzu app for your all of your iOS and Android devices today!

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A reflective journal is the perfect place to jot down some of life's biggest thoughts.

Prayer Journal

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Travel Journal Apps & Digital Travel Diary Options

Written by Alison Kotch on August 28, 2022

Alison Kotch is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn.

If you’re hitting the road you’ll want to document every moment. These are the best digital travel apps that just might replace your journal.

Asked your boss for well-deserved time off? Good! Depending on the reason for your break (and how long you'll be away from work), you might not want to spend every second documenting your travels ... and every travel photo you post might not be Insta-worthy. Even though there’s something to be said for packing your daypack with a pen and a paper journal and writing about your trip, it’s a lot easier to keep friends and family in the loop while you’re on the road if you do it digitally.

How to Choose an Online Travel Diary App

Every trip is different, and so is every traveler. If you're headed out for a short two-week trip, you may choose a travel diary app that offers features to integrate into your life as well—more of an online journal. But if you're traveling around the world on a one-year trip, perhaps a dedicated app that could transition into a blog is more your speed. Either way these are a few considerations before you sign up and start journaling.

• Ease of use : If the travel journaling platform is online but offers no app, that might be a deal breaker if you're only traveling with a smartphone! Look for apps that allow you to quickly open it up, upload photos, and jot quick notes.
• Company history : How long has this company been offering digital journaling services? The last thing you want to do is invest time and effort into journaling only to discover the app has shut down, and you need to export all of that hard work.
• Social features : Do you want an app that excels first and foremost at getting you right to the journaling, or are you interested in digital travel communities with a social element? If you love one of the travel diary apps on this list, but it doesn't feature a built-in community, consider how you could use Instagram or a Facebook page to fulfill that need.
• Cost : Some of these are free, while others offer limited services on the free platform and require paid upgrades to make it fully featured.

Best Digital Travel Journal Apps

Here are the best digital travel diary apps that will help you document your next journey.

Day One Journal

The best part about Day One journals? You don’t necessarily need to be taking a cross-country or international trip to use it; you can just make a habit of capturing things that inspire you. Journaling novices will likely be content with the free version, which allows you to write diary entries by hand, with Apple Pencil, or your finger. You can look back through entries via calendar, timeline, or photos, while also being reminded of specifics of that day, like temperature, weather, moon phase, and altitude. Upgrading to the premium version of this digital travel diary gives you even more incentive to make journaling a habit: It allows unlimited photo storage and journal entries, cloud-based storage, audio recording, and a 25 percent off book printing discount … perfect if you’d prefer to page through your memories in paper form after collecting all of your epic travel stories.

Travel Diaries

The free Travel Diaries app has everything a traveler could want in a digital diary: Customizable layouts that allow you to enhance your text with photos and maps marking all of the places you visited, with the option to keep entries private or share them with family and friends. Inspired to turn your diary into a travel blog? No problem: The app can convert your entries from diary to blog automatically, which you can share via social media or email. Need to see your entries in print? That’s an option, too. Choose to print all (or a portion of) your trip; books are available for printing in as few as 40 pages (or as many as 320), in hard or soft cover formats.

Tripcast markets itself as the place you "share your travel photos with the people who want to see everything, not just the highlights." It's designed as a social network for those who love to spend time on the road. The app supports photos and videos and encourages your friends and family to comment, like, and interact with your updates—perfect for solo travelers who will love knowing their loved ones back home are along for the ride. The iPhone app is highly rated, and users generally rave about the variety of features to journal through the website or on iPhone or Android. You'll love the feature where it uploads all your travel photos to a map, so you can see the world populated with your best memories.

Even though it’s currently only available for iPhone users, Bonjournal is ideal for travelers who want a simple interface for documenting their activities, whether that means road-tripping up the West Coast or chilling on a deserted island. Not sure if you want to share every moment of your trip? Its privacy settings allow you to keep some entries to yourself. Need inspiration for your next trip? Follow friends (or fellow travelers), curl up in your travel blanket, and be inspired by their entries.

Are you not traveling but want to live vicariously through someone who is? Polarsteps is a photo-lovers dream. It provides the capability to track your travel route automatically when on the road (and uses minimal battery power while doing so) and transforms each travel journal into a visually stunning coffee table book. The coffee table books are complete with modern-looking layouts of the countries visited, miles and/or kilometers covered, and the number of photos taken.

Even if you don’t have any life-changing trips planned, Momento is worth downloading either way. Momento can organize your social network activity from up to 11 different platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Swarm, Flickr, and YouTube) into one neat, cohesive package. You can make it private, which is great if you’re using its pregnancy feature that allows you to journal your experience of nine months of pregnancy and beyond. You can also explore people who have tagged themselves enjoying similar experiences. No vacations (or pregnancies) in your future? This travel diary also doubles as a work/project journal, allowing you to track project notes, milestones, and meetings so you’re always prepared, whether working in-office or in another time zone.

When you use a digital travel journal you need only slip your smartphone into your waistpack and let the travel adventures get under way.

Travel Diary Apps: FAQs

What is a travel diary app.

You have all your essential tech for travel , like your smartphone to share photos with friends and family, but are you using it to document your experiences? Now, you can use app-based travel diaries to track and capture your experiences. Travel diaries allow you to document every fun and exciting thing you do while traveling the world. However, thanks to the many travel log apps available, you no longer have to carry a journal. Instead, you can create a travel journal on your smartphone to capture your best memories and create your own personalized travel book.

These apps also allow you to share your travel scrapbook with the touch of a button. You can share them either as a blog or on social media. Common features of travel diary apps include:

• Photo and video sharing
• Journal entries
• Snapshots of temperature, weather, altitude, and more

Are there any free travel diary apps?

Yes, there are tons of free travel diary apps you can use, including some mentioned on this list, such as Day One Journal and Travel Diaries. Additionally, many paid travel journals come with free versions with limited features. However, if you love traveling and sharing your experience with others, we recommend using paid versions to track your travels, upload photos, and share entries with your followers.

Can I use a travel diary app offline?

Some travel journal apps allow you to create entities offline in case you lose service, while others let you share pictures without the internet by selecting photos and creating private posts offline. However, whether you can use a particular travel diary app offline depends on the app, so you should research which apps you can continue to use when you don’t have any service.

That said, if your app doesn’t allow you to create new entries without service, you can continue to take photos on your smartphone and update your entry later.

Can I add photos and videos to my travel diary entries?

Yes! Most travel journal apps allow you to add photos and videos to document and remember your experience. Additional features may include turning your diary entries into social media posts and blogs, taking a snapshot of the time and weather, customizing layouts, and more. However, some apps are more photo-based than others, so consider what you want your travel diary to be. For example, if you prefer to create a scrapbook with photos and captions, you might choose Polarsteps, which allows you to create a coffee table book-style photo journal.

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Provide your employees or clients with a Travel Log Sheet to record the travel details such as date of travel, odometer reading, etc. This information may be useful during the payment procedure to calculate the total amount to be reimbursed or paid. Use the ready-made Travel Log Sheet Templates to make such sheets in minutes.

Step 1: Mention the Purpose of Travel

Step 2: decide your need, step 3: mention the odometer reading, step 4: mention the drivers’ and vehicles’ details, step 5: provide the customer with the total cost breakdown.

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A travel log template is used by various businesses for payments to employees for their business trips. People can also use it to track their travel moments and determine the type of chores carried out during a trip. Furthermore, it enables you to monitor data such as distance, travel cost, time, and petrol prices. All this information helps you to maintain the vehicle.

Table of Contents

• 1 What is a travel log?
• 2 Why do people use travel log?
• 3.1 Destination:
• 3.3 Expenditure:
• 3.4 Experience:
• 3.5 Pictures:
• 4.1 Daily travel log
• 4.2 Business travel log sheet
• 4.3 Vacation travel log
• 4.4 Student travel log template
• 5.1 Vlogs and Videos
• 6.1 Buy a durable but it should be lightweight journal with a hardcover
• 6.2 Buy art materials
• 6.3 Buy adhesives too
• 6.4 Pack a ruler and scissors
• 6.5 Search for a clear folder that’s expandable
• 6.6 Purchase or print out a map
• 6.7 Write as you go
• 6.8 Consider to who you’re writing the log
• 6.9 Come up with a theme
• 6.10 Collect mementos
• 6.11 Capture a lot of photos
• 7 How to create travel log?
• 8 Difference between a business travel log and a personal travel log:
• 9 Reasons for using the travel log:
• 10 Some tips for keeping a travel log:
• 11 What to avoid while keeping a business travel log?
• 12 Conclusion:
• 13 Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a travel log?

A travel log is a sheet or a document that keeps a track of the traveler. It is used for non-formal purposes such as travelers used it for personal reasons, to rate their experiences. Nowadays, companies have made a strategy to keep the database of their employee’s trips. Companies use the travel log to keep track of their employees. Moreover, it is drafted in the form of a database that contains columns, rows, and tables where you record the information. Also, it is self-updating as it updates information automatically.

Why do people use travel log?

Individuals use the travel log to remember the experiences that they had at that time. Here you can also insert pictures of the things or places you enjoyed a lot. In addition, people use it to share the time they had enjoyed with their families and friends.

Travel log is used by organizations or companies to keep track of the expenses used. By knowing these expenses, they create a detailed report for compensation. With the help of this log, companies know the amount spent over a particular time period. Moreover, employees use it to show in detail where the money dispatched went. If they don’t do this then they will have to pay from their salaries and may be accountable for it. You may also like Vehicle Maintenance Log Template .

What to include in a travel log?

Let us discuss what should a travel log contain;

Destination:

In this section, you have to mention the place you intend to visit. State how far you are from that particular place and how you intend to get there. Additionally, you can also mention the places you are going to visit and the things you are likely to see.

It includes the spending time that you will spend at a specific place when you will be traveling to your destination. Also, discuss when you intend to come back. However, some organizations make a schedule on which the time is allocated for a particular event.

Expenditure:

In this part, indicate the amount of money that will be required for a trip. You can estimate the amount before going on the trip or you can also use a detailed method where everything you spend is recorded to the activity.

Experience:

Everything you do on the trip should be recorded in this part. This section is very broad because it may include the place, the food, the culture, and everything you don’t have with prior experience.

This part is optional and also an informal one. You can share your pictures here to remember everything you did while in that place. You should also check the Mileage Log Template .

Different types of travel log template:

There are various types of travel log templates, few them are mentioned below;

Daily travel log

In this template, you can record all your expenses information daily and keep a record of your spending. Hence, it helps you to organize your travel expenditures.

Business travel log sheet

As its name implies, it is for a business trip where you can track your movement. You just have to mention the leaving and returning time, the purpose of the trip, and the gasoline consumed.

Vacation travel log

If you are on a vacation to your favorite place with your relatives then a travel log can help you a lot. You can use this template to record the activities you did, brief descriptions of the places, etc.

Student travel log template

This type of travel log is used by the students when they are going on a trip with their educational institution.

Other types of travel logs:

You can use different types of travel logs if you love travelling such as;

Vlogs and Videos

On social media platforms, this type of travel log example has become very popular. You can make a vlog, make videos of your travels, and talk directly to the camera. They can be a lot easier to share with others as this can be less visceral than a written trip log sheet. Furthermore, the worry of carrying heavy and expensive camera equipment is the disadvantage of vlogging. Another disadvantage is to find the right lighting and sound to capture the perfect moment.

To document your travels, it is great to use apps. These days, we have purpose-built journal apps. In which, you can take notes, upload photos, record videos, and add captions. The destination you have visited, you can also auto-link the website that destination.

How to record my travels?

Here are the steps to follow to record your travels on travel log templates;

Buy a durable but it should be lightweight journal with a hardcover

You should ensure that the journal you select has a strong binding. It is very easy to write or sketch on. Also, select one that’s large enough to hold photos and postcards.

Buy art materials

The things that you know you will feel comfortable writing with bring them such as pens, markers, or highlighters. Since there may be sights worth portraying on paper, bring with you tools used for sketching. For embellishing your tip log template, highlighters are cool.

Buy adhesives too

You have to attach postcards, photos, and other mementos to your log. Adhesives will assist you. Since glue sticks aren’t messy and they occupy very little space so they are a great option. To attach your travel souvenirs to your journal, use decorative tapes.

Pack a ruler and scissors

You can trim with these some of the things you will place in your log.

Search for a clear folder that’s expandable

You might not have the time to attach them all right away as you will collect mementos for your journal. Without losing any of your mementos, you can keep everything organized by bringing along a clear expandable folder. Here, you can collect your mementos and keep them secure.

Purchase or print out a map

You can search several cool retro maps online. Select one that’s appealing and unique. After that, paste this on the cover of your log. In order to fit it perfectly, adjust the size of the map particularly if your itinerary includes various destinations.

Write as you go

It’s recommended to write down events as you travel in order for your log to capture the mood and the tone of your travels. This is because you might find it difficult to remember the most essential details later when your trip is over.

Definitely, this doesn’t indicate that you have to draft diary-style entries that describe everything that transpired every day. To write down sights, experiences, and activities that come to your mind right away, try to bring out your log a few times a day.

Consider to who you’re writing the log

To serve as a personal memento of your exciting and interesting experiences in life, travel journals are mainly intended. The log in many cases is also meant for sharing with your friends and family.

In this way, if they make a decision to take a similar venture in the future, they can vicariously experience or get ideas. If you know who you’re writing for, you can think of the best tone of writing and style.

Come up with a theme

If people have the main mood or idea to focus on, they find it easier to compose entries. Consider all of the things you have done and seen. After that, try to see in case you can spot a recurring theme that will assist to shape your log entries.

Collect mementos

At the beginning of your trip, chronicling your journey should start. The materials that will fill the pages of your log, start gathering them. This can involve the following;

• Boarding passes
• Tickets to tourist attractions
• Business cards from hotels or restaurants
• Logo napkins
• Paper menus from restaurants
• Local newspaper clippings
• Local beverage and food products, from labels
• Receipts from the things you have bought

Capture a lot of photos

Without pictures, no trip will be truly complete. These assist you recall what transpired for many years to come and what you have done and what you saw. From these visual reminders of your escapade, it will be your log that will benefit most.

How to create travel log?

You need to download the template in order to make a travel log. Then, start editing the important fields that might need. On the basis of your requirements, you can create daily, weekly or monthly travel logs. Select the one that suits you as it comes in both generic and professional format. Edit the needed field to include own figures and details. You can record a lot of things in it such as;

• Date of travel
• A vehicle used
• Vehicle registration number
• Contact, and destination
• A purpose of the trip
• Return time
• Odometer readings
• Signature of the corned persons

Difference between a business travel log and a personal travel log:

A business travel log is used for official reasons like tax deductions by IRS. This log contains a record of business expenses, purposes, and outcomes of a business trip.

On the other hand, a personal travel log includes an exciting detail of your trip, your experiences, emotions, scenes, and reflections on your vacation.

Reasons for using the travel log:

Personal travel logs use by people to assist them to remember the experiences they had at that time. You can insert pictures of the place or of things you enjoyed doing there. It assists anyone in sharing the time they had with their families and friends.

A travel log helps an organization to keep track of the expenses used. They can now present a detailed report for compensation when they have that amount. In addition to this, the log helps the businesses in identifying the cash spent over a time period.

Employees have to report about travel logs. This is because they require to show in detail where the money dispatched went. They will be held accountable for it if they don’t. Also, they will have to pay from their wages and salaries.

Some tips for keeping a travel log:

Here are some tips for keeping a travel log;

• Before you leave, start writing in your log about the planning and the places you want to visit.
• Explain a story about your experiences rather than making lists of things you did.
• State how you felt and thought while visiting the places.
• You should also specify your not-so-good experiences.
• When the thoughts are fresh in your mind, write them immediately.
• To recall your many experiences, take lots of pictures.
• Summarize your experiences, funny moments, and the best part of your trip.
• Fix a specific time every day to write in your log and summarize your day.

What to avoid while keeping a business travel log?

You should avoid the following mistakes while keeping a business travel log;

• Not including the business purpose in the travel log. Just telling the sequence of events for the entire trip doesn’t make sense without stating the purpose of the trip. It is a common novice mistake to write a business travel log without the business purpose.
• Rather than the actual cost, use business trip estimations. Stick all the tickets in your log for all your purchases related to the business.
• Including too much business jargon which makes your business travel log difficult to read. Instead, use straightforward language in your log and keep sentences precise. Just include the business trip details.
• Tracking your business trip is challenging without including the travel itinerary. The travel itinerary that is relevant to the business purpose, attach it.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a travel log template is a helpful tool for a company or any traveler. With the help of this document, you can share your experience and also keep a record of your expenditures. Moreover, there are various types of travel log templates, you can easily download your desired template from our portal bestcollections.org.

Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Unlike a travel log, a travel journal contains whatever you want to include about your tips. Depending on the people’s needs, they may include the date, place, memories, places they stayed, budget, cost, and more.

These are as follows; 1- Travel Journal 2- Journey Log 3- Journey Plan 4- Log Book 5- Travelers notebook

The main purpose of a travel log is to keep track of interesting experiences about your trip. You can include your adventures, stories, and memories in your travel log so that you remember everything you experienced.

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How to Write a Travelogue: 8 Tips To Write Better Travel Stories

As I wrote in a previous article , a travelogue is a truthful account of an individual’s experiences traveling, usually told in the past tense and in the first person. In that article, I focused on how travelogues compared to modern travel books. In this article, I will offer tips on how to write a captivating travelogue. You will learn how to avoid writing a traditional (and boring) “Dear Diary” travelogue and craft a modern and compelling travel story. 

What does a travelogue contain?

A travelogue contains vivid descriptions of the place you’re traveling in, descriptions of the subjective experiences of visiting a place (your thoughts, blunders, fears), informed commentary about a place (its history and culture), and accounts of your interactions with local people. Above all, a travelogue must tell a story.

A travelogue is not academic writing, so you need not make a formal argument and present evidence—keep formal language at bay. A travelogue is not a write-up for a tourism board or a marketing agency, so don’t try to “sell” the destination to your readers. A travelogue is not a guidebook or a blog post, so you need not be helpful, list “the top 10 best restaurants,” or offer practical travel tips or suggestions.

Rather, a travelogue is a creative narrative of your experiences traveling. 

Tell one specific story

Traditionally, travelogues were mundane accounts of what a person saw, did, and ate while traveling. But try to avoid giving a “Dear Diary” account of your travels. You will bore your readers if you write a step-by-step report of what you did, ate, and saw.

Instead, a travelogue will be more effective if it focuses on one interesting story from your travels. A destination is not a story. Neither is simply traveling from point A to point B.

Now that you’ve returned from your travels and want to write an essay or an article about your trip, review your notes and reflect on your experiences. Does a particular story stand out? Is there an experience that you can’t stop telling people about? Did you have a haunting, transformative, or enlightening experience? Did something bad or unexpected happen? If so, it might be a good candidate to write about.

Be descriptive

Now that you have your travel story in mind, think about the setting. 

Details and descriptions are essential in travel writing. They will make your writing and story more vivid. What sounds, scents, tastes, and textures did you experience? 

Give your readers a sense of what it is like to be there. Transport your reader to that specific time and place.

Be forthcoming

A travelogue is special because it gives us a glimpse of a foreign place, but it does so through the lens of the writer. We want to know your specific take on things. 

We are all human. We all think, have opinions, and get scared. What did you feel? Did your experience stir up old memories? Were you frightened? Did you embarrass yourself? Was there a misunderstanding? What did you learn?

Be honest with your own flaws, biases, and assumptions. Give your reader subjective and emotional insight.

Be engaging

We travel (and read travel stories) to engage with and learn about other cultures. And our best travel stories almost always involve interactions with local people you’ve met.

So, while it is good that your reader gets a glimpse into the subjective world of the author, we will want to hear other voices in your story too. 

What conversations did you have with the locals? Did anyone tell you something interesting, alarming, or enlightening? Who did you meet? Who were they? What did they look like? Did they have a particular manner of speaking? A distinctive feature?

Be informed

The point of a travelogue is to entertain, but sometimes it is good to inform. Sprinkle relevant information into your story.

Is there historical or cultural details that will help your reader understand why something is so? Did a local person reveal something interesting about the politics or history of a place?

How do you start a travelogue?

If a travelogue is a narrative account of your travels, then consider starting the travelogue with an inciting incident. Begin your travel story with something that will draw your reader in. Highlight a problem, conflict, struggle, or tension that will propel your story along. 

As Seth Kugel says, the best travels stories are when things go wrong.

For example, you can begin your travelogue by stating your quest or mission, and then complicating that with an obstacle that gets in the way. Or, you can start with an intrigue, curious statement, declaration, or observation. You can start  in media res , and then fill in the story later. 

The trick is to hook your reader.

How do you end a travelogue?

Like any story, a memorable travelogue will offer a resolution. Consider ending your story with a transformation or a resolution, a return to the beginning, a moral, a message, or a revelation. 

You want to give your reader a sense of closure, that the specific story has ended.

Tips to write a better travelogue

• Tell a specific story
• Describe the outer world using vivid descriptions
• Reveal the inner world (your thoughts, mistakes, missteps, blunders, excitements, etc.)
• Provide informed commentary (historical, political, cultural, etc.)
• Talk to locals and describe your interactions with them
• Use a conversational tone and avoid fancy/big words, marketing jargon, and guidebook speak
• Begin with an intrigue, something going wrong, or a compelling or captivating moment
• End with a resolution, a moral, a message, or a revelation

Do you have any other tips on how to write a better travelogue?

Last Updated on 29 November 2020 by Travel Writing World

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Travel Writing World

With an emphasis on travel books and long-form travel literature, host Jeremy Bassetti talks with the world’s most inspiring travel writers about their work and about the business and craft of travel writing in this award-winning podcast and website. In addition to the podcast, the site also features travel writer profiles, book reviews, and articles.

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What I want to know is how to write your thoughts? In Italics so the readers knows that’s your thoughts or constantly writing “I remember thinking…” “I thought to myself”. I prefer just writing my thoughts as italics but is this the accepted way? Will an editor hate it and want me to rewrite is what I’m asking.

You’re talking about “internal dialog.” Do a google search to see what others think, but here is my take. Italics and quotes are both accepted forms. There is also a third way: don’t use italics, quotes, or thought/dialog tags at all. While this depends on the point of view of the work, I’m assuming that that you’re writing in the first-person present or past if you’re writing a travelogue. Why not use italics, quotation marks, or tags if you’re writing in the first-person? It will be implied that the narrator who says “I” or “me” is the one doing the thinking. So, instead of writing Why did the man steal my purse , I thought… You could simply write: Why did the man steal my purse? as it will be implied that the narrator is the one having the thought.

Just finished my travelogue book

Great. What is it about?

Just starting up and very much enjoyed this article.

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United States Government’s Response to the Clade I Mpox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Other Countries in the Region

This week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the mpox clade I outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The United States government supports those declarations. The United States will continue to work closely with African governments, Africa CDC and WHO to ensure an effective response to the current outbreak and to protect the health and lives of people of the region.

In 2022, the world experienced a global outbreak of clade II mpox, which led to more than 95,000 cases across 115 non-endemic countries. Clade I mpox tends to cause a higher number of severe infections and have a higher mortality rate than clade II mpox. The evidence for clade I mpox clinical outcomes is based primarily on data from endemic countries, particularly DRC. We expect it would cause lower morbidity and mortality in the United States than in the DRC.

DRC is currently experiencing the largest number of annual suspect cases ever recorded and the disease has now been identified in several neighboring countries where mpox (clade I or clade II) has not been found in the past.

U.S. Government Partnership on the Mpox Response

The United States Government has been closely monitoring the spread of clade I mpox in the DRC and neighboring countries since 2023, and we have been working closely with the Government of DRC, as well as regional and global health partners to reduce the impact of this outbreak and safeguard public health. U.S. government support for the mpox response also builds on our robust, longstanding health partnerships with DRC and throughout Africa, which have helped combat infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria for over 20 years. In fiscal year 2023, the United States allocated more than $2.65 billion in bilateral health funding in Central and Eastern Africa. This response also builds on a longstanding partnership on global health security between DRC and the United States.

In addition to ongoing health support, in the last few months the United States has provided an additional $17 million USD to support clade I mpox preparedness and response efforts in Central and Eastern Africa. The funding has enabled stronger surveillance, risk communication, and community engagement, as well as needed laboratory supplies and diagnostics, clinical services, and vaccine planning.

Vaccination will be a critical element of the response to this outbreak. To support this effort, the United States is donating 50,000 doses of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved JYNNEOS vaccine to DRC. The United States is working with other countries, WHO, and international partners to encourage donations that support vaccine efforts and address challenges to vaccine delivery.

Mpox Preparedness for the United States

The risk to the general public in the United States from clade I mpox circulating in the DRC is very low, and there are no known cases in the United States at this time. Due to efforts over the last nine months, the United States is well prepared to rapidly detect, contain, and manage clade I cases should they be identified domestically. The United States has a robust surveillance system in place, including through clinical testing and wastewater analysis. We continue to encourage those at high risk to get vaccinated with the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine, which has been demonstrated to be safe and highly effective at preventing severe disease from mpox. Those who have already had clade II mpox or are fully vaccinated against mpox are expected to be protected against severe illness from clade I mpox.

CDC has issued an updated Health Alert Network advisory urging clinicians to consider clade I mpox in people who have been in DRC or neighboring countries in the previous 21 days; clinicians are also asked to submit specimens for clade-specific testing for these patients if they have symptoms consistent with mpox. Given the geographic spread of clade I mpox, the U.S. CDC issued an updated Travel Health Notice on Aug. 7, 2024, recommending travelers to DRC and neighboring countries practice enhanced precautions.

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Travel Log: Everything You Need to Know (FAQs)

9 Tips For Keeping a Perfect Travel Log

How to Create a Travel Log (Tips and Examples)

Traveling gives you a fulfilling feeling that you will live to remember. It offers you unique experiences, different perspectives and introduces you to new cultures globally. When you travel far away, you are likely to find yourself out of your comfort zone, and this will enable you to learn more about the world around you and yourself.

A travel log is a favorite type of travel journal. Suppose you are going on a vacation. Ensure you carry this type of travel journal with you since it allows you to keep new knowledge and experiences together. In addition, it enables you to organize and plan your trip effectively. This article will give you an insight into a travel log, including everything you need to know about it.

What Is a Travel Log?

A travel log is a specific document that features all the information concerning your trip. On the other hand, companies and organizations can use this travel journal to monitor their clients or even employees. However, this log was used originally by travelers to rate their trip experiences and for personal reasons.

What are some other names of Travel Log?

Below are a few other names of a travel log:

• Travel journal
• Travel story
• Travel diary
• Journey plan
• Trip report
• Journey log

What is the main purpose of a travel log?

A travel log usually assists you in writing as well as documenting your trip experiences. Here, you can also include a brief description of places you managed to visit, the voice recordings that you managed to record on your vacation. You can also list down the photos you took during the trip and the itinerary. Bear in mind that a travel journal falls among the most famous and common journals among the various journals.

How to start a travel log?

You do not have to travel miles away to use a travel log. You can commence writing on your journal when on a weekend getaway or family vacation. In a nutshell, you only need a destination to use your holiday journal. Below is an overview of how to start your travel log:

Use the travel log to plan and organize your trip

You can comfortably start writing your travel log before you officially embark on your trip. Take your time to plan and organize your trip efficiently. This includes varying sights you would love to see, the hike you would love to experience, and the food you would love to eat. Document everything that is on your checklist to avoid forgetting, especially when you start your vacation.

After knowing what you would love to do on your trip, thoroughly research how you can achieve them effectively. You can proceed and write down the contact information of individuals who facilitate places you want to visit. Ensure you keep your transportation and accommodation credentials in your travel log.

Writ about your imagination

When going on a journey, your expectations are usually high. But sometimes, what is on the ground can disproof your expectations. However, you must state your expectations in your travel journal, and you can compare your expectations with what you experienced later after your trip.

Ensure you write during your trip

If your brain is fresh, you can easily remember things. As a result, ensure you jot down as much as possible when traveling. Ideally, please write down each day. Furthermore, whatever you write in your journal should not be too long, and it should highlight what you think is crucial and exciting. Before you sleep, try and recall some of the things you achieved during the day, this will enable you to remember more on your vacation. Through this, you will grow and reflect on what you encountered.

Add pictures to your journal

Most people use journals to write their expectations and experience, but pictures signify more than writing. A combination of your writing and pictures makes a detailed narrative of your trip. Several photo printers feature stickers which makes it pretty easy for you to stick your photos. Ensure that you keep your words and images organized and linked.

Document something about your trip after you leave

After your trip, you should also have something to write about, more so your experiences, what you learned, what surprised you, what it was like, and what disappointment you met on your trip. Reflect on your vacation and write down a guide that would help you in the future. This guarantees you a chance to learn about yourself and the colleagues you journeyed with.

How to close a travel log?

How you end your travel log matters because it is the last thing you will read on your travel journal, and probably not you alone but also the people that will use your journal as a guide. An outstanding ending leaves your reader anticipating more about your trip and yawning for one. Therefore, below are several ways you can use to close your travel log.

Callbacks: Link your opening to the end

As you conclude your travel journal, ensure you connect it to the opening and relate the end with how you started it. This technique will help you to end your travel journal with style. And please make it as relevant as possible.

Close with a revelation, discovery, or a lesson

When closing your travel log, you must state what you have learned and whether your trip has given you a new experience and changed your perspective. This is something you should talk about in the body of your journal and at the end. You can also state what you discovered on your vacation. Remember, such details can guide others when going for a trip or even yourself the next time you go for a vacation.

Emphasize your point using memorable images, details, and facts

To make the end of your journal captivating, you should summarize your entire trip using outstanding photos, details as well as facts. Ensure you drive home the key points.

What is the travel journal?

A travel journal is a place to organize and plan your trips. Here, you can add the paper mementos from your trip and state your experiences. Do not forget your small and large memories, what you learned, and who you met on your vacation.

Why should I keep a travel journal?

Here are multiple reasons as to why you should keep your travel journal:

Tips and references

When you keep your travel journal well, you can also use I to help others. Likewise, you can use it to share and give tips to your friends, family, and colleagues about the places to visit, foods to eat, and what to see while on holiday. You can assure them of a pleasant stay in varying countries or cities through sharing tips and references.

Photo memories

You will take many photos on your trip, which will make a magnificent addition to your travel journal. Whenever you go through your travel log, fresh memories will always run in your brain. Furthermore, there are many things you will not remember after your trip, but you will be able to remember both small and big experiences with the photos.

Essential contacts and information

Ensure that you keep properly essential information, especially if you are going for a long vacation with varying destinations. Keep your traveling information in your travel journal. This information includes vital contacts, accommodation, flight info, and timetable.

It gives you a chance to create a list of places you would love to visit and the activities you would love to do when on your trip. This allows you to save on time and concentrate on your trip. As a result, state down the excellent restaurants to eat, best cultural things and food.

Learn more about yourself

You must know whatever you are writing is not for your audience but your soul as well as yourself. Therefore, you need to be confident about yourself and what you write without fearing that someone will judge you. Avoid negative thoughts and watch everything flows.

What do you include in a travel log?

A travel log should include a voice recording that you made during your free time, the photos you took during your vacation, a list of the itinerary, and a brief written description of places you toured.

How can I decorate my travel log?

You must be figuring out what it takes to decorate your travel log. Below are a few things you can use to decorate your travel journal:

• Pictures cut from brochures
• Food wrappers
• Beer bottle labels
• Entrance tickets
• Train/ cable car/ bus tickets

Everyone looks forward to writing a travel log that is worth reading. Thus, below are travel journal tips that will guide you write a travel journal that is worth reading:

• Send yourself a postcard and add it to your travel journal
• Design the custom travel journal cover
• Include attractive food packaging and stickers
• Find something unique and put it on your travel log
• Include colors from amazing outstanding places
• Feature great journal ideas, such as flowers and leaves
• Postage stamps for a special travel journal
• Glue money on the travel journal
• Add sketches to your travel log
• Record special interaction with the people you meet
• Include maps and tickets, which make perfect travel journal ideas

What is the difference between a travel log and a diary?

Most people usually think that a diary is the same as a travel log, but that is not the case. There is a difference between the two. A travel log is a book you can use to document ideas that take shape, while a diary is a book you can use to record events when they happen.

On the other hand, travel logs are never constrained on a calendar and dates because they feature random song lyrics, memories, doodles, pictures, ideas, lists, as well as thoughts that cross your mind. At the same time, a diary is a book you can use daily to record certain things, which happened on a specific day. It can be emotions, moods, or feelings. Besides, it also has the potential to track data and assist you in making crucial discoveries.

How do you make an online travel journal?

It is easy to make an online travel journal. The steps below will guide you make an online travel log:

• Create your story by writing it down
• Add images to your travel journal
• Show maps of your trip
• Watch travel log samples on the website
• Print your travel journal

What can I use for a travel journal?

Now that you are well familiarized with the travel journal, below are a few things you can put in your traveling diary:

• Sketches and doodle
• Places to tour
• Travel itinerary
• Packing list
• Expectations
• Business cards
• Food labels
• Postage stamps
• Pressed flowers and leaves

What should you look for in your travel journal?

A travel journal features crucial components that you can easily find, such as postcards, tickets, doodles, sketches, photos, places to visit, travel itinerary, packing list, and expectations, among other components.

What is bullet point journaling?

A bullet point journaling is a sort of a daily planner mix, diary, and to-do list. It is an analog journaling system developed by Ryder Carroll, a New York-based designer. Moreover, he describes journaling or the planner approach as a method you can use to track the past, arrange or organize the present, and focus on your future plans.

Are bullet journals a waste of time?

Suppose you follow the initiator’s reasoning; bullet journaling is never a waste of time; instead, it is a time saver. However, you can choose other options if you do not find them interesting. Before you use it, ensure you find out more about it to enhance our productivity.

How do you write a trip essay?

Writing a trip essay needs less creativity since the trip features extraordinary activities, cultural findings, and dramas. This means the essay does not require you to do a lot of thinking. However, turning your trip experience into an essay can be pretty challenging since you might leave much information uncovered. Here is an overview of practical guidelines that will assist you in writing an outstanding essay:

Choose your favorite destination

Before planning for a trip, you should choose your favorite destination. You must do thorough research before you decide on the city you would love to visit. Try and read about varying regions and see what is likely to inspire you more. You can share with your friends to help you choose the best city, and this will make them long for your essay after your trip.

Select several attraction sites

After choosing your city, take your time to select a few tourist attraction sites. Instead of writing about every place you passed during your trip, it would be better that you focus on the attraction sites to avoid being boring. Ensure that you focus on two or three places and offer your audience comprehensive information. Please do not concentrate on famous attraction sites since almost everyone has written about them. Instead, focus on unknown areas since many people usually want to hear something they have no idea about.

Create a compelling introduction paragraph

The first paragraph, which introduces your essay, is crucial because it convinces your reader how much you enjoyed your vacation. This means it must be catchy. Here you can start with the new tradition you witnessed, a cultural misunderstanding you experienced during your journey, or even an exciting dialogue you had on your trip. Utilize your sense of humor and stay innovative. Make sure that you engage the reader to make them want to read your essay until the end.

Show as you tell the story

An essay can be boring if feelings do not accompany it, painted imagery pictures of the space, more so in the reader’s mind. Ensure you become specific about your descriptions. Additionally, readers will barely understand fantastic buildings, fabulous roads, or incredible parks without you showing them. When you show the reader, it feels like they have been there with you.

Images make the reader understand your essay more and imagine better. 1 to 2 images are perfect. Therefore, try and choose the best images, which are more related to your essay or narrative. Choose vivid shots instead of black and white. These types of images are captivating and can make the reader curious.

Ensure your essay is simple

Ensure that your essay is simple since it is meant to entertain the reader. Hence avoid using highly academic structures and vocabularies. Try and use a friendly tone and an active voice to make your narrative engaging.

Talk about what you achieved on your vacation

Suppose your trip gained you nothing and did not bring a positive change in your entire life. Then our trip was a waste of money and time. Bear in mind that great experiences usually come with incredible achievements. This includes making new friends and shifting of belief. Whatever you achieve, ensure you tell your reader.

Offer the reader a food finale

Each interesting essay starts with a good and catchy point, reaches a climax, and ends with a perfect conclusion. Ensure you plan your paragraphs before writing. Make sure you have a strategy for starting your essay. You can commence by exercising a rising action and gradually slowing it down to let your reader know they are reaching the end of your narrative.

When planning for a vacation, you must not miss crucial details. This explains why you need a travel log. It assists you in planning and organizing your trip, and you can also jot down your experiences during your trip. With your travel journal, you can tell your trip stories to your friend, family, and even your grandchildren in the future.

Related Posts

Travel Log: Definition, Essential Elements, and Examples

I've lived in Catalonia for 8 years. There are 5 things tourists should know before traveling to this part of Spain.

• Nicola Prentis moved from Madrid to Catalonia 8 years ago with her then-partner and young son.
• When she struggles to speak Catalan, she finds locals prefer switching to English than Spanish.
• Food, traditions, and wine are all different from other parts of Spain.

If your idea of Spain is eating paella, dancing flamenco, and improving your Spanish, Catalonia might surprise you .

Even those who have visited the regional capital, Barcelona , might have missed what makes Spain's second most populated region different from the rest of the country.

I wasn't prepared when, in 2016, I moved to Catalonia from Madrid with my then-partner and our 18-month-old son. As foreigners in Spain , Madrid was getting expensive, and we were thinking about a second baby. The greenery and clean air of Girona appealed as much as the lower rent we found on a two-bedroom apartment at that time.

We moved two months later, but it took me a while to realize that we hadn't just left Madrid. In many ways, we'd left Spain.

1. The main language in Catalonia is Catalan

Although Spanish is the most common language and almost everyone is bilingual, Catalan is the main language outside Barcelona.

Related stories

Some Catalan words are the same or close enough to Spanish, for example, "hola" is still "hola" while "adiós" is "adéu" (ad-ay-oo). But you'd never guess others, like strawberry is "fresa" in Spanish but "maduixa" (mad-oo-sha) in Catalan.

Living here, you're expected to speak Catalan, though many foreigners don't. Now, as a single mom of two boys, my children have only two hours a week of Spanish instruction in school, and the default for all school communication with parents is Catalan. I regularly have hybrid conversations with other parents where I speak Spanish, and they respond in Catalan. Luckily, I can follow the majority of the conversation. But if I get lost, they'd usually rather switch to English than Spanish.

For many Catalans, the language is a political and emotional representation of cultural identity, not just a communication tool. Catalan independence is a heated topic since the 2017 independence referendum, which Spain declared illegal. Instead of ignoring it, the police used force to prevent people from voting.

No wonder the parents of my children's friends feel so strongly about what the language represents. The school my kids attend in Girona was a polling station and TV footage of the violence at the gates there circulated widely.

2. The paella looks different

Despite not being a seafood fan, I love paella because I can just pick out the prawns and mussels. Until I got to Catalonia and discovered that the yellow rice with seafood, vegetables, and chicken or rabbit is Valencia style. Catalan paella is dark brown in color, much more seafood heavy, and never contains vegetables.

There's also the Catalan version of paella made with short noodles (fideua) and served with aioli (garlic mayo) or the dramatic squid ink dish (arroz negro). My children call it Halloween Rice because it stains their teeth, tongues, and everything else, black.

3. You'll want to branch out into Catalan wines

Many people think of rioja when they think of Spanish wine . While I can certainly drink wines from La Rioja in Catalonia, the waiter is much friendlier if I ask for Catalan wines. An award-winning local sommelier once told me rioja is only famous because it was the favorite wine of Franco, the Spanish dictator who ruled from 1938 to 1975.

Whether that's the real reason or not, local is king, so you'll be recommended wine from the Penedès if you're in Barcelona, from Priorat in Tarragona, and from the L'Empordà in Girona. And, of course, Catalonia is also home to Cava — Spain's sparkling wine similar to Champagne.

4. There are many traditions unique to Catalonia

After moving, I was surprised to find everything closed on September 11 for Catalonia's national day. In the post 9/11 world, the date can be jarring, but it's been celebrated since 1886.

As a family, we have incorporated local traditions like the gift-pooping log at Christmas, Caga Tió, but I've given up any ideas about flamenco. People here love the Sardana — a dance so sedate I initially thought they were just warming up as they slowly moved in a big circle, alternately tapping their feet in front of them. But, what's beautiful about it is how everyone, young to old, participates.

Human towers, another Catalan tradition, are much more exciting to watch and deserve their listing as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. But I'm glad that, so far, unlike some of their classmates, my two boys haven't asked to join the neighborhood "Colla" group, climbing on the shoulders of several tiers of people to the peak.

5. Catalans tell the time differently

One thing I still struggle with is the Catalan system of telling the time. It's expressed as fractions but in a different way to Spanish. So 4:15 is "un quart de cinc" (one quarter of five); 4:30 is "dos quarts de cinc." Even when you see it written down you still have to try and remember if the quarters are after or before the hour. My brain just can't do the math, even though I understand the words.

Correction: August 16, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the Catalan system of telling time.

Watch: All the differences between Little Caesars pizza in the US and the UK

• Main content

How To Watch Are You Sure?! Online And Stream The BTS Reality Travel Series From Anywhere

Follow BTS' stars Jimin and Jungkook on their globe-trotting adventures

• Watch in the US
• Watch with Disney Plus bundle
• Watch in Canada
• Watch in the UK
• Watch in Australia

How To Watch Are You Sure?! Online

Watch are you sure online: preview.

Here’s something to delight K-pop fans. This Disney Plus docuseries will follow BTS’ band members Jimin and Jungkook as they set a course for adventure: sharing their fun-filled antics with viewers as they visit a number of scenic destinations around the world. You can stream this 8-episode reality travel series exclusively on Disney Plus : simply follow our guide for how to watch Are You Sure?! online below.

Best friends Jimin and Jungkook already set the internet alight with their travelog of their trip to Tokyo in 2017. And the BTS ARMY were clearly thirsty to see more of the adorable, internationally famous besties on vacation together.

So, before joining their fellow Bulletproof Boy Scouts for compulsory military service in South Korea, they filmed Are You Sure?! This semi-spontaneous travelog captures the duo’s exciting excursions: canoeing together in New York State over summer, snorkeling in the waters off of South Korea’s Jeju Island, visiting Japan where they wipe out on the wintery ski slopes of Sapporo, and generally have one heck of a good time.

But there's more to it than watching the boys have a blast – which they absolutely do! The series also portrays the rollercoaster “highs and lows” of their experience, and reveals, Jungkook says, “who we really are. It shows our true selves.”

Are you Sure?! is a joyful addition to the Disney Plus content library, which already includes BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star , a docuseries about the group’s stratospheric ascent, and concert film BTS: Permission to Dance , alongside multiple other BTS films and specials.

Read on for our guide below, explaining how to watch Are You Sure?! from anywhere in the world with a subscription to Disney Plus.

How to watch Are You Sure?! online in the US

US viewers can watch Are You Sure?! online and stream the first two episodes from Thursday, August 8 . Episodes are released one per week thereafter, and are exclusive to Disney Plus . See below for the show's complete episode schedule.

Disney Plus subscriptions start from $7.99 for a Basic ad-supported plan. Or you can ditch the ads and go Premium for $13.99 a month ($139.99 when you opt for the annual plan).

There are also a variety of Disney Plus bundle options that could help you save a buck. For example, the Trio Basic plan gifts you with ad-supported Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus for just $14.99 – that’s a monthly saving of 44% compared to the price of subscribing to each separately.

Plus, the new Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max bundle offers heaps of top-quality entertainment. Plans start from $16.99 a month (with ads) or $29.99 without ads. We explain more below.

Watch Are You Sure?! online with the Disney Plus bundle

If you want to get even more bang for your buck, then there's a bundle for every preference and price range. You can lump in Hulu with Disney Plus for a few extra dollars, purchase the Trio option to include ESPN Plus, and even enjoy the ultimate TV entertainment package with the Disney, Hulu, and Max bundle. 

Disney Plus bundle: from $9.99 a month Considering Hulu and Disney Plus start at $7.99 on their own, paying a couple dollars more per month to upgrade to the Disney Plus bundle is terrific value: gifting you everything Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and The Simpsons, alongside a huge catalog of Hulu films and TV series.  

Starting from $14.99, you can add a world of live sports thanks to ESPN+, and even chose to pay a bit more to ditch the ads with the Premium plan.

Meanwhile, the Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max bundle offers the ultimate entertainment combo, with ad-supported plans starting at $16.99 a month. Providing access to The Acolyte, Only Murders in the Building, HBO Originals like House of the Dragon, and so much more, that's a fantastic bundle we can all get behind.

How to watch Are You Sure?! online in Canada

Arriving simultaneous with its US release, Canadians can watch Are You Sure?! online with a Disney Plus subscription , with new episodes dropping every Thursday .

Don’t have Disney Plus yet? Disney Plus prices start from CA$7.99 a month for the platform’s ad-supported plan . Otherwise, choose between its Standard (CA$11.99 a month/CA$119.99 annually) or Premium ad-free options (CA$14.99 a month/CA$149.99 a year).

Watch Are You Sure?! online in the UK

You can also watch Are You Sure?! online with Disney Plus in the UK. A double helping of episodes land on Thursday, August 5 , with a new episode added weekly until the series conclusion.

A subscription starts at £4.99 per month . Pay £7.99 to remove ads, and pick the £79.90 annual plan if you want to save in the long run (you'll get 12 months memberships for the price of 10).

How to watch Are You Sure?! online in Australia

Australians can also watch Are You Sure?! online at the same time as the rest of the world, from Thursday, August 8 with a Disney Plus sub.

Go monthly for AU$13.99 ,  or get a great saving – effectively 12 months for the price of 10 –  by getting an annual plan for AU$139.99 .

Are You Sure?! Trailer

Are You Sure?! Episode Release Schedule

• Are You Sure? – Episode 1: Thursday, August 8
• Are You Sure? – Episode 2: Thursday, August 8
• Are You Sure? – Episode 3: Thursday, August 15
• Are You Sure? – Episode 4: Thursday, August 22
• Are You Sure? – Episode 5: Thursday, August 29
• Are You Sure? – Episode 6: Thursday, September 5
• Are You Sure? – Episode 7: Thursday, September 12
• Are You Sure? – Episode 8: Thursday, September 19

Where Can I Watch Are You Sure?! Online?

Are You Sure?! is exclusive to Disney Plus in countries like the US, CA, UK and Australia. A subscription starts at $7.99 a month in the US, with money-saving annual memberships and great value bundle options also available.

How Many Episodes Of Are You Sure?! Are There?

This Disney Plus exclusive has a total of eight episodes. They'll be uploaded weekly from August 8 to September 19.

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Daniel Pateman has been a freelance writer since 2018 and writing for fun for much longer. He currently works across Future Plc brands like TechRadar, T3, Games Radar, and What Hi-Fi?, where he has produced detailed guides on the best streaming services and regularly writes How to Watch pieces informing our readers where to watch the hottest new films and TV shows.

In addition to his work with Future, Daniel writes broadly on topics across the cultural spectrum, including photography, sculpture, painting, and film, the latter being the medium closest to his heart. He’s been published in Aesthetica, The Brooklyn Rail, and Eyeline magazine, interviewed various artists and has reviewed exhibitions within the UK and internationally. He’s also commissioned by curators and artists to help produce catalogue essays, press releases, and museum wall text.

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Life Till Bones

Yunahon Entertainment LLC

August 12, 2024

Oso Oso albums have promised elaborate narratives about chimeric monsters, a travelog of romantic intrigue in a fictional town, great big beaches , and great big blunts . But on Life Till Bones, Jade Lilitri is no longer fleeing from his own reality. “Other people’s stories got me feeling bored,” he sings at the close of his fifth LP. If there was a change in sound to match the change in sentiment, Life Till Bones might be industrial noise or pluggnb instead of the toothsome emo pop that Oso Oso has been perfecting for the better part of a decade. Still, the commitment to a, gasp, darker, more introspective Oso Oso album in mood alone is enough to make Life Till Bones feel like a welcome expansion of the band’s core aesthetic rather than a mere embellishment.

Long-time Oso Oso producer Billy Mannino recently proclaimed the VVS brilliance of Jimmy Eat World ’s 2004 record Futures as the standard for “ big punchy rock records .” Lest anyone think he was tipping his hand, Life Till Bones is a small, punchy rock record, a string of pearly, polished gems. It’s as if Mannino and Lilitri gave themselves a “clarity, not Clarity ” mandate to do away with just about everything that doesn’t provide an immediate payoff: overdubs, reverb, synth washes, or anything as blasé as “a second verse” or “bridge.” A single digital handclap during the chorus of “All of My Love” is about as indulgent as things get here. But having the chorus take up over half the song? That’s economical writing.

If Life Till Bones lacks something as explosive as “The View” or “Reindeer Games” or “Computer Exploder” within its 29 minutes, Lilitri makes up for it by reinventing himself as a master of efficiency. The experimentation here takes place on a micro level, song structures inverted and streamlined for maximum impact, genre interludes reduced to teasers. The brisk basslines of “The Country Club” and “Skippy” alone reveal Lilitri’s mindset for a “dancier” Oso Oso album, one that means a slight repositioning along the spectrum between The O.C. and Meet Me in the Bathroom , where the jeans are tight and the rhythm section’s even tighter. “That’s What Time Does” pushes that timeline forward, imagining a teenaged Lilitri trying to find middle ground between the Paramore and Phoenix singles on his iPod Nano; the first nü-yacht rock Oso Oso single ends up smooth enough for Rob Thomas ’ approval.

Lilitri’s sleight of hand is most pronounced on the cheeky album cover, its Guitar Hero skeleton crew at odds with Life Till Bones’ earnest take on mortality. Sore Thumb was transformed by the passing of Lilitri’s cousin and collaborator Tavish Maloney at the age of 24, but only after the fact; the rough edges and demo-like fidelity were kept nearly intact as a tribute to familial joy that Maloney brought to its creation. The latter still weighs heavily on Lilitri: “That was my brother almost a quarter century/And I failed him when I said, ‘Hold on to me,’” he sighs over a scratchy, lo-fi acoustic strum that has become the requisite mid-album break on Oso Oso albums. But rather than respite, “Seesaw” deepens plainly worded pleas for connection that otherwise might have whizzed by on their breezy melodies: “Feel like I stayed too late and you left too young,” “You’d think there's nothing I fear/But now I fear more of the same,” “I got to hit you up and remember you’re not there.”

As much as it reshapes the first half of the album, “Seesaw” is a terminus point of mourning. “I don’t care what disaster’s next around the bend,” Liltiri beams on the snappy, Strokes -y “Application,” starting a run of unabashed love songs written by someone who doesn’t immediately trust what love songs have to say but is at least willing to listen. “I can’t fall in love if it’s not with you,” he admits—and as it turns out, other people’s stories have Lilitri feeling bored because “they’re not like yours.”

Like the nine songs before it, “Other People’s Stories” meets its modest ambitions: to satisfy, rather than to surprise. It can leave Life Till Bones feeling not quite commensurate with what it actually is: one of the most celebrated songwriters of his scene making a filler-free record entirely about love and death. Taking the long view, signing to a Big Emo Label and working with a Big Emo Producer on Basking in the Glow makes it an outlier for an artist who prefers to shrink from the spotlight. Lilitri nonchalantly revealed the cover, title, and release date of Life Till Bones the day it got mastered; I’d use the word “leaked,” except Oso Oso are back where they were in early 2017, working with Mannino and self-releasing their album as free agents. While Tavish Maloney shapes the content of Life Till Bones, he also feels present in its context, a purge of distraction and clutter that only comes when people confront what truly matters in their life.

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