Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and what better way to capture the memories than by creating your own travel journal? Whether you’re exploring a new city, hiking through scenic landscapes, or relaxing at the beach, documenting your journey can make it even more meaningful. I’ve decided to start a travel journal for our family’s adventures, and I wanted to share the essentials I’m planning to pack for the ultimate travel diary experience.
1. The Travel Notebook
First things first—choose the right notebook. This will be the heart of your travel journal, so select one that feels right for you. I’ve decided to go with a single, shared travel notebook for our family. That way, we can all contribute and share our thoughts, stories, and experiences in one place. It’s a fun way to keep everything organized and in one place!
Tip: Look for a durable, high-quality notebook that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. A hardcover notebook with thick pages will be a great choice, especially for adding photos, tickets, and other souvenirs.
Links: Travel Notebook, Travel notebook, Kindness theme Journal, Europe one
2. Picture Printer
Capturing moments with photos is essential, but carrying around a bulky camera or relying on phone storage isn’t always ideal. I’m going to bring along a portable picture printer. These small printers let you print photos directly from your phone, which is perfect for adding pictures to your journal on the go. It’s an easy way to create lasting memories and enhance your travel diary.
Tip: Look for a photo printer that prints in small, sticker-sized sheets so they’re easy to paste into your journal.
Link: picture printer
3. Fine-Tip Black Marker
A fine-tip black marker is key for writing in your journal. It’s perfect for jotting down notes, highlighting important moments, or adding little details to your entries. I like the precision of fine-tip pens because they allow for more intricate writing and neatness.
Tip: Invest in an archival-quality marker or pen that won’t bleed through the pages and will stand the test of time.
Link: black marker and colored markers
4. Colored Markers
Colored markers are a fun way to add pops of color to your journal. Whether you’re highlighting a favorite memory, creating a drawing, or just adding some flair to your text, these markers will help bring your journal to life. They also make the process of journaling more creative and playful, which is part of the fun!
Tip: Choose markers with fast-drying ink so you can add colors without worrying about smudging.
5. Adhesive Squares
Packing adhesive squares is a must. These little squares allow you to easily add in tickets, brochures, postcards, or any other paper mementos you pick up along the way. I love how these adhesive squares are simple to use and make it easy to customize your journal with all the little bits and pieces that tell the story of your trip.
Tip: Look for double-sided adhesive squares that won’t damage your paper or photos when removed.
6. Cute Zipped Case
A cute zipped case is perfect for storing all your journaling essentials. I plan on using it to keep my markers, adhesive squares, and any other small tools or supplies organized. You can find travel-sized cases that fit nicely in your backpack or luggage. Plus, a zipped case helps keep everything safe and in one place!
Tip: Make sure the case is compact but spacious enough to hold all your essentials without being too bulky.
Link: zipped case
7. Washi Tape
Washi tape is such a fun addition to any travel journal. These decorative tapes come in all sorts of patterns and colors, so you can use them to add a creative border, frame photos, or just make your journal a little more special. Plus, it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your pages!
Tip: Don’t overdo it—use washi tape in small amounts so it doesn’t overwhelm your journal’s design.
Link: washi tape
8. Travel Stickers
Stickers are a playful way to add extra personality to your journal. You can find travel-themed stickers that highlight your destinations, landmarks, or fun aspects of the places you visit. These little decals will make your travel journal even more vibrant and unique.
Tip: Look for reusable or repositionable stickers so you can adjust them as needed without damaging your pages.
Link: travel stickers
9. Simple Metal Stencils
For those who love neat lines and precise details, metal stencils are a great tool to have in your journal kit. Use them to create perfect shapes, borders, or even to add cool symbols or patterns. This is especially useful for drawing in your journal without the pressure of being perfect!
Tip: Choose a set of stencils that include a variety of shapes and patterns to keep things versatile.
Link: metal stencils
Ready to Start Journaling?
These are just a few of the essentials I plan to pack for our travel journal, and I can’t wait to get started! A travel journal is more than just a way to document your trip—it’s a chance to be creative, relive your adventures, and make memories that will last forever. Plus, sharing it with your family or friends adds an extra layer of joy to the experience. Whether you’re traveling solo or with loved ones, this DIY travel diary will help you preserve your journey in a fun, personal, and meaningful way. Thanks for reading about the travel journal essentials.
Are you ready to start your own travel journal? What would you add to your list of essentials? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Link to my Etsy shop: t-shirts and storage pouches are all useful when traveling
Travel posts: Travel Essentials, Beginners Guide to Traveling with Points
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