When I think back to the trips I have taken over the years, I have many memories I will treasure forever and some wonderful photographs, but I wish that I would have taken the time to write down my earliest travels. Keeping a travel journal as an adult has benefited me in so many ways! These reasons why you should keep a travel journal will help you keep the best moments of your vacation in mind for yourself and your family.
Be sure to visit the Free Printable Travel Journal we made for you to get your started!
Before You Go
Part of my travel journal process is planning before I go. I write down a flexible itinerary in my travel journal. If my family and I find things we’d rather try or do while on vacation, I am flexible, but I don’t want to forget about amazing places I’ve been before or strong recommendations from friends and family. There’s nothing worse than being in a city and not being able to remember the name of the restaurant your best friend told you about while you can’t get ahold of her! Write it down in your journal right away and refer to it when you are traveling. You’ll never miss a moment!
Get Packing
Another pre-travel use for your journal is to make a packing checklist. Jot down everything you need from clothing to toiletries and entertainment for the car or plane ride. Packing lists make it easy to make sure you have everything you need before heading out and keep everything together before going back home.
Stick to Budget
Try using a travel journal to save for a vacation, track expenses, and help stick to budget. Lay out trackers, write down a log of what you spend, and even set savings goals prior to heading out on your trip. One of the most stressful parts of traveling is sticking to a budget, and your travel journal can help you do just that!
A Family Affair
Share a travel journal with your entire family. Have a section for each child and adult to write about their favorite moments on your vacation. For younger children, allow them to draw pictures to express their best times on the trip. You may also want to use your family journal as a scrapbook of family trip photos. If you have younger children, a family travel journal will help them look back on memories when they get older. What an amazing way to hold on to the special events in your family’s life!
Food, Glorious Food!
Remembering your favorite restaurants on a trip may be a challenge. Write down the food you loved and where you tried it. Should you revisit your vacation haunt, you’ll have a log of your favorite appetizers and entrees as well as the best eateries at your location. Have a talent for all things culinary? Describing your favorite regional eats on the road will allow you to possibly replicate these decadent delights when you are at home. Note the best places for date nights, your family meals, and even an affordable snack while traveling.
Where to Stay
Airbnb? Hotels? Hostels? All-inclusives? Write your own journal entries about your favorite (and not-so-favorite) places to stay. Keeping a log of your travel accommodations will remind you of places to stay (and avoid) years later when you find yourself in the area again. You may also want to recommend lodging to friends and family. Putting it in writing is faster and more immediate than online reviews. Plus, it’s just for you to share with whomever you want!
The next time you take a solo trip or travel with your family, consider writing down your travels. There are so many reasons why you should keep a travel journal for your future trips. You won’t regret writing down your memories. You’ll be able to reflect and enjoy them for years to come!
Stay Up to Date with The Cottage Market by Joining our Mailing List!
Want to stay in the know? I’d really love that! (((HUGS))) |
Like … on Facebook | Follow … on Pinterest | Follow … on Instagram | |
Leave a Reply