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Home » Gear » Best Travel Journals

The BEST Travel Journals of 2024! | Leather, Bullet Journals, Refillable Notebooks + More!

Looking for something special in which you jot down memories of your travel adventures? Then our list of the  best travel journals  out there is definitely going to help you out.

In our world of smartphones and social media, anything remotely physical – like writing down stuff on a page – feels super old fashioned. But just because you could type it or tap out your thoughts on a touch screen, it’s still good to connect with physical objects.

The main thing about having a travel journal is how one-of-a-kind it feels. Having memories of your year-long backpacking journey around the world actually physically written in a book would be amazing to read back in years to come; likewise, having somewhere to note down ideas whilst you’re on the go and use for inspiration later feels more organised than some character-less notes on your phone.

So whatever you are looking for – be it a smart journal that you can use for short city breaks, something cute to encourage your children to write about their travels, or a classic travel journal that’ll last you practically forever – our handy list has you covered.

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Quick Answer: These are the Best Travel Journals of 2024

Best travel journals of 2024, #1 – best travel journal for bullet journaling, #2 – best travel journal for scrapbooking, #3 – best travel journal for painting, #4 – best travel journal with pockets, #5 – best midori-style travelers notebook, #6 – top choice for beautiful leather travel journal, #7 – best moleskine travel journal, #8 – best vacation diary, #9 – best travel diary for kids, more best travel journals of 2024, buyer guide – how to choose the best travel journal for you, faq about the best travel journals, final thoughts on the best travel journal, #1 leuchtturm1917 a5 notebook – great travel journal for bullet journaling, #2 siixu colorful blank notebook – best travel journal for scrapbooking, #3 conda hardcover spiral sketchpad – best travel journal for painting, #4 refillable leather journal traveller’s notebook  – best travel journal with pockets, #5 traveler’s notebook by traveler’s company  – best midori-style travelers notebook, #6 travel passion journal by moleskine – best moleskine travel journal, #7 travel journal by promptly journals – best vacation diary, #8 fofun leather travel journal  – top choice for beautiful leather travel journal, #9 kids’ travel journal  – best travel diary for kids.

Leather Journal by FOFUN

• > 100% Full-Grain Leather
• > Hand-made and durable

Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook

• > Great travel journal
• > Pages are gridded

Siixu Colorful Blank Notebook

• > Stitch-bound notebook
• > Pastel-coloured

Conda Hardcover Spiral Sketchpad

• > Hard cover
• > Spiral-bound

Refillable Leather Journal Traveller’s Notebook

• > With all sorts of compartments
• > Opening accordion-style

Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company

• > Minimal design exterior

Travel Passion Journal by Moleskine

• > Journal specifically for travel
• > 400 pages

Travel Journal by Promptly Journals

• > Four pretty high-end colours
• > Comes with a map

Mudpuppy Kids’ Travel Journal

• > Wire-bound book

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The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook is a classic – and if you ask us, very cool – notebook that we think is ideal for bullet journaling.

With enough space to put all your organization and creativity into the 249 (numbered) pages, this great travel journal for bullet journaling is compact enough to fit into day packs and filled-to-the-brim backpacks alike; the pages are standard A5 size (obviously), but the notebook itself measures in at 5.57″ x 8.25″. It’s secured with elastic.

This classic, mid-century modern notebook comes in 17 punch colours for even the most discerning traveller. From muted navy blue and olive green to bright raspberry and popping yellow, you will definitely be able to find one for your personality.

Inside, the book itself has three blank tables of contents, which means you can organise your outpourings, scribblings and note-taking by creating your very own index – which is definitely what makes it the best travel journal for bullet journaling. The pages are also gridded: perfect for bullet points, even better for geometric doodlings.

Price: $19, Amazon

The Siixu Colorful Blank Notebook is a colorful canvas with lots of space for you to unleash your own creativity.

The 192 pages in this stitch-bound notebook come with pastel-coloured, watercolour-style backgrounds for vibrancy, which are the perfect base for pasting, sticking and doodling all of your travel memories.

Other than the watercolor pattern, the pages in this 5.3″ x 7.2″ are blank and sizable enough to fit all your used tickets, memories and doodles onto the pages, but compact enough for carrying around the world. It’s easily our top pick for the best travel journal for scrapbooking.

The notebook comes in two designs: one with added quotes on the pages for charming character, the other with simple washes of colour on each page. Another plus is how budget friendly this travel journal is!

Price: $11.59, Amazon

Coming in a classic spiral-bound sketchbook style, this journal from Conda is ideal for anybody looking to get crafty with their paints whilst they’re gallivanting around the world.

It’s a traditional hardcover sketchbook, with 120 blank pages of 90gsm paper – thick enough that it’ll take acrylics, oils and watercolors without bleeding through. The pages are also perforated, meaning you can tear ’em out and offer people your drawings and paintings as gifts, or to send back home.

This is a pretty sturdy book, so it should be able to withstand your travels, being shoved into a daypack, and general day-to-day wear and tear. The hard cover is also waterproof, which will help to protect your precious pieces of art. For the sturdiness alone, we’re saying this is the best travel journal for painting.

Though it may not come in different colours, it does come in different sizes, starting at 8.5″ x 11″ and with larger available for you to really get your Picasso on.

Price: $9.29, Amazon

Refillable Traveller’s Notebook by September Leather

The ultimate in travel journaling, this stylish notebook is a chic buy for you, or as a gift! It’s genuine leather, which is cool, but it’s all the stuff you get in addition to the journal itself that makes this easily one of our favourite travel journals out there.

You get a lot of bang for your buck when you opt for this notebook: a binder clip, a pen and penholder that attaches neatly to the book, lined, plain and grid inserts, a kraft folder and zipper pouch.

In addition to the storage space, this journal is refillable, so you can swap out the pages when you’ve run through them without having to buy a whole new book. You know we love to lessen our travel footprint however we can, so we’re really into that!

Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company

The best Midori-style travelers notebook out there simply has to be the aptly-named Traveler’s Notebook, created by the aptly-named Traveler’s Company (also a Japanese outfit).

This aesthetically minimal, mahogany leather notebook is handmade in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. It comes as a package of goodies: a spare elastic band and a fine fabric bag to keep it safe from scuffing – if that’s your thing.

This is a pricer notebook, but, it’s refillable, so there’s no end to the travels you can take it on. Our favourite thing about the Traveler’s Notebook is how the leather ages and changes with daily use and general travel wear, becoming a real companion on your travels around the world. We love it.

Price: $49, Amazon

So you’re looking for a beautiful leather travel journal? Well, stop right here, because this is the one for you. Complete with wrap closing (also leather), it’s chic enough to not look like some scrappy backpacker’s scribbling pad, but rugged enough to last some pretty rough journeys in a long-term travel backpack.

Coming from the folks at FOFUN, who make a whole range of leather journals and notebooks, this one features 288 pages of top quality 100GSM lined kraft paper, all covered in full grain leather cowhide. It’s A6 size, which is 5″ by 7″.

The cool thing about this top leather travel journal is how leather ages over time, gaining personalised character as it gets scuffed and worn with use. We love that sort of thing.

When you think “notebooks,” you think “Moleskine,” so this stunning 5″ x 8.5″ journal made especially for travellers had to make our list.

Perfect for everything from weekend getaways to longer backpacking voyages, the inside of the book comes packed with an 8 (!) year calendar, a travel planning timeline, a wishlist, check-lists, lists of must-see travel destinations, and even space for that all-important travel budget .

Don’t worry, though: at 400 pages, there’s lots of free space for all of your travel memories – Moleskine estimates you can fit 6 long trips or 20 short ones into this notebook. Oh, and did we mention it comes with stickers?

Moleskine has created this journal specifically for travellers, so you can turn it into an archive of your trip once you’re back home – it even comes with a keepsake box for storage.

Price: $29.95

This elegant journal by Promptly clocks in at 88 pages, so you can fill it up in a single trip – and fill your bookshelf up with a whole series of your trips! You’ll want to display it, too – the fabric covers of this journal definitely make it the most attractive vacation diary going.

Inside the journal, there are handy thought-starters(true to the company name) to help you more easily note your favourite restaurants, hotels, sights and more. There is also space for you to keep your mementoes like train tickets, museum stubs, and photos, and a roomy back pocket for everything else.

Measuring at 9.2″ x 6.1″, the covering fabric of this top vacation diary also comes in four pretty high-end colours: grey tweed, solid grey, deep blue and dusty rose.

As a bonus, this Promptly journal also comes with a map, to help you plan your journeys, star wishlist destinations, or otherwise decorate or use as you see fit. Neat!

Price: $20, Amazon

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Kids’ Travel Journal

Wouldn’t you love to look back on your childhood travels as a grown-up? Give that gift to the kiddos in your life with this travel diary for kids by Mudpuppy.

This cool company is all about moving kids away from digital devices and into tactile creativity. This time around, they’ve created this travel journal designed specifically with kids in mind.

It’s sturdy (very important when it comes to children), and colourful (also important), spanning 128 pages so that your kids have plenty of room to channel their inner explorer. Inside the wire-bound book, there are various sections, illustrations and prompts to help children document their travels, whilst still including enough space for creativity.

One of our favourite parts are the prompts, in fact: the best and worst parts of a trip would be hilarious to read later on, as would “memorable quotes from mom and dad.”

Price: $9.99, Amazon

Soft Cover Notebook by Sloane Stationery

This offering from British brand Sloane Stationery is a very sleek and stylish notebook, perfect for the stylish travellers among us.

A softcover journal with gold-embossed pages and a vibrant orange crocodile cover, it’s definitely is one of the most high-end-looking travel journals we’ve seen – especially for $15!

Even though the exterior of the book is flashy, the pages are blank so you can get on with doodling, making diary entries, taking notes, or whatever! Size-wise, it’s 5.9″ x 8.3″, the perfect size for both a backpack and chic handbag.

Just think how stylish you’re going to look sat on a terrace cafe, coffee in hand, with this journal on the table, writing about your adventures in foreign lands. Add to cart!

You Are Here: A Mindful Travel Journal by Emma Clarke

The internet makes it easy to succumb to the pressure of being rushed from spot to spot, Instagramming the heck out of your trip – this can really take you out of the moment.

You Are Here: A Mindful Travel Journal by writer Emma Clarke, aims to put you back in the moment and helps you get the most out of your experiences while you’re experiencing them.

Clarke (fun fact: she’s also the voice of the Bakerloo and Central Lines of the London Underground) says: “No one has ever seen this place in the same way you’re seeing it right now, right here, in this moment.” Amen!

The book is a mixture of prompts to keep you grounded and mindful, as well as blanks to fill in and, of course, pages for you to fill with notes, all of it spread over 190 pages. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to charity. Talk about a feel-good purchase!

Rite In The Rain Notebook

You go through a lot when you’re travelling. Downpours, heat, snow, skiing, hiking, swimming – there are all sorts of weather conditions and situations that you can get yourself into. Not to mention open water bottles knocking around in your backpack – an easy way to ruin months of journalling!

This bad boy from Rite In The Rain (which has been going since 1916) is the answer to all sorts of adverse conditions you might encounter. Plus, at 6″ x 8″, it can slot right into even small day packs.

The tough but flexible outer shell of this notebook is waterproof, and notebook’s 64 pages  will repel water, grease, sweat, mud, and all manner of other grossness. It will even go through the laundry without turning into mush!

Just use a pencil (water-based inks aren’t waterproof) and your notes will stay intact through it all. And unlike other synthetic papers, the Rite In The Rain Notebook can be recycled!

Price: $6.55, Amazon

Rifle Paper Co. Memoir Notebook

This floral notebook from the distinctly feminine Rifle Paper Co. is  the perfect choice for lovers of design, color and kitsch.

Printed on linen-based paper, the 8.5″ by 6.25″ Memoir Notebook comes in five beautifully illustrated covers – Juliet Rose, Tapestry, Sun Print, Terracotta and Jardin de Paris – you can choose which of the bold colours to suit you. The 130 inside pages feature beautiful illustrations as well.

Price: $15, Amazon

Marco Polo My Way Travel Journal

This notebook from Marco Polo is actually part of a whole series of travel products in their My Way line – but this journal has to be our favorite of the lot.

Marco Polo have made taking notes of your journeys easy by including fun emoji stickers, a pocket for mementoes, and fill-in-the-blank guides and travel tips. By the time you’ve filled this book, you’ll have created your very own IRL infographic of your trip. Cool!

At 160 pages and 4.8″ x 7.2″, this notebook is smaller and lighter than some notebooks – and, super affordable!

Price: $3.44, Amazon

I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded

Making waves in all sections of the journaling world, I Was Here designs journals for the curious, prompting travellers to take in the big picture and all the small and meaningful details of their trip.

Inside, the book has all sorts of spaces for notes, spaces for local tips, addresses, and wacky pages where you’re encouraged to do things like start a collection of random convenience store-bought items from the countries you visit.

In a word, I Was Here is fun! It may not be the most practical travel journal out there, but it is a cute way to collect memories and remind even jaded travellers that stopping to smell the roses (or stare at the bugs) shouldn’t be something you leave behind on the road.

Price: $10.86, Amazon

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So there you have it: those are our favorite travel journals for every kind of writer – but by no means the end of your options! Whether you’re buying for yourself or considering purchasing a travel journal as a gift, there’s lots to consider in the world of stationery.

From colourful covers and page prompts, to durability and simply whether or not pages are lined or blank, there are actually a surprising amount of factors that go into the decision making process.

Closure on journals is important, especially when they might be knocking around a suitcase or a backpack for longer stretches of time. If you don’t want your pages to get crumpled, and especially if you’re someone who likes to store mementos between the pages of your journal, a solid closure is a must.

Moleskine, for example, have that classic elastic band closre that keeps things safe and sound, whereas others come with a stylish leather or fabric bound tie that not only adds to the design detail but also means you’ll be able to slot things in between the pages.

The cover of a journal is pretty important. But first of all, what the cover of a travel journal is actually made out of will make a big difference as to what notebook you actually opt for.

Vegans will probably not want to go for a leather bound notebook, and may want to go for something like a fabric covered hardback book or more durable waterproof notebook instead.

If you’re open to leather, you’ll find it to be a durable option, and it will weather over the weeks, months and years to look worn and rustic.

You should also consider soft vs. hardcover – softcover is lighter, and easier to fit into a tightly-packed suitcase, but hardcover will give you a writing surface wherever you go. For something simple (and undoubtedly budget friendly), a card covered notebook or journal may be the best option for you.

What type of paper is used for the pages of a travel journal will also play a part in your decision making. It’s easy to think that paper is paper and that’s that, but in fact, there are many different types of paper for many different uses.

A thicker gsm of paper, for example, is something that’s more likely to be used in a sketchbook (90 gsm or higher), and is good if you don’t want permanent pens to bleed through, if you plan on painting, or sticking things in.

Then again, if you want something that’s a little more stylish and classic than bleached, white paper, then maybe more classy, cream-coloured pages will be what you want in your travel journal.

It’s also possible, as the Rite In The Rain brand shows, to have waterproof, weatherproof paper, in case you plan on writing in adverse weather conditions.

Essentially it comes down to what you will be doing on those pages: painting, sketching, doodling, making notes, or whatever. Consider the effect of your planned use will have on different sorts of paper and then make your choice.

4. What’s on the page?

Though in the past, travel journals were pretty simple affairs (either a spiral bound journalists’ notebook, a Midori-style travel journal or something similar), things are a little bit different now.

Even just a few years ago, pages only came either blank, ruled or squared. Nowadays, pages in travel journals sometimes come pre-decorated. This may be cool for some people, but for others it may feel like any pre-existing writing or illustration on the page takes away from your own memories.

Prompts in some books can be fun: they encourage you to make lists of things you otherwise wouldn’t have considered, like your favourite foods, favourite hotels, and even random convenience store items you find in the countries you visit. Other times, text on the page acts as a prompt to get you thinking, maybe even getting you to write something more in-depth than you were planning to.

All in all, the choice is whether you want a completely blank page to start with – which can be daunting for a lot of people – or if you want to be gently nudged into creating an awesome travel journal for yourself. Either way, though different, is totally legit.

It’s very simple and very basic, but this is going to be a pretty huge (no pun intended) deal when it comes to deciding exactly what travel journal you are going to purchase for yourself.

If you’re heading off on a year-long backpacking trip around the world and you feel like you’ve got your one bag travel down to a T, then you’re going to want something compact and light.

However, if you want to really get into creating a scrapbook-style travel journal full of memories, sketches and tickets, then you are going to want a big enough book to fit all of that in.

If your plan is to use your travel journal for things like city breaks and two week-long vacations – in which instance you may be using a suitcase – then you may not worry too much about the size, with room in a large suitcase for a larger travel journal, naturally.

Another thing to consider is what you’re going to look like if you feel like writing your travel journal in public. It may not be practical to be lugging around an A4 sized travel journal, or to get it out if you want to make note of the tiny cafe you’re in, or trying to write on a cramped seat on a train or bus. Compact in these cases may be a lot better!

6. Length of your trip

Next to size, when thinking about what sort of travel journal is going to be right for you, a lot of people often circle back to this factor: just how long is the trip?

The thing is, some travel journals are more geared up towards one single trip: a month in Thailand, two weeks exploring Italy, a six week long road trip through the USA. That sort of thing, in which case, you won’t be needing (or wanting) a zillion pages.

Other travel journals are for numerous trips, such as the lengthy options offered by Moleskine and Midori-style notebooks (the latter of which have no structure, and for which you can buy paper-only refills for the leather cover), mean that you can dip in and out, adding different details to your various adventures, referring back to past travels: a weekend in Berlin here, an epic hike in Nepal there.

Essentially, the fewer the pages, the more likely the travel journal in question will be good for a single, perhaps lengthy trip. For the serial travellers and backpackers out there, something longer and more permanent may be the travel journal for you.

7. Organization

No longer simple collections of pages between two hard (or soft) covers, the best travel journals of today sometimes boast a whole load of interior organization to help keep you and your trip on the right track.

From simply adding an interior pocket, where you can keep a few important tickets and pictures safe, to going all out and adding plenty of envelopes and places to slip in all manner of small, special physical memories from your travels, it can vary quite a bit.

But organization isn’t just about pockets. There are other things to think about, too. Some travel journals come complete with calendars, spaces for to-do lists, maps, itineraries and even packing tips. These kind of added extras mean that the journal turns into more of a planner all round scheduling.

Obviously. Money, money, money: it’s going to be a big factor in whether you choose to buy such and such a travel journal over another one. Let’s face it, you can’t buy what you can’t afford.

Even if you can afford it, $48 might just seem – to some people – like too much to ask for a travel journal. On the other hand, some people may not trust that a sub-$8 travel journal will be any good in terms of durability.

The fact of the matter is that cheap things can be surprisingly good, and expensive things can be surprisingly bad. When it comes to budget, it’s best to choose something mid-range that has good reviews and that meets the needs of what you’re looking for in a travel diary: don’t skimp out just because it’s $5 more than you wanted it to be. If it sounds like you, then treat yourself.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Why should I get a travel journal?

Journaling during travels, whether that’s just for a couple of days or for weeks, is a great way to remember travel stories, clear your head and add some routine and structure to your day. It’s always great to look back on it once you finished your travels.

Which is the best leather travel journal?

These are our favorite leather journals: – Refillable Traveller’s Notebook by September Leather – Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company – Leather Journal by FOFUN

Do waterproof journals exist?

Yes they do! And the Rite In The Rain Notebook is one of the best. Each page is water repellent while the cover is fully waterproof.

What is the most minimalistic notebook?

We love the Traveler’s Notebook by Traveler’s Company for it’s simplicity, yet stylish design. It’s a leather notebook that is handmade in Chiang Mai.

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There you have it, budding Jack Kerouacs: the very best travel journals out there right now! With our list, you’re all set to venture out into the wide world, then pop in your headphones and record all your thoughts, feelings and observations like the explorer you are.

For the best, all-round travel journal out there, the Leather Journal by FOFUN is a great choice. This is a stylish, timeless sort of journal that’s going to be a good choice for anybody.

Then again, if you’re thinking of something a little less traditional, I Was Here – with its kooky prompts and quirky way of working – may be more what you’re looking for.

And if there’s something we’re missing the travel journal world, let us know in the comments!

Clair Cathryn

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Oh my gosh, I’m a sucker for a pretty journal! Can I document my travels in 3 or 4 of these?! ? Thanks so much for the killer suggestions.

100% you can use a number of these as travel journals, Deb!

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33 Terrific Travel Journal Ideas, Tips + Prompts!

Looking for the best travel journal ideas to help you remember your next trip–plus some prompts to help you think of what to write?

You’ve come to the right place!

As a lifelong lover of both journaling and travel, I have experimented with all kinds of travel journals over the years, ranging from the time-consuming to the simple, from the unique to the very basic.

I absolutely love the travel journaling system that I use now (more on that below), but depending on your habits and writing style, there is no limit to the number of ways to preserve your travel memories on the written page.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

This guide to travel journal ideas and prompts covers everything from the physical kind of travel diary to use, to tips on journaling effectively, to travel journaling prompts to help you get your writing started.

Remember, though, that the #1 rule of travel journaling is that there are no rules!

Anything that helps you preserve the intense memories of your travel experiences counts.

That being said: here are some of the best travel journal ideas out there!

Table of Contents

Terrific Travel Journal Ideas

Travel journaling tips, inspiring travel journal prompts, planning a trip.

While there are plenty of beautiful travel journals on the market, don’t feel like you need one to keep a memorable travel diary!

I’ve kept travel journals in everything from a $0.99 composition notebook to elaborate leather-bound notebooks to the Notes app in my phone, and I can confidently say that the best travel journals come from the heart–the physical place you put them is the least important function.

That being said, if you are looking for beautiful travel journal examples, I highly recommend these!

One Line a Day Journal

This is my current favorite travel journaling system, and I’ve been using it for nearly 5 years now!

Here’s the format: each page in this diary has a date at the top (say, August 17), and 5 small sections to write 1-2 sentences below it.

For 5 years, keep a daily journal of a memorable moment, and at the end, you’ll be able to look back and, on a single page, see what you did on all your August 17ths.

While this isn’t specifically a travel journal, I absolutely adore using it as one: the tracking of time through both days and years simultaneously is incredible, and the short time commitment is perfect for my lifestyle that already includes lots of writing.

I do still try to keep a long-form travel journal once a week or so, too, but I love my One Line a Day Journal so much that I recently bought two more, just to ensure I have the next decade covered if they stop making them!

Page A Day Travel Journal

Looking for something formatted for you, but with more of a travel theme and more of a long-form approach?

The Page A Day Travel Journal is perfect for that!

In addition to space to write about your day, there are spaces to note your destination and event the weather.

Classic Leather-Bound Journal

What reading-and-writing nerd among us hasn’t dreamed of owning a leather-bound journal to track their travels in?

I have always enjoyed this journal style and have owned a few in my life!

There are tons of similar ones on the market these days, given how popular they are, but I love the compass detail and great reviews on this one .

Postcards To Yourself

Looking for more unique travel journal ideas?

Consider sending postcards to yourself from the road!

In many destinations, you can mail yourself (or someone else) a postcard right from the souvenir shop where you purchase it–so bring a pen along, write some quick thoughts about your day, and drop it in the mail.

By the time you get home, you’ll have a collection of memories delivered right to your front door that you can save forever.

Travel Checklist Journal

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to make sure they don’t forget a thing, the Travel Checklist Journal is the perfect choice!

With daily prompts covering everything from the restaurants you ate at that day to your most memorable moment of the day, it’s an in-depth log of your adventures.

I’ll be honest: I could never keep up with this much travel journaling on a daily basis.

But, some people absolutely can!

If you find yourself not sure what to put in some sections, though, don’t worry about it–better to skip a prompt than make your journal feel like work instead of fun.

Bullet Journal

A classic bullet journal like this makes a fantastic travel journal idea!

In addition to writing, consider including drawings, hand-drawn maps, charts, and more.

Standard Notebook

You don’t need anything fancy to keep a beautiful, memorable travel journal!

Anything from a simple composition notebook to the back of a receipt will do in a pinch, and I would never recommend putting off writing because you don’t have the “perfect” vessel to store your memories in.

If you’re looking for a fairly standard, lined notebook that is durable without including much formatting to get in the way of your creativity, though, I love these notebooks .

I’ve owned them in various colors and designs for years, going out of my way to replace my old ones with the same brand when they get full.

Buy one on the road!

While I definitely recommend keeping a travel journal from hour one (airports and train stations are great places to write!), there’s also something special about buying a diary on the road.

If you find a journal you love while you’re traveling, consider picking it up and journaling there from then on.

On Your Computer or Phone

I’ll admit, I’m very biased toward analog travel diary ideas–it’s just my style!

But if you prefer typing to writing, or you just don’t want the hassle of carrying a physical journal on the road, you can easily keep a detailed travel journal on your phone or laptop!

Evernote is a fantastic app for journaling on your phone, though a basic Notes app works fine too.

A Word document or Google Doc can work as well.

Alternatively, you can type and send emails to yourself and store them in a certain folder in your inbox!

There is no wrong way to keep a travel journal–whatever works for you, is more than fine.

That being said, based on my personal experience of keeping travel journals over the years, here’s my best advice for preserving your memories!

Try to write as often as possible.

Here’s the sad truth: you will forget much of your vacation.

Even if you remember the basics such as where you went, what you did, and who you were with, the passing years will steal the sensory details from your memory, jumble the order of events, and soften the edges of your stories, making it hard to recapture the emotions of your travel experience.

While some of that is the inevitable result of living a full, exciting life packed with beautiful memories, a travel journal can absolutely help preserve those experiences for you for decades to come.

The period of time that I was worst at keeping a travel journal– the first year of our full-time travels –is also the one where memories have faded the most.

It’s my #1 travel regret that I didn’t keep a detailed travel journal that year!

Imperfection is better than procrastination.

Don’t have time to write pages and pages?

Can’t find the right words to capture exactly how you felt seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time?

Don’t worry about it: a couple of sentences jotted down that afternoon while waiting for your coffee to arrive will capture your emotions far better than waiting weeks to find the right words.

Write what you can’t see.

Photographs and videos can do a lot to preserve visual and even auditory memory–but they can’t capture scents, or the feeling of the humidity lingering in the air, or how soft the dog you stopped to pet was, or the expression on the waiter’s face as you managed to order lunch in a language that you barely speak.

These kinds of recollections, paired with photos and videos, are invaluable for helping place you back in that moment of travel, even years after it has passed.

You don’t have to be a “good” writer.

Forget the English essays of your youth: whether you consider yourself a skilled writer or not, you can absolutely keep the world’s most perfect travel journal for yourself.

Because travel journaling is nothing but a conversation with your memory, and you know exactly how to talk to yourself!

It doesn’t matter if you wouldn’t want to publish it as a memoir or that other people wouldn’t understand what you’re trying to say, because you’re the only audience!

Trust me, as a professional writer of sorts, the things that I write publicly–even in more personal blog posts like this –are not nearly as unguarded as the conversations I have with myself when preserving my own travel memories.

Don’t edit yourself.

This goes somewhat with what I wrote about being a “good” writer, but it’s a solid tip for travel journaling even if you’re a very confident one.

Each of us sees the world in a completely unique way and will use entirely different experiences and criteria to jog our memories.

If none of the travel journal prompts in this blog post speak to you, ignore them.

Write about literally anything you like–anything that speaks to how you experienced your day.

The uniqueness of how we each see the world is never more obvious to me than when I compare the things that Jeremy writes in his travel journal to what I write in mine–many times, we each remember things that the other person didn’t even notice!

Save more than words.

Ticket stubs, brochures, boarding passes, postcards, even foreign currency–anything small and tactile that you can tuck into your travel journal is a fantastic addition.

If you print out any photos along the way or purchase any of the cheesy-but-fun souvenir photos for sale around the world, those can be great components of a travel diary, too.

Full maps are often too big to save in a traditional travel journal, but you can save them separately–or cut out your favorite section(s) and place them in your journal!

Sadly, the ink on receipts tends to fade within a couple of years, but you can try storing a few memorable ones for a while as well.

Depending on your travel journaling style and how much you collect, you may want to tape these extra items to individual pages or keep them tucked into a separate pouch (cheap and fun cloth zip pouches can be found at souvenir markets across the world–maybe you can buy one along the way!).

For something more fun than basic tape, buy a few souvenir stickers along the way and use those to secure your mementos to the page!

Avoid spiral notebooks.

If you want a very inexpensive place to save your memories, opt for a composition notebook over a spiral one–trust me.

Between the spirals being pulled out of place from being moved around so much during your adventures to the fact that they’ll scratch up anything they’re stored near (like your laptop, for example), they’re just not worth the trouble.

I learned this lesson the hard way and will never use a spiral notebook (without a cover, that is) for anything while traveling again!

Always keep your travel journal in your carry-on.

I’ll admit, I’ve broken this rule before, but it’s terrifying checking your travel journal–especially when, like my current one, it contains years worth of irreplaceable memories.

Much better to keep careful watch over it in your carry-on/hand luggage!

Wondering what exactly to write down in your travel diary?

These travel journal writing prompts will get you started!

Choose any of these travel journal topic examples from below and expand upon it in detail, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself jotting down details of memories that would otherwise be lost to time.

As always, the point of travel writing prompts like this isn’t to limit what you write–it’s to provide a jumping-off point.

If you find yourself veering off in a different direction after a few sentences, just roll with it!

What did you do today that you’ve never done before?

Make a list of everything you bought today, from food items to metro tickets.

Describe the most memorable person you interacted with today.

What was your favorite thing you ate today?

What new thing did you learn today? How did you learn it?

Describe your morning routine in detail: what was different from home?

What was your most memorable form of transport today?

What animals did you see or interact with today?

What was the weather like? How did it impact your day?

What were you wearing today? How did it impact your day?

Did you use any words in a language you don’t speak today? What were they?

What’s the big news where you are right now? Is it the same as at home?

What’s the funniest thing that happened today?

What’s the most memorable thing that you physically touched today?

What did you eat for breakfast?

Look up, and describe everything that you see in detail.

If you took a tour: describe your tour guide, including their name!

What did you do today that you didn’t expect to do before your trip?

What’s an interesting story or legend from your destination?

Describe your route from where you’re staying to your first destination of the day.

What’s your favorite word to say in the language of your destination?

What was your least favorite moment of the day?

What was the most surprising thing you saw today?

What interesting conversation did you overhear today?

None of these travel journal ideas or prompts speak to you?

Have something different in mind?

There’s no wrong way to keep a travel diary–whatever feels right when you’re on the road, that’s the best travel journal for you.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

1 thought on “33 Terrific Travel Journal Ideas, Tips + Prompts!”

Thanks for posting this up , this is a very informative article surely.

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The 13 Best Travel Journals

From leather-bound to Moleskine, here are the best travel journals to keep track of your adventures.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Whether you’re staying close to home or embarking on a bucket-list trip, it’s no secret that travel helps enrich our minds and provides us with a better understanding of the world around us — all while creating lifelong memories. To document your adventures and preserve these precious memories, consider snagging a travel journal. As you shop, keep in mind that the best travel journals come in a slew of different forms — including some with all-blank pages for long-form freewriting and others with a mix of dotted pages and prompts to spark some inspiration. All in all, it’s safe to say that there’s a travel journal out there for everyone. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorites, including a handful with bonus features like illustrations, maps, stickers, detachable packing lists, and storage pockets.

Best Overall

Papier joy travel journal.

The journal is divided into six sections to help travelers stay organized while planning their vacations and documenting their memories.

There’s no place to store a pen.

Divided into six distinct sections, the Papier Joy Travel Journal makes documenting your travels easy and fun. Use the wishlist and trip ideas sections to write down your top bucket list travel locales, while the journey planning and reflection sections provide plenty of space to document your escapades. Pass the time en route to your destination — be it by train, plane, or automobile — by filling out the travel games section of the notebook which includes fun activities like “I Spy,” airport bingo, word searches, and word scrambles. At the very back of the journal, you’ll find an illustrative world map to color in. You can, of course, use the journal to jot down packing must-haves, restaurant recommendations, and anything else to help you stay organized while on the go.  

The Details: 192 pages | 5.5 × 8.5 inches

Best Hardcover

Moleskine voyageur notebook.

This journal features fun and functional bonus features like stickers, detachable packing lists, and to-do lists.

There are limited color options.

Moleskine is renowned for its durable notebooks, and this travel-themed one is no exception. Featuring a clothbound hardcover, elastic closure, and an expandable inner back pocket, this 208-page travel notebook is unique in that it also comes complete with detachable packing lists, to-do lists, and, best of all, a sheet of themed stickers for decorating. The travel-planning section is excellent for — you guessed it — planning out your itinerary, while the budget pages come in especially helpful for jotting down and keeping track of expenses. And, since this is a travel journal, it should come as no surprise that there is also a dedicated section for writing down key memories to look back on. 

The Details: Lined, blank | 208 pages | 4.5 x 7 inches

Best Accessories

Clever fox travel journal.

It comes with fun themed stickers and offers specific sections for budgeting and trip reviews.

It’s made with faux leather, which is considered less durable than genuine leather.

Creative types will especially appreciate this Clever Fox Travel Journal, which comes with over 150 stickers to decorate away. Need some inspo? Check out the included user guide with examples to help you create your own one-of-a-kind travel journal. The calendar page can be used to mark down important trip dates, while the illustrative map page can be used to plan out your route. There are also research and budgeting pages, along with a trip review section where travelers can look back on their favorite activities. Additional highlights include a ribbon bookmark, a back pocket, and a pen loop.

The Details: Blank, lined, dotted | 120 pages | 5.8 x ‎8.4 inches

Best Sustainable

Rocketbook smart reusable notebook.

This innovative journal utilizes QR code technology to scan and safely store your entries in a digital app on your smartphone.

Those who prefer a more traditional journaling experience may not feel so connected to this smart journal.

Travelers looking for a more sustainable approach to journaling (read: one that doesn’t require excessive amounts of paper) should consider snagging the Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook. Simply scan the QR code printed on each page, and your smartphone will automatically snap a photo of your work before subsequently updating it to the corresponding app where your entry will live on forever. You don’t need to worry about accidentally losing the journal, and your memories, along with it!). To “write,” use the included reusable pen, add a drop of water, and wipe with the included microfiber cloth to reveal a blank page ready to fill once more.  

The Details: Dotted | 36 pages | 6 x 8.8 inches

Best Pocket Sized

Letterfolk trip passport journal.

This compact travel journal can be easily stashed away in your backpack or pocket while on the move.

With just 48 pages, this journal is not ideal for longform entries.

As the name suggests, the Letterfolk Trip Passport Journal is about the size of a passport, which means it can easily fit in your carry-on, tote bag, backpack, or everyday purse. Despite its small size, it contains a total of 20 entry logs for travelers to jot down key details of each trip. Each entry page is also accompanied by a blank page that can be used to record thoughts, photos, illustrations, and even keepsakes like ticket stubs and museum tickets. The back pages of the journal offer checklists, flight logs, bucket lists, and other fun activities. 

The Details: Lined, blank | 48 pages | 3.5 x 5.5 inches

Best Prompts

The traveler's playbook.

Uncommon Goods

The specific prompts will help inspire travelers to record small but memorable details of their vacations.

Conversely, the creative, hyper-focused pages and prompts may feel overwhelming to some.

Document each and every one of your adventures with this beautiful journal, which was created by an avid traveler. Inside, you’ll find a slew of illustrations and prompts to help get those creative juices flowing and inspire travelers to record seemingly small but unique details of their journeys that will live on for decades. There’s even a dedicated page for each country, a master tracker to help plan the ultimate itinerary, a travel bucket list, checklists, and pages where travelers can record the names and details of new friends made while globetrotting. Finally, for each country visited, color it in on the world map page. 

The Details: 256 pages | 5.8 x 8.3 inches

Best Leather

Smythson "travel and experiences" cross-grain leather notebook.

Bergdorf Goodman

This timeless travel notebook features a chic albeit durable cross-grain calf leather construction.

There are no specific prompts or unlined pages.

This portable, pocket-sized travel journal is both functional and fashionable thanks to its cross-grain leather construction, which is known for its excellent ability to withstand wear and tear. As such, you can expect it to stay intact for years on end while serving as your trusty travel companion. Plus, it can even be personalized with your initials for an extra-special touch. Choose from four fun color options: Nile Blue, Orange, Scarlet Red, and Bright Emerald. 

The Details: Lined | 64 pages | 3.5 x 5.5 inches

Mark and Graham Leather Bound World Travel Journal

Mark and Graham

This leather-bound travel journal includes colored maps of cities around the world.

It’s not refillable, meaning that you’ll need to purchase an entirely new journal when you run out.

World travelers may opt for a travel journal with multiple maps to 1) plan their upcoming trips, 2) map out future itineraries, and 3) know where they’re going when wandering through new-to-them locales. This one from Mark and Graham includes full-color maps of major cities, as well as world weather information and international dialing codes. The leather-bound book is a sleek and functional choice. For extra-luxe flair, consider adding foil-debossed monogramming for just $12.50. 

The Details: 320 pages | 6 x 4.5 inches

Best Customizable

No ordinary emporium personalised travel journal with map pages.

This fully customizable journal makes an excellent gift for friends or family, or a keepsake for yourself!

Since it ships from the United Kingdom, it can take several weeks to arrive.

Whether shopping for yourself or a lucky giftee, this travel journal can be fully personalized based on specific preferences and travels. Shoppers can customize the cover with a title, subtitle, name, date, and message. There’s also the option to select the number of pages, along with the page design. Choose between blank or lined pages, and between colored or gray maps. Lastly, the journal boasts a sleek matte finish and sturdy hardcover construction to ensure it’ll stand the test of time. 

The Details: Blank, lined | 50-150 pages | 5.9 x 8.2 inches

Best Refillable

Robrasim refillable travelers notebook.

Three different paper refills are available.

It’s a small notebook.

This versatile leather travel journal has not one, not two, but three different 64-page refill inserts — lined, blank, and kraft paper — based on personal preference. When one notepad is full, simply remove it and replace it with a new one. The included pouch is also great for storing receipts, ticket stubs, and other small travel mementos. And while this is technically classified as a travel journal, it can also be used for general note-taking, sketching, or daily planning. Take your pick of two colors: coffee and wine.

The Details: Lined, blank | 64 pages | 4 x 5.2 inches

Best with Stickers

Legend travel planner.

It has three sheets of stickers, plus dedicated pages for safety tips and checklists.

It only holds info for a maximum of five trips.

This fun travel journal-slash-itinerary planner has three sheets of themed stickers to decorate. With dedicated pages for emergency contacts, safety tips, pre-trip checklists, and even translation to commonly spoken languages, think of this journal as the ultimate travel companion. Globetrotters also have the opportunity to add photos and mementos while simultaneously jotting down notes, ideas, and expenses. The attached pen loop, three ribbon bookmarks, elastic closure, and pocket for loose notes and documents are all added bonuses. Travelers can take their pick of six fun color and pattern options, as well. 

The Details: Ruled, dotted | 5.8 x 8.3 inches

Best for Kids

Peter pauper kids’ travel journal.

A combination of maps, prompts, illustrations, and games make this the ultimate kid-friendly travel journal.

It's most suited for international travel.

Surprise and delight your child(ren) with this kids’ travel journal ahead of your next family trip. Suitable for those ages seven through 12, this journal is filled with prompts, photos, illustrations, maps, puzzles, and games to keep little ones entertained for hours on end. Kids can use the blank pages to paste photos and mementos, while the lined pages are great for jotting down memorable experiences, reflections, and drawings. The travel journal is also chock full of travel-centric quotes and fascinating world facts. The back pocket is great for stashing keepsakes.

The Details: Blank, lined | 96 pages | 6.2 x 8.2 inches

Journo Travel Journal & Trip Tracker

Apple App Store

This is a great option if you plan to transfer your digital travel memories to a glossy photo book.

Digital journaling may not be for everyone.

Travelers looking for a non-traditional journaling option should download Journo, a travel journal app and trip tracker that’s Android and Apple smartphones — along with tablets and Macs. Think of this app as a digital travel scrapbook complete with notes, photos, and — get this — audio clips. Travelers can choose to type or handwrite their entries, and the digital journal can be completely customized with specific text styles and colors. It can also be printed out into a gorgeous coffee table book. 

The Details: Customizable | Unlimited pages

Tips for Buying a Travel Journal

Consider your needs.

Are you going on a road trip? Backcountry hiking? On a month-long ship journey across the ocean? Consider where you’re going and for how long when picking a journal. If you’re going to be in some extreme weather, you might want to pick a journal that has some weather protection. Short on suitcase space? Or maybe you’re only bringing minimal gear? Consider a pocket-sized journal to maximize precious packing room.

Pick the right page format and style

Be sure to look at what types of pages come with your journal, and if it is refillable, what types of page refills are available. If you’re used to writing on lined paper, you’ll want to make sure your journal has that. But if you’re looking for some blank pages so you can sketch or add photos, make sure the journal includes them, too.

There is no right or wrong way to journal. Simply start and just let the words flow onto the pages. Talk about what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, who you're traveling with, the itinerary, what you ate, etc. If you’re not quite sure how to journal, choose a journal with prompts that will help you get started.

A bullet journal is more for to-do lists, scheduling, organizing, and jotting down ideas. Usually, bullet journals include dotted pages instead of lined pages, but you could simply add in your own bullet points to a lined journal if you wish. Bullet journals are great for quick notes while on the go, or for organization in between long journaling sessions.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Lauren Dana Ellman utilized a combination of research and personal expertise as a travel commerce writer to compile a list of the best travel journals on the market. She also combed through dozens — if not hundreds — of product reviews and ratings to narrow down the specific product picks mentioned above.

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Best Travel Journal to Track Your Adventures

From tiny and compact to easy-to-read and leather-bound, we’ve got 15 travel journals for every wanderer, including digital nomads, retirees and kids.

In this digital age of selfies, live streams, and social media, does anyone put pen to paper anymore? The answer is yes! News feeds are fleeting, and character limits keep you from jotting down everything you want to recall about your trip. And after getting the dopamine hit of a hundred likes, do you ever go back and look at the photos and memories of your vacation again? Probably not, unless a “memory” pops up.

Luckily, you can remember any time when you bring along a dedicated travel notebook. These range from pocket-size to multiple bound volumes, depending on how often you travel and how much you want to write. Some travel journals come with preprinted questions and writing prompts to jog your memory, while others are a blank slate, with perhaps just lines, grids, or dots to provide a little structure for your thoughts and sketches.

Which is right for you? Check out our round-up of more than a dozen travel journals, notebooks, and diaries to find the best one to suit your needs and upcoming trip.

• Moleskine Classic Large Soft Cover Dot Grid Notebook
• Papier Travel Stamps Travel Journal
• DUNCAN & STONE PAPER CO. Travel Journal
• Rifle Paper Co. Five Year Keepsake Journal Set
• Clever Fox Travel Journal (Pocket Size)
• Baronfig Vanguard Softcover Notebook
• Letterfolk Trip Passport
• Peter Pauper Press Kids’ Travel Journal
• Field Notes National Parks Series
• Write It Down! Vacation – The Traveler’s Journal
• newestor Refillable Leather Journal
• Rite in the Rain Outdoor Journal
• Lochby Pocket Journal
• Upgraded Us Traveler’s Journal (A5 Size)
• Don Johnson Cruise Alaska Journal

If you’re looking for a travel notebook that will last, the Moleskine Classic will get the job done. Although it’s nothing fancy, it’s a workhorse that has held up well throughout years of travel, even while jostling around a backpack as we travel the world.

Its compact size fits in the tablet sleeve of your travel backpack or daypack , and the soft synthetic leather cover is lighter than a hardcover book. There’s an attached bookmark to mark your place and an elastic strap to hold everything together while you travel. Plus, it lays flat, so it’s easy to get your thoughts on paper without running into the gutter.

It comes in three sizes—pocket, large, and extra large—and three layouts—blank, ruled, and dot grid. We like the dot grid because it allows enough structure for writing but doesn't get in the way of sketching. You'll find a small paper pocket in the back of the travel notebook. While it’s far from sturdy, it can easily hold your passport, a few business cards, or the phone number of that attractive bartender you want to see again.

• Cover holds up well through travel
• Simple design provides flexibility for writing, sketching, and expense tracking
• Back pocket rather flimsy, so it might not hold tight to mementos you want to keep
• No writing prompts for inspiration

If you want to be inspired by your travel notebook, the Travel Stamps Travel Journal will get you excited about your next trip. The hardcover travel diary is covered with images of international stamps, and each one comes personalized, so you can label it with a name, the year, or just a fantastic quote from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

There’s space to record memories of six trips, with pages to make a travel budget, create itineraries, draft packing lists, and plenty of space to paste photos and record what you did on your trip. It’s not too big or heavy to bring along with you to take notes as you go, and if you get bored during a road trip , there are games in the back to keep you or your travel companions busy. You can also channel your inner child when you color in the countries you visit on the included map of the world.

• Every journal is personalized to create a nice keepsake of your trip
• There are instructions and a contact page in case you lose it
• Space for six trips may not be enough for frequent travelers
• It doesn’t lay flat when open and writing can get difficult toward the binding

When you want your travel journal to be something you can revisit in your golden years, you may want one that will look great on your bookshelf. While the Travel Journal is on the larger side to pack in your luggage, it’s the perfect size for sharing your memories with family and friends later on. It’s easy to jump to a specific trip since they’re each labeled with colored tabs printed at the top corner of each page, and an attached bookmark will let you know where to start recording your next adventure.

The linen hardcover travel diary comes in classy colors like Sage Green, Rose, and Sand, and you’ll find space to record up to 15 adventures inside. Since it has dedicated pages for photos as well as prompts to help you remember where you ate, what you did, and where you shopped, you can save your memories in one place instead of scattering them throughout photo albums, scrapbooks, and hard drives. Who knows? Your great-grandchildren could be inspired to start their own journeys after reading about your trip to Bali.

• Questions and prompts help you gather your thoughts easier than a blank page
• The embossed linen cover creates a high-quality keepsake of your travels
• It’s pretty large to bring along on a trip
• You may run out of room if your trip includes stops in multiple destinations

When your coworker is retiring to travel the world (or you are! In which case, congratulations!), gift them the Five Year Keepsake Journal Set to record their adventures. The cloth-bound books lay flat so it’s easy to record your memories each day, and they come together in a box set that will look great on a shelf once you return home. Sticker packs are also available to embellish your travel diary and make it your own.

Each page in this travel journal has space to record two days, so while it’s formatted more like a traditional journal, you can also use it to keep track of what you did each day of your trip. The journals also include a place to record your goals, so you can create a bucket list of places to see that year, plus places to keep track of special moments you celebrated and everywhere you’ve been. Each book has 200 pages, so you’ll have plenty of space to record your journeys wherever life takes you.

• It has room to record years of adventures
• It’s undated, so you can start journaling at any time
• It takes up more space than a single journal
• The layout is less travel-focused than other options

A pocket-size travel notebook can be easier to bring along on your next trip, and if you’re looking for a durable yet lightweight option, you might like the Clever Fox Travel Journal. Cute travel icons, from palm trees to paper airplanes, pattern the vegan leather cover, and an elastic strap holds it closed. Plus, there's a bookmark and another elastic to hold a pen in place.

This travel diary includes safety tips, a pre-printed packing list, and a travel checklist. You can also create personalized lists for five trips and fill out calendars, budget charts, and expense trackers. It even has dedicated pages to write down the transportation you took and the places you stayed. If that seems like a lot of preplanning to you, don’t worry—there are also pages to freeform record your adventures and stickers if you like to bedazzle your travel diary. A rear pocket is a great spot to slide ticket stubs and transportation cards to reminisce later about the day you got lost on the subway in New York.

• It’s small and lightweight to carry with you on a trip
• You can also get it in an A5 size if you prefer larger pages
• Most pages are dedicated to specific information
• Although there’s a pen holder, one is not included

A basic notebook with quality paper may be all you need in your next travel notebook. After all, if you have great ideas of how you want to remember your trip, or you like to sketch and doodle as well as write, it’s nice to have a journal that gets out of your way so the creative juices can flow. Choose from blank, ruled, or grid dot pages, depending on your preference and whether you need some guidance to write straight or prefer to go a little more freeform.

You can get this softcover notebook singly or in a set to make sure you don’t run out as you backpack across Europe. It’s lightweight and comes in three sizes: Pocket, Flagship, and Plus (or small, medium, and large), so you can pick the one that’s right for you. We really like the feel of the lush yet functional acid-free fine-grain paper, although we like the stitched binding a little less so. While it’s nice that it lays flat while you’re writing, it can unravel after some use.

• The paper feels really good to the touch
• It has a clean, minimal design so you can record whatever details you like
• The soft cover crinkles easily and it may start to show its age after lots of use
• The binding may not stand the test of time

Long-term travelers may appreciate a pocket-size travel diary to keep track of their world travels, and the Trip Passport fits the bill. This travel journal is about the same size as your passport, so you can slide it into the same pocket of your travel backpack. Then you can use the time in line to record a few thoughts about your trip while waiting for customs to stamp your passport.

Each record includes two pages: one with spaces to note who you were with, what you ate, and how you felt, and one dot grid page to write down your favorite memories in word or picture form. The soft cover is flexible, so you can slide it in a back pocket without feeling like you’re sitting on a brick, although it can easily bend and wrinkle. Of course, like the smile lines on your face, any crinkles and creases are just marks of your fun experiences and won’t detract from the memories you jot down.

• There’s space to record 20 trips
• Other versions let you keep track of museums or theme parks you visit if you want more specificity
• You have to write really small
• There are only two pages for each trip

It can be tempting to put off a once-in-a-lifetime trip with children if you worry they’ll be too young to remember the fun you had. With the Kids’ Travel Journal, they’ll have a great way to look back on that bucket-list trip, even as their memories begin to fade. This child-focused travel diary gives them a space to keep a detailed record of their trip, with pages to jot down where they go, when, who they’re traveling with, what they plan to see and do, and what actually happened. The hard cover will protect their memories when the journal gets shoved in the bottom of their backpack, and an elastic keeps it all together, even if they stuff it full of special candy wrappers, pressed flowers, and maps.

Games and fun facts in the back will keep them busy during a long road trip or overnight flight and may even save you some Googling when they ask how to remember the five Great Lakes or how long the Great Wall is. There are also conversion charts from Imperial to Metric, which comes in handy if your 8-year-old is insistent on putting on a coat because it’s 30 degrees in Rome. (Hint: that’s too hot for a hoodie!)

• This will help children remember a milestone trip
• Games and maps help keep kids occupied while traveling
• You may need a new one for every trip
• Design may be a little young while requiring more writing than little kids can handle

If your travel bucket list includes hitting all the U.S. National Parks, you might want to select a travel notebook with designs inspired by some of the most popular spots. The National Parks Series of Field Notes notebooks is available in six packs of three parks each, covering a total of 18 National Parks. Do you plan to visit Zion, Yosemite, and Acadia? Pick up the Series A Pack and record your adventures at each park in one notebook.

When you get home, you’ll know exactly where to find that funny story about almost stumbling into Old Faithful. Inside the front cover of each notebook is also a spot for your official National Park Passport Stamp, as well as a place to record when you went and who the notebook belongs to so a good Samaritan can send it home if you drop it outside of Dollywood on your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains (that's in Series C).

• You’ll have a good-looking record of your visit to a U.S. National Park
• Field Notes come in a variety of other styles and cover colors if you want something more generic
• They’re blank inside except for a grid pattern
• The soft covers can get worn-looking after a lot of use

Maybe you’re a camper who wants to keep track of every park you visit with your RV, or you want to note what you saw in small towns along Route 66. If so, the Traveler’s Journal may be for you. This thick travel notebook has a wide spiral binding to make it easy to write in and a durable cover that won’t bend or flip up.

Each of the 200 pages in the journal has prompts on the front to help you remember your trip, such as who you traveled with, what you enjoyed doing the most, and places to remember for next time, while the reverse side is left blank (but lined) for you to record other thoughts and notes. Even though it’s only one page, you have plenty of space to note what you want to remember since this travel diary is about the size of a school notebook. And if you have more to say, you can always go into more detail on the next page, although you’ll be giving up space for a future trip.

• It’s spiral bound and lies completely flat for easy writing
• There’s space to record many trips
• The same prompts repeat throughout the book
• The large size makes it more difficult to pack

You’ll appreciate the aesthetics of the Refillable Leather Journal if you love the feeling of soft leather in your hands or want to get medieval vibes as you record your journeys. It includes enough accessories to still your beating organizational heart, from a pen and holder to a distressed metal binder clip, elastic bands to keep everything together, three 96-page notebooks, and a card holder.

The notebooks slide through elastics on the spine to stay in place, making them easy to add and remove as you fill them with memories. You can get refills in ruled, grid, or dot patterns to record future travels and jot down your bright ideas. The leather protects their soft covers and holds everything together as you toss it in your travel tote for a day of exploring. You’ll have to come up with your own ideas of what to write, but we have faith you can do it.

• You can add additional notebooks to the leather cover
• It’s an all-in-one set to get started with a travel journal
• The leather cover will naturally distress over time
• It might be a bit bulky if you only need one notebook at a time

Bird watchers, nature photographers, and Seattle residents take note: this is the travel notebook for you. Rite in the Rain’s Outdoor Journal will allow you to, you guessed it, write in the rain. The all-weather paper repels water, grease, sweat, and mud, and Rite in the Rain claims it can even survive a spin in the washing machine. However, since the Outdoor Journal is the size of a traditional notebook, it’s unlikely to fit in your pants pocket where you could forget it anyway. On the other hand, that means it will most certainly hold up to spilled beverages, so you can bring it to keep track of what you imbibe as you drink around the world (even if that’s just around EPCOT).

Inside, the paper is printed with a grid pattern that features horizontal lines and vertical dashes, so you can take note of your favorite restaurant in Florence or get to work designing a better backpack as you wait for the train. There’s also a built-in ruler and some handy survival tips on the cover, in case you need to find the right size hiking stick. And we like that this travel notebook is made from recycled materials that can also be recycled when you’re through if you’re not saving it for posterity.

• Water beads right off the paper
• Bright cover makes it easy to spot at the bottom of your bag
• It’s on the larger side, but still easy to pack
• The all-weather paper feels a bit waxy to the touch

What if we said you could have your cake and eat it too? Or at least a travel notebook with some convenient travel wallet features? (OK, sorry if you’re hungry now, but some of the best analogies come with food!) If you want to get the best travel journal for international travel, the Lochby Pocket Journal can hold a little bit of everything you need. It comes with a 72-page pocket notebook wrapped in a durable waxed canvas cover.

What’s great is that the cover doesn't just hold a notebook; it has extra pockets, too. While you slip the back cover of the notebook into the right side of the cover, the left side has a pocket that can hold a passport, two more that fit cards, and a mini pen slot. On the front of the cover is a longer pen slot, a slightly thicker slot that can fit concert or festival tickets, and a larger pocket on the back secured at the top with a hook-and-loop closure. It’s potentially a good place for cash and coins because the opening is fairly tight.

• The waxed canvas cover appeals to a rugged aesthetic
• It’s refillable with another pocket-sized notebook when you’re through
• You may have to add additional wax yourself if it’s not coated enough for your preference
• The pockets are a little tight when brand new

When planning to travel long-term, you need more than just a few pages to record your trip. The Traveler’s Journal from Upgraded Us is a hardcover travel diary that lets you record up to 31 days for three trips. With pages for research and planning, budgeting, and more, you can remember why you decided to eat at that dive restaurant (Guy Fieri recommended it!) or where you wanted to be sure to watch the sunset. There are also reflection pages to record memorable moments and the best meals you ate, plus an expense tracker so you don’t go over budget two weeks in.

The hardcover travel journal is made with durable materials to handle the rigors of travel, and you can keep it all together with an elastic around the end. With the ability to record trips longer than a few days or weeks, we think this is a great choice if you’re taking a sabbatical, heading to see the world in retirement, or working for a few months overseas as a digital nomad .

• It’s good for long-term travel to a few destinations
• Each section includes a 31-day journal
• There’s space for three trips
• You’ll have to divide up the journal pages for more, shorter trips

Does your travel bucket list involve walking on a glacier or seeing polar bears in the wild? If so, a trip to Alaska could be in order, and many people choose to see it while on a cruise. Since it’s such a popular destination, finding a travel journal tailored to such a trip is not surprising. The author makes journals tailored to other popular destinations, too, so you may want to check them out when planning your next trip.

Although it only covers one trip, this is a detailed way to keep track of all of your transportation, what you want to do at each port of call, and your itinerary. There are even paragraphs of detailed information about places that cruises typically depart from, like Seattle and Vancouver, and typical stops, like Anchorage, Juneau, and Ketchikan. In the port excursion planner section are prompts to help you remember what you liked at each destination so you can tell friends and family. Hopefully, you’ll make new travel friends on the cruise, and if you do, there’s a place to record all their contact information so you don’t have to remember if their last name began with C, S, or Z when scrolling through your phone.

• It has detailed information tailored to the first-time Alaskan cruiser
• This travel journal creates a great memento of your trip
• It’s only helpful if you’re taking an Alaskan cruise, though there are travel journals tailored to other destinations available, as well
• The soft cover is a little flimsy

With so many choices, you’re bound to find a travel journal to remember your next trip. Whether you prefer more of a blank slate or want to follow detailed directions, there’s a travel diary out there for every type of traveler. Find yours, and you’ll never forget an experience.

August 8, 2023

Author: Kristyne Defever

Kristyne loves theme parks, tropical islands, and hitting the road in the camper with her family. Whether running through Walt Disney World, walking the shores of Lake Michigan, or hiking the Smoky Mountains, she's happiest exploring the outdoors. She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat.

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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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20 Best Travel Journals to Document Your Trips

Some include prompts and templates to help get you started.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Last-minute planning of a trip can consist of chaotic lists in your phone's notes app while the chronicling of said trip may look like sporadic photos in your camera roll. But what if there was a collective place you could plan in advance and jot down funny moments along the way? A travel journal can culminate the ups (and downs) of your vacation with guided prompts and templates.

Our experts at Good Housekeeping Institute extended our expertise in the best photo book makers and best wedding planning books to research the best travel journals, a category we have not yet formally tested. We rounded up the best travel journals of 2023, whether you want a self-designed bullet journal or a notebook with fun maps and stickers. At the end of our list, you can find advice on how to start your travel journal as well as read more about why you can trust Good Housekeeping. And if you have a frequent traveler in your life besides yourself, check out our guide to the best travel gift ideas (although a journal is a great idea too!).

The Art of the National Parks: Park-Lover's Journal

Perfect for the outdoors enthusiast in your life, this journal celebrates each of the 63 parks. It's 175 pages long and comes with prompts that'll help them chronicle their journey. It doesn't hurt that this journal has gorgeous illustrations of each park by real artists.

Papier Off Piste

Whether this is your first or fifth travel journal, or a gift for the college student in your life who's about to go abroad, Papier's notebooks will check all of the boxes. One GH editor has the Off Piste journal and loves the cover, a simple design that includes a meaningful quote, and appreciates the helpful templates you'll find inside the notebook. You'll be able to document up to six trips with templates for your budget, packing list, transportation, accommodation, itinerary and a journaling space for freestyle writing. There are also pages dedicated to a travel wishlist as well an illustrative map you can color in as you mark off countries you've visited.

Peter Pauper Press Page-A-Day

Journals can ring in at a variety of prices, but you can find a great travel journal for under $10 that will still give you enough space to write about your wanderings around the world. This leather-bound journal dedicates one page to each day of your trip, with spaces to add in the date, location and weather conditions (we especially like the delicate drawings for types of participation which you can circle with your pencil or pen). Dotted lines on the page will keep your entries neat and organized and an included ribbon bookmark will keep track of where you left off last. Even though this journal is pretty basic in design and on the smaller side, we think it's a great option for someone who doesn't want to spend too much on their first travel journal.

Clever Fox Vacation Planner

Amazon's Choice with a 4.6-star rating across over 900 customer reviews, this travel journal comes with more than just a notebook. You'll also get 150+ fun stickers to embellish your entries, plus the journal also has a pocket to hold the pages of stickers and an elastic band for your pen. But what makes this journal really stand out is its extensive range of templates geared towards helping you plan your trip. For five trips, you'll get pages for research and budget, a packing checklist, transportation and accommodation details and an expense tracker, plus a map and more journaling pages. If you like to plan out every detail, this is the perfect travel journal for your needs. We wish you could fit more than five trips in the journal, but for the price, it's a great value.

Peter Pauper Press Kids Travel Journal

Perfect for the adventure-inclined kiddo, this 96-page travel journal lets young travelers record everything from general entries about a trip to a packing list. Kids can even paste in photos, tickets and more and store the rest in the journal's back pocket. The journal is also full of games, maps, helpful phrases in other languages, metric information, quotes and fun facts. Not only is this kid-friendly journal a creative means to document their early adventures, but its accessories encourage international learning.

Leatherology Medium Spiral Snap Journal

Available in four hues including black onyx (pictured), brown, azure and lilac, this journal is made from gorgeous dyed leather with light gold hardware. You can choose from a spiral or bound format, but note that the spiral option has 130 perforated pages while the bound journal has 265 ruled sheets (or 128 pages). Regardless of which style you choose, you'll will get the benefit of a snap closure and a built-in pen loop, although the writing utensil is not included. We appreciate the versatility of this journal given the blank pages that let you doodle and write freely over the course of your next trip.

Mark and Graham Leather Bound World Travel Journal

This beautiful leather bound journal not only has pages for writing about your trips, but it also includes full-color maps of major cities plus world weather information, international dialing codes and more. A perfect gift for the international traveler, you can also add a foil debossed monogram to the cover if you want to add a personal flare to the notebook. We wish that the journal was available in more than one color, but the rust orange is a versatile enough choice that will stick out in a dark suitcase or bag.

Duncan & Stone Paper Co. World Trip Adventure Book

An almost-perfect five-star rating on Amazon and the titular Amazon's Choice badge is enough to make you add this travel journal to your cart. The layflat design makes it easy to open and write on, and you'll have enough pages to reflect on 15 trips plus a back pocket for extra photos and blank pages for notes and random musings. What we love most about this journal are the helpful prompts that guide newbies through the process of journaling, with questions like "Where did you stay?." and "Something I learned from this destination/culture..." From basic to more thought-provoking questions, you'll have a boost of inspiration to help you document your journey.

Day One Day One

While the majority of picks on this list are physical journals, you can also document your trips through an app if you prefer a digital format or have minimal space in your luggage . Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director at the GH Institute Rachel Rothman , says Day One is a solid choice with ample positive reviews from consumers. You can download the app for free on your iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. You'll get one journal for one device with the ability to add a photo per entry, plus templates, export capabilities and tags. If you want unlimited journals, devices and photos plus the option to add videos, audio recordings and more, opt for Day One Premium which rings in at $2.92 per month.

Extreme Assistants Classic Notebook

If you travel a lot, or tend to squish as much as you possibly can into your carry-on (we have all been there), you'll want a durable journal that can withstand being tossed around and bumping against other items in your bag. A faux leather hardcover and thick paper ensure your journal will stay intact as you travel to and fro. The manufacturer adds that the cover is designed to be easy to clean, which is helpful if you are journaling on the airplane or train and accidentally spill your drink. We also appreciate that you can add a photo or logo to the cover for an element of personalization, especially since the notebook is more basic in style.

Deanna Didzun The Traveler's Playbook: A World Travel Journal

Journaling of any kind can be intimidating as you don't always know where to start — even a notebook with guiding prompts can lead to partial writer's block. If this sounds like you, then opting for a book that has more structure and a variety of templates is the way to go. This popular travel journal has a 4.3-star rating on Uncommon Goods is designed by explorer Deanna Didzun who created illustrations and lists to help jog your memory of your most recent journey. You can give overall star ratings for each destination and write down food and drink highlights if you so please.

Smythson Travels and Experiences Panama Notebook

There are journals and then there are journals — and this beautiful handcrafted leather journal falls into the latter category. Bound in crossgrain lambskin and available in a light blue or scarlet red, you'll have 128 pages of lined Featherweight paper to fill. This notebook is all about quality and is designed to last, but with that comes a higher price tag. It would be a great gift for the writer in your life who loves to travel, but given its simple layout and lack of templates other travel journals can have, it may not be splurge-worthy for every traveler.

DesignWorks Ink Suede Travel Journal

If you or a friend is traveling to Santorini, Mexico and/or Sydney in the near future, you may want to opt for this travel journal inspired by each of those stunning cities. You can add personal information in the first page of the notebook and the 240 pages are lined with spaces to include the subject and date. Although the journal does not include prompts or templates, we love the eye-catching gold design and appreciate the ribbon bookmark to keep track of your last entry.

Moleskine Traveller's Journal

Moleskine, the established brand that has been around for over two decades, is synonymous with traditional, high quality notebooks — and this travel-specific journal is no different. There are three sections for a travel wish list, short trips and long trips plus two sheets of stickers and a ribbon bookmark. The journal has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon across over 3,200 consumer ratings. One five-star review calls this notebook "the traveler's best friend," and notes how helpful it can be to keep track of places, restaurants and sites so you don't forget.

JB Leather Personalized Travel Notebook

For a personalized touch, this pick lets you choose from over 1,000 charm and stamp combinations including astrological charms, meaningful quotes and more . There are also three different vegan leather hues to choose from: cinnamon, cedar and sandy brown. The notebook has 18 plastic card slots, a zippered pocket for storage and a total of 152 lined pages. You can also refill the notebook as you cross places off your travel wish list. A best-seller on Etsy with a perfect five-star rating, this customizable notebook is popular among customers. Multiple reviews comment on the fast delivery, and its high-quality, beautiful appearance.

Transient Books Custom Travel Journal for Kids

With this journal, you can customize the cover color, font and cover map, as well as choose between 100- and 200-page books with lined, unlined and prompts variations. We love the various ways you can personalize this kid-friendly journal, making little ones that more excited to explore new places. The five-star seller has over 3,000 customer reviews on Etsy. And the travel journal doesn't just have to be a gift for the kids: Adult customers also said they enjoyed using the notebook for camping trips and vacations around the globe.

Compendium Everywhere You Go

We have included travel journals on this list that have prompts but none like the unexpected ones in this notebook that will get your creative wheels turning. The questions may catch you off guard, but prompt thoughtful reflection: they range from "If this place had a perfume, it would smell like..." to, "If this place had a soundtrack, these songs would be on it." The notebook is Amazon's Choice and has a 4.5-star rating, with multiple customers calling it the perfect gift for the traveler in your life, whether you need a gift for a teen or a present for a thirtieth birthday .

PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook

Keeping a bullet journal is a popular trend that can easily translate to an aesthetic yet meaningful travel journal. This popular bullet notebook has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with over 18 color options to chose from including mustard yellow (pictured), burgundy, lavender, royal blue and more. The 5.7-by-8-inch dotted pages lend themselves to open-ended creativity. While it can be hard to start designing and writing a journal from scratch, you have the benefit of customizing how much space you want for each list or entry.

Polarsteps Travel Tracker

Physical journals are not everyone's cup of tea, which is where an app like Polarsteps comes into play. Available for iOS and Android devices, Polarsteps lets travelers track their journeys. You can utilize over 300 helpful guides created by travel editors, as well as use the itinerary planner to dream up your perfect vacation and check the transport planner when unsure of what mode of transportation to use from one destination to another. Once you begin your trip, plot each site you visit and slowly form a personalized map that you can embellish with photos and videos. From there, share your map with friends and family or turn it into a travel book to look back on for years to come.

Glad & Young Studio The Traveler's Journal

If you have a bookshelf with rows of novels, photo albums and notebooks, you may want an aesthetic-looking travel journal that fits your style. This leather notebook has 60 pages to document your travels, and is available in a neutral shade (pictured) as well as two marbled patterns that are unique to each purchase. We personally love the brightly colored assorted pattern that has swirls of lavender, yellow, fuchsia and blue. The lined pages are great for daily entries and you can also note the day and weather. Note that to clean, you'll want to wipe away and spills or messes with a soft cloth.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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10 Best Travel Journals to Inspire Your Wanderlust

As a digital nomad who so far has visited over 40 countries in the last 14 years I can tell, keeping a travel journal is a must!

Helping to plan, track, and then record your journeys, activities, experiences, and memories, your travel journal becomes both your guidebook and keepsake.

But what kind of travel journey is best for your trips?

That’s what we’ll be exploring in this post.

Table of Contents

Travel Journal Features to Consider;

1. what’s it for (memory, blog notes, places to revisit).

When choosing a travel journal the first thing to think about is what’s it actually for?

I write travel blog posts, so for me, it’s a tool to help me highlight the best experiences, and the best places to visit and make notes about the best points of interest to include in my posts.

It also serves as a bit of an activity planner, and a reference guide should I return to somewhere I’ve been before and want to remember the best hotel, restaurant, etc.

So what will you use your journal for? If it’s more of a pre-trip planner, you’ll want to make sure it includes packing lists and pages for dates, times, trip reference numbers, etc.

If it’s for drawing or writing poetry about the places you visit perhaps you’ll want plain pages with nothing on them to fill them with your creativity.

Perhaps you want somewhere to load or stick photos, or simply want a beautiful notebook to journal your days.

2. Vacation or Long Term Travel

Secondly, are you a long term traveler or digital nomad like me? If so, the type of journal you’ll need will likely be very different than if you’re heading off on a 2 week vacation from work.

As a long term traveler, you’ll want more sections to split the countries, the journal will need to be digital or at least light enough to fit in a backpack and it will need to last a long time as you traverse across the globe.

If it’s a keepsake of a wonderful holiday, it can be bigger – to fit inside a suitcase, lean more towards a photographic memory book, or a journal of your activities and best experiences.

3. Format (Digital, Printable or book)

Once you know what your travel journal is for and the kind of size, and type you want, it’s time to decide the format of your journal.

As a digital nomad, if you have an iPad, a digital journal is ideal. You can use goodnotes or notability and keep track of as many countries, trips, and experiences as you like without ever running out of space!

Perhaps you’re someone who enjoys putting pen to paper and if this is the case a printable or physical travel journal is a better choice for you.

If you go down the physical journal route, you’ll need to consider the size and weight of your travel journal. You don’t want a journal that’s too big and heavy and yet, it needs to be big enough to be useful.

Be sure to look at the weight when looking at listings on Etsy or Amazon and in particular note what the cover is made of. A hardback book will always be more bulky than a paperback for example.

5. Guided or Freestyle

Lastly, do you want a guided travel journal with pre-scripted pages including packing lists, trip itineraries, journal highlight pages, etc? Would you rather have a simple lined notebook for you to fill with your thoughts and memories, or is a plain art style scrapbook more to your liking?

There are travel journals for every type of traveler, so be sure to try out a few and pick the style that works for you!

Here are 10 recommended travel journals to get you started.

Best Travel Journals

1. the clever fox travel planner.

Embark on your travel dreams with the Clever Fox Travel Planner, your essential companion for adventure and exploration. With its eco-leather hardcover and compact A5 size, it’s durable and portable, designed to fit seamlessly into your travel gear. Its premium 120gsm paper ensures a smooth writing experience, capturing your memories and plans without the worry of ink bleed-through.

Features include:

• Bucket List & Itinerary Planning: Dedicated sections for crafting your ultimate travel bucket list and detailed daily itineraries, ensuring you make the most of every trip.
• Travel Essentials: Includes safety tips, a packing checklist, and helpful travel information to keep your journeys smooth and worry-free.
• Document Your Adventures: Ample space for journaling, sketching, and storing ticket stubs or photos, turning your planner into a cherished keepsake.
• Premium Paper Quality: Thick 120gsm paper that’s perfect for a variety of pens and pencils, ensuring your writing stays crisp and clear.
• Functional Design: Features a pen loop, elastic closure, and a bookmark for convenience, along with a pocket for loose notes and stickers for personalization.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, providing peace of mind for your purchase.

Designed for every type of traveler, from weekend wanderers to seasoned nomads, the Clever Fox Travel Planner is the perfect tool to fulfill your wanderlust and keep your travel memories alive.

2. The Moleskine Traveller’s Journal

The Moleskine Traveller’s Journal is your dedicated companion for every kind of trip, designed to capture the essence of your travels, from quick getaways to epic journeys. Its structured format not only helps you plan meticulously with practical tips and an extensive calendar but also serves as a canvas to record and preserve your travel memories. With its high-quality hardcover and acid-free paper, it’s built to withstand the rigors of travel and time, turning into a cherished collection of your adventures.

• Comprehensive Planning: Intro pages with an 8-year calendar, timeline, and sections for up to 20 Short Trips and 6 Long Trips, allowing for detailed pre-trip planning including checklists, budgeting, and must-see recommendations.
• Travel Memories & Wish List: Ample space to reflect on past travels and dream up future destinations, ensuring your wanderlust is always fueled.
• Scrapbook Ready: Transform the journal with tickets, photos, and mementos post-travel, creating a personalized scrapbook of your adventures.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Features ivory-colored 70 g/m² acid-free paper, a hard cover with themed debossing, rounded corners, elastic closure, and 2 ribbon bookmarks for durability and ease of use.
• Organized Note-Taking: Tabbed sections and themed introductory pages guide your journaling, with 400 pages for extensive note-taking and themed stickers to customize your journal.
• Elegant Presentation: Comes in a premium box with themed graphics, making it a perfect gift for travel enthusiasts and a splendid addition to your travel book collection.

3. Travel Journal by Duncan & Stone

A premium travel notebook, this beautiful travel journal measures 7.75 x 9.25 inches with 100 pages, making it easy to carry around in your backpack or travel bag.

• Traveling Scrapbook with Prompts – Fill out basic details, favorite memories, & photos from each trip to remember the specifics that made the trip unforgettable
• Personalize your memory organizer by writing down your bucket list & special memories from 15 trips
• Adventure Journal Made to Last – A high-quality heirloom journal with a linen-bound hardcover diary and an embossed title made to last a lifetime
• Create a family keepsake journal to capture all your important travel memories
• Close the flap pocket in the back for additional keepsakes

4. Page a Day Artisan Leather Travel Journal

A beautiful vegan leather travel notebook with a handsome page-a-day journal design features travel and cloud motifs, decorative stitching, embossing, and soft, leather-like cover material.

• A page a day with just enough space to take note of memorable places you’ve visited and explored, but brief enough for you to have more time to experience those places, rather than spending time writing about them.
• Each page provides space for you to note the Date, Location, and Weather, and jot down your own notes.
• Smooth-finish paper takes a variety of pens or pencils beautifully.
• Dotted lines subtly guide your writing.
• The paper is acid-free and of archival quality.
• A ribbon bookmark keeps your place.
• An elastic closure secures your writing.
• Tuck maps, tickets, and other flat travel mementos within the inside back cover pocket.
• Complementary cloud-pattern design endpapers.
• Sturdy bookbound-style binding.
• Rounded corners for reduced wear.
• Measures 5” wide x 7” high.
• Compact size fits easily into most bags and backpacks.
• 176 writing pages.

5. Papier Travel Journal

Set off on your adventures with the Papier Travel Journal, an essential accessory for every travel enthusiast. With its elegant foiled cover and meticulously designed pages, this journal is perfect for planning your trips and preserving your most cherished travel memories. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an epic journey, this journal ensures that every detail of your travels is captured and treasured.

• Structured for Six Journeys: Organize up to six separate trips, with dedicated sections for budgets, itineraries, packing lists, and all your essential travel planning needs.
• Memory Preservation: Ample space to journal, scrapbook, and highlight your favorite travel memories, ensuring every moment is recorded for posterity.
• Engaging Extras: Includes travel games and a world map to color in, perfect for entertainment during those long journeys.
• High-Quality Construction: Boasts 192 pages of 85gsm paper with a silk finish, ensuring durability and a smooth writing experience, all encased in a 3mm hardback cover.
• Unique Designs: Choose from a selection of eclectic designs to find one that resonates with your personal style, making your travel journal as unique as your adventures.
• Ideal Gift: A thoughtful choice for a Christmas stocking filler, a colleague’s farewell, a teacher’s thank you, or a personal treat to fuel your wanderlust.

6. Everywhere You Go Compendium

This unique guided planner holds unexpected daily journal prompts to help inspire thoughtful reflections from any travel adventure. It includes breakout spreads with uplifting quotes to help frame your thoughts and experiences, along with space for packing lists, notes, addresses, and things you want to remember.

• Foil stamping on a soft cover and a ribbon marker. Printed with soy and metallic inks.
• 5.75″W x 8.5″H, 112 pages
• Quick snapshot pages to record important memories
• Unique travel pages to list trip highlights
• Creative prompts and inspiring goal-setting quotes
• An elegant gift to celebrate a travel adventure, retirement, bon voyage party, or big vacation

7. Leather Journal Notebook & Sketchbook for Women

A premium leather notebook, made of high-quality soft leather, comfortable in your hands and suitable for pockets or bags. Durable for outdoor activities, travel, and storage. Exquisite printing on the front cover makes it more retro and attractive.

• Notebook Inserts – good quality craft paper, sturdy but smooth for most pens and pencils, such as fountain pens, and ballpoint pens, with no bleed-through.
• Comes with 6 card slots and a zipper pouch.
• Freestyle traveler notebook including 180 blank pages, perfect for writing, drawing, sketching, quick notes, sticking ticket stubs, or other memorabilia.
• Refillable diary, super-easy to remove or replace and make as thin or as bulky as you want.
• Multifunctional vintage travel journal – works well for journaling, spiritual or gratitude journals, bullet journaling, art journaling, daily planner, adding notes, doodles, and to-do lists.
• Perfect for all travelers whether vacationing or a digital nomad.
• A lovely gift for yourself, your family, or friends for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthday, etc.

8. Handcrafted Vintage Leather Journal for Life with Accessories

A High-quality full-grain 100% leather journal that looks, smells, and feels beautiful. Naturally tanned leather will age with character and develop its own unique patina. A lifelong keepsake for your travel thoughts and expressions.

• Refillable travel journal. Buy this leather notebook once and use it for a lifetime.
• Fountain Pen-friendly paper for writing.
• Blank and un-lined.
• 90 double-sided sheets (180 total). Refills available online
• Contains 1 Standard-size travelers notebook with three BLANK inserts, Wanderings leather notebook conditioner, Kraft paper card holder, and PVC pouch, a binder clip to help stay organized, with 2 elastics for replacements or to add additional inserts. Almost a $50 value if purchased separately.
• A stunning leather travel journal, carefully handcrafted for quality with a rustic, vintage look, soft and supple feel, and the durability of leather journals.
• Also available on Amazon in sizes A6 (B083JYG6VR), A5 (B07JNPNKKJ), Pocket (B01N24BYQ7), and Large (B079K8GS6W).
• Money back guarantee – If for any reason you don’t love the Wanderings leather notebooks please let them know and they’ll send you a refund – no questions asked

9. Travel Journal for Teens

Features Include:

• Pages for documenting trip itineraries and calendar overviews of travels
• Six pages for each day of traveling, or for each stop on their itinerary: Three pages with writing prompts and three pages for additional journaling, sketching, and attaching items such as photos, tickets, postcards, etc.
• Prompts for location, weather, mode of travel, favorite activities, people met, favorite foods, funny experiences, and much more!
• Packing checklist
• Ideal for teens and tweens!
• The compact 6″ x 9″ size is perfect for taking along on travels
• 120 prompted pages, providing space to document 19 days or 19 destinations on your trip
• Colorful, fun cover design
• Matte, softcover paperback

10. Travel & Activities Journal for Kids

• Over 100 games, puzzles, mazes, mad libs, journal prompts, scavenger hunts, and other activities
• Reduce screen-time with interactive activities that both kids and families can enjoy on the road
• Take a road trip to get away from it all, while the kids are happy, occupied, and engaged
• Enjoy the journey as much as the destination, no phones, apps, computers, or screens required
• Create the Ultimate Playlist
• Photo Scavenger Hunt
• You’re a Poet
• Rainbow Cars
• Interview with a Passenger
• Learn to Write in Code
• Make a Grass Whistle
• Daily Journal Pages
• Rebus Puzzle
• Travel Log Pages
• Match the Signs
• And much more!

Best Travel Journals Summary

As a traveler, not keeping a track of your journeys, activities and events means hours of searching through your photos to remember where you’ve been!

Instead, start journaling now, note down all the important things that happened and enjoy hours of leafing through old entries remembering all your fun times.

As a digital nomad it’s an imperative planning & learning tool! With each experience you’ll discover something new which can help with future travels, so purchase or download your travel journal right now and start tracking your trips!

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P.S. Do you have a specific question you’d like me to answer in a blog post, podcast or in my weekly newsletter? If so click below and ask away!

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, from which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services I’ve used or would use myself. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊

101 Travel Tips To Save You Time & Money!

Packing light; 24 expert tips to travel light (from a fellow traveler).

Travel Journaling Guide: How to Write the Ultimate Travel Diary

Travel journaling allows you to preserve your travel memories for life. It’s a fact of life that memories fade over time. Some may disappear within seconds, while others can stay clear for hours, days or weeks. Travel memories that are written down, however, are there for life.

If you’ve been tracking down waterfalls in the Cuban jungle, it’s only a matter of time until you forget the blood-red feathers of the Cuban trogon you stumbled upon. What about the name of that man you met on the Paris Metro? The ins and outs of your journey on a night bus in Vietnam? The accidental shortcut you found in Switzerland?

As a travel writer, I’ve been travel journaling in one shape or form for my whole life. However, you don’t have to be a writer to start a travel journal. It can be as simple, as short or as complex as you like, with the following travel journaling guide.

Whether you bullet-point everything or smash out several pages of prose per day, your travel journal doesn’t just preserve precious travel memories. It’s a place to self-reflect on your journey, record facts and quotes, and creatively display your travels so far. The best part? All you need to start travel journaling is a notebook, a pen and a travel plan.

Table of Contents

What is travel journaling?

Travel journaling is the act of keeping a written record of your travels. While this typically refers to keeping a chronological (hour-by-hour and day-by-day) travel diary, some travel journalers might also sketch, create collages or draw infographics to tell a story.

Travel journaling is unique to each storyteller, but at its core, it’s about relaying your experiences for an imaginary or real reader and recording your adventures for your future self to look back on.

The only piece of equipment you need to begin travel journaling is a notebook. This could be as simple as a basic lined or unlined notebook. However, some notebooks are designed specifically as travel diaries and aim to prompt the author, such as the  Travel Listography Diary  and the  You Are Here Mindful Travel Journal .

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Travel Journaling: Should I keep a travel journal?

Anyone can keep a travel journal, whether you’re creating a travel journal to share memories with family and friends when you return home, or just for yourself. It’s a souvenir of sorts, but one that has a personal meaning to you and captures your exact thoughts and feelings at a specific time and place in your journey.

You might want to keep a travel journal if…

1. You want your memories to become sharper and more meaningful.

At school, teachers often advise students to write down facts to remember them. The same goes for memories. Writing about a memory stimulates your brain to recall and remember specific details from that moment.

When you revisit a memory like that, it sends your brain a signal that that particular memory is important. It is prioritised above other, more insignificant memories from the day, the week or the year. As a result, you’re more likely to be able to recall it in the future.

At the same time, revisiting a memory allows you to add meaning to your experience. By exploring the thoughts and feelings that came along with the physical sensations, you’re able to bring a unique, personal meaning to what happened.

2. You’d like to relive a memory a second time.

When I urged a friend I met on my travels to try recording his memories on paper, one of the most significant things he said was, “It’s like I get to experience it all over a second time.”

That’s one of the best parts about travel journaling. In your own, unique way, you get to experience something in detail for a second time. You might feel the same rush of adrenaline, the same apprehension or the same ‘lightbulb moment’.

3. You want to jot down contact details of new friends.

Sometimes you meet people on the road and they have a huge impact on you in some way or another: a blasé comment that stuck with you, a new perspective on a topic you thought you’d already figured out, or an unexpected friend in a moment where you really needed it. Just as often, you forget to ask for their contact information or you lose it in the mayhem.

Anything can happen to your phone when you’re travelling: loss, theft, damage, or unexpected memory wipes. Jotting down important contact details in your travel journal creates a second, permanent copy of their details. You never know, you might want to share some of the entries they starred in as a way to reflect on your fleeting time together.

4. You want to work through complex thoughts and feelings.

There’s a reason why many therapists and life coaches suggest writing down how you’re feeling. It’s a very effective way of processing complex or difficult emotions.

You might have had a travel experience that has shook you up slightly – an illness or a missed flight, perhaps – and want to get your immediate frustrations out on paper. Maybe you’ve come to a big realisation about the way you handle stress or adversity. Either way, your travel journal is a great way to work through the feelings.

Bottling up emotions isn’t good for anyone, so this is a particularly handy use for a travel diary if you’re a solo traveller who doesn’t have anyone to vent to immediately. This can all boost your self awareness, protect yourself from future mishaps, and generate a greater understanding of yourself.

5. You want to reflect on your travels so far and what you’d like out of the rest of your trip.

Travel can be a whirlwind. However, by reflecting on your travels so far, you can assess what have been the most meaningful experiences in your trip so far, and seek out similar experiences in the future.

Similarly, it can help you to realise if you’ve been focusing on one particular experience so far – for example, hiking or visiting historical sites. It might influence you to try something new, like attending a cultural festival, going on a village walk or engaging in some  offbeat travel  experiences.

6. You want to save ideas for an online travel diary or social media posts.

Whether you’re a content creator, a digital nomad, or simply someone who likes to share your travels with friends and family, travel journaling can be a great way to fine-tune ideas for future stories, whether written or visual.

You might be planning to create your own blog or post photos on Instagram with in-depth captions. Setting up your own website is relatively inexpensive to do nowadays with websites such as  Bluehost  offering cheap, affordable domains and hosting plans – this is the site I used to set up my own blog.

Draft ideas for stories and captions in your travel journal, and use a highlighter to pick out your best ideas.

7. You want to improve your writing skills

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a complete beginner, the simple act of travel journaling every day (or every other day) will give you more practice in the art of the written word.

This will carry over into your studies, essay-writing, creative writing, email-writing, or general communication skills. It also boosts your confidence as a writer.

8. You want something tangible to share with family or friends.

Unless you’re planning on keeping your travel journal to yourself, a travel diary is a great hand-me-down that will give your ancestors a taste of your travels and personality. It’s also an excellent way to connect with friends and families back home, and give them the run-down on what you got up to. If you travelled with a partner or a friend, it’s also an excellent shared keepsake.

Travel Journaling: What should a travel journal include?

When it comes to the question of ‘what should a travel journal include?’, I use the word ‘should’ lightly. Your travel journal is uniquely yours. It doesn’t  have  to include anything you don’t want it to.

However, there are many things that you might want to include in your travel journal, so the following list should provide some inspiration.

Pick and choose the ideas you like and  experiment  to see what works for you. What works for you will be different than what works for other travel journalers.

1. Brainstorming

You don’t need to wait until your departure date to begin travel journaling. It can also be used to plan your trip. Before anything else, you might want to dedicate a page (or a few) to brainstorming.

Do you want a budget or a luxury trip? Do you want to see the beaches, mountains, jungle, lakes, rivers, or deserts? Which countries match your non-negotiables? Who might you invite, or who can you connect with out there? This sort of brainstorming can streamline the planning process and help you to get the most out of your trip.

2. Trip research

After brainstorming comes the more nitty-gritty trip research. Your travel notebook is ideal for this too. It’s easy to open up a dozen or more tabs on your laptop or mobile device, so you can use the physical notebook to jot down key destinations and activities that have captured your attention. This will help you to narrow down your itinerary once and for all.

3. A trip plan

You can take this a step further and write a complete plan for your trip. If you don’t want your notebook to get too messy, you can simply add your finalised itinerary. This will be very helpful when you’re actually travelling, because you can store all of your booking information and your travel timeline in one place.

This is what I do, and it keeps my mind clear and my travel plan organised. I also include back-up ideas for activities and alternative transport options should anything go awry.

4. A travel diary

When you start to gather first-hand travel experiences, you can begin to record a diary of the events. You might want to write in prose, which is the best way to let your thoughts flow freely onto the page.

An alternative option is to take bullet points, which help you to get down information quickly before you forget it. You might also want to alternate between the two, writing in bullet points when you’re short on time and writing in prose when you feel particularly inspired.

5. Other travel memorabilia

Your travel journal doesn’t just have to be a written diary. You can collect – and glue down – other travel memorabilia such as ticket stubs, receipts or dried flowers.

Just remember to pack a small glue stick or double-sided tape and scissors (in your checked bag, not your carry-on bag).

Some travel memorabilia that you might want to stick into your travel diary include:

• Ticket stubs.
• Foreign bank notes.
• Newspaper clippings.
• Dried flowers.
• Food wrappers.
• Luggage tag labels.

6. Sketches

If you’re particularly artistic, sketching the scenery, wildlife, or people you see on your journey is a great way to bring your diary to life. If you’re not artistically inclined, a small caricature might be more accessible and just as fun.

Others might prefer to paint in watercolour; there are a number of  watercolour travel journals  available.

Travel journaling: How do you write a travel journal entry?

When you start recording your first travel journal entry, my first piece of advice is simply to start writing.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to make sense to anyone but you. If you work better with an outline, the following prompts should get you started.

1. Write down the date.

The most important thing to do, and perhaps the only rule of travel journaling, is that you should start by writing down the date of your entry. If you can, include the day of the week too, as this can often give extra context – for example, if it’s the weekend, it might explain why the crowds in your destination were so lively or the public transport delayed.

I recommend using the format: Thursday, 21st July, 2022. You want to be able to look back on the date of the entry and see how much time has passed since it took place.

2. Write down your location.

The second most important thing to write down is your location. It’s a good idea to be as specific as possible. Include the town, the village or even the hotel or hostel you’re staying at.

This makes it easier to re-imagine the scenario when you’re reading your diary back. It also makes the entry more accurate and places the event somewhere tangible.

3. Decide whether you’re going to write in prose or use bullet points.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to get your memories down on paper when they are still fresh. If you’re pressed on time, you might want to take bullet points rather than write in prose. If more than a couple of days have passed, you’ll start losing some of the sharper details.

4. Start writing chronologically.

It might be tempting to jump right into the drama that happened in your evening. However, writing your travel diary chronologically is the easiest way to keep it understandable.

The version of events can get confusing if the narrator is constantly skipping from 7pm to 10am, then to 3pm and back to 10am again.

Begin by writing about your morning. What time did you wake up? What did you eat for breakfast? Who did you talk to? Where did you go from there? It’s also easier to recall memories this way and follow a clear train of thought.

5. Be specific.

As a rule of thumb, the more specific your writing is, the better. This is because the smaller details such as street names or direct quotes are some of the first things that will fade from your memory.

If you really want to bring the memory back to life, focus on the details:  location, names, times, dates, quotes, and specific thoughts.

The following prompts might come in handy:

• What did you eat? Where did you dine? How did it taste? What was the texture of the food?
• Who did you speak to? What were their names?
• Did you discover anything new today? Are there any facts you can recall? Did your destination meet your expectations?
• What was your favourite part of the day?
• What was your least favourite part of the day?
• Did you have any realisations throughout the day? What did you learn about yourself?
• How did you feel mentally? Were you energised, homesick, nervous, excited, or content?
• How did you feel physically? Were you in full health, hungry, full, sore, sleepy, or hormonal?

6. Be truthful.

Not every day is all roses and butterflies. At the same time, not every day is packed with drama and turbulence. It can be tempting to over-exaggerate your version of events, for a number of reasons.

You might want to make your trip sound more positive, add drama to your diary, or impress your real (or imagined) readers.

Remember, journaling isn’t just about creating a story. It’s about gaining self-awareness, improving your understanding of the world and working through the feelings that arise as a result of your travels. You can’t do that if you’re trying to paint your journey in a specific light the entire time.

Travel insurance is essential for any trip abroad. If you’re in an accident or experience an emergency, you need adequate cover. I recommend  Staysure  for single or multiple trips per year and SafetyWing for digital nomads.

Travel journaling tips

1. decide whether you want to use a dated diary or a general notebook..

There are pros and cons to purchasing a dated diary over a general notebook. The problem with a notebook is that it’s just a notebook.

A general notebook:

+ There are no restrictions on how long your entries are.

+ It’s more space-efficient for those travelling long-term, as you don’t have to start a new entry at the top of a page.

+ More freedom to doodle.

– Less incentive to make an entry.

– It can get scruffy quickly.

Purchasing a dated diary can make you feel more motivated to write your entries on a regular basis. They often include prompts, which can help you to get started. Many tailored travel journals also have additional pages dedicated for jotting down thoughts and notes, whereas a general notebook can quickly get messy.

A dated diary:

+ Looks more aesthetic.

+ Acts as a reminder not to miss a day.

+ Looks like a traditional diary.

+ May motivate you to write more often.

+ Often includes helpful prompts to spark your creativity.

– Can waste line space.

– May limit the space you have to write about each day.

At the same time, a general notebook might be the best option for long-term travellers who are short on space, because you don’t need to start a new entry at the top of a page. Starting a new entry mid-page saves precious line space. Unless your dated diary has blank spaces where you can insert the exact date, you’re also limited on the amount of space you have to write about each day.

2. Put aside 15 minutes every day to journal.

If one thing is for sure, it’s that travel can get hectic. As a result, it’s easy to get out of the routine of travel journaling every day. Since you want your memories to be as fresh as possible when you’re writing an entry, one of the best ways of keeping on track is by putting aside a specific time slot every day to journal.

You might decide to journal for 15 minutes each morning while you wait for breakfast to be served or for the 15 minutes before you go to bed.

If you have a daily commute – to the beach, to your temporary job, or to your friend’s hotel, for example – take your journal with you and utilise the spare time.

3. Journal while you’re in transit.

If you’re constantly travelling, it’s probably not going to be long until you have a lengthy train, bus or flight ahead of you. As long as the road (or airspace) isn’t too bumpy and you’re not prone to motion sickness, I’ve found that this is the perfect time to get some travel journaling done.

Having a good chunk of time to dedicate to writing is excellent. Plus, if you do get preoccupied on your travels and go off track with your journaling, the plane ride or boat ride back home is a good stretch of time to pick up where you left off and get down everything you can remember in chronological order.

4. Try to write within at least two days of the events.

The sooner you write about a memory, the better chance you have at remembering the niche details. The ideal situation would be to write about your day at the end of the day before you sleep, but that’s not always realistic.

Instead, try to set yourself a goal of writing about a day or an event 48 hours after it happens. If you still fall off track, write about your travels within a week of the date they happened.

5. Don’t feel the pressure to be perfect.

The pressure to get something perfect is often the first obstacle in getting started. Life is messy – and so is writing a travel journal. It’s not going to be perfect the first try. Besides, what is perfect anyway?

Your travel journal is for you. It doesn’t matter how many spelling or grammar mistakes there are, as long as it’s legible. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the motivation to write.

Bullet points or a few short paragraphs are better than a blank page. Otherwise, you won’t have anything to look back on at all.

6. Get creative with it.

Harnessing your creativity goes hand-in-hand with letting go of the need for perfection. You could draw caricatures of the interesting people you meet on the road. You could sketch a bird you spotted this morning. You could even make a chart or a diagram of your spendings so far.

Here are some ideas:

• Dedicate a few pages to creating caricatures of people you meet along the road.
• Create a ‘quotes’ section and jot down the most meaningful things people have said to you.
• Make a chart or a diagram of your spendings.
• Put together a recipes section where you write down your favourite meals and their key ingredients (don’t be shy about asking).
• A ‘rant’ section dedicated to unedited writing.
• Glue ticket stubs to the relevant pages.
• Make a collage out of ticket stubs, photographs and other memorabilia.

7. Keep your travel journal safe.

While a journal might not look that attractive to potential thieves, it’s probably invaluable to you. Therefore, it’s very important to take measures to stop it from getting stolen, lost or damaged.

Prevent water damage

Whether it causes smudged ink or crinkled pages, water damage can have a catastrophic effect on your journal. It’s also one of the most common ways that travel journals get damaged, as they’re prone to rainwater and liquid leakages in your luggage.

Some travel journals have waterproof covers, which add some extra protection, but this isn’t a foolproof solution.

Storing your travel journal in a waterproof pouch or pocket is the most effective way to prevent water damage.

A plastic bag is effective too. However, it’s more prone to getting punctured by sharp objects and it’s less durable (and less eco-friendly) than a permanent waterproof pouch.

The following waterproof bags and pouches will protect your travel journal:

• Syncwire Waterproof Pouch Bag
• Eono Waterproof Waist Bag
• Waterproof Dry Bag Set

Keep it in a safe or a locked locker

If you’re not planning on travel journaling while you’re on the go, it’s probably best to leave it locked securely in your accommodation. Many hotels provide safes; it will usually be listed on the list of features on booking websites such as  Booking.com  or  Hostelworld.com .

Some hostels and homestays may provide a locker instead. For this, you will often need to bring your own padlock. I’d recommend bringing a set of  TSA-approved combination padlocks .

Carry an anti-theft backpack

It’s unlikely your travel journal will get swiped from your backpack. Thieves are far more likely to target a mobile phone.

Still, you should carry your valuables (journal included) in an anti-theft backpack. They come with features such as secret pockets, durable zippers, and designs that make it hard for thieves to gain access.

Anti-theft backpacks:

• Della Gao Anti-Theft Laptop
• TcIFE Ladies Backpack
• Oscaurt Theft Proof Travel Backpack
• Waterfly Anti-Theft Backpack

8. Don’t forget a pen (and back-ups).

A pen is one of the easiest things to forget on your trip. While they should be easy to get a hold of, there are some locations where you might find it tricker (Cuba, the middle of the jungle, or a small town, for example).

I’d recommend using a clickable pen, because this is less prone to leaking ink than a regular ballpoint. Bring spares if you can, because the ink might run out mid-journey or just when inspiration strikes.

Travel journaling examples

As someone who preaches about travel journaling, I’ve decided to share a few entries from my own travel diary so that you can get an idea for the sheer variety of what you can write about and how you can record the details.

Entry 1: Havana, Cuba (Saturday 22nd January, 2022)

Anisah and I arrived in Cuba late, around 7pm. It was already dark outside and thunder-storming – lightning, heavy rain that soaked through my papers.

The airport was very basic and very stringent with Covid (masks, stalls and many checks) but we cleared security swiftly and had only our backpacks as a carry-on.

Outside, there were taxi drivers holding names, and, surprisingly, they weren’t at all pushy. Our hostel was supposed to arrange a driver to take us directly there, but upon ringing twice (and spending a daunting £3 per minute on the calls), it appeared the driver was stuck in his house due to the storm.

We ended up in a yellow, licensed cab (which cost 25 euros – but down to 20 when the lady hosting us paid on our behalf).

I felt a little unnerved in the taxi, probably because I was exhausted, and because without maps, the driver relied on memory and locals in Havana for directions – and there weren’t many outside due to the torrential rain.

Entry 2: Ubud, Bali (Thursday 20th June, 2019)

Woke at 1am for the Mount Batur sunrise trek.

• Mount Agun nearby “coughed” up lava three weeks ago, according to our guide.
• 1,700-metre climb – our time was 1h35 but it felt way longer.
• Very steep, gravelly, and one of the toughest climbs I’ve done in my life. At one point, I told Jess, “Go on without me”.
• I ate a boiled egg and a banana at the top. I was still starving.
• Monkeys and dogs were fighting on the mountaintop.
• Monkeys almost stole my bag. They successfully stole a purse from another lady.
• We lost Pablo (Goncalo’s cousin) at the top of the mountain. The guide (jeans and sandals) was going to leave him behind, but we refused.

Entry 3: Havana, Cuba (Monday 31st January, 2022)

Our host gave us the cheque. We were short by 700 pesos. We went to hunt down an ATM. The ATM declined my card, as did the second ATM… and then the third ATM.

We started to panic, so we went to the Kempinski Hotel in Plaza Mayor to use their WiFi to contact my bank. It quickly emerged that the WiFi had completely cut out city-wide. At this point, we really started to panic. We had to leave for the airport in one hour.

We’d used up all of our options, so I told Anisah we’d have to ask someone for money. She was very dubious. We were walking down my favourite street when I spotted an older man and a younger woman, both blonde, looking lost and carrying cameras and bags.

I took off my mask and asked ‘Ingles?’. Nope, they spoke Spanish. In broken Spanish/English, I started to explain ‘plane’ (hand motion), ‘Londres’ (London), ‘desperate’, ‘taxi to airport’, and ‘short by 700’.

They replied, ‘No, a taxi should be 20’. They thought I meant euros! I said, ‘No, no. 700 pesos’. He nodded, ‘Oh, good price!’. To my disbelief, he pulled out a fat wallet filled with US dollars and pesos, and handed me a 500 and a 200. I nearly cried, but settled for tapping the lady’s arms and doing a prayer hand motion. People are truly good at heart.

Travel journaling: How do you make a memorable trip?

There are two halves to creating a travel journal. The first half is the part where you  explore, observe and investigate .

The second half is the part where you  write or create .

If one half of the formula is missing, you won’t have a travel journal at all.

Similarly, a travel notebook that documents seven days spent beside a swimming pool, tanning and reading a book, is unlikely to be as riveting as a travel journal that documents a journey into Dubrovnik’s old town, a bus ride through central  Vietnam , wild swimming through waterfalls in  Cuba  or a cruise over the backwaters in  Kerala , for example.

• Guide to the Parque Guanayara Waterfalls in Cuba
• Things to do at Alleppey and its backwaters

1. Research your trip.

A great motto, and one I live by, is ‘plan to travel without a plan’. If you want to make your trip memorable, it’s just as important not to over-plan as it is to dive in headfirst without a scooby of what you are doing.

Research enough so that you have a huge backlist of itinerary and destination ideas. Make a list of local accommodations that you like the sound of. Book essential, long-distance travel only.

You don’t know what will happen on the trip: delays, unexpected new acquaintances, weather events, romances, and so on.

Sometimes, the most interesting stories form from following your heart or your intuition, so if you’ve planned every single detail, you’ll end up boxed in.

Here are some ideas for your research:

• Research blogs to get practical advice from those who have visited a destination or attraction previously.
• Confirm the main modes of transport, currencies, and WiFi accessibility in your chosen destination. Practical details matter.
• Create a list of destinations and activities you’d like to engage in.
• Highlight your non-negotiable activities, desirable itineraries, and nice-to-have experiences. That way, you know which activities are the most important to you.
• Try to avoid tourist traps and opt for more authentic, local or offbeat travel experiences. These are often the most interesting experiences to write about.

2. Book your flights.

After your research is complete, the first thing you need to do is to book your flights.  Skyscanner  should be your go-to tool to search for flights. It scans the internet for the cheapest deals, routes and even the most eco-friendly transport options.  Google Flights  is another useful tool, which you can use to confirm that you’ve found the best deal.

3. Book interesting accommodation.

The accommodation you book has a direct impact on your travel journal entries. It can create drama, it can spice things up a little, or it can act as a relaxing backdrop.

Unique accommodation might liven up your entries: search for things like treehouses, camping tents, shepherd’s huts, and themed resorts.

The following sites are my go-to websites for booking accommodation that will jazz up my travel journal entries:

Booking.com : Booking.com has a wide selection of accommodation, including eclectic stays. I also find that it generally has the best price, compared to other booking websites advertising the same hotel or accommodation.

Hostelworld : Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to introduce new, wise and quirky characters into your diary. As most hostels have communal spaces, it’s very easy to delve into a deep conversation with a stranger, which is often one of the most interesting parts of travel journeys.

The act of staying in a dorm room or shared accommodation is eventful in itself; you don’t know what sorts of stories you might get out of one night spent in a dorm room. Was there a fight for a particular bed? A sleep talker? Late-night card games and conversations?

Homestay :  Homestay specialises in accommodation where you stay in the home of a local. This is a brilliant option for those who are writing a travel diary, because it enables you to connect with the community, learn about local customs and have a more authentic travel experience.

4. Engage in more offbeat travel experiences.

Generally speaking, you won’t get as much of a story out of a tourist trap as you will out of a more unusual or hands-on travel experience. After six years of travelling, this is the biggest lesson I have learnt, and exactly why my blog specialises in offbeat travel experiences.

So, how do you find offbeat travel experiences for your travel journal?

• Ask at your hotel or hostel for local-led activities. Questions such as ‘where do you eat?’ or ‘where do you go to party?’ are also great ways to find local spots over tourist traps.
• Search for unique travel experiences on  GetYourGuide . They list local-led travel experiences, which are a great way to meet fellow interesting travellers and get an insight into the offbeat sides of a destination.
• Use tour organisations that label themselves as ‘local-led’, ‘experiential’, ‘offbeat’ and ‘immersive’. These are tailored towards giving travellers unique, hands-on experiences, and not taking you on the usual tourist trails.

Travel journaling: How do you write a travel journal that is worth reading?

Not everyone wants to share their travel journal. However, if you do want to write your travel diary for an audience – whether that’s family, friends, an online following or a potential future publisher – it’s going to need to be worth reading.

1. Make your first draft in a physical travel journal.

Writing in chronological order and as soon as possible after the events happen, make your first draft in a physical travel journal.

Remember, that you’re going to edit your travel journal when you’re back home, so the most important thing isn’t writing perfectly. It’s about being consistent with your writing schedule and getting the details down on paper.

2. Be as specific as possible.

Specificity is even more important if you’re going to share your travel journal in one form or another.

Use exact times, exact dates, full names, ages, and detailed physical descriptions. This will bring your story to life, especially for those who weren’t there to watch it unfold in person.

3. Feature specific characters.

Just as a novel would be incomplete without a series of in-depth and interesting characters, your travel diary should also feature characters.

It doesn’t matter if they’re fleeting and disappear after an entry or two. The important thing is that your reader can envision and relate to your character.

That might mean describing them physically, disclosing their name (or pseudonym) and age, as well as describing their little quirks and mannerisms.

You should try to quote them directly when possible, and explore their mindset and their backstory.

4. Write up your travel journal.

When you arrive back home, write up your travel journal into a digital format, correcting spelling and grammar mistakes as you go. This will create a second copy of your journal, just in case anything happens to the physical copy.

5. Edit your travel journal.

If you’re going to be sharing your travel journal, the most important part is the editing process. Your journal may only need a light edit, which corrects any spelling or grammar mistakes and makes it more legible.

However, it may need a deeper edit if you’re truly going to post it online or send it to a publisher. The execution, plot, and characters will be more important in this case.

Traveling journaling: Types of travel journals

There are several types of travel notebooks, and they all have their specific advantages and disadvantages.

There are also some clear criteria you should be looking for out of a high-quality travel notebook:

Number of pages:  The number of pages you’ll need will depend upon the length of your trip. If you’re travelling long-term, it’s better to have a notebook with a large number of pages rather than several, smaller notebooks which will take up more space overall.

Paperback or hardback:  While a hardback notebook is more durable, a paperback journal is more lightweight. If you’re limited by space or weight limits, opt for a paperback. Size:  Notebooks come in a variety of sizes, such as A4, A5, or A6. In general, an A5 notebook is ideal for a travel diary because it’s compact enough to carry in your packed or day luggage, but not so small that you’ll run out of space quickly.

Line size:  Unless you have large handwriting, a journal with fairly narrow line sizes is ideal, because you can fit more writing onto one page, and therefore into one notebook. You could also choose a notebook without lines at all, which gives you more freedom over the size of your handwriting, but can end up with messy, undulating lines.

Paper thickness:  Thinner paper is usually ideal, unless you are planning on painting, colouring-in or using heavy ink. Still, bear in mind that ink can bleed through the paper if it’s too thin, ruining other pages in your diary.

Binding:  The binding of your notebook is important too. Ideally, you want a notebook that can spread out flat while you write and one where you don’t need to hold the edges of the pages down. A spiral-bound notebook is ideal over a smaller, tightly-bound notebook, in this case.

Traveling journaling: A6 travel diaries

Best for: weekend trips.

• Sovereign-Gear Antique Brown Refillable Travellers Notebook : This A6 notebook has a leather case and a refillable design, which includes three packs of paper (one unlined, one lined and one made from kraft paper). Even better, it has a PVC water-resistant zipper pocket for your valuables.
• Avocado and Spice Hardback A6 Notebook : With a hardback cover and 200 pages, this A6 notebook is an aesthetic travel diary that comes with its own protective velvet bag. It comes with the option of dotted, lined or blank pages, and has a built-in pen holder and a bookmark.
• Antony Olivier Leather Journal : With unlined paper and vintage brown leather, the Antony Olivier Leather Journal is a premium A6 notebook. There are 200 pages, all unlined.
• Newestor Pocket Notebook : The Newestor Pocket Notebook is small enough that you can tuck it into your back pocket. It’s probably not ideal for those who are going to be writing in long prose, but those who are planning on documenting their travels with bullet points or short paragraphs will have 144 pages at their disposal.

Travel journaling: A5 travel dairies

Best for: longer trips.

• EMSHOI A5 Notebook : With the option of lined, dotted or squared pages, the spiral-bound EMSHOI notebook has 640 A5-sized pages. It also has a water-resistant PVC cover.
• Antony Olivier Leather A5 Notebook : This is an A5-sized version of the high-quality, leather Antony Olivier notebook. It includes unlined 200 pages and a journal enamel pen.
• Silvine A5 Executive Soft Feel Notebook : The Silvine 15 Executive Notebook has 160 pages with a sewn case, inside pocket and ivory paper.

Travel journaling: Watercolour travel journals

Best for: artists.

• Seawhite A5 Travel Journal : This notebook has 60 pages and a back pocket. It’s also completely vegan.
• Hahnemuhle Watercolour Book A5 : This sturdy hardback book has 30 sheets of natural white fine-grain paper, ideal for panoramic paintings.
• Tumuarta Watercolour Journal : Designed as a travel watercolour notebook, this journal has 48 pages, made of 25% cotton. The pages can tolerate light washes and they’re micro-perforated, so you can tear out a page if you need to.

A travel journal is a great place to jot down travel affirmations if you experience anxiety or nerves before or during a trip or to write down packing lists and other plans. See where I’ve been to start planning your next trip.

Katie Treharne

I’m Katie, the owner of Escape Artist Katie. I have been travel writing since 2018, including writing for luxury travel magazines and publications such as Wanderlust.

As well as being a digital nomad who works and lives abroad permanently, I’m a big advocate for  offbeat travel  and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

I hope you found my article useful – find out more  about  me here or keep up with my travels on  Instagram .

19 Best Travel Journals for Documenting Adventures

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Last updated: November 18, 2023

Categories Travel Tips

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Even after spending all kinds of time planning travel adventures we always seem to forget little things, such as how we’ll remember our adventures for years to come.

A travel journal is a fantastic way to keep track of all your fun trips and share them with friends and family.

Travel journaling doesn’t have to be time consuming or involve tons of writing.

If you like the idea of documenting your journeys in some way, keep reading to learn about the best travel journals for documenting your adventures.

Travel Listography Journal

I always feel super accomplished when I get to cross something off a list, don’t you?

If you’re not traveling, you can turn your journaling time into dreaming up big things for future travels with the Travel Listography journal.

This fun travel journal includes journal prompts that are all in list format. For example, cities in Europe that you want to visit, and another list for cities that you have visited.

Ticket Stub Diary

If you love to hop from one music festival to the next, a ticket stub diary is right up your alley!

Just slide your used concert tickets into an open pocket and you’re done.  Easiest travel journal ever.

While these types of journals were created with concerts and music festival tickets in mind, this concept also works will for tickets of other types, such as sports games, museums, and theater shows.

Moleskine Passion Journal, Travel, Hard Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Elm Green, 400 Pages

If you’re embarking on a long-term trip, get a travel journal that is durable and has plenty of pages. 

You don’t want a travel journal that is so thick that it’s too heavy to lug around with you, but make sure there are enough pages to cover the length of your journey.

Moleskine, which is well-known for its durable notebooks and journals, has a series of journals themed after several cities, as well as a generic travel journal.

You could also consider getting a small bundle of journals, if you can’t find one that is thick enough for the length of your trip.

I LOVE to create photo books using pictures from my travels.

Photo books make great coffee table books and are excellent conversation starters. They also make fantastic gifts for friends and family that you travel with.

Like a traditional DIY scrapbook, you can make your photo book as simple or as flashy as you want.

I prefer to mix things up and create a photo book that is stylized like a scrapbook.  Mixbook  is my favorite site to create photo books like this.

Check out a few more fun options on how to repurpose your travel photos in my post about the  best photo gifts  you can make with travel pics.

One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book

I get it. Sometimes you’re just too dang busy to spend time writing in a journal or making a scrapbook.

A fun way to still keep a journal when you’re strapped for time is the One Line a Day journal.

I have the Q&A version of this journal and enjoy adding memories to it each day. All you have to commit to is writing one sentence each day. Everybody has time for one line a day!

Page a Day Travel Journal

If you have a bit more time to devote to your travel journal, check out the Page-A-Day travel journal. As the name suggests, the goal is to fill out 1 page per day of your travels.

You'll get a bit more than 1 line a day, but not feel overwhelmed with needing to fill out too much.

You Are Here Journal

Keeping a mindfulness journal during your travels is a great way to focus on the present and experience your journey without distractions, such as judgement.

You Are Here is a great mashup of travel journaling, memory keeping, and mindfulness journaling.

It’s also a great way to train yourself on fully experiencing the cultures of where you travel and practicing mindful travel.

Travel scrapbook

If the thought of writing in a journal each day seems boring to you, but you still love the idea of recording your travel memories, consider putting together a travel scrapbook .

The best part about creating a travel scrapbook is that you can make it as simple or as artsy as you want.

You can create a basic photo album with pictures neatly arranged or you can go all out with fun flair like patterned paper, washi tape, stickers, travel quotes, boarding passes, ticket stubs, brochures – pretty much whatever you want!

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Hard Cover Notebook, 4 5/8" x 7 1/4", Yellow Cover, Universal Pattern (No. 370F)

While you might not care to journal about your day, perhaps you’ll want to take notes while out on a hike, birdwatching, backcountry camping, and so on. Believe it or not, weatherproof notebooks are a thing!

Rite in the Rain makes notebooks that are portable and weatherproof. The pages won’t deteriorate if they get wet, and neither will the cover. The spiral binding is also pretty durable and won’t bend when smooshed in a backpack or pocket.

To further weatherproof your field notes, use a #2 pencil or Rite in the Rain pen, as the typical ball point pen will bleed if it gets wet.

Voyager Refillable Journal

I love the versatility of the voyager refillable notebook from Peter Pauper Press.

It comes with a faux leather cover available in a variety of colors and 3 notebook inserts: lined, dots, and grids.

The insert can easily be removed when filled up or swapped for an insert with different types of pages (ex: lined vs. grid).

I like the idea of changing out the page types for different types of journaling or when inspired to write vs. draw (or have space for both).

A plastic pouch attached inside is also included, which is great for stickers, pens, stencils, and business cards.

Letterfolk Trip Passport Journal

If you're trapped for space, the Letterfolk passport journals are exactly what you need.

These teeny tiny notebooks come in a variety of themes, such as Trip (general travel), Museum, Wine, and more.

Start a travel blog

If you’d rather share your travels with others, especially as they happen, start a travel blog!

Even if you aren’t looking to start a blog as a business, it can still be a fun way to share your memories with family and friends.

A travel blog can also be done at no cost if you use a free blogging platform, such as WordPress.com.

If the idea of a blog seems overwhelming, you could start a Facebook page or Instagram account instead.

If the purpose of your online travel journal is to stay connected with family and friends, this might be a better route than a blog, assuming your family and friends already spend time on these social networks.

DUNCAN & STONE Travel Journal with Prompts

This beautiful travel journal from Duncan & Stone has a little bit of everything - prompts, lists, and open ended space. It's perfect for those who want a little bit of everything.

Honeymoon Travel Journal

A honeymoon is the perfect kind of trip you want to memorialize in a journal.

This Honeymoon travel journal from Pillow Toast includes prompts, lists, and even space for ticket stubs, photos, etc.

I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded

I Was Here is part travel planner and part travel journal. There's space for tips and planning, as well as space for recording your thoughts as you travel. Best of all, it's slim so it won't take up lots of space in your bag.

Keep a sketchbook

If you’ve been blessed with artistic drawing skills ( super jealous, BTW ), grab yourself an unlined sketch pad before you head out on your next journey.

Instead of writing about your travels at the end of each day, draw something! 

Alternatively, you could carve out time into your schedule to sketch a scene live. For example, set yourself up in a park and sketch a beautiful garden, or hike up a mountain to sketch the sun rising above a valley.

I totally wish I had the talent to draw well! A  travel sketchbook  makes such a fun keepsake from a trip. Plus, you get to practice your skills.

Everywhere You Go Guided Journal

This guided journal includes prompts for specific dates, as well as lists to fill out as you travel.

Lonely Planet Kids My Travel Journal 1

Keep your kids occupied on a road trip or help them unwind at the end of a long travel day with their own travel journal.

I’m a big fan of Lonely Planet guides and travel books. They even have a guided travel journal just for kids!

Add extra magic to your vacation with behind-the-scenes tours, dessert parties and more!

Promptly Journals' Travel Journal for Kids

Another great travel journal from kids comes from Promptly Journals. It includes prompts, pre-travel lists, and even space for travel games like tic tac toe.

Travel journal app

If you’re not into starting a blog or publicly journaling about your travels on social media and don’t want to lug around a printed journal, use a journal app instead.

There are a ton of travel journal apps available for both iPhone and Android devices. For more information on the best apps out there, check out my post about my favorite  travel journal apps .

Which travel journals are you looking to buy?

I hope you’ve found your new favorite travel journal. Let me know which one you bought in the comments below!

If you’re not traveling yet but want to work on gratitude or manifestation journaling, check out my post about the best journals for manifestation .

About the author

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

Read more →

This post was originally published on January 28, 2018. It was last updated on October 27, 2023.

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Travel Journal: 100+ Prompts, Ideas, and Tips

• March 30, 2023

Home » Day One Blog » Travel Journal: 100+ Prompts, Ideas, and Tips

Keeping a travel journal can be an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience, whether you’re an avid traveler or someone who’s embarking on a new adventure. From documenting unforgettable memories to fostering personal growth and reflection, a travel journal can be a window into the unique journeys you take in life.

In this guide, we’ve put together an extensive list of 100 travel journal prompts, tips, and ideas to help you create a travel journal that truly captures the essence of your adventures. Get ready to explore new cultures, savor the beauty of the world around you, and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will forever be a reminder of your incredible experiences.

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is simply a personal record of your experiences, thoughts, and feelings during your travels. Travel journaling is a wonderful way to document and reflect on your travel experiences, capturing memories of the places you visit, the people you meet, and the adventures you have.

Travel journaling can take various forms, depending on your preferences and needs. You can choose to write in a traditional notebook or sketchbook, or create a digital journal or blog. Some people use their travel journals not only to record their experiences but also to plan their trip, track expenses, and organize important information such as flight details, reservations, and contact information for locals they meet along the way.

Keeping a travel journal can be a valuable tool for reflecting on your travels, preserving memories, and sharing your experiences with others.

10 Convincing Reasons to Keep a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal or travel diary offers several benefits, both during the trip and long after your travels have ended. Some of the key reasons to keep a travel journal include:

1. Preserve your memories.

A travel journal helps preserve memories of your experiences, sights, and encounters that might otherwise fade with time. You can look back and reminisce about your adventures, learning from and enjoying them all over again.

2. Be more present.

When you write about your travel experiences in real-time, you tend to be more focused on the present moment. This can help you to be more present and mindful during your travels, and can also improve your memory of the trip.

3. Sharpen your observational skills.

Journaling pushes you to pay closer attention to your surroundings, which can improve your observational and descriptive abilities. This heightened awareness can lead to a more enriching travel experience.

4. Organize your thoughts and experiences.

A travel journal serves as a central location to record important information, such as trip itineraries, contact details, and to-do lists. This can help you stay organized and focused during your travels.

5. Enhance your creativity.

Writing about your experiences encourages creativity and storytelling skills. You can experiment with different writing styles, descriptions, or even drawings to capture the essence of your trip. Since traveling has links to creativity , keeping a travel journal allows you to expand these benefits in both ways.

6. Encourage self-reflection.

Traveling can be a transformative experience, and a travel journal can serve as a tool for self-reflection . Writing about your experiences can help you process your emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and gain insights into yourself and your place in the world.

7. Boost your personal growth.

Recording your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to new experiences can provide insight into your own personal growth and development. You can track how your perspectives and attitudes have evolved over time and learn more about yourself.

8. Reduce stress.

Studies have shown that even short vacations can improve stress levels , and writing in a travel journal can be therapeutic, allowing you to process your emotions and experiences in a healthy way. Travel journaling can also help you work through challenges and setbacks that may arise during your trip.

9. Create a unique keepsake.

A travel journal is a personalized souvenir that tells the story of your adventures. What you write can become a special item to share with friends and family or pass down to future generations.

10. Encourage deeper gratitude and appreciation.

Writing about your experiences while traveling can foster a deeper sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had, helping you appreciate the journey and the people you’ve met along the way.

What to Write About In A Travel Journal

There are many things you can write about in a travel journal. A travel journal usually involves writing a personal record of your thoughts, feelings, and observations throughout your journey. You can also include details about the food you try, the sights you see, the cultures you encounter, and the emotions you experience.

Here are a few things to write about in a travel journal:

• Daily activities: Write about what you did each day, including any sights you saw, people you met, and activities you participated in.
• Observations: Record your observations of the places you visit, including the landscapes, architecture, and culture.
• Food and drink: Describe the local cuisine and drinks you try, and note any favorites or new discoveries.
• Thoughts and feelings: Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about your experiences, including any challenges, surprises, or moments of joy.
• Cultural insights: Document your learnings about the local culture, customs, and traditions.
• Travel tips: Share any travel tips or advice that may be useful for others planning to visit the same places.
• Accommodations: Write about your accommodations, including any interesting details or experiences you had there.
• Write about the people you meet: Describe the locals, fellow travelers, and any interesting characters you come across. Note any conversations or interactions you have with them.
• Reflect on your growth: Traveling can be a transformative experience, and writing about the ways in which you’ve grown and changed can be a powerful exercise in self-reflection.
• Budget and expenses: Keep track of your expenses and budget, including any unexpected costs or money-saving tips.
• Memorable moments: Jot down any particularly memorable moments from your trip, including those that took you by surprise or left a lasting impression on you.
• Challenges and triumphs: Write about any challenges you faced during your trip, and how you overcame them. Celebrate your triumphs, big and small, and the sense of accomplishment they brought.
• Sights, sounds, and smells: Use all your senses to describe the places you visit. Write about the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that make each destination unique
• Overall impressions: Sum up your overall impressions of each place you visit, including what you liked, what you didn’t like, and what surprised you the most.

13 Tips for Keeping a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal can be a great way to document your experiences and memories from your travels. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Find a travel journal that suits your needs.

When choosing a travel journal, consider not only the size and weight but also the durability of the journal. If you plan to carry it with you all the time, it’s best to choose one that can withstand wear and tear. Additionally, think about whether you want a plain notebook or one with prompts and questions to guide your writing. Some journals may have pre-designed sections for you to fill in with information about the places you visit, what you did there, and what you learned.

2. Consider a journal app with travel journal features.

Using a travel journal app like Day One is an excellent way to capture your travel experiences conveniently. You can quickly jot down notes, take pictures, and record your thoughts and feelings, even if you don’t have your physical journal with you. The app’s Map View is especially useful, as it allows you to see where you’ve been and what you’ve done in each location. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally and plan to limit your data usage, Day One will store your entries and uploads locally on your device until you connect to WiFi.

3. Decide on your travel journaling style.

When deciding on your travel journaling style, consider what you want to focus on. Do you want to describe the places you visit in detail, or do you want to focus more on your thoughts and emotions during your travels? Writing daily entries can be a great way to capture everything that happens, but if you prefer to write less frequently, consider making notes of significant events or experiences.

4. Set a journaling goal.

Setting a goal for your travel journal can give you a sense of direction and purpose while writing. Your goal could be as simple as writing in your journal every day during your trip, or more specific, such as recording a unique experience or learning something new about the culture of the places you visit. Create a list of goals before you begin your travels so you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your journal.

5. Slow down.

When traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new sights and experiences. However, taking the time to slow down and observe your surroundings can help you appreciate the small things that you might otherwise miss. Take a moment to sit down and watch the world go by, or go for a leisurely stroll to take in your surroundings.

6. Include as many details as possible.

Include details such as the names of the places you visit, the foods you eat, and the people you meet. The more specific and detailed your writing is, the more vividly you’ll be able to recall your experiences later.

7. Use your senses.

Using your senses is a powerful way to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Try to pay attention to the smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the places you visit. Describe the scent of a local market, the sound of a street musician, or the texture of a historic building’s walls. Using your senses to describe your experiences can help bring your travel journal to life.

8. Ask questions.

Asking questions can be an excellent way to learn more about the places you visit. Locals and tour guides can provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the places you’re exploring. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on things to see and do, or for tips on where to find the best local cuisine.

9. Stay in the present moment.

When you travel, it’s easy to get caught up in planning, taking photos, and checking items off your bucket list. However, it’s important to take the time to slow down and appreciate the present moment. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your senses, noticing the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes around you. Take time to observe the people you meet and the interactions you have with them. Engage with the local culture and try to understand their way of life.

10. Take photos and videos.

Taking photos and videos can be a great way to capture details that you may not be able to describe in words. Use your camera or phone to snap pictures of interesting sights, people, and places. These photos and videos can provide valuable inspiration when you’re writing in your travel journal later.

11. Stay curious.

Staying curious while traveling means keeping an open mind and embracing the unknown. Try new things, explore new places, and take risks. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar, whether that’s trying new foods or engaging in new activities. Keeping a sense of curiosity can inspire your writing and help you capture unique experiences that you may have otherwise missed.

12. Keep your journal safe.

Your travel journal is a precious record of your travels and experiences, whether it’s in a physical or digital format. Consider investing in a sturdy, waterproof journal or storing your journal in a plastic bag or waterproof cover to protect it from moisture. It’s also a good idea to keep your journal in a safe place when you’re not using it, such as a backpack or hotel safe. Consider making a backup copy of your digital travel journal, whether it’s on your phone, tablet, or laptop. For example, the Day One app offers secure cloud-based backups and file exports. Additionally, you can encrypt your digital journal to protect it from unauthorized access. This way, you can ensure that your journal is safe and secure, and you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your memories are protected.

13. Make it fun.

Remember that travel journaling should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Use your journal as a creative outlet to express yourself and capture your unique perspective on the world. Experiment with different writing styles and formats, such as poetry, short stories, or essays. You could also include sketches, paintings, or other visual art to enhance your journal entries. And most importantly, don’t worry too much about making your writing perfect or adhering to a strict structure. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of documenting your travels in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling to you.

20+ Travel Journaling Ideas

A travel journal is a fantastic way to capture memories, thoughts, and experiences from your trips. To get started, here are some creative travel journal ideas to help you get started with travel journaling:

1. Record your itinerary and travel plan.

Record your trip itinerary, including transportation details, accommodations, and planned activities.

2. Organize your packing list.

Create a packing list for your trip and reflect on what items were useful and which ones you could have left behind.

3. Create a bucket list.

Create a bucket list of activities or experiences you want to have during your trip, and check them off as you complete them.

4. Recap each day.

Write about your daily experiences, such as the places you visit, the people you meet, and the local cuisine you try.

5. Use journal prompts.

Using journal prompts can be a helpful way to spark creativity and reflection in your travel journal. Choose a travel journal prompt below that resonates with you and write freely without worrying too much about structure or perfection.

6. Sketch and doodle.

Illustrate your memories with drawings of the landscapes, architecture, and other interesting sights.

7. Capture quotes and phrases.

Jot down memorable quotes from locals or interesting phrases you learn in the local language.

8. Include your favorite travel photos.

Include photographs of your favorite moments, places, and experiences from your trip.

9. Collect ticket stubs and mementos.

Attach ticket stubs, maps, postcards, brochures, or other small mementos to help you remember your trip. If you prefer to go the digital route, scan items or take a photo of these items.

10. Write about your feelings.

Traveling can be an emotional experience, and writing about your feelings can be a cathartic and introspective exercise. Reflect on how the trip is making you feel and what emotions are arising.

12. Go deeper by reflecting.

Write about your personal growth and what you’ve learned during your travels. Reflect on how your travels have impacted you, whether it’s a new perspective on a cultural issue, a realization about yourself, or an enhanced sense of empathy and understanding. Think about the ways in which your travels have shaped your worldview and how you can apply these lessons to your life back home.

13. Express your gratitude.

Express gratitude for the experiences you’ve had and the people you’ve met along the way.

14. Keep a food diary.

Record the local dishes you’ve tried, including their names, ingredients, and your thoughts about them during your trip.

15. Add notes on culture and customs.

Describe the local culture, traditions, and customs that you encountered and found fascinating.

16. Write about your travel challenges.

Write about any challenges you faced during your trip and how you overcame them.

17. Include maps and routes.

Trace your travel route on a map, or draw your own maps to remember the places you’ve visited.

18. Write about the people you meet.

Traveling provides opportunities to meet new people and learn about their lives. Use your journal to document these interactions and what you’ve learned from them.

19. Use poetry and creative writing.

Use your travel experiences as inspiration for poems, short stories, or other creative writing exercises.

20. Keep track of your budget and expenses.

Document your travel expenses to help you plan better for future trips, or to help stay on track with your budget.

20. Include ratings and reviews.

Rate and review accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and other experiences to help you remember the highlights of your trip.

21. Make a travel wishlist.

Write a list of destinations you’d like to visit and why they appeal to you.

22. Plan for a post-trip recap.

After returning home, reflect on your trip as a whole, including your favorite moments, any personal growth, and what you’ll take away from your journey.

23. Print your digital travel journal.

Having a physical copy of your travel journal can provide a tangible reminder of your travels and serve as a cherished keepsake for years to come. By printing your travel journal, you can create a physical record of your adventures that you can hold in your hands and share with others. It can be a meaningful way to preserve your memories and reflect on your journey, long after your travels have ended.

50 Travel Journal Prompts to Try

Still not sure what to write about in your travel journal? Journal prompts are a great way to spark your creativity and dive deeper into your travel experiences.

These travel journal prompts are designed help you capture the essence of your trip, and encourage introspection before, during, and after your adventure. So, whether you’re exploring new cultures, savoring local cuisine, or simply taking in breathtaking landscapes, let journal prompts guide your writing, enrich your narrative, and ultimately, help you create a captivating and memorable travel journal.

Journal Prompts For Before You Leave

Preparing for a trip can be just as exciting as the trip itself. Before you head out, consider using journal prompts to help you focus your thoughts and prepare for the adventures ahead. The following travel journal prompts can help you dig deeper into your travel expectations, identify potential challenges, and set meaningful goals for your journey. By reflecting on these prompts, you can better prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the exciting journey that lies ahead.

• What are my expectations for this trip? What do I hope to gain from it?
• What are the places I want to visit and why are they important to me?
• What am I most looking forward to experiencing on this trip?
• How do I think this trip will change me?
• What are my travel goals, both short-term and long-term?
• Can I describe my travel companions (if any) and why I chose to travel with them?
• How am I preparing for my trip (mentally, physically, logistically)?
• What are my top three fears or concerns about the trip?
• How will I react if the trip takes an unexpected turn?
• What am I most looking forward to about this trip?
• How do I plan to challenge myself during this trip?
• What role do I hope this trip will play in my personal growth and development?
• What specific moments or experiences do I hope to capture in my travel journal or through photography?
• How do I plan to stay open-minded and present during my trip? What steps can I take to cultivate this mindset?

Journal Prompts For While You’re Traveling

While traveling, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and forget to take time to reflect on your experiences. By using travel journal prompts to capture your thoughts and observations during your trip, you can deepen your connection to the places you visit and the people you meet. The following prompts are designed to help you stay present and engaged during your travels, and to encourage you to take a closer look at the world around you. Reflect on these travel journal prompts to create a meaningful record of your journey.

• How did I feel when I arrived at my destination? What were my first impressions?
• What was the most memorable moment of my day?
• What beautiful or interesting sight did I encounter today?
• What new foods did I try and how did they taste?
• How would I describe the atmosphere of a specific location I visited today (e.g. café, beach, market)?
• How have the locals treated me and what are my experiences interacting with them?
• What was a conversation I had with a local or fellow traveler?
• What cultural differences or similarities have I noticed during my trip?
• Can I describe a piece of art, architecture, or natural wonder that left an impression on me?
• What local tradition, festival, or event have I witnessed or participated in?
• How is my trip living up to my expectations so far?
• What were some unexpected challenges I have faced during my trip so far?
• Can I share an act of kindness I’ve experienced or observed during my trip?
• What was a moment when I felt outside my comfort zone and what did I learn from it?
• What’s a funny or embarrassing moment that has happened during my trip?
• What has been my favorite and least favorite aspects of the destination(s) so far?
• How has my perception of the world changed during my trip?
• Who is an inspiring person I’ve met on this trip and what is their story?
• What new skills or knowledge have I gained on this trip?
• If I could give advice to someone visiting the same destination(s), what would it be?

Journal Prompts For After You Arrive Home

Returning home after a journey can be bittersweet. While you may be happy to be back in familiar surroundings, it’s also common to experience a sense of loss or nostalgia for the experiences you had while traveling. These travel journal prompts can help you reflect on your journey after you’re home, so you can continue to process your experiences and keep the memories alive. The following prompts are designed to help you unpack your thoughts and feelings about your trip, to identify the ways in which it has changed you, and to set goals for future travel. By reflecting on these prompts, you can continue to grow and learn from your travel experiences long after the journey has ended.

• What will I remember most about my trip experience?
• What was the biggest highlight of the trip?
• What is a food or drink that I tried during my trip that I still think about?
• What moment from my trip challenged me in a significant way?
• What did I learn about myself during this trip?
• How has my trip influenced my perspective on life and my priorities?
• What souvenirs or momentos did I collect on this trip? What were their significance?
• What was my favorite photo of the trip? What is the story behind it?
• What was my favorite destination on my trip? Why?
• What was the most valuable lesson I learned from this trip?
• How have my travel goals changed after this trip?
• What aspects of the local culture would I like to incorporate into my daily life?
• What places would I I want to visit in the future?
• What was a place or experience that I wish I had more time to explore?
• How has my trip influenced my outlook on the world and my place in it?
• How did my trip impact my sense of identity? Did I discover anything new about myself?

Wrapping Up: Your Travel Journal Awaits Your Next Adventure

Travel journaling is a fun way to preserve your memories, foster personal growth, and enhance your travel experiences. With the travel journal tips, prompts, and ideas we’ve shared in this post, we hope you now feel well-equipped to embark on your own travel journaling journey. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to capture your adventures—the most important aspect is to embrace the process, stay curious, and allow your unique voice to shine through. So, grab your journal, explore the world, and let your creative spirit soar as you document the unforgettable moments, the hidden gems, and the personal discoveries that make each journey truly yours. Happy travels and happy journaling!

About the Author

Kristen Webb Wright is the author of three books on journaling. With a passion for writing and self-reflection, Kristen uses her experience with journaling to help others discover the benefits of documenting their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In her role at Day One, she helps to promote the power of journaling so people from all walks of life can experience the transformative power of journaling.

Day One: The Ultimate App for Adventurers

Discover the simplicity and convenience of Day One, the ultimate travel journal app for every globetrotter. Instantly record your thoughts, take photos, and preserve memories, even when your physical journal isn’t within reach. Download the Day One app today to begin chronicling your journey.

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101 Travel Journal Ideas: Page Examples, Inspiration & Prompts

Use these 101 travel journal ideas as prompts and inspiration to fill your travel journal no matter where your next adventure might be.

These 101 Travel Journal ideas will help you fill up a notebook of all sorts of adventures – whether it’s an exotic voyage or the everyday journey in life. 

And of course, please, please, please DO NOT feel like you have to do every single thing I put on this list – especially all in one journal. {That would be one awfully big, heavy book to lug around!} 

Whether you’re off to a grand exotic adventure, dreaming of places you want to go or maybe just enjoying a stay-cation and local points of interest, I hope you will find this post of travel journal ideas inspiring to document your next creative adventure.

101 Travel Journal Ideas: What to Put in a Traveler’s Notebook

1. start with a map.

Maps are always great in a journal. You can paste or tape them in or even make pockets and envelopes with them. Drawing maps can be a lot of fun also.

There are also a lot of ways to get maps:

• Google Maps: You could even print out a satellite/street view version or the directions.
• Maps Category on Wikimedia Commons : Lots of great free maps you can download and print out.
• Old Books & Atlases: If you have an old set of encyclopedias that’s way outdated and not of collector value, there are likely a lot of great maps to use in your journals. I love finding an old atlas at the thrift store or book sales.
• Marketing Maps: Many welcome centers, tourist agencies and travel rest stops have all sorts of maps available in marketing brochures. 

Staying local? Why not make a map of where you live? It could be your neighborhood, the backyard or even your kitchen. Doodles and sketches are perfectly 100% awesome here.

Another idea is to cut out shapes from old outdated maps you have. I sometimes buy old atlases and books with maps just for this purpose! These hearts shown below were cut out using a heart shaped punch similar to this one on Amazon .

I love scrapbook punches for so many different things in my art journals – you don’t even need that many of them and you can get perfect cut-outs anytime. These are great to make in advance before you travel somewhere – and you can get all sorts of different shapes! Circles, tags, you name it.

2. Can’t Decide Where to Go? Make a Mind Map

As creative people, making plans and staying organized is sometimes a challenge. I know when I go anywhere it sometimes feels overwhelming to keep track of all the details or even just decide what I want to do. Sometimes I don’t even know where I want to go or what I want to do. 

Mind Maps are great for easily mapping out ideas, dreams, plans, thoughts – especially if you’re not sure how to really organize them. You can draw them out on paper or even use mindmap software to create one you like and then print out and decorate.

Sometimes just making a mind map of an ordinary place can be fun – this mindmap of things to do in Ohio actually makes me excited to go there this summer. {Living next door in PA sometimes causes me to take all the neat things to explore in Ohio for granted.}

Even if you’re only going as far as your imagination, a mind map is a great way to explore all sorts of different ideas and concepts.

3. Packing List & Trip Prep

If you are using your travel journal as part planner, part journal, making a packing list and a to-do list before leaving is a great idea.

This is not only practical, as it will hopefully help you remember everything, but it can also help document some of the excitement and anticipation for the trip before you even arrive at your destination.

4. What’s In Your Bag?

While similar to a packing list, it can sometimes be fun to either snap a quick photo or sketch and doodle a picture of your suitcase and bags.

This can also be a fun way to document different day trips – it’s always interesting to see what sorts of things you consider essential to carry with you – especially if you find yourself looking back 5 – 10 years later. I am still in awe that fanny packs are coming back in style . 

5. Make a Bucket List

A bucket list is a list of all the things you want to do. Maybe this is a list for while you are at a specific location for a period of time – or this could even be a list of all the different places you want to visit during your lifetime.

Some of the examples of things you could create for a bucket list:

• Places you want to go
• Region Specific Foods you want to try
• Things you want to do
• People you hope to see 

6. Found Things: Collecting Ephemera & Other Treasures

Lately I’ve been keeping my eyes on the ground whenever we go places. I’ve found all sorts of very interesting things by keeping my eyes and my head open to finding stuff at random.

I’ve found old coins and pennies, tokens, dropped business cards – all sorts of interesting stuff. A lot of times people may think this stuff is just trash, but if it’s flat enough it can fit into a journal and a great way to document things you’ve encountered while out exploring the world. You never know what you might find on a sidewalk.

7. Save Those Receipts

Receipts are a great way to keep track of different things you do and need during your trip. Maybe you need a special airline approved travel bag you buy before the trip, or it’s the receipt for lunch at that adorable sea-side cafe you stumbled across.

Usually these sorts of things also have geographic information printed on them, so it can make even the national/international chains a little more interesting.

I always joke that doesn’t matter where we go or how well I plan I usually end up at a Wal-mart buying supplies we forgot – but hey, at least it’s fun to see your Wal-mart receipt has a different city and state printed on it. 

8. Attach an Envelope or Pocket for Collecting & Storing Supplies 

Speaking of ephemera and found things, another great idea for things to include in your journal is an envelope you can use as storage. The pocket for collage supplies is one of my favorite things about Dylusions Art Journals – so handy for holding stuff!

Since most of my journals are either 7×10″ or 6×9″,  I like to use the 6×9″ mailing envelopes and glue them or tape them into my notebooks and journals to use as a pocket for holding stuff. They are great for fitting all sorts of paper scraps and other things you might find on the trip!

If you are like me and realize what a deal it is to buy 100 clasp envelopes on Amazon , you can use the envelopes to make many, many more junk journals and art journals in the future! 

Beyond just envelopes, there are also a lot of other ways to display and store things inside of a journal, and one of the great things to use for this are the pocket page protectors often used in pocket scrapbooks.

If you are trying to keep things small and simple while traveling, Simple Stories is one brand with a wide variety of differently configured 6×8″ Pocket Page Protectors that can be a great way to hold and display items you might find in your adventures. Bonus : No glue stick needed. 

9. Keep a Record/Log of Daily Events

I know sometimes when I actually DO go on a real vacation, I don’t always have time to keep track of everything we do. One good way to get around this, without necessarily having to write a whole lot or spend the day drawing and gluing things in the book is to keep a very simple log each day. 

This doesn’t have to be elaborate. Keep it simple – use the actual date or the day of the week and challenge yourself to j ust write one word for each day . This will help you remember details of the trip long after it happens. 

• Monday – Beach
• Tuesday – Friends
• Wednesday – Museum

Keeping a log helps you remember things so that you can continue to fill the book up with memories and ephemera from the trip long after you return.

10. Method of Travel: Document Your Transportation

There are plenty of ways to get from one place to another. You can ride a bus, take a train, or fly up high in a fancy jet plane! 

Once you arrive at your destination, there can also be a lot of additional things to note about getting around town, especially if you are traveling somewhere that drives on opposite sides of the street or relies primarily on bicycles or scooters for transportation. 

All of these things make for great ideas for stuff to doodle, sketch, and write about!

11. Accommodations – Where Are You Sleeping?

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, airBNB, fancy resort or maybe your RV, there are plenty of things to document about where you are staying during the trip. 

Some ideas for ephemera might be brochures, print-outs of your reservation confirmation, map directions to the location. You can also always do a sketch of your room or view out the window. 

12. How’s the Weather?

Weather is one of those things that might be considered “small talk” but it’s also something I know can really influence what types of activities we do when we are on a trip.

We do a lot of camping – so if it’s warm and sunny, you’ll find us hiking, kayaking, and fishing. If it’s rainy, you might find us playing card games, visiting shops, or checking out area museums.

Sometimes bad weather can even make a trip more fun than expected – you might check out something new you ordinarily would have skipped, or maybe you will come home with a funny story of events.

You can record different weather events bullet journal style in your notebook or just draw different weather related symbols whenever you jot down any notes.

13. First Impressions – Any surprises?

Once you arrive at your destination, take a note of some of the things you notice right away or any different thoughts you might have about the trip there so far. This is especially a good idea if you are going somewhere completely new that is not like anything you have done before.

You might also want to take note of what expectations you had prior to leaving the trip – Is there anything that surprised you once you got there? Did you over estimate or under estimate what it might be like? Sometimes the anticipation before a trip can be much different than the actual reality once you get there!

14. Paint Backgrounds in Advance to Pack Less Art Supplies

Something I like to do in art journals when I’m traveling is to paint the pages before I go with acrylic paints I like to use. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate – maybe some simple stripes for writing on, or you can even use by block-by-block art journal technique to prep different page sections in advance.

This gives your pages a nice background and start for any type of journaling or doodles – and you don’t have the hassle of having to pack or carry around a whole lot of supplies. All you need from there is a couple of favorite pens and maybe a glue stick.

15. Try Watercolors for Compact & Portable Art Supplies

If you do want to paint while you are on your trip, a set of travel watercolors is a great option because they are generally very compact and easy to clean up and carry around – some pocket field sets could literally fit in your pocket and are smaller than most cell phones!

Watercolors are a great fun way to give your pages a little hint of color – and of course you can always use the opportunity to try out some new and different watercolor painting techniques !

16. Portrait Sketches

Meeting new people, or sometimes just seeing new people can be very inspiring to practice sketching different portrait drawing techniques. 

Portraits of new faces and people can be a great way to practice and hone in on your skills in drawing and painting faces – it can also serve as a springboard for additional art to make even when you return from the trip.

If the idea of sketching or painting a portrait makes you nervous, do not worry – there are lots of great resources to help you out here, like Mixed Media Portraits With Pam Carriker – Jane Davenport also has lots of great books such as this one which can be a wonderful resource to start with.

17. Draw & Sketch Landmarks

No matter where you go, there are sure to be landmarks. These can be great sources of inspiration for stories and drawing practice. 

Some landmarks are famous {such as The Statue of Liberty in NYC or The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City} – other landmarks are more of directional markers or might have personal significance to you. One example is a water tower we always look for when we drive past it on the highway.

18. Architecture

Wherever you find yourself, take some time to notice different architectural details such as windows, doors, gates, fences and roofs. Make a page inspired by the different things you see! This can be a detailed sketch or simply a whimsical doodle like the photo shown above.

19. Make a Cityscape

After you pay some attention to the different architectural details, it can be fun to incorporate this into cityscape art.

It can be a very fun challenge to recreate a drawing or doodle of the places you visit in your journals, and of course you can always combine these with other drawings or collage and ephemera.

Many of the Watercolor Doodle Cities here and other city-inspired paintings I make start from inspiration from real-life cities and towns I’ve visited.

20. Capture the Landscape

Sketching or painting the landscape can be a wonderful way to document all the beautiful views in nature. You can also photograph these scenes to inspire you to make more art when you get back home.

Maybe it’s an early morning sunrise or a field you drive past on the highway, the waves at the beach or even the way the mountains look in the distance.

21. Use Whatever You Can Find for Art Supplies  

I like to pack light when I’m traveling, and so that usually means sadly most of my art supplies have to stay at home. The good news is the lack of supplies can push you to try using everyday materials in creative ways.

For example, say you go out for tea – you can use the tea in your cup or a used tea bag to create tea stains on your papers. {Just be careful not to smear any ink from pens unless that is your desired effect!}

Over the years I’ve used all sorts of things to create with in my journal beyond traditional materials. A dandelion can often be used to get yellow coloring on paper – you could even use makeup like lipstick or eye shadow and blush on your pages.

22. Pay Attention to Special Events & Holidays

While you don’t need a special event or holiday as an excuse to explore the world, often times we do go places depending on the season and traditions we like to celebrate. 

If your journaling happens to fall around a certain holiday or you attend a special event in your adventures, there can be all sorts of seasonal things you can add onto your pages – hearts for Valentine’s Day, Flowers in the Spring, Pumpkins for Halloween, Christmas Decorations, etc.

23. Everybody Eats: Food is Never Ending Inspiration

There are some places I would visit again just with the sole purpose of eating amazing food. Food also makes for an endless source of things to put in your journal. You might not need to record every single meal or snack, but if you enjoy something good – make a note of it or use it as inspiration for art.

Another thing you can do, especially if you visit different countries is save food wrappers. Different languages, different wrappers – all these things can easily be added into your journal and will even help you remember what foods and restaurants you like if you should visit that place again.

24. Street Signs & Names

As someone who loves all things words, letters and numbers, I can’t help but feel gravitated towards interesting signs we see in different places. These can be great starting points for drawings, sketches or even things to photograph and add to your pages at a later time.

25. Read any good books?

Sometimes the books we read can inspire our travels – or a book can help us pass the time on a long bus ride or flight. Vacation is also a good time to catch up on books you’ve been wanting to read.

I love books so some of my favorite places to visit while traveling are small bookstores and libraries – I always find some nice treasures that way!

26. Foreign Language

If you’re traveling to a country where English is not the native language, it can be very fun and interesting to find different things that have the country’s language in your journal.

Whenever I’m shopping at used book sales, I often find a lot of foreign language dictionaries. These make for excellent paper backgrounds to use in junk journals, or you can always have fun copying the words to practice your foreign language skills.

Staying local in your own hometown? Have some fun visiting regular mundane places by learning or practicing a different language. 

¡Vamos a cocinar papas en la estufa!

Even a place as mundane your kitchen can be more fun if you learn fun ways to explore it as a traveler. This can also be a great way to help your kids practice their foreign language skills. 

27. Everyday Life

What do the people who call the place you are visiting home everyday? Take some notes, sketches or photos of a day in the life of a local.

Another thing that can be fun to do is to imagine for a moment if this place was your home, and not just a place you were visiting. What might you like or dislike about staying in that one place long-term?

28. What are other tourists doing?

Every time we’ve visited tourist-destination types of places it is always fascinating to watch the other travelers and what they are doing. Maybe you see hundreds of people with cameras, or you see people waiting in line to get their picture taken next to a certain attraction.

29. Trees & Flowers

I spend most of my vacations immersed in nature and I love drawing and painting trees and flowers. You might also want to keep some wax paper in your notebook – this can be a great way to preserve flowers or leaves.

30. Birds of a Feather

When we visit cities I always notice pigeons, and I always see seagulls at the beach. I love photographing ducks! Sometimes places we go have aviaries to visit. When we go camping, we love looking for woodpeckers, cardinals, and other birds.

You can fill your journal with bird related images or just make a list or doodles of the different birds you might encounter.

31. Animals

If you love animals, this is another great source of inspiration while you are traveling. Maybe you go to a nearby zoo, or maybe friends you are staying with have a friendly cat. 

Some places you visit may even have animals you don’t typically see that often. I remember when I visited Toronto in Canada I saw so many moose statues everywhere we went!

32. Notes From History

Most places have historical centers – even small towns often have an interesting past. If you enjoy historical points of interest, there all sorts of ways to incorporate this on your pages.

Use cut outs from brochures or old books, record facts, or even attempt to recreate a scene from history in your journal. This is a great way to use up some of your favorite vintage ephemera also!

33. Famous People / Persons of Interest Who Lived there

Almost every place has people who are famous or played an important role in the history of the area. It can be very interesting to research before you go some different people who have lived in that place – and maybe even tour some of the different things that would have been part of their daily life.

One example of this is when a friend of mine in high school was slightly obsessed with all things Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. She had learned he grew up in boring old Mercer, PA {not so far from the same boring town we lived in} – so we decided to go up one day to check it out.

It was very neat to think hey, here’s this little town in Pennsylvania just like our little town in Pennsylvania, he was a band dork, we were band dorks. It is always neat to see these sorts of places, especially if it someone who is inspiring to you, because in a way you can see the kind of environment that inspired them to become the creative person they are.

34. Music Playlist

Speaking of Trent Reznor – let’s talk about another favorite aspect of traveling for me – plenty of opportunity to listen to music!

I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a long ride than to come prepared with a good music playlist.  If you’re riding passenger on long trips, a good music playlist and a sketchbook is a great way to help pass the time.

I also like to listen to different music that is popular in different areas. It’s way more fun to listen to Blue Grass music if you are in the Mountains of Virgina or a little country music on the city streets of Nashville.

There are so many different types of music around the world, and all of it can be very inspiring to listen to while writing or creating.

Need more ideas for how to incorporate music into your journals? Our list of creative music inspired art prompts can help inspire you!

35. Textures

Make a page about different textures you might encounter on your trip. Maybe it’s the sand between your toes, the concrete on the sidewalks or the familiar softness of your favorite shirt in a place where everything is different. 

You can even optionally include some of these textures into your journal, especially if you encounter things like fabric swatches or handwoven items.

Another idea is to use different textures from objects around you as unique stencils and stamps. You can do all sorts of mark making with different textures in your book!

While I suppose this could fall under “food” – coffee for me is more than just a tasty caffeinated beverage. Draw a Picture of Coffee with the different backdrop of the place you visit. Save ephemera like napkins, coffee stirrer or receipts from shops you visit.

Pay attention to ways coffee is prepared and served. If you are visiting a place that grows and produces coffee, this too can be very fascinating to learn about and try different flavors native to the area. 

37. Souvenirs

Do you collect anything? Some people collect pennies, spoons, key chains, salt shakers – you name it! Collecting is a fun low-stress hobby and traveling can be a great way to find new things.

If you are a collector of something, it can be fun to make a page about different sorts of things you like to collect. If you don’t have a collection yet – what is one you might you be inclined to start or find interesting? 

Many different places you might visit often also have souvenir shops with all sorts of interesting things for the area. Even if you’re not a collector, you may enjoy sketching or making a list of the sort of things you notice. 

 38. Pick Up a Newspaper – Local, National & Global News

It’s always interesting to read the news somewhere you aren’t. It gives you a greater understanding of what types of things the residents who live in a place might experience on a regular day to day basis and what is important to them.

Another bonus is often times when you visit a new area the newspaper may syndicate different feature columns than your papers back home. This could mean new recipes, different horoscopes, puzzles, comments, and opinion pieces.

Newspapers are also great to use in collage and art you might be inspired to create, especially if you have very limited access to art supplies.

What does the place you’re visiting smell like? Maybe you can smell freshly baked bread drifting across the plaza, or it’s the smell of the ocean next to you, or even just the smell of pine trees in the woods. 

Paying attention to how all of your different senses experience the place can help you remember the adventure all that much more.

40. Include Conversations With the People You Talk To

One thing I enjoy doing when traveling is meeting and talking to new people and listening in on what people might be saying at the different places we visit. 

It’s funny, but some of the conversations I remember are not exactly quotable, but totally memorable enough to document in a journal. One time when we were at a beach an old man was talking to us and told us we needed to visit a place that was about 6 hours away.

“They have the most unbelievable peaches! Miles and miles of orchards…” he said. Well, after talking to him we decided to go that way the next day and yes, they did have peaches, but we were mostly awed by the unbelievable beautiful beaches!

Had we not talked to that stranger on the beach that day we never would have discovered one of our favorite beaches in the U.S.

41. The Local Dialect

I live in the Pittsburgh area and we are sorta famous for our unique dialect. Many local shops sell Yinzer stickers and other Pittsburghese types of things that are always popular with tourists and would make great journal fodder.

If you happen to be somewhere, pay attention to different words and phrases people use for things. You might be surprised how many sayings and words you pick up that aren’t in any foreign language dictionary!

42. Quotes About the Area and/or General Traveling

There are all sorts of great quotes that can be a great way to add to the journal. You can include general travel quotes in your journal while you are getting ready for the trip – or of course you can always add these once you are back. 

43. Interview The People Traveling With You

It’s always interesting how two different people can have two different options and memories about a trip! Traveling with kids? Ask them their thoughts – and of course don’t forget to encourage them to create their own travel journals!

44. Hidden in Plain View – Important or Sensitive Information 

It’s always a good idea to have a paper copy of important info while you are in a different place – especially if WiFi access or phone reception might be hard to come by. 

While I don’t recommend keeping sensitive info in plain sight in a journal, sometimes you can give yourself cryptic ways only you would know to have a reference for things like addresses or bank account info.

Some ways you can do this is by drawing the numbers in a certain specific pattern, or you could even make up your own secret code. 

45. Reference Lists & Safety Info

I’m sorta neurotic about safety, so I like to include helpful safety info in my notebooks, especially because we spend so much time outdoors. This might be something as simple as a mini first aid guide or a list of emergency numbers for the area. If you are traveling in a foreign place, you may even want to list some emergency contacts in the notebook.

I also like to print out this type of information to keep in planner binders. For the planner I keep in our camper, I included printed information for dog medications and first aid, since our dog has a habit of finding bees nests, eating fishing rods and getting into all sorts of trouble.

46. Currency From Different Countries

Many foreign countries have different types of currency that can be very interesting to keep in a journal. If you have a few smaller value notes leftover from a trip they can be a great thing to put in a journal or slip into a clear pocket you attach to the pages.

47. Track Your Budget

Budgeting might not seem exciting, especially while supposedly on a vacation! Still, it is definitely an inevitable part of life that doesn’t go away just because you are somewhere different! 

Fortunately, it can be way more fun to do when you find a way to express your creativity in your journal or planner. Keep records of expenses while you are traveling and think about different ways you can save money.

If you haven’t left for your destination yet, there are lots of great ways to plan a trip without spending a lot. Make a page about how you will save for an upcoming trip or make a list of ways to you can see the world without going into debt.

48. Random Fun Facts

Do you enjoy games like trivial pursuit? Something that can be fun to do before you leave is read up on different fun facts about an area, or you can even just jot down these things as you experience them in the place you visit.

Random Fun Fact Example: We can thank computer scientist Scott Fahlman at CMU in Pittsburgh for the widespread use of the smiley face symbol . 🙂 Pittsburgh is also home to another famous smiley face – the Eat ‘N Park Smiley ! 

49. Local Business & Industry

Do you ever need to travel for work? Business travel can sometimes create all sorts of new interesting opportunities to see sights and document parts of a place that don’t exactly make it to the city guides!

Many cities are also famous for different things related to businesses and industries. Factory Tours can be super fascinating and educational – they also make for a great activity during rainy day travels.

50. Movies, Plays & Film

Many places you wouldn’t expect have been featured in movies – other times there may be films or movies that take place in the very same places you visit.

One example is the time we visited Savannah, Georgia. My husband loves the movie Forest Gump so naturally this meant we had to visit Chippewa Square and the famous park bench at the Savannah History Museum when we explored the city.

51. The Clothes We Wear

Just like food and money, most of the time we typically need to also wear clothes. You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate unique clothing styles in different places you visit.

Depending where you travel to, the culture and weather can be very different from where you live and so the style of clothes and things people wear and do can be fascinating. 

Don’t forget to also pay attention to the clothes you are wearing. Maybe it’s a raincoat because it’s raining or you bought something special to wear for the trip.

52. Travel Shoes

Going places usually means lots of walking and standing – which means the pair of shoes you wear can make all the difference! Sketch a pair of your shoes and take note of whether they have reliably served you well in your travels, or if they’ve caused you pain, agony and misery. 

53. Hobbies & Interests

When I visited NYC my top must-see destination was the Sketchbook museum at the Brooklyn Art Library of course!

One of the ways I documented that visit was to put a safety pin in one of my pages once I got home because I noticed one of the journals there was completely bound with safety pins and I thought that was pretty unique and I didn’t want to forget it! 

Your different hobbies and interests can always overlap in travel – and sometimes in the most of unexpected ways. If you have a specific hobby or interest you enjoy, take some time to research different clubs and organizations in the area. You can find groups and points of interest for almost anything!

54. What’s Trending Now

Do you notice any interesting trends about the place you visit? Maybe there is an activity that is popular or something you notice everyone is doing.

This could be something like a TV show everyone is watching, something seasonally related or it could even be many of the homes decorated with certain pieces or in a certain style.

55. Funny Stuff

One thing you should always bring along any adventure is a good sense of humor. I love this one picture we snapped while we traveled through VA – antique tables made daily!

There are also lots of great travel-themed jokes you could use in your journal.

What travels around the world but stays in one corner? A stamp.

{Sorry, I couldn’t resist, I love punny bad jokes!} Speaking of stamps…

56. Postage Stamps: Send Yourself Some Mail Back Home

Postcards and foreign stamps can make for an excellent addition to any type of travel journal. You can mail yourself a letter or post card, or even pick up some post cards where you are visiting to add to your pages.

Shown above: A photo of some of the vintage postcards I have in my ephemera collection. If you have friends and family members who travel a lot, be sure to offer to pay for postage and ask them to mail you things!

57. Color Combos

Do you love color? Different places can be great inspiration for unique color combinations or even noticing things you may ordinarily ignore. Take a look at your surroundings and try to create a color palette based on what you see around you.

58. Rainbow Page

Another fun travel journal idea is to try to make a page that includes something of every color of the rainbow you see while you are on a trip. This could be done with ephemera or even just making notes and drawing in your sketchbook to add in photos later.

59. Inspiration is Everywhere

What do you see that inspires you to create while you are traveling? Maybe you notice an interesting pattern on textiles being sold at a shop or you like the way the vase on your table looks at a restaurant.

Take note of these little details that inspire you and sketch or jot them down. These can be great sources of inspiration for those days you need a little kickstart to create.

60. Bottle Caps, Drink Labels and Coasters

Many bottled beverages have labels and unique bottle caps that can make for great things to include in a journal. You may also notice several restaurants have coasters that are nice to save after your meal.

Bottle labels and coasters are two types of things that are normally thrown away but can make for great ephemera to include in your journal and help document the trip.

61. All the Different Shapes

Another idea for different places you visit is to create pages based on different shapes. For example, you could have a page for things that are round, such as wheels, windows, or stones.

You could also easily do this for things that are square, rectangles, triangles, etc.

62. Define Some Travel Words

What does adventure mean to you? What do you consider to be a journey?

There are lots of different travel-themed words and they often mean different things to different people. Write your own definition for words, or you could even find these words in a dictionary and cut them and paste them to the page in your book.

Here’s a couple more words you could use on the page or define:

63. Why do you love travel?

People travel for different reasons, and of course the reasons we enjoy it are also usually unique to us. What do you like the most? Is it meeting new people? Seeing something different? Learning new things?

Write or illustrate your favorite things and the reasons you enjoy discovering new places.

64. Stickers

Stickers can be found anywhere, whether it’s a price sticker on something you buy or even a marketing sticker they give away at a promotional event. Some places you visit may even have shops that sell unique stickers for the area.

65. Technology & Apps

There are many apps and websites that can make traveling a lot easier, and it can be something fun to document in your journal. These apps can help you find new places or even possibly read reviews and get special coupons and deals. 

Another thing to think about is how the place you are visiting uses technology. Do they seem advanced or are they behind compared to where you currently live?

66. Trip Stats

Another fun thing to record in your journal are trip stats. Your might record your odometer reading, number of miles you traveled, or if you have a fitbit you could make a note of how many steps you walked that day.

67. Try Zentangle

Zentangle is a super portable form of art and very relaxing so perfect if you’re going on vacation to unwind. All you need is some paper and your favorite Micron 01 pen.

You can start with basic shapes or just tangle freely on the pages of your journal. Who knows – some places you visit may even be home of certified Zentangle instructors and classes may be available during your trip!

68. Practice Creative Lettering

There are so many great ideas and ways to have fun with creative lettering in your journal. You can try different styles of letters, mix up big and small writing. 

Hate your handwriting? Our post on creative lettering ideas can give you lots of inspiration for ways to add unique text without necessarily mastering calligraphy.

69. Stencil It

Stencils are flat and portable – so very easy to bring with you along your travels and keep right inside your notebook. There are TONS of inexpensive stencil sets on Amazon or you could even try making your own journal stencil templates.

A couple of stencils can definitely can help you with making shapes, layouts, and different designs in  your journal – no fine art skills required!

70. Bodies of Water

Water is always a source for inspiration, relaxing, and feeling refreshed – and where there is life, you are sure to find water! As the author of How to Read Water points out, you can learn just as much about water from a puddle as you can from the sea. 

Create a page in your journal based on what you like to do in the water – whether you go fishing, swim laps in the pool on a cruise ship or just admire the sailboats out on the bay.

71. Make a List of Things to Research

While you are on your trip, you might find yourself curious to learn more about stuff you encounter. Make a list or note of this in your journal so you can read up on it when you come back home.

Before you go somewhere new it’s also a very good idea to research different laws, customs and practices. This to-research-list can be a great thing to add in your journal before you leave to remind you to actually learn about these things before you get there!

72. Visiting a Sports Town?

Sports teams around the world have some very loyal fans and this can be another thing worth documenting if you are in a place that takes their sports seriously. In some areas it’d be impossible not to take note of arenas and stadiums!

Even if you’re not a sports fan, you may notice where you are visiting what important sports games are happening and what teams people proudly wear on their t-shirts, jerseys and hats. If you do visit an event, don’t forget to save your ticket stubs and program with the team roster!

73. Stick to the Grid

Grid lined pages can be nice to have when you are writing or drawing, because they also make it super easy to try to draw things when you want to be mindful of things like ratio and perspective relationships.

You can also have fun just arranging different elements in a grid-like fashion – draw your own freehand grid and fill each box with different memories or images you cut and tear out of a local magazine or newspaper.

74. What Are You Really Good At When Traveling?

Do your planning skills shine as you come up with the perfect trip itinerary? Have you mastered the fine art of packing a suitcase with all the right things? Have a knack for strumming up conversation with the locals? Or, maybe you’re just really good at getting lost! 

Whatever your strengths and skills are when it comes to travel, these should be celebrated and certainly worthy of being documented in your travel journal! Draw yourself an award, make a list of your best strengths, and celebrate all the hard work that goes into exploring.

75. Gratitude

You can never go wrong keeping track of things you are thankful for. See our list of gratitude journal prompts for even more ideas of ways to incorporate thankfulness in your journal pages.

76. No Place Like Home

Sometimes distance makes us all the more appreciative of home. What things do you miss the most while you are away from home? Draw pictures, doodle, paint, or make a list! 

77. Wish You Were Here

Sometimes when we go someplace new we can’t help but think of family or friends back home. Is there anything specific where you are that reminds you of someone? Write about it or tuck those little pieces of ephemera you find on a page.

78. What Went Wrong

It’s tempting to only document the good parts of a trip but sometimes the mishaps of travel become great funny stories after a few years…like my husbands famous melt down over a lack of parking or that time we went camping and got flooded out. 

These sorts of things aren’t exactly fun in the midst of the trouble, but years later we can look back and at least say the trips were memorable!

79. What Did You Learn?

Every trip is an opportunity and discovery is synonymous for learning. What did you learn during your trip?

Maybe you learned something new about the cultures, customs and history of the place. Or, if staying local… maybe you learned to always bring sunscreen or bug spray or how to avoid rush hour traffic.

80. Document Digitally

While I will forever be a pen and paper kind of girl, I know I also enjoy the convenience of digital art journaling – especially when it’s not always easy to pack lots of supplies! This is especially true for trips that aren’t necessarily for fun or I know I’ll be spending a lot of time indoors.

You can edit and arrange photos in a photo editing app or software program, or you can even enjoy the creative fun of painting digitally. I love using my laptop and Wacom Intous tablet to paint with Photoshop. You can also have a lot of fun creating designs with an iPad and Apple pencil. 

81. Draw a Clock

Clocks are fun and easy enough to draw – all you need is a circle! It can be fun to compare clock times all around the world, especially if you have ventured to a different time zone.

Another idea is to doodle clocks for when you want to make note of times on your itinerary and schedule.

82. Make a Chart

Charts are a creative visual way to display information and a great idea for adding some art to your travel journal. You could create a table of train and bus times, a pie chart for how you spent your time on the trip, or a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting your first trip somewhere to the second trip there.

For those who are particularly dorky like me, you might even consider making a histogram or scatter plot in your journal!

83. Healthy Matters

If you are into all things health, wellness and fitness in everyday life, it would only make sense for this to overflow into your journals while traveling.

Whether you note healthy foods you eat, exercise, changes in your mood, how much you sleep, number of glasses of water you drink each day, or have a list of medications to take daily, noting these things in your journal can help you stay on track with all the excitement and routine disruptions from traveling.

84. Design Your Own Travel Symbols & Icons

There are many common symbols and icons used for travel – an airplane, a map, a suitcase, a backpack, a compass, cars, directional arrows, trains, etc. 

All of these things are a great starting point to give you some ideas for things to doodle in a travel journal. You can make them flat, line-art style, or even make them 3-D complete with shading. 

85. Travel Role Models

Do you know someone who is a great inspiration for your travel aspirations? This could be a person who inspired you to be more courageous and explore new foreign places, or could just be someone you know who has real-world experience in traveling the globe and taught you a lot of things. 

86. Favorite Travel Blogs

Speaking of people who inspire us to travel – I know many of the places I find inspiration are various travel blogs I like to follow! Seeing their pictures is always great motivation and inspiration to go to new places I may not have considered on my own.

Whenever I am not sure of where I might like to go or what to do when visiting an area, I also love to read different blogger’s guides on attractions to visit and travel tips to make it a smooth trip.

87. The Road Not Taken – Add Some Poetry to Your Pages

There are lots of great travel inspired poems you can include in your journal, or you can even try your hand at writing your own poems.

Not a natural wordsmith? Prefer to stick to something more visual? Check out our post on found poetry in your journal pages.

88. Challenge Yourself 

Sometimes a little bit of a challenge can make even the most mundane of places a bit more exciting. You could challenge yourself to take a photo every day, or challenge yourself to visit a different neighborhood or part of town each day you are in the city.

You could also challenge yourself to commit to a certain type of art each day – a doodle a day, or a watercolor a day, or a pencil sketch a day.

Challenges should be fun – so if the idea of this sounds like a chore or one more thing to add to already a jam packed schedule, skip it or save it for the next adventure.

89. Paper Clips & Binder Clips Are Your Friends

Paper clips, binder clips and other page fasteners are wonderful and practical things to include in your journal. They are super handy when you are on the go to attach all sorts of papers and notes – no glue stick required!

Also, they make TONS of travel themed paper clips. I mean, I don’t know if you would really need 40 of them, but how adorable are these airplane shaped paper clips ? They also make ones that come in assorted animal shapes ! 

So many different styles of paper clips, I actually made an Amazon Idea List with some of my handpicked favorites – I couldn’t believe I found over 40! See all my favorites on my list: All the Pretty Paper Clips . 

90. Pins, Patches & Badges

I love collecting small novelty pins, patches and badges – but I don’t always have a great way to display or wear them. One way around this is to add them to your journal pages!

You can decide to either pin or sew the item directly onto the page, or you can attach it to a small piece of fabric that you attach into the page. You can often find these at gift shops or even while you are at different places that give them away for free as promotional materials.

91. Have a Stamping Good Time

There are LOTS of ways to use rubber stamps and ink pads in a journal. But… I also like to keep my supplies very minimal, especially when on the road. Something I like to do to prep my journal pages is stamp things in advance. 

You can use simple ink dabbers to create patterns or add a distressed effect to your empty pages – and of course if you already have travel themed stamps this is a great opportunity to put them to good use, whether before or after the trip!

In the page above I tried to use some of my rubber stamps and realized one of my very well-loved ink pads was finally starting to dry out after years of use.

I used the ink pad itself to stamp the page with the remaining ink on the edges to create journaling block areas. I also used the edge of the ink pad to make the lines – perfect for impromptu lists or quick daily notes.

92. Travel Tags

There are all sorts of tags that can be useful while traveling. Luggage and suitcase tags are also a great way to add some interesting stuff to your favorite journal pages. 

You can also opt to use paper tags – I love to start with small round tags like these ones and use them for doodles or quotes. Standard shipping tags like these are also like mini blank canvases waiting for your creative touch! 

93. Travel Bingo: Inspired by My Favorite Road Trip Game as a Kid

A long time ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth without technology, we played a game called Auto Bingo in the car. If you drove past something like a railroad crossing or a cow, you would slide the little marker over the picture when you spotted it and try to get them all before the end of the trip. 

This gave me a great idea to make a list of different things to look for while I’m at a certain place and then check it off if I saw that thing. It’s a like a scavenger hunt game – can you find these things in your surroundings?

94. A Boost of Encouragement

We tend to glamorize travel a lot – but sometimes it can be hectic, chaotic, stressful and even a little bit scary.

As much as I love traveling, I don’t always like the packing & preparing, and I also admittedly have no sense of direction – I still get lost on roads less than 10 minutes away from my house!

If this sounds like you, adding some encouraging words and positive affirmations can be a wonderfully uplifting thing to see if you are in unfamiliar territory or stressed out.

95. Spiritual Sense

If you are a spiritual person, or maybe just someone curious to learning about the different spiritual practices of different cultures, there are many ways this can be reflected in your journal.

You could include prayers and blessings for travelers, visit spiritual places of interest, or even just spend a few moments in quiet meditation. It can also be interesting to explore and document the various practices and traditions in the culture you are visiting. 

96. Which Way Up? Arrows & Directional Signs

I love the treasure-map style dashed and dotted lines with arrows. They really grab a person’s attention when they look through your completed journal. It makes one ask: now where does this lead?

Arrows can be used in so many different ways for a lot of different travel journal page ideas. Call attention to a specific phrase or photo, or add them to continue a story on another page. In some ways, you could make your journal a sort of “Choose Your Own Adventure Book” where the reader {or even yourself} – can explore a place in a different kind of way.

97. Attention Please! Highlights

If you are the sort of person who might fill an entire page with a LOT of words while journaling your thoughts and experiences, highlights are a fun way to call attention to things that are important or most notable.

You can choose to highlight things like dates, or just pick words and phrases you like. If you don’t have or want to use highlighter markers, you could also accent different things by using colored pencils and pens or simply by circling and underlining different things. 

This can also be a very fun thing to do with newspapers or other printed ephemera style things you might find in your travels.

98. If You Had to Do It Again…

Would you go on this trip again? Do you want to go back? What would you want to do differently? What would you want to do the same? These are all great questions to think about while you reflect on the trip on the return back home.

99. Return to Reality

What did you have it do when you got back from your vacation? Sometimes remembering responsibilities and “real life” can make us all the more appreciative and nostalgic for the time spent away!

100. Actually Print Out Your Vacation Photos

I’m totally guilty of taking a bazillion pictures…and then never printing them. They go on my external hard drive/cloud storage to never be seen by another human being again…that’s not good!

One of the things I’m making a more concentrated effort to do is actually print out photos we take. You can choose to print them from home on your own home printer, or upload them to your favorite photo print website.

101. Where to Next?

Did this trip make you want to visit any other new places you hadn’t considered before? Where do you want to go next? Or, perhaps, after all these adventures, maybe you are content to stay-cation for awhile?

I know this is a super long list, and if you made it this far, I hope you found these ideas inspiring and encouraging! Travel journals are a ton of fun to make and I’d love to see what you create!!

And of course, if you have ideas for things to include that aren’t on this list – I’d love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below!

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AWESOME post!

Thanks Andi, glad you enjoyed it!

What an absolutely FANTASTIC list! I do a lot of journaling when I travel and already do several of the things on this list, but there are tons I’d never even thought of. I’m particularly in awe of the color palette idea. Brava!

Thank you Naomi, glad it inspired you!

This is the BEST post – thank you sooooo very much! Although it is overhwhelming how much there is because I am a newbie when it comes to this kind of art form, it has given me so many awesome ideas and inspiration and I will try to do some but not all LOL! Thank you again!

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A Little Journal… These Digital Travel Diary Apps Are Worth Your Time

Last updated on January 4, 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.

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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

TRAVEL WITH MERAKI

Make Moments Matter

Brilliant Travel Journal Ideas For your Next Adventure

Travel Diary

Table of Contents

Whether its a  travel bullet journal,  travelers notebook or  travel journal, find out why keeping a  travel diary is a must for your next trip and get some inspiration with the best travel journal examples.

A travel journal is more than a way to remember what you did on a trip. 

The  best travel journals are a mix of travel preparation , travel diary, and travel keepsake.  We think it is one the best items for travel, before, during and after a trip. 

If you put a little time and effort into a  personalized travel journal, it will be something you can look back on and treasure long after your adventure has ended. 

Keep reading to get some ideas on how to create the best travel notebook, then get some inspiration from other travelers with beautiful travel journal examples.  

Why Write A Travel Journal?

In an age when more and more of our lives are online, you may be wondering why bother with a diary?

You can do pretty much everything for your trip online these days, from booking to downloading boarding passes and taking photos on your smartphone. While all this is super convenient it means we no longer have momentoes to keep, or really reflect on our journey with.

Being a little old fashioned and putting pen to paper is a wonderful way to get creative, make lasting memories and to also do some self-reflection. And did you know that writing by hand actually helps you to remember things better? 

I don’t keep a diary when I am at home but ever since my first overseas trip I have kept a travel diary. These take pride of place next to my photo albums. When I look back on a trip in these books, it can be amazing what things I have forgotten. 

When we take travel photos they tend to be of the big sites and the amazing experiences. A travel diary is where you can write all those small details that may not be photo-worthy, the things that didn’t quite go right and more importantly, how you are feeling during your adventure. 

What Do You Write In a Travel Journal? 

Staring at a blank journal can be a little overwhelming. There are so many things you can add!

So, how do you start a travel journal?

A great idea before you put pen to paper in your new journal is to jot down a rough idea of what you would like to include. This way you can decide on the order of your journal. 

For example, you may want to have different sections for trip planning, while you are on your adventure and then post-trip reflections. 

To best decide what you would like to have in your travel diary have a think about why you want to write? Is it to remember your adventure? or maybe to keep you organized while you are planning a trip? or to learn as much as you can about a destination. It could, of course, be all of these reasons. 

Travel Journal Ideas

Here are some  ideas for how to make a travel journal.  Pick and choose the things that suit your style and trip!

Packing list

Make sure you don’t forget anything with a handy packing list. If you are doing long term travel or staying in various accommodation, this list will be a great checklist every time you pack so you don’t leave behind any belongings. 

Trip itinerary

This can be as detailed or as vague as you like. I like to note down things like opening days for museums and other attractions so I can work around them ( there is nothing worse than only have one day in a location and finding out the place you wanted to visit is closed that day!). 

Travel bucket list

I like to do this as part of my travel research. It is always one of the first pages in my travel diary. Then I work my itinerary around what I would love to see or experience at a destination. 

Important things to remember

This could be phone numbers, a hotel address or maybe something important you need to remember to do while you are away like a bill or friends birthday. 

Travel journal prompts

If you struggle to start writing a journal it can be great to read a prompt. You will often find that starting is the hardest part and the words will flow once you begin writing. 

Notes from your travel research online

I can spend hours researching before I travel. It can be easy to forget things or to get mixed up with what there is to see in different towns or places.  You can make your research part of your diary as a memory jogger, keepsake and even help you plan future trips if you decide to return to a destination. 

Travel literature to read about your destination

I love reading, and getting lost in someone else’s words about a destination is a wonderful way to get immersed in a place. You could read travel diaries from the past like Freya Stark or more modern diaries like Bill Bryson . If you prefer fiction there will always be lots of books to choose from too. Outlander for example has inspired so many people to visit Scotland. 

Travel savings goals and tracking

Seeing those savings add up is the best way to make your travel funds goals a reality. 

Tickets, maps and other keepsakes

I love sticking in all the tickets, stamps and leaflets in my travel journal. 

Coin rubbings of the local currency

I actually first got my kids to do this in their diaries but loved it so much I started doing it in my own too. I also stick in lower denomination notes too. 

Words and phrases

Learning a few keywords and phrases such as thank you in the local language of your destination is a wonderful way to connect with the locals.  They can be hard to remember though so jot them down in your journal ( don’t forget to add how they are pronounced too).

A daily diary of your trip

Perhaps the most common thing to have in any travel journal. Try to get in the habit of writing daily, even if it is just notes or bullet points. It can be amazing how much you forget or days blur together when you are on an adventure. 

Drawings and travel doodles

If you are creative then be sure to add some drawings to your journal. It can be a fun way to pass time while you are traveling too. You can take along a travel watercolor set if you love to use color. 

Things you find interesting

Maybe food stickers or funny sayings you come across. 

Travel Budget

Keep travel of your spending while traveling and make sure you don’t blow the budget!

Travel outfits ideas

If you are packing light you can have a quick go-to list of different outfits you can make up. This will save you so much time and effort. 

Photographs

You can save spots for photos if you have a DSLR or check out some of the ideas further on in this post for creating instant photographs.

If you want to create amazing photographs of your trip, check out these easy travel photography tips. 

Travel Journal Examples

Get inspiration for your own travel diary with these travel journal ideas.

Travel Journal Paintings

Make travel memories with sketches and drawings like this stunning Travel Journal

Travel Itinerary ideas

Makes sure you don't miss anything while traveling and keep a daily travel plan in your travel diary.

Pretty Travel Journal

Mix drawings, thoughts and memories to make a gorgeous travel diary you will love to look back on.

How To Keep Travel Memories

This travel journal has a mix of lots of mediums that will bring back travel memories in an instant.

How To Keep Track Of Travel Plans

Keeping a simple list of your travel plans in your travel notebook is a great idea and saves you searching around looking for paperwork or emails.

Keeping Travel Information Safe

Use your travel journal to keep track of all the important details of your trip.

Inspiring Travel Quotes

Add inspiring travel quotes to your diary! We have a whole post on the best travel quotes. Look out for the link at the bottom of this list!

Travel Journal Packing List

Never forget to pack anything again by adding a packing list to your travel diary. A travel luggage checklist is also really handy if you are moving around a lot during your travels so you don't leave anything behind.

Travel Bucket List

Create a travel destination bucket list and tick off those amazing places after your trips.

How To Get Organized For Your Trip

A Travel Bullet Journal is a great way to get super organized before a vacation or adventure.

A Travel Wishlist

Create a travel wishlist and then make those dreams happen!

Road Trip Diary

A Travel Diary doesn't have to be all about flying somewhere. Keep a travel log of all your local and road trips too.

Travel countdown idea

Get excited for an upcoming trip by creating a countdown in your travel journal.

Travel Photo Checklist

Make sure you never miss a shot with a travel photography checklist.

Beautiful Bullet Journal Travel Spread

A travel journal is anything you want it to be. Draw, take photo's, do some travel writing and create.

Beautiful Travel Diary

Get personal in your travel diary. A great idea is to write it for your future self to read.

Travel Savings Tracker

Make those travel dreams come true by saving hard and keeping a tracker to stay motivated.

Mini Travel Notebook

Using a smaller notebook as your travel diary is a great idea so that you can pack it in your day bag easily.

Travel Bujo Ideas

Use stickers and washi tape to make your travel bujo pages look amazing.

Record Travel Highlights

Make sure you remember all those special little moments from your travels by writing down your highlights from each of your amazing travel destinations

How to Write A Travel Journal

Okay so you’re brimming with inspiration and have an idea about what to include in your diary, but how do you actually start to write!

Write a list

I don’t know about you, but I feel immediately productive and accomplished when I tick items off my to-do list. You can also be clever and turn this list into a contents page for your journal by just adding page numbers or colored page tabs. Use the previous suggestions to decide what you want to add to your travel journal. For example, you could make a list of all the things you need to have organized before your adventure if you are using your travel diary for planning such as booking accommodation and creating an itinerary.

Start ticking off those items!

Blank journal pages won’t seem so daunting when you know exactly what to write on them. The list will probably help you have some sort of order to your diary too. You may start with a destination wishlist, then all the important booking details, followed by a day-by-day itinerary. If you are creating more of a travel bullet journal then you will divide these up into spreads and collections. 

Write during your travels

There is no set way to write a travel diary. If you are creative you may want to add drawings or write as though you are telling a friend all about the destination. Or you may just like to list down important things you want to remember in bullet form. Don’t overlook recording all the small details, as those are the ones you are more likely to forget. How something smells, or how a site made you feel.

Collect things that interest you, or spark a memory and stick them into your travel journal straight away

This can be boarding passes, menus, tickets, a food wrapper or anything you feel like.

Get into the habit of journaling every day

Setting a particular time to journal ( like at breakfast about the previous day) or just before bed, is a good way to make sure you remember to write in your diary. It can be amazing how quickly places and sites can get jumbled in your mind, especially if you have a busy travel itinerary.

Write a post-trip entry

This is a great way to really wrap up what you thought about a destination, how it might have changed you or helped you to grow. It’s also a great way to see if there are any changes you would make to your traveling style or planning.

If you are struggling to think of things to write in your travel diary here are some journaling prompts that may help.

The Best Travel Journals

Have a think about how you are going to use your travel diary before you purchase one.

• If you are thinking more of a travel bullet journal you will want a dotted notebook like a leuchtturm bullet journal

• If you want a Travelers notebook that does it all then take a look at a M oleskine travel journal .   This book has a mix of lined, plain and dotted pages which makes it the  best travel notebook.

Travel Journal Supplies

HP Sprocket

Find one HERE

Polaroid Camera

It’s so much fun to take an imagine and see it appear before your eyes. They are also wonderful for making friends as you can take a photo and gift it to people as you travel. 

Find great prices for Polaroid cameras HERE

Make sure you take good quality pens with you to get great results in your Travel diary. Here are some of my favorites.

• Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliners
• Tombow Twintone Pens

Find glue tape HERE

Travel quotes to add to your journal

The Best Travel Quotes

Travel Journey Quotes

 The Best Travel Journal Ideas

Sharing is caring!

Passing Thru Travel

Master the Art of Endless Exploration: 12 Essential Tips for Long-Term Travel in 2024!

Posted: February 29, 2024 | Last updated: February 29, 2024

Long-term travel is an enriching and life-changing adventure but requires meticulous planning and strategic packing. Whether you’re embarking on a months-long global exploration or a prolonged backpacking trip, this guide will provide essential tips and insights to help you navigate the complexities of extended travel. From financial planning to choosing the right gear, we’ll cover everything you need to know to confidently embark on your long-term journey.

1. Financial Planning and Budgeting

Effective financial planning is the foundation of any successful long-term travel. Begin by outlining a comprehensive budget for all foreseeable expenses—consider accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, insurance, and contingencies. Explore the cost of living for your chosen destinations; this will help you set realistic daily budget goals.

In the digital age, managing your finances on the go is easier than ever. Consider travel-focused financial tools, like no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards or a dedicated travel savings account. Regularly monitor your expenditures; numerous apps and tools can assist in tracking and categorizing your spending.

This vigilant financial oversight is a strategy to extend your travel duration and enhance your experiences. Remember, the unexpected can and does happen, so a financial buffer is essential.

Insider’s Tip: Always have a financial buffer for unexpected expenses.

2. Choosing Destinations Wisely

Long-term travel involves carefully selecting destinations that align with your interests, budget, and travel rhythm. Research is your ally here. Research the specifics of each location, from the cost of living and cultural experiences to weather patterns and safety standards.

Weigh up the charm of off-the-beaten-path destinations against well-trodden tourist hubs. Diverse destinations enrich your travels and balance your budget—mixing more affordable regions with pricier locales.

Visa regulations are another crucial factor; some countries offer long-term visas or visa extensions for nomadic travelers, which can significantly impact your itinerary.

Insider’s Tip: Balance out expensive countries with more affordable ones to keep your overall budget in check.

3. Accommodation Strategies

Securing the right accommodation is key to a successful long-term travel experience. Unlike short vacations, where a hotel might suffice, extended stays require thinking more like a local. Options such as Airbnb, extended-stay hotels, or house-sitting can provide comfort and a deeper immersion into the local culture.

These choices often come with the added benefit of kitchen access, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals. Engage with local online communities or expat groups for leads on affordable, long-term rentals.

In popular tourist destinations, look beyond the central areas to neighboring towns or suburbs where you might find better deals. The length of your stay can often be a bargaining chip for negotiating lower rates, so don’t hesitate to ask for a discount for extended bookings.

Insider’s Tip: Negotiate rates for longer stays to save money.

4. Packing Efficiently

The art of packing for long-term travel is finding the balance between preparedness and minimalism. Choose versatile, durable clothing suitable for different climates and cultural environments. Favor quality over quantity, selecting items that can withstand repeated use and washing.

Remember, you’ll carry everything you pack, so keep your luggage manageable. Essentials like a reliable, multi-purpose travel backpack, lightweight rain gear, and comfortable, all-terrain shoes are non-negotiable. Opt for travel-sized toiletries and consider eco-friendly, multi-purpose products. Packing cubes are a lifesaver for organization, helping you keep track of your items over months of travel.

Insider’s Tip: Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and organize your belongings.

5. Staying Connected

In today’s connected world, ensuring reliable communication channels during long-term travel is crucial. A global SIM card or an international data plan can connect you across borders. Portable Wi-Fi devices offer flexibility, especially in remote or rural areas. A lightweight, durable laptop is essential for those working on the go.

Cloud storage and online backup services safeguard your important documents and memories. Equally important are offline resources like downloaded maps or translation apps that you can access without an internet connection.

Staying connected also means staying informed — regularly check local news and travel advisories for your current location.

Insider’s Tip: Use communication apps that work well on low bandwidth to stay connected in remote areas.

6. Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is a must for long-term travelers. Your policy should cover a broad range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency evacuations. Read the policy details carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered, and make sure the coverage limits are adequate for your needs.

Choosing a policy that offers flexibility in case your travel plans change is also wise. Store a digital copy of your insurance policy in an easily accessible online location, and carry a physical copy as a backup.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a policy that allows for extensions if you decide to prolong your travel.

7. Health and Safety

When embarking on long-term travel, your health and safety should be at the forefront of your planning. This involves more than just packing a basic first-aid kit; it’s about proactive health management. Ensure you’re up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations and understand the health risks associated with your destinations.

Research the countries’ healthcare systems you’ll be visiting and identify reputable clinics or hospitals in each area. Additionally, be aware of the local safety conditions, including political unrest or environmental hazards. Adapt to the cultural norms and standards to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.

Regularly update a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and your home country’s embassy or consulate. Being prepared and informed can make all the difference in handling unexpected health or safety issues during your travels.

Insider’s Tip: Register with your embassy or consulate in each country for safety alerts and assistance.

8. Local Transportation

Navigating local transportation is an integral part of long-term travel. Each destination will have unique options, from intricate public transit systems to more traditional methods like rickshaws or tuk-tuks. Familiarize yourself with the most common forms of transport in each location and consider purchasing longer-term passes for savings in places you plan to stay for a while.

For more independence, renting a car or a bike can be excellent options, but always ensure you’re comfortable with the local driving conditions and legal requirements. Utilize ride-sharing apps where available for convenience, though be mindful of the costs.

Understanding a few key phrases related to transportation in the local language can immensely simplify your daily travels. It can also aid in getting fair prices.

Insider’s Tip: Learn a few key phrases in the local language related to transportation to navigate more easily and negotiate fares.

9. Cultural Immersion and Language Skills

Long-term travel offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and understand and respect local customs, traditions, and social etiquette. Investing time in learning about your destinations’ history and cultural nuances enriches your experience and fosters deeper connections with local communities.

Language is a key to unlocking these cultural insights. While fluency is not necessary, knowing basic phrases makes daily interactions smoother and demonstrates respect for the local culture.

Regular practice through language learning apps or local classes will enhance your confidence and ability to engage with locals more meaningfully.

Insider’s Tip: Use language learning apps or take local language classes upon arrival to quickly pick up essential phrases.

10. Documenting Your Journey

Documenting your long-term journey serves multiple purposes: it preserves memories, allows for self-reflection, and allows you to share your experiences with others. Whether through a travel blog, a journal, photography, or video, find a medium that resonates with you and commit to updating it regularly.

This documentation can become a valuable resource for other travelers and a cherished personal memoir. It’s also a way to reflect on your growth and experiences over time. Remember to back up your digital data regularly on cloud storage or an external hard drive to safeguard your memories.

Insider’s Tip: Regularly back up your photos and notes to cloud storage to avoid losing them.

11. Sustainable Travel Practices

As a long-term traveler, you have a unique opportunity to practice and promote sustainable travel. This means making choices that positively impact the local environment and community. Opt for eco-friendly accommodation, engage in responsible wildlife tourism, and judiciously use resources like water and electricity.

Supporting local businesses by dining at local restaurants and buying local products enhances your travel experience and contributes to the local economy. Be mindful of your carbon footprint and seek ways to offset it, such as choosing overland travel over short-haul flights when possible.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in local environmental or community projects where possible.

12. Maintaining Relationships

Long-term travel can strain personal relationships, but with effort and technology, staying connected with loved ones back home is possible. Regular communication is key; schedule regular calls or video chats to keep in touch with family and friends. Social media and messaging apps are great tools for sharing updates and staying a part of each other’s daily lives, even from afar.

While nurturing relationships back home, don’t overlook the importance of building new connections on the road. Meeting fellow travelers and locals can lead to lasting friendships and provide support and camaraderie during your journey. These relationships can enrich your travel experience, offering local insights and adding a personal dimension to your adventures.

Remember, balancing old and new relationships requires effort and intention. However, the rewards are immense, making your long-term travel a more fulfilling and less lonely experience.

Insider’s Tip: Set regular times to catch up with loved ones to maintain consistency in your relationships.

The Bottom Line

Embarking on a long-term travel adventure is an exhilarating and transformative experience. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. With careful planning, efficient packing, and an open mind, you can navigate these challenges and maximize your extended journey.

Remember, long-term travel is about the places you visit, your experiences, and the growth you undergo along the way. Embrace each moment, stay adaptable, and enjoy the journey of a lifetime. Safe travels!

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The post Master the Art of Endless Exploration: 12 Essential Tips for Long-Term Travel in 2024! republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Defining Short- and Long-Term Travel

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Julie A. Bettinger, Phyllis E. Kozarsky, Defining Short- and Long-Term Travel, Journal of Travel Medicine , Volume 9, Issue 2, 1 March 2002, Page 111, https://doi.org/10.2310/7060.2002.21981

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Long-term closure of on-ramp to I-95 south from Rt. 896 starts Monday

Take a moment to say your temporary goodbyes to the on-ramps from Route 896 to I-95 south—because starting Monday, they'll be closed for over two years, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation.

The ramp closure is part of the ongoing I-95 and Route 896 interchange project , which began in May 2023. Lane closures have been intermittent in the year since then, with another round coming up this week.

Here are the upcoming closures, according to DelDOT:

• Multiple lanes of I-95 in both directions between the Toll Plaza and the Route 896 interchange will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday and Friday
• One lane of I-95 north will be closed between the Route 896 interchange and the Welcome Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday
• The on-ramps to I-95 south from Route 896 will be closed until July 2026 starting 7 a.m., Monday.

Drivers trying to get onto I-95 south from Route 896 will be detoured to the I-95 and Route 273 interchange, DelDOT said. Signs will be posted to direct drivers to take the on-ramp onto I-95 north, take exit 3B onto Route 273, head west and then take the ramp onto I-95 south.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at [email protected]. For more reporting, follow them on X at  @h_edelman.

Mavericks lock up coach Jason Kidd with long-term extension

On the eve of their second-round NBA playoff opener, the Dallas Mavericks have signed head coach Jason Kidd to a multiyear contract extension. Financial details of the deal were not released.

In his third season in Dallas, Kidd led the Mavs to a 50-32 (.610) regular season record and a first-round postseason win over the Los Angeles Clippers .

"We are excited to have Coach Kidd continue to lead our team throughout the coming years with this well-earned contract extension," team owner Patrick Dumont said in a statement .  "Kidd led our team to two playoff appearances in three seasons, and we are looking forward to his leadership in continuing to build and grow this already great franchise."

Inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player following a 19-season NBA career , Kidd just completed his eighth season as a head coach − first with the Brooklyn Nets, then with the Milwaukee Bucks and the past three seasons with the Mavericks.

Kidd, 51, has a career coaching record of 323-296 (.522). In his previous trip to the playoffs with the Mavericks, he led them to the Western Conference finals in 2022 before losing to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.

All things Mavs: Latest Dallas Mavericks news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Kidd and the Mavericks next take on the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in their second-round playoff series, which gets underway on Tuesday night.

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• Published: 07 May 2024

Short-term exposure to antibiotics begets long-term disturbance in gut microbial metabolism and molecular ecological networks

• Yuehui Hong 1 , 2   na1 ,
• Hao Li 1   na1 ,
• Linkang Chen 1 ,
• Hongtian Su 1 ,
• Bin Zhang 1 ,
• Chengji Li 1 ,
• Zuguo Zhao 1 ,
• Yiming Shao 3 &
• Lianxian Guo 1  

Microbiome volume  12 , Article number:  80 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Antibiotic exposure can occur in medical settings and from environmental sources. Long-term effects of brief antibiotic exposure in early life are largely unknown.

Post a short-term treatment by ceftriaxone to C57BL/6 mice in early life, a 14-month observation was performed using 16S rRNA gene-sequencing technique, metabolomics analysis, and metagenomics analysis on the effects of ceftriaxone exposure. Firstly, the results showed that antibiotic pre-treatment significantly disturbed gut microbial α and β diversities ( P  < 0.05). Both Chao1 indices and Shannon indices manifested recovery trends over time, but they didn’t entirely recover to the baseline of control throughout the experiment. Secondly, antibiotic pre-treatment reduced the complexity of gut molecular ecological networks (MENs). Various network parameters were affected and manifested recovery trends over time with different degrees, such as nodes ( P  < 0.001, R 2  = 0.6563), links ( P  < 0.01, R 2  = 0.4543), number of modules ( P  = 0.0672, R 2  = 0.2523), relative modularity ( P  = 0.6714, R 2  = 0.0155), number of keystones ( P  = 0.1003, R 2  = 0.2090), robustness_random ( P  = 0.79, R 2  = 0.0063), and vulnerability ( P  = 0.0528, R 2  = 0.28). The network parameters didn't entirely recover. Antibiotic exposure obviously reduced the number of key species in gut MENs. Interestingly, new keystones appeared during the recovery process of network complexity. Changes in network stability might be caused by variations in network complexity, which supports the ecological theory that complexity begets stability. Besides, the metabolism profiles of the antibiotic group and control were significantly different. Correlation analysis showed that antibiotic-induced differences in gut microbial metabolism were related to MEN changes. Antibiotic exposure also caused long-term effects on gut microbial functional networks in mice.

Conclusions

These results suggest that short-term antibiotic exposure in early life will cause long-term negative impacts on gut microbial diversity, MENs, and microbial metabolism. Therefore, great concern should be raised about children’s brief exposure to antibiotics if the results observed in mice are applicable to humans.

Video Abstract

Introduction

Antibiotics have saved many lives of patients who would have otherwise died from infections. It is therefore not surprising that antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed medicines to patients with infectious diseases [ 1 ], including infants and children. In addition, antibiotics are commonly used in pet animals and animal husbandry for prophylactic and therapeutic reasons and also as growth promoters [ 2 ]. They are also applied as pesticides in agriculture [ 3 , 4 ]. However, the extensive use of antibiotics has led to their regular and repeated release into the environment. An inevitable negative impact of antibiotic use is the emergence and dissemination of drug-resistant bacteria and resistance genes [ 2 ]. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious worldwide problem for both public and animal health [ 5 , 6 ]. Antibiotic resistance has now been escalated by major world health organizations to one of the top health challenges facing the twenty-first century [ 7 ]. It had been demonstrated that farms using antimicrobial growth promotants (AGPs) had more resistant bacteria in the gut floras of the farm workers and farm animals than in those on farms not using AGPs [ 7 ]. Food may act as a vector for the transmission of resistant bacteria and resistance genes to humans [ 8 ], since food is easily contaminated by resistant bacteria and resistance genes in several ways, such as during animal slaughter or food processing. When the contaminated food is ingested, the bacteria may colonize humans or transfer resistance material to other bacteria belonging to the endogenous human flora, leading to negative effects. For instance, it has been shown that pork and poultry meat can both be sources of transfer of resistant strains and genes to humans [ 8 , 9 ].

One of the main promoting factors for antimicrobial resistance is the antibiotic use for human health and problems with sanitation [ 10 ]. Hospitals are a major source for the release and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. Great concerns have been raised because hospital effluent is generally discharged untreated into the main wastewater system and eventually into the environment, which may lead to antibiotic pollution. Besides, a close correlation between antibiotic use and the development of individual and community-level bacterial resistance has been verified [ 11 ].

Antibiotics are administered to over 10% of European children yearly [ 12 ] and are one of the most commonly used drugs in Chinese children. However, great concerns have been raised regarding the negative impacts of antibiotic exposure on human health, since researches have shown that antibiotic use is associated with gut microbial dysbiosis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), allergy, obesity, and diabetes [ 13 ]. Gut microbiota plays important roles in regulating the human immune system, in metabolism, and in hormone secretion and responses [ 14 , 15 ]. It has been well-documented that antibiotic use is related to the disorder of the gut microbiome, which may cause various diseases [ 13 ]. This is particularly noticeable in children, as their gut microbiome is more susceptible to the effects of antibiotics. In fact, it has been demonstrated that children’s exposure to antibiotics is related to an increased risk for excessive weight gain, asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases [ 16 , 17 ]. Besides, since animal models have verified that gut microbiota plays a role in the development of brain structure and function, great concerns have also been raised about the potential adverse impacts of antibiotics on child brain development [ 18 , 19 ]. Besides antibiotic exposure from medical settings, antibiotics from environmental sources are also an exposure risk (as mentioned above) [ 20 ].

Studies have shown that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry and medicine have increased the abundance of antibiotic resistance bacteria and genes in human-associated environments [ 11 ]. Many researches have focused on antibiotic resistance, whereas investigating the long-term negative effects of antibiotic exposure in early life is also an important topic. Although it has been shown that even brief antibiotic exposure can cause long-term effects on microbiota composition, little is known about the following points: (1) the long-term effects of antibiotic exposure in early life on gut microbial metabolism; (2) whether and how antibiotic exposure in early life exhibits long-term effects on the ecological networks in gut microbial communities; (3) whether network complexity in gut microbiota is related to network stability.

In this study, to investigate whether and how early-life antibiotic exposure exhibits long-term effects on the ecological networks and metabolism of the gut microbiota, we conducted a longitudinal study spanning 14 months to examine the temporal dynamics of gut microbial networks and fecal microbial metabolism post a short-term oral administration of antibiotics in C57BL/6 mice with 8 weeks of age (Fig.  1 ). The results may provide a deep insight into the long-term negative effects of antibiotic exposure in early life and provide guidance for treatment of disorders and diseases caused by antibiotic exposure.

Schematic overview of the experimental design. N represents the sample size. PE means the paired-end sequencing mode. SPF means specific pathogen-free. Fecal samples from the 1st–14th months post the cessation of antibiotic treatment were used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fecal samples from the 12th month and 0.5–12th months were detected by metagenomics analysis and metabolomics analysis, respectively

Materials and methods

Animal experiment.

This work received approval for research ethics from the Animal Care and Use Committee of the Laboratory Animal Science Institute of Guangdong Medical University (Additional file  1 ). Male C57BL/6 mice (approximately 16 g) at 4 weeks of age (SPF grade) were purchased from the Guangdong Medical Experimental Animal Center. The mice were treated humanely with efforts to minimize suffering. A schematic overview of the experimental design is shown in Fig.  1 . A total of 48 mice were adaptively fed for 4 weeks prior to experiment treatment in 8 static microisolator cages supplemented with autoclaved padding under conditions of 22 ℃, 40–70% humidity, and a 12/12-h light/dark cycle. Then, the mice were randomly divided into two groups (antibiotic group (named group A); and control (named group C)), with 24 mice in each group (9 cages per group; 2–3 mice per cage; the mice had their own number and were kept in fixed cages to avoid intra-group and inter-group mixing). Mice in group A were continuously orally administered with 0.2 mL of ceftriaxone (400 mg/mL) [ 21 , 22 , 23 ] for 8 days, twice a day with an interval of 8 h between intragastric administrations. Mice in group C were treated with sterile water by gavage in the same manner. After treatment, the mice were kept in their previous cages. Fecal samples from the mice were collected in the following 14 months. Food and water were provided to the mice ad libitum throughout the experiment. Fecal pellets from mice were collected at least once every 2 weeks during the experiment. Feces from the mice were collected under aseptic conditions, immediately snap-frozen, and stored at − 80 ℃. The feces were used for microbial diversity analysis (samples from each month of the 1st–14th months), metabolomics analysis, and metagenomics analysis (samples from the 12th month). Fecal samples from 0.5 to 12th months (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 11, and 12 months) were used for the metabolomics analysis. Besides, the weight of the mice was measured during the whole experiment.

Genomic DNA extraction, PCR, and Illumina sequencing

Genomic DNA from each feces sample was extracted with the PowerSoil ® DNA isolation kit (MoBio Laboratories, Carlsbad, CA, USA) according to the directions of manufacturers. After DNA quality verification, the V4-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene was PCR amplified using primers 515F (5′-GTGCCAGCMGCCGCGGTAA-3′) and 907R (5′-CCGTCAATTCMTTTRAGTTT-3′). The primers were provided by Invitrogen (Carlsbad, CA, USA). PCR reaction mixtures contained 1 μL of each primer (10 μM), 25 μL of 2 × Premix Taq (Takara Biotechnology, Dalian Co., Ltd., Dalian, China), 3 μL of DNA (20 ng/μL), and sterile ddH 2 O to a total volume of 50 μL. PCR was carried out by the BioRad S1000 (Bio-Rad Laboratory, Hercules, CA, USA) using the following procedures: 94 ℃ for 5 min; 30 cycles of 94 ℃ for 30 s, 52 ℃ for 30 s, and 72 ℃ for 30 s; and 72 ℃ for 10 min. Triplicate reactions were performed for each sample, and the products were mixed, followed by purification using the EZNA Gel Extraction Kit (Omega Bio-Tek, Norcross, GA, USA). Sequencing libraries were prepared with the NEBNext ® Ultra™ DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina ® (New England Biolabs, MA, USA) following the manufacturer’s directions. Paired-end sequencing (PE250) for 220 samples was performed using the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform (Guangdong Magigene Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China).

Analysis of 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data

The obtained raw reads were processed by QIIME 2 (version 2021.2) [ 24 ]. After importing the raw data, the forward and reverse reads were truncated at 228 bases and 215 bases, respectively. Denoising and sequence combination were carried out with the DADA2 plugin [ 25 ], and sequences with a base quality score > 20 were retained. Taxonomic classification was performed using the Naïve Bayes classifier trained in the SILVA database. Unusual amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) with extremely low abundance were discarded, including the feature with a sum frequency of less than 10 at each time point and the feature appeared in less than 3 samples. Unclassified and contaminated ASVs were also filtered. Feature table, representative sequences, and species annotation were correspondingly combined. A total of 17,509,264 high-quality sequences were obtained. Rarefaction curves were analyzed. The feature table was rarefied at a depth of 37,800 sequences per sample. On the basis of the combined data, α- and β-diversity analyses were performed. Alluvial diagrams were created to visualize species composition across time. In β-diversity analysis, analysis of similarity (ANOSIM), multivariate analysis of variance (Adonis), and a multiple response permutation procedure (MRPP) were performed. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and visualization were performed by the ggplot2 package based on the Bray–Curtis distance. Species difference analysis at the genus level was performed using the ALDEx2 tool. Data statistical analysis and result visualization were carried out using the R package (version 4.0.2) and GraphPad Prism 8 software. Besides, the functional potential of microbial communities was predicted based on the KEGG database using the Tax4fun2 in R package. Metabolic pathways with statistical differences were analyzed and visualized using the STAMP software.

Construction of molecular ecological networks (MENs)

MEN analysis was based on the data of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The MEN analysis was performed according to the methods previously described [ 26 , 27 ]. MENs were constructed based on Pearson correlations of log-transformed ASV abundances, followed by a random matrix theory (RMT-)-based method, determining the correlation cut-off threshold [ 28 ]. The RMT was suitable for investigating the behaviors of various systems and MEN construction [ 29 ]. The RMT-based network method manifested obvious advantages as previously described [ 26 ]. For instance, this approach possessed a firm theoretical basis, since it was on the basis of two universal laws of RMT [ 26 ]. It can avoid arbitrary cut-off determination, which is a serious flaw in association network construction. Using the RMT-based network method can reduce the uncertainty in network construction and comparison [ 26 ]. The analysis tool of the RMT-based network method is called Molecular Ecological Network Analysis Pipeline (MENAP), which is usable from the Institute for Environmental Genomics, University of Oklahoma ( http://ieg4.rccc.ou.edu/MENA/ ). To ensure the reliability of correlation analysis in this study, only the ASVs present at least in half of the samples were used for correlation calculation.

Analysis of MEN parameters

The analysis methods of various network parameters referred to the approaches previously described in detail [ 26 , 27 ]. The MEN indices were analyzed via the MENAP pipeline. The analyzed parameters included nodes, links, average degree (average K), average clustering coefficient (average CC), connectedness (Con), average path distance (GD), positive links, positive/negative ratios, number of modules, number of small modules, number of large modules, number of nodes in large modules, relative modularity (RM), number of keystones, vulnerability, and robustness. Connectors, module hubs, and network hubs were regarded as keystones [ 30 ]. To examine how each network parameter changed with time, regression analysis was performed between each network parameter and time (in months). Vulnerability and robustness were applied to characterize the stability of MENs. Robustness is the proportion of the remaining species in a network post random or targeted node removal [ 26 , 31 ]. To simulate random species removal, 50% of nodes were randomly removed (robustness_random_removal). To simulate targeted removal, all module hubs were removed (robustness_targeted_removal). The proportion of residue nodes was regarded as the network’s robustness. The vulnerability of a node was used to determine the relative contribution of the node to the global efficiency [ 26 ]. Efficiency in ecological networks can indicate the speed of information transmitted to parts or the whole network.

Preparation of fecal samples for metabolomics analysis

Fresh fecal samples (50 mg each) were placed in 1.5 mL centrifuge tubes. Eight samples were analyzed for each group at each sampling time. A total of 300 μL of purified water was added to every tube, followed by ultrasonic extraction for 5 min and vortex for 30 s. Then, the tubes were subjected to centrifugation (at 4 ℃) at 13,000 rpm for 15 min. Two hundred microliters of supernatant was pipetted. After discarding the residual water in the centrifuge tubes, 300 μL of methanol was added to every tube for ultrasonic extraction for 5 min, followed by vortex for 30 s. The tubes were subjected to centrifugation again (at 4 ℃) at 13,000 rpm for 15 min. Thereafter, 200 μL of supernatant was pipetted and combined with the previous supernatant in an injection vial, followed by evaporation dryness using nitrogen. After adding 80 μL of methoxyamine hydrochloride pyridine solution (20 mg/mL), the mixture was placed in an oven at 80 ℃ for 30 min. After natural cooling, 100 μL of BSTFA-TMCS was added, followed by a reaction in the oven at 70 ℃ for 2 h. Then, 150 μL of n-heptane solution containing 0.1 g/L n-docosane as internal standard was applied to terminate the reaction, followed by centrifugation at 13,000 rpm for 5 min. The resulting supernatant was used for GC–MS metabolomics analysis. Quality control (QC) sample was prepared by mixing an equal volume (50 μL) of the extract from every fecal sample. Then, the mixture (the same volume as that of other samples) served as the QC and was operated in the same way as other samples.

Acquisition of GC–MS data

The following procedure was performed according to the methods previously described [ 32 ], with some modifications. The samples were analyzed via the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (7890B/5975A GC–MS System, Agilent, CA, USA). A DB-5MS UI capillary column coated with 5% phenyl methyl silox (Agilent J & W Scientific, Folsom, CA, USA) was used in the GC. One microliter of the samples was injected into the instrument at a split ratio of 10:1. Helium was used for carrier gas with a constant flow rate of 1 mL/min. The temperatures of injection, transfer line, ion source, and quadrupole were set at 280 ℃, 280 ℃, 230 ℃, and 150 ℃, respectively. The initial temperature program was set as isothermal heating (70 ℃) for 2 min, followed by increasing to 300 ℃ at a rate of 10 ℃/min. The final temperature was kept for 5 min. The solvent was delayed for 4 min. Electron impact ion source (EI) was employed with an electron energy of 70 eV. The full scan mode (SCAN) was used for data acquisition with a mass scanning range of 50–650 m/z.

Analysis of GC–MS-based metabolomics data

The GC–MS data in [.D] format were transformed into “.abf” format with the AbfConvert (AnalysisBaseFileConverter tool). The retention index for all the compounds present in the metabolomic profile was calculated. The calculation was performed based on a calibration file, containing retention time and retention index values of selected 13 compounds (Fames) present in every sample. Then, the data were preprocessed, cleaned, deconvoluted, and aligned via the Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA) interface to match against the Mass Spectral and Retention Time Index (RI) library in the Fiehnlib Metabolome Database. Metabolites were further analyzed by comparing fragmentation patterns present in the Fiehnlib database. Peak seeking and quantification of selective ion traces were performed via the AMDIS. Generally, if a compound had an AMDIS match factor over 70%, a probability score larger than 20%, and a matching RI to a known compound, it was considered “probable”. The data, including metabolite names, the specific peak index (retention time), and peak areas, were imported into R software (version 4.0.2) for internal standard normalization. QC was corrected using the RSC algorithm. Missing values were supplemented using the Random Forest algorithm, and the data were log 2 transformed.

Bioinformatics analysis of metabolomics data

After the raw data were pretreated, OPLS-DA was performed using the ropls package in R software (version 4.0.2). Values of variable importance in the projection (VIP) were obtained. Data from QC samples were removed, followed by a comparison between groups. The t -test was adopted to determine statistical significance between the two groups. The criteria “fold change (FC) > 1, VIP > 1, and P  < 0.05” were used to screen up-regulated differential metabolites. FC < 1, VIP > 1, and P  < 0.05 were used to identify down-regulated differential metabolites. The differential metabolites were used for matching KEGG ID by the MetaboAnalyst 4.0 ( https://www.metaboanalyst.ca/ ). Then, enrichment analysis was carried out in the KEGG database (organism group: bacteria). Visualization of differential metabolites and differential metabolic pathways was performed using R software (version 4.0.2). In addition, correlation analysis was carried out to examine the relation between network parameters and differential metabolic pathways.

Metagenomics analysis

Genomic DNA from each feces sample in the 12th month was extracted using the ALFA-SEQ Advanced Soil DNA Kit (mCHIP BioTech Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China) according to the directions of manufacturers. Following the detection of quantity and purity, the DNA sample was mixed with fragmentation buffer and subjected to random interruption using the ultrasonic cell disruptor. Then, sequencing libraries were constructed, followed by quality detection. The Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform was used for metagenomic sequencing (PE150). After base calling, the sequencing data were transformed into raw reads in the FASTQ files. The sequencing raw data were subjected to quality control using the Trimmomactic software [ 33 ]. Clean data were aligned to the host genome sequences using the BWA software (v0.7.17; -k 30; other parameters were default) [ 34 ] and filtered to exclude the reads from the mice. The remaining clean reads were de novo assembled using the MEGAHIT ( https://github.com/voutcn/megahit ; k-min 35, k-max 95, k-step 20). Residual reads in each sample were mixed and also assembled. After the assembly, scaffolds were obtained. Scaftigs were obtained by trimming the sequences containing N in the scaffolds. The scaftigs with lengths over 500 bp were retained for further analysis. Prodigal [ 35 ] was adopted to predict the open reading frame (ORF). Gene clustering and elimination of redundancy were performed using Mmseqs [ 36 ]. A non-redundant gene catalog (Unigene) was obtained post selecting the longest sequence in each cluster as the representative sequence. Clean reads were aligned to the gene catalog using BBMap [ 37 ], followed by calculating the abundance of each Unigene in each sample. Unigenes in the non-redundant gene catalog were aligned to the NCBI-NR database for species annotation. MetaPhlAn2 [ 38 ] was also used for species annotation. Then, the results of species composition and abundance in each taxonomic hierarchy were obtained based on the species annotation and gene abundance table. The predicted gene sequences were aligned to the KEGG database for function annotation. The enrichment of KEGG pathways for each sample was analyzed. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test or t -test was adopted to analyze the differences between groups. ComplexHeatmap in the R package (version 4.2.1) was used for heatmap visualization.

Functional network analysis

Functional network analysis was based on the data of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing, respectively. For the former analysis, metabolic pathways were predicted based on the KEGG database and the Tax4fun2 in R package. Pearson correlation coefficients between pathways were calculated, and functional networks were constructed using pathways and the correlation as nodes and links, respectively. Core subnetworks were extracted using the MCODE plugin (degree cutoff: 2; K-core: 2; Max. depth: 100) in the Cytoscape software [ 39 ]. Finally, the networks were subjected to visualization using the Cytoscape. Functional network analysis of metagenomic sequencing data was based on KEGG annotation results. Pearson correlation coefficients between proteins/enzymes or pathways at the level_3 categories were calculated. Functional networks, unless specifically stated, were constructed using pathways and the correlation as nodes and edges (links), respectively. Core subnetworks were extracted using the MCODE plugin (degree cutoff: 2; K-core: 3; Max. depth: 100) in the Cytoscape. Network visualization was also performed using the Cytoscape.

Results and discussion

Effects of antibiotic exposure on the weight and gut microbial diversity in mice.

As shown in Supplementary Figure S 1 , most time the average weight of mice in the antibiotic group seemed smaller than that of the control, whereas only days 0, 105, and 120 after the cessation of antibiotic treatment showed statistical differences. Interestingly, the weight of mice in the antibiotic group was somewhat greater than that of the control at the endpoint of 8-day antibiotic treatment (day 0). In terms of these data, it was hard to explain the underlying mechanisms of weight changes related to short-term exposure to ceftriaxone.

The rarefaction curves in microbial diversity analysis are shown in Supplementary Figure S 2 , indicating enough sequencing depth. We used linear regression analysis to reveal the changes of three α-diversity indices across time (14 months). In the first few months, Chao1 indices and Shannon indices were significantly lower in the antibiotic group (Fig.  2 a, c), indicating that antibiotic treatment resulted in reduced gut microbial diversity. In the antibiotic group Chao1 index and Shannon index showed an overall increasing trend over time, suggesting that the gut microbial diversity gradually recovered over time after cessation of antibiotic use. Both the Chao1 indices and Shannon indices from the antibiotic group in the 11th, 12th, and 13th months approached those of the control group. However, the diversity didn’t entirely recover, since the Chao1 indices between the two groups were still significantly different ( P  < 0.05) in the 14th month. Although the difference in Shannon indices between the two groups in the 14th month was not statistically significant, a minor difference was observed. The Dominance indices in the first 3 months of the ceftriaxone group were greater than those of the control, indicating that some microorganisms exhibited dominance following antibiotic treatment. At the phylum level, Bacteroidota was obviously dominant in the first 3 months in the antibiotic group relative to the control (Supplementary Figure S 3 ). Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota were dominant in the 1st and 2nd months. At the genus level, Muribaculaceae was obviously dominant in the first 3 months in the antibiotic group. It has been demonstrated that Proteobacteria is a microbial signature of dysbiosis in gut microbiota and that during the process of gut microbial dysbiosis, the adaptation of Proteobacteria will enhance, which makes them dominant [ 40 ]. Species difference analysis using the ALDEx2 tool showed that at the genus level, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th months contained differential species between two groups (Supplementary Figure S 4 ). Enterococcus was enriched in the antibiotic group in the 1st and 2nd months. Enterococcus , which belongs to opportunistic pathogens, can cause infections, such as urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis [ 41 ]. Since antibiotic-resistant bacteria might multiply, antibiotic-induced reduction in microbial diversity did not necessarily mean a reduction in bacteria load [ 42 ]. On the whole, the Dominance index in the antibiotic group decreased with time (Fig.  2 b, d), also manifesting a recovery trend to the level of control.

Results of α- and β-diversity analyses. The data were from 16S rRNA gene sequencing. M is short for month. Chao1 index, Dominance index, and Shannon index are shown in a , b , and c , respectively. Normality testing was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. For α-diversity, the nonparametric test was adopted due to that some samples were not in accordance with normal distribution. Wilcoxon test was performed for the comparison between the antibiotic group and control. Red and blue dotted lines indicate the regression of the antibiotic group and control, respectively. The corresponding R 2 and P values are shown. Each number around the broken lines denotes the P value of statistical analysis between two groups at each time point. d Heatmaps showing the relative magnitude of α-diversity indices between antibiotic group (A) and control (C). The values are represented by logFC (FC = A/C). The right half part of d shows the results of regression analysis (for the antibiotic group) with α-diversity indices against time. Connections between red nodes indicate that the index increases over time (positive), while connections between blue nodes represent that the index decreases with time (negative). e PCoA analysis. The Bray–Curtis distance was used for β-diversity analysis. The P values were produced from Adonis analysis. The data on ASV abundances were used for the PCoA analysis. * P  < 0.05; ** P  < 0.01; *** P  < 0.001

The Bray–Curtis distance was adopted to analyze β-diversity. The data on ASV abundances were used for the PCoA analysis. The results showed that samples from the 1st–5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, and 12th months were significantly separated ( P  < 0.05), while the 6th, 8th, 13th, and 14th months had more overlapped samples (Fig.  2 e). Three non-parametric dissimilarity analyses (ANOSIM, Adonis, and MRPP) demonstrated that significant differences in microbial diversities were observed between antibiotic group and control, in particular in the first few months (Table S 1 ).

It has been demonstrated that even a brief course of antibiotics can dramatically reduce gut microbial diversity [ 43 ], manifesting long-term negative impacts [ 44 ]. Perturbation (e.g., by antibiotics) to gut microbiota can shift the microbiome from its original equilibrium to another state [ 45 , 46 ]. In this study, it was uncertain whether the mice’s gut microbiome in the antibiotic group had reached a new balanced state since the diversity in the last few months still exhibited fluctuations. It could be seen from Fig.  2 a that the Chao1 index of the antibiotic group in the 14th month was lower than that of the control ( P  < 0.05). Studies showed that reduced diversity in gut microbiota may favor the colonization and overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms [ 45 ]. The observed dominance of Proteobacteria and Enterococcus in our research was consistent with these studies.

Collectively, α- and β-diversity analyses suggested the following points: (1) ceftriaxone treatment in early life significantly reduced the microbial diversity in the gut of C57BL/6 mice in the first few months; (2) the gut microbiome manifested a recovery trend post the cessation of treatment, but the trend seemed somewhat unstable, implying that the negative impacts of ceftriaxone exposure were long-lasting.

Effects of antibiotic exposure on gut molecular ecological networks (MENs)

In ecosystems, different species are interconnected, involving complicated ecological relationships, such as commensalism, mutualism, neutralism, amensalism, competition, predation, and parasitism. These association networks in microbial ecology are typically recognized as MENs, with species as nodes and their relationships as links [ 47 ]. We constructed 28 time-series MENs (empirical networks; Fig.  3 and Table S 2 ) based on Pearson correlations of log-transformed amplicon sequence variant (ASV) abundances, followed by a random matrix theory-based method [ 28 ], providing a threshold for network construction. The empirical MENs exhibited obvious differences from random MENs (Table S 3 ) and had scale-free characteristics ( R 2  = 0.515–0.946). The empirical MENs manifested small-world features with short geodesic distances (the average shortest path between two nodes) of 3.813–7.771 (Table S 2 ), which allowed the effects of a perturbation to distribute quickly through the whole network, rendering the entire system efficient [ 26 ]. It could be seen from Fig.  3 that in the first few months, the MENs of the ceftriaxone group were obviously simpler than those of control, indicating that antibiotic exposure reduced the network complexity of gut microbiota. Nevertheless, the network complexity showed a recovery trend over time with fluctuations.

Visualization of MENs. MENs were constructed based on Pearson correlations of log-transformed ASV abundances. A and C represent the antibiotic group and control, respectively. M is short for month. Large modules (≥ 5 nodes) are indicated by different colors, and small modules (< 5 nodes) are shown in grey. Details of network topological parameters are shown in Table S 2

To further examine whether and how antibiotic exposure affected the network complexity of gut microbiota, various network topological parameters were regressed against time. On the whole, network size (total number of nodes; P  < 0.001, R 2  = 0.6563; Fig.  4 a) and network connectivity (total number of links; P  < 0.01, R 2  = 0.4543; Fig.  4 b) increased across time in antibiotic group (Fig.  4 m), while the variation trend in control group was not obvious. Nodes in MENs represent species. Figure  4 a showed that in the first few months, the number of nodes in the ceftriaxone group was obviously less than that of control, thereafter it increased over time, approaching that of control. But in the 14th month obvious difference between the two groups still appeared. Therefore, the changing trend of nodes in the antibiotic group was consistent with that of Chao1 indices. The difference in average path distance (GD) between the two groups was not obvious (Fig.  4 c). The average connectivity (average links per node; average K) in the 1st and 2nd months of the ceftriaxone group was larger than that of the control, followed by an obvious downtrend until the 7th month (Fig.  4 d). Thereafter, variations of average K in the two groups exhibited similar trend with fluctuations. The connectedness (Con) in several months of ceftriaxone group was obviously lower than that of control, though the overall trend of Con in regression analysis was similar between the two groups (Fig.  4 e). Interestingly, the average clustering coefficient (the extent to which nodes are clustered, average CC) in the first 4 months of the ceftriaxone group was higher than that of the control (Fig.  4 f). Nevertheless, it manifested an overall downtrend, which was contrary to the average CC in control group.

Visualization of network parameters. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. M is short for month. Detailed parameters of network indices are shown in Table S 4 . Network parameters were regressed against time. R 2 and P values from regression analysis are shown. Detailed information on regression analysis is shown in Table S 5 . In a – k , red and blue dotted lines indicate the regression of the antibiotic group and control, respectively. h P/N means positive/negative. k Robustness determined as the proportion of taxa remained with 50% of nodes were randomly removed from each of the MENs. l Robustness was determined as the proportion of taxa remained with all module hubs removed from each of the MENs. m Heatmaps showing the relative magnitude of network indices between antibiotic group (A) and control (C). The values are represented by logFC (FC = A/C). The right half part of m shows the results of regression analysis (for the antibiotic group) with various indices against time. Connections between red nodes indicate that indices increase over time (positive), while connections between blue nodes represent that indices decrease with time (negative). For statistical analysis, normality testing was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. The data for robustness analysis were in accordance with normal distribution. Thus, P values of robustness_random were calculated using t -test. * P  < 0.05; ** P  < 0.01; *** P  < 0.001

Positive correlations between nodes generally indicate cooperative connections, such as commensalism, mutualism, syntrophic interactions, and shared environmental requirements [ 26 ]. Negative associations between nodes represent competition for limiting resources, amensalism, predation, parasitism, etc. It has been demonstrated that the positive/negative (P/N) ratio (the ratio of the number of positive links to the number of negative links) can reflect the balance between promoting and inhibiting interactions among microbial species in gut microbiota and that the P/N ratio may be one of the most critical changes in a disordered microbiome [ 48 ]. The P/N ratio was much larger in diseased networks, whereas more negative links appeared in healthy microbial networks [ 48 ]. It has been shown that cooperation reduces the stability of the microbiome, whereas competition increases the stability [ 49 , 50 ]. Networks with mutually beneficial and competitive associations are more robust and stable [ 31 ]. In this study, although the overall variation trend of positive links was similar between the two groups as shown by regression analysis (Fig.  4 g), obvious differences were observed in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 13th months. The positive associations and P/N ratio (Fig.  4 h) of the ceftriaxone group in the 1st month were obviously higher than those of the control, indicating that antibiotic exposure enhanced positive associations in the gut MENs, which might result in less robust and less stable networks in the gut microbiome. Thereafter, the P/N ratio exhibited a recovery trend, yet obvious differences were observed in the 4th, 5th, 9th, 13th, and 14th months.

Changes in network structure can further lead to variations in network organizational principles, such as modularity. Modularity reflects the extent to which a network is compartmentalized into different modules, in which the nodes within a module closely connect with each other but are less associated with nodes from other modules [ 26 ]. A network is considered to have good modularity when the modularity value is greater than 0.4. Module can be categorized into small modules (< 5 nodes) and large modules (≥ 5 nodes) [ 26 ]. All the networks we constructed had good modularity (modularity was between 0.594 and 0.848; Table S 2 ). The number of modules in the first 3 months of the antibiotic group was obviously less than that of the control (Fig.  5 a and Supplementary Figure S 5 ) but with an overall increasing trend over time ( R 2  = 0.2523, P  = 0.0672). The number of modules in the antibiotic group gradually recovered to be consistent with the control across time, though in the 8th, 10th, and 12th months, the differences were obviously observed. It suggested that there were some fluctuations during the recovery process. The number of small modules in the first 3 months of the antibiotic group was obviously less than that of control. It had an overall increasing trend, recovering to approach the baseline of the control over time, but the obvious difference still appeared in the 14th month (Fig.  5 b). The number of large modules in the first 5 months of the antibiotic group was obviously less than that of control (Fig.  5 c). In the 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th months the number of large modules in the antibiotic group approached that of control. However, the recovery trend was unstable, since the number of large modules in the antibiotic group was still obviously less than that of control in the 8th, 12th, 13th, and 14th months. Similarly, the number of nodes in large modules of the antibiotic group exhibited a recovery trend post-cessation of treatment, whereas obvious differences between the two groups reappeared in the 14th month (Fig.  5 d). The abundance proportions of bacterial species in each module and the bacteria correlations within and among modules were shown in Supplementary Figure S 5 . Besides affecting the number of modules, antibiotic exposure also led to an obvious alteration of bacterial composition and their associations in MEN modules, though the composition exhibited a slight recovery trend in the last few months.

Module indices and correlations between relative modularity (RM) and other network parameters. A and C represent the antibiotic group and control, respectively. a – e Module parameters were regressed against time. R 2 and P values from regression analysis are shown. Red and blue dotted lines indicate the regression of the antibiotic group and control, respectively. f – k Red solid line and blue dashed line represent the antibiotic group and control, respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficients ( r ) are shown for the antibiotic group and control in corresponding colors. * P  < 0.05; ** P  < 0.01; *** P  < 0.001

Since network size and connectivity vary among different MENs, relative modularity (RM) is more meaningful for comparing module structure among different networks [ 26 ]. Interestingly, RM in the first 3 months of the antibiotic group was obviously higher than that of the control (Fig.  5 e). Thereafter, RM between the two groups in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 12th, and 13th months was similar, respectively, while obvious differences were observed in the 8th, 9th, 10th, and 14th months, respectively. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that both the RM in the ceftriaxone group and control increased with links, average K, average CC, and Con, respectively (Fig.  5 f, h, i, and j). Interestingly, RM in the control group was positively correlated with nodes, but in the ceftriaxone group, it exhibited a negative correlation (Fig.  5 g). Both the RM in the ceftriaxone group and control decreased with GD (Fig.  5 k). These results suggested that the relationships between RM and some parameters of network structure were overall similar between the ceftriaxone group and control, though some differences existed.

The changed network complexity may lead to changes in the role of specific species within the network. Species that play key roles in shaping network structure are regarded as keystone nodes [ 30 , 51 ]. Regression analysis showed that the number of keystones in the antibiotic group manifested an overall increasing trend (Fig.  4 i). The trend seemed to recover to the baseline of control over time, though fluctuations in some months occurred. Specifically, the numbers of keystones of the antibiotic group in the 1st–7th months were obviously less than those of control, indicating that antibiotic use obviously reduced the number of key species in gut MENs. The numbers of keystones in the 8th, 9th, 10th, and 12th months were similar between the two groups. But obvious fluctuations appeared in the 11th, 13th, and 14th months. In addition, the keystones-affiliated taxa in the 1st–13th months were entirely different between the two groups, and only one keystone was shared in the 14th month (Table S 6 ). These results suggested that keystones were obviously different between the ceftriaxone group and the control and that new keystones appeared in the antibiotic group during the recovery process of network complexity. The observed differences in keystones might be a critical promoting factor in shaping different microbial network structures between the two groups.

Network vulnerability (the maximum decrease in network efficiency when deleting a single node from the network) of the ceftriaxone group was higher than that of control in most months, in particular in the first few months, as well as the 9th and 14th months (Fig.  4 j). Both the network vulnerability in these two groups manifested decreasing trend over time. Robustness (the resistance to node loss) on the basis of random species loss (robustness_random) exhibited obvious differences between the two groups in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, and 14th months (Fig.  4 k, m). Robustness based on targeted removal of keystones (robustness_targeted) exhibited fluctuations of up and down from the 1st to 8th months in the ceftriaxone group (lower than that of control in some months), thereafter it maintained at levels similar to that of control (Fig.  4 l). Collectively, these results suggested that antibiotic exposure reduced gut MEN stability in the first few months, followed by recovery trend though it didn’t entirely recover to the level of control.

In summary, most network parameters, including nodes, links, average K, average CC, number of modules, number of small modules, number of large modules, number of nodes in large modules, RM, number of keystones, positive links, P/N ratio, robustness, and vulnerability, were obviously different between two groups in the first few months. The results suggested that ceftriaxone exposure markedly changed the gut MENs, including network complexity and network stability. As time went on, the network parameters showed an overall recovery trend, whereas they didn’t entirely recover to the baseline of control, suggesting that the negative impacts of ceftriaxone use in early life on the gut MENs were long-lasting. It should be noted that the microbial diversity, network complexity, and network stability were not maintained to certain levels in the 14-month time series in the control group, with fluctuations over time. This phenomenon was consistent with reported viewpoints that the gut microbial diversity changed with age [ 42 ] and that characteristics of MENs are dynamic over time [ 26 ].

Relationship between MEN complexity and stability

Whether and how MEN complexity affects ecosystem stability has been a controversial question for many years [ 31 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ], which remains understudied in the areas of microbial ecology [ 26 ]. Researchers found that network stability in grassland soil microbial communities under warming strongly correlated with network complexity, which was consistent with the central ecological belief that complexity leads to stability [ 26 ]. Nevertheless, this observed phenomenon might not be necessarily applicable to other ecosystems since controversial results regarding the relations between network stability and complexity have been reported [ 31 , 55 , 56 ]. To determine whether and how MEN complexity in gut microbiota under antibiotic challenge affects network stability, correlation analysis was performed between the parameters of network complexity and stability (Fig.  6 and Table S 7 ). Significant correlations were observed in antibiotic group between various complexity parameters and network stability, while the correlations with statistical significance in the control group were relatively less. Both the network robustness based on random species loss (“robustness_random”) in the antibiotic group ( r  = 0.88) and the control ( r  = 0.66) were positively correlated with positive links. Robustness based on targeted removal of keystones (“robustness_target”) in the antibiotic group was positively correlated with links, nodes, Con, nodes in large modules, and the number of keystones, respectively. However, no correlation with statistical significance regarding “robustness_target” in the control group was found. Vulnerability in the antibiotic group was negatively correlated with links, nodes, nodes in large modules, and the number of keystones, respectively. Vulnerability in the control group was negatively correlated with links, average K, Con, and relative modularity, respectively. These results suggested the following points. On one hand, network complexity is related to network stability in the gut microbial community, whether it is under antibiotic exposure or not. On the other hand, since the correlations between MEN complexity and stability, as well as the measurements of complexity and stability, were significantly different between the two groups, it was plausible that antibiotic-induced changes in gut MEN complexity affected the network stability. These results also supported the ecological theory that complexity begets stability [ 57 ].

Correlations between network complexity and stability. Correlations with statistical significance ( P  < 0.05) are shown, with orange grids indicating positive correlations and green grids indicating negative correlations. Numbers inside the grids represent corresponding correlation coefficients. Correlations with no statistical significance are indicated by grey. Detailed information about the correlations is shown in Table S 7

Effects of antibiotic exposure on gut microbial metabolism

Metabolomics analysis showed that numerous metabolites with significant differences between the antibiotic group and the control were identified, with variations of relative content over time (Supplementary Figure S 6 ). In each month the number of metabolites detected, the number of up- and down-regulated metabolites in the antibiotic group, and the number of annotated pathways were shown in Table S 8 . The orthogonal to partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) also indicated that metabolites between the two groups were significantly different (Supplementary Figure S 7 ). At most time points the differences between two groups are larger than that within a single group. Figure  7 showed the main metabolic pathways with significant differences between the two groups, of which pathways related to amino acid metabolism (15 pathways) were the most significantly affected by antibiotic exposure. The results also showed that some pathways displayed significant differences between the two groups at most time points, suggesting that the post-antibiotic effect on these pathways was long-lasting. For instance, “biosynthesis of amino acids” displayed significant differences between the two groups at 18 time points (18/20; a total of 20 time points were detected). There were six pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism with significant differences between the two groups. Many other metabolic pathways, such as pathways related to lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism, also exhibited significant differences. Carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism are three main material metabolisms. Nucleotide metabolism that involves genetic information transmission, such as DNA synthesis and RNA synthesis, is also vitally important to organisms. These results suggested the following points: (1) ceftriaxone exposure significantly impacted the metabolisms of the murine intestinal microbiota, which might lead to the occurrence of metabolic diseases if the observed results were applicable to humans; (2) the post-antibiotic effect on some gut microbial metabolic pathways was long-lasting.

Metabolic pathways with significant differences in metabolome analysis. The horizontal direction on the bottom indicates the sampling time. M is short for month. Samples from a total of 20 time points were used for metabolomics analysis. The enriched pathways were produced by annotation of differential metabolites in the KEGG database (organism group: bacteria). Pathways with differential metabolites contained in over 60% of time points (i.e., > 12 time points) are shown. The heatmap colors were generated from the GeneRatio. The GeneRatio was the ratio of the number of metabolites enriched in a specific pathway to the total number of metabolites in this pathway, with + /– values to discriminate the upregulation in the antibiotic group (red) and control (blue), respectively. The first line marked by “Down” indicates the number of metabolic pathways (blue; with significance) enriched by metabolites with higher abundances in the control group at each time point. The last line marked by “Up” indicates the number of metabolic pathways (red; with significance) enriched by metabolites with higher abundances in the antibiotic group. The rightmost column of grids marked by “corr” indicates the correlation between GeneRatio values and sampling time, with red and blue representing positive and negative correlations, respectively. In some months, some differential metabolites are not contained in specific metabolic pathways, which are represented by white grids. In other grids, red and blue indicate that the differential metabolites were in higher abundance in the antibiotic group and control, respectively. * P  < 0.05; ** P  < 0.01

Relationship between gut MENs and metabolome following antibiotic exposure

To determine the relation between MENs and metabolome, correlation analysis was carried out between various network parameters and the metabolic pathways with significant differences between the ceftriaxone group and control. There were 48 and 49 correlations with statistical significance in the ceftriaxone group and control, respectively (Supplementary Figure S 8 ). In the ceftriaxone group, 21 pathways contained statistically significant correlations with network parameters. Among these metabolic pathways, there were 7 pathways with significant correlations related to amino acid metabolism, including “valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis”, “phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis”, “valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation”, “phenylalanine metabolism”, “tyrosine metabolism”, “taurine and hypotaurine metabolism”, and “glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism”. “Valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis” was positively correlated with total nodes and robustness_target, respectively, and was negatively correlated with average CC, robustness_random, and vulnerability, respectively. There was one pathway (galactose metabolism) with statistical significance related to carbohydrate metabolism and one pathway (biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids) related to lipid metabolism. In the control group (Supplementary Figure S 8 b), 33 pathways contained statistically significant correlations with network parameters. Among these metabolic pathways, there were 7 pathways with significant correlations related to amino acid metabolism, including “valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis”, “biosynthesis of amino acids”, “phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis”, “valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation”, “glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism”, “lysine degradation”, and “cysteine and methionine metabolism”. “Valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis” was positively correlated with average CC and robustness_random, respectively, and was negatively correlated with the number of keystones. There were 7 pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism and one pathway (glycerolipid metabolism) related to lipid metabolism. Obviously, the correlations between network parameters and metabolic pathways in the two groups were different. On one hand, there was a difference in the number and type of metabolic pathways with statistical significance in the correlation analysis. On the other hand, for the same metabolic pathway, network parameters from the two groups correlated with the pathway with statistical significances were almost different. Collectively, these results suggested that the antibiotic exposure-induced changes of metabolic pathways (in particular the ones related to amino acid metabolism) in gut microbiota were related to the variations of MENs, though their causal relation remained to be investigated.

Post-antibiotic effect on gut microbial metabolic function

To further study the post-antibiotic effect, gut microbial metabolic function was predicted based on the 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data. Besides, metagenomics analysis was performed. In terms of the number of pathways with significant differences (corrected P value < 0.05) between the two groups, the 1st month (118 pathways) was the largest (Table S 9 ). The number displayed a decreasing trend in the following several months, then with fluctuation, and finally it was still greater than zero. It suggested that in the 14th month, there were still differences in microbial metabolic pathways between the two groups. More specifically, the number of dominant pathways in the control group in the 1st month was 80, which was much greater than that of the antibiotic group, suggesting that many pathways had been impaired by antibiotic exposure. The number in the control group displayed a decreasing trend in the following several months, then with fluctuation, and finally it was still greater than that of the antibiotic group in the last 3 months (Table S 9 ). Most pathways with significant differences were crucial to bacterial survival and physiological functions. Obviously, antibiotic exposure has made the gut microbiota more vulnerable. The variation trend of the number of metabolic pathways with significant differences was similar to that of microbial network parameters. For instance, the values of network vulnerability in the antibiotic group in the first few months were greater than those of control (Fig.  4 j), suggesting that antibiotic exposure made the gut microbial network more vulnerable or less stable. Afterward, the vulnerability displayed a recovery trend with fluctuation in the level of control. But it did not entirely recover. These results further indicated that the changes in gut microbial metabolism following antibiotic exposure were related to MEN variations.

As shown in Supplementary Figure S 9 , in the 1st month eight dominant pathways related to antibiotic biosynthesis were found in the control group, whereas only two pathways were dominant in the antibiotic group. Competition increases microbial network stability, whereas cooperation reduces the stability [ 49 , 50 ]. Some bacteria can secrete antibiotics to inhibit other microorganisms, which is a phenomenon of competition. The less dominant pathways related to antibiotic biosynthesis in the antibiotic group might beget reduced competition, which might reduce the microbial network stability. Indeed, the gut microbial network stability was markedly weakened post-antibiotic exposure (Fig.  4 ). Afterward, the network stability exhibited a recovery trend with fluctuations, but it did not entirely recover to the level of control. The change trend of dominant pathways related to antibiotic biosynthesis (Table S 9 ) was similar to that of the network stability.

“Xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism” was dominant in the antibiotic group in the 1st, 9th, 11th, and 12th months post-antibiotic exposure (Supplementary Figure S 10 ). Metagenomic sequencing data also showed that this pathway was dominant in the antibiotic group in the 12th month after the cessation of antibiotic exposure (Fig.  8 a). More specifically, there were 6, 6, and 8 dominant pathways related to the degradation of organic toxicants in the antibiotic group in the 1st, 9th, and 11th months, respectively (Supplementary Figure S 9  and Table S 9 ), while the number of dominant pathways in the control was 1, 1, and 2, respectively. The relative dominance trend (Table S 9 ) was similar to the changing trend of microbial network parameters (Fig.  4 ). Generally, antibiotic treatment was a stress for gut bacteria. The stress might have caused stress reactions in a portion of bacteria, which made them resistant to external harmful factors. Thus, we observed the phenomenon that in the 1st month post-antibiotic exposure more dominant pathways related to the degradation of organic toxicants were in the antibiotic group (relative to control). The recurrence of the phenomenon in the 9th and 11th months might be caused by the long-term post-antibiotic effect, as we observed a similar effect on the microbial network. Additionally, “quorum sensing” (QS) was dominant in the 1st and 12th months in the antibiotic group (Supplementary Figure S 9 ). There was no difference between the two groups in other months. Increasing evidence shows that QS can enhance the stress response in bacteria [ 58 ]. QS is an important dependent pathway for bacterial communication [ 59 ]. The inter-species and inter-kingdom communication mediated by QS could shape the gut microbial community. Besides, it has been demonstrated that QS plays an important role in alleviating dysbiosis of the gut microbiota caused by antibiotic exposure in mice [ 60 ]. It was therefore not surprising that the enrichment of QS in the antibiotic group in the 1st month post-antibiotic treatment was observed in the present study. The enriched QS could play a role in the stress response to antibiotic exposure. The microbial network parameters (Figs.  4 and 5 ) showed that there was still slight fluctuation in the 12th month, displaying the long-term post-antibiotic effect. Since the microbial network involved inter-species and inter-kingdom communication, it was plausible that the recurrence of QS enrichment in the antibiotic group in the 12th month might be induced by the long-term post-antibiotic effect. Indeed, metagenomic sequencing data also showed that QS was relatively dominant in the antibiotic group in the 12th month (Fig.  8 b).

Abundance analysis of metabolic pathways between the antibiotic group and control based on metagenomic sequencing data. The data were from metagenomic analysis of feces samples in the 12th month after the cessation of antibiotic exposure. The data were filtered to exclude the reads from the mice. The heatmap was produced using the ComplexHeatmap in R package (version 4.2.1). The horizontal columns on the left side of each figure display the relative abundance between the two groups. A and C represent the antibiotic group and control, respectively. FC represents the ratio of abundance (A/C). a The KEGG pathways were from the level_2 category. b The KEGG pathways were from the level_3 category. Pathways ranking in the top 35 in average abundance were shown in each figure, excluding the pathways not associated with microbes

As shown in Supplementary Figure S 9 , “beta-lactam resistance” was enriched in the antibiotic group in the 9th month, and “vancomycin resistance” was dominant in the 9th and 11th months. Ceftriaxone belongs to beta-lactam antibiotics. Metagenomic sequencing data showed that “beta-lactam resistance” was relatively dominant in the antibiotic group in the 12th month (Fig.  8 b). These results suggest that there is still a risk of developing antimicrobial drug resistance even after a brief ceftriaxone exposure in early life. Interestingly, pathways belonging to “drug resistance: antineoplastic” in the antibiotic group were weakened in the 1st, 8th, 9th, and 11th months, respectively (Table S 9 ). These pathways included “platinum drug resistance” and “antifolate resistance”. It had been recently demonstrated that some gut microorganisms could overcome resistance to antitumor drugs [ 61 ]. It was plausible that ceftriaxone exposure might result in the relative enrichment of some microorganisms, and accordingly their roles in overcoming antitumor drug resistance displayed.

Changes in functional networks caused by antibiotic effect

A total of 28 time-series functional networks (Supplementary Figure S 11  and Table S 10 ) were constructed based on 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data. As shown in Table S 11 , the number of network clusters in the antibiotic group was greater than that of control in the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 13th months, respectively. We compared the pathway composition of clusters (ranking in the top 3 with a score) between the two groups in each month and found that in most comparisons the number of shared pathways between two clusters from the two groups was small (Table S 12 ), indicating the difference in pathway composition of clusters between the two groups. It could be seen from Table S 11  and Figure S 11  that most clusters from the two groups contained different numbers of nodes or links, indicating the difference in the topology structure of functional networks. Additionally, we constructed functional networks (Supplementary Figure S 12  and Table S 13 ) based on metagenomic sequencing data from the 12th-month samples. The number of network clusters in the antibiotic group was smaller than that of the control (Table S 14 ), which was consistent with the functional network result (the 12th month; Table S 11 ) based on the 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data. Some clusters from the two groups also contained different numbers of nodes or edges (links). Analysis of shared pathways between arbitrary two clusters (ranking in the top 3) from the two groups showed that there were differences in pathway composition among the clusters (Table S 15 ). Thus, the topological structure of functional networks from the antibiotic group and control group was obviously different (Supplementary Figure S 13 ). Collectively, these results suggested that ceftriaxone treatment caused changes in functional networks, including the variations of network topology, the number of network clusters, and the pathway composition of clusters. The ceftriaxone effect on gut microbial functional networks in C57BL/6 mice was long-lasting.

Microorganisms in gut microbiota are interconnected, with complicated associations that can be represented by MENs [ 47 ]. Gut microbial dysbiosis may lead to the occurrence of various diseases, such as metabolic diseases [ 42 ]. Antibiotic exposure is not uncommon, which can be found in medical settings and from environmental sources. Thus, great concern should be raised about antibiotic exposure. Since this study showed that the antibiotic exposure-induced changes of gut MENs were long-lasting and that the MEN variations were associated with microbial metabolism changes, we propose that restoration of the gut MENs is critically important for the treatment of disorders and diseases caused by antibiotic exposure, such as metabolic diseases.

Ceftriaxone, a β-lactam antibiotic with comparable activities against medically important pathogens, belongs to third-generation cephalosporins and is commonly applied to clinical practice [ 62 ]. Ceftriaxone-induced intestinal dysbacteriosis is a focus of research and a growing health concern [ 63 ]. In terms of application, ceftriaxone can be administrated via intraperitoneal injection [ 64 ], gavage [ 21 ], subcutaneous injection [ 65 ], intravenous injection [ 66 ], aerosol inhalation delivery [ 67 ], and intramuscular injection [ 68 ], among which intravenous injection and intramuscular injection are two typical administration methods in clinical treatment. In this study, we adopted gavage administration referring to the practice of many researchers who administered ceftriaxone orally to mouse models [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Ceftriaxone, soluble in water, is not easily absorbed by the intestine. Gavage administration of ceftriaxone to mice contributes to observing the drug’s direct impacts on the gut microbiota. A prospective cohort study, using different methods of antibiotic administration, and using different antibiotics can be conducted for further studying the effects of antibiotics on the molecular ecological networks and metabolism in gut microbiota. Results from these researches might provide more new discoveries and provide more guidance for antibiotic use.

In summary, this study provides new and deep insights into the long-term effects of brief antibiotic exposure in early life on mice’s gut microbial diversity, MENs, and metabolism. Antibiotic use in early life caused significant changes in microbial diversity, metabolism as well as MEN complexity and stability. Changes in network complexity have affected network stability. Antibiotic-induced differences in gut microbial metabolism were related to MEN variations. Post cessation of antibiotic treatment, the microbial diversity and MENs exhibited a recovery trend, but they didn’t entirely recover to the levels of control, suggesting that the negative impacts of antibiotics on gut microbial diversity and MENs were long-lasting. Antibiotic treatment also caused long-term effects on gut microbial functional networks in mice. Therefore, great concern should be raised about children’s brief exposure to antibiotics if the results observed in mice are applicable to humans.

Availability of data and materials

Raw sequences of 16S rRNA gene sequencing were deposited in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) under accession number PRJNA863425. The metagenomic sequencing data had been deposited in the China National Center for Bioinformation under accession number PRJCA019236.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dongbin Wang for the submission of metagenomic sequencing data, thank Xiaoting Zhong for the animal experiment, and thank Yingying Shi, Shizhen Liu, and Jinlin Li for the sample preparation for metabolomics analysis.

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82273757), the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2023B1515020106), the Special Project in Key Areas of Ordinary Higher University of Guangdong Province (No. 2022ZDZX4116), and the Science and Technology Planning Project of Basic and Theoretical Scientific Research of Jiangmen City (No. 126).

Author information

Yuehui Hong and Hao Li contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

Dongguan Key Laboratory of Public Health Laboratory Science, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China

Yuehui Hong, Hao Li, Linkang Chen, Hongtian Su, Bin Zhang, Yu Luo, Chengji Li, Zuguo Zhao & Lianxian Guo

Jiangmen Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Their Mechanisms of Action, Guangdong Jiangmen Chinese Medicine College, Jiangmen, 529000, China

Yuehui Hong

Dongguan Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China

Yiming Shao

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Contributions

L.G. contributed to the study design. L.C., L.G., H.L., Y.H., and Y.S. contributed to data interpretation. B.Z., Y.L., and C.L. contributed to sample processing, assay development and performing experiments. H.L. and H.S. contributed to statistical analysis and data visualization. Y.H., H.L., and L.G. drafted the manuscript. L.G. and Z.Z. revised the manuscript. L.G., Y.S., and Y.H. provided supervision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Yiming Shao or Lianxian Guo .

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of the Laboratory Animal Science Institute of Guangdong Medical University.

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Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Supplementary Information

Additional file 1..

Research ethics approval.

Additional file 2: Supplementary Figure S1.

Weight changes of mice over time. Triangles and solid dots indicate the mean weight of mice. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. The middle of boxplot represents median; the top and the bottom of a box represent upper quartile and lower quartile, respectively; bars at the top and the bottom show the maximum and minimum, respectively, after excluding the abnormal values. Antibiotic group and control are shown in red and blue, respectively. Hollow circles indicate the abnormal values. Day 0 means the endpoint of 8-day antibiotic treatment. For statistical analysis, normality test and homogeneity test of variance were performed. If it met the parameter test conditions, t -test was performed; otherwise, the Wilcoxon rank sum test was carried out. * P  < 0.05 indicates statistic difference. Figure S2. Rarefaction curves in microbial diversity analysis. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. M is short for month. Figure S3. Alluvial diagrams of species composition across time. The data are from 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. The figures were produced using the R package (version 4.1.2). Each column indicates species composition proportion. In b the top 20 genera with relative abundance are shown. Other genera not ranking in the top 20 are combined and named as “other”. Figure S4. Species difference analysis at the genus level using the ALDEx2 tool. The data are from 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. M is short for month. The screening criteria of differential species are as follows: absolute value of “Effect” > 1; FDR < 0.05. Only the 1st (a), 2nd (b), 3rd (c), and 7th (d) months contain differential species at the genus level. Figure S5. Visualization of network modules. The data analysis is based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. M is short for month. The number of modules, nodes, links, and positive links are shown. The left side of each panel shows the schematic diagram of each module, while the right side (pie chart) shows the microbial composition (at the phylum level) of each corresponding module. Pie charts show the modules with > 10 nodes. Nodes with different colors in the modules represent different microbes at the phylum level. Module hubs and connectors are shown in the modules. Green line and yellow line indicate positive and negative associations, respectively. Figure S6. Differential metabolites identified by metabolomics analysis. Horizontal direction indicates sampling time. M is short for month. FC is short for fold change (A/C, where A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively). Grids from the last column indicate the correlation between FC values of differential metabolites and sampling time, with red and blue representing positive and negative correlations, respectively. In other grids, red and blue indicate the differential metabolite with higher abundance in antibiotic group and control, respectively. The Arabic numbers in the first (marked by “Up”) and last (marked by “Down”) lines represent the number of up-regulated and down-regulated metabolites at each time point, respectively. * P  < 0.05; ** P  < 0.01. Figure S7. Differential analysis of metabolites between ceftriaxone group and control. The analysis was performed using the orthogonal to partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). a Samples from antibiotic group and control are represented by red and blue, respectively. Horizontal direction indicates the differences between groups, and longitudinal direction represents the differences within a single group. b r < 0 indicates that the difference between groups is less than the difference within a single group; r > 0 indicates that the difference between groups is larger than the difference within a single group.

Additional file 3: Supplementary Figure S8.

Correlations between network parameters and metabolic pathways with significant differences. The network parameters are from the data of microbial MENs. Correlations for antibiotic group and control are shown in a and b, respectively. The enriched pathways were produced by annotation of differential metabolites in the KEGG database (organism group: bacteria). The correlations were carried out between –lg( P value of pathway enrichment) and network parameters, generating correlation coefficients and corresponding P values. Red and blue represent positive and negative correlations, respectively. avgK, average K; avgCC, average clustering coefficient; Con, connectedness; GD, average path distance. * P  < 0.05; ** P  < 0.01.

Additional file 4: Supplementary Figure S9.

Metabolic function prediction on KEGG level_3 category based on the data of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The metabolic function potential of microbial communities was predicted using the Tax4fun2 in R package and the STAMP software. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. 1M means the 1st month, and so on. Pathways with corrected P values less than or equal to 0.05 are shown.

Additional file 5: Supplementary Figure S10.

Metabolic function prediction on KEGG level_2 category based on the data of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. 1M means the 1st month, and so on. Pathways with corrected P values less than or equal to 0.05 are shown. There is not any pathway with significant difference in the 5th or 10th month.

Additional file 6: Supplementary Figure S11.

Functional networks based on the 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. Pathways and the correlation between pathways are represented by nodes and links, respectively. In each subfigure different subnetworks are represented by different colors. Yet, it does not mean that in groups A and C the same colour indicate the same subnetwork. The unclustered pathways are displayed in the grid layout.

Additional file 7: Supplementary Figure S12.

Functional networks based on metagenomic sequencing data from the 12th month samples. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. Pathways and the correlation between pathways are represented by nodes and edges, respectively. The metabolic pathways were annotated at the level_3 categories in the KEGG database. In each subfigure different subnetworks are represented by different colors. Yet, it does not mean that in groups A and C the same colour indicate the same subnetwork. The unclustered pathways are displayed in the grid layout.

Additional file 8: Supplementary Figure S13.

Functional networks constructed using KO number (protein/enzyme) and the correlation between KO as nodes and edges (links), respectively. The networks were constructed based on metagenomic sequencing data. Core subnetworks were extracted mainly based on the following parameters: degree cutoff 2; K-core 5; Max. depth 100. A and C represent antibiotic group and control, respectively. In each subfigure different subnetworks are represented by different colors.

Additional file 9: Table S1.

Dissimilarity comparison of microbial diversities between antibiotic group and control.

Additional file 10: Table S2.

Parameters of empirical networks.

Additional file 11: Table S3.

Comparisons between empirical MENs and random MENs.

Additional file 12: Table S4.

Detailed information of network indices for plotting of heatmap.

Additional file 13: Table S5.

Regression analysis of network indices against time.

Additional file 14: Table S6.

Keystones in antibiotic group and control in each month.

Additional file 15: Table S7.

Detailed information of correlations between network complexity and stability.

Additional file 16: Table S8.

The number of identified metabolites and pathways in metabolomics analysis.

Additional file 17: Table S9.

The discussed pathways with significant difference between two groups.

Additional file 18: Table S10.

Detailed information of functional networks based on the 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data.

Additional file 19: Table S11.

Statistics of functional networks based on 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data.

Additional file 20: Table S12.

Shared pathways between two clusters from antibiotic group and control.

Additional file 21: Table S13.

Detailed information of functional networks based on the metagenomic sequencing data.

Additional file 22: Table S14.

Statistics of functional networks based on metagenomic sequencing data.

Additional file 23: Table S15.

Shared pathways between two clusters from antibiotic group and control based on metagenomic sequencing data.

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Hong, Y., Li, H., Chen, L. et al. Short-term exposure to antibiotics begets long-term disturbance in gut microbial metabolism and molecular ecological networks. Microbiome 12 , 80 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-024-01795-z

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How to choose the Best Travel Backpack

For the past 8 years, my backpack has literally been my home. It’s been my most trust-worthy travel companion and it took me a long time to find the ‘right one’. It’s like finding the right boyfriend: it needs to support you, fit with your body and carry more than just your groceries…

I started my journey in 2011 with the backpack my mum used for her travels in the ’90s. I can’t remember what brand it was but it was a brilliant and sturdy backpack. It had lasted for more than 20 years and seen more of the world than most people.

But 4 years ago it gave its final breath. Some of the zippers were broken and the fabric started ripping in a way my thread and needle couldn’t fix anymore.

I was sad. This backpack had so much emotional value but it was time to replace it. Up until then, I didn’t realize how much of a big deal picking the right backpack was.

I had to choose carefully as I needed a travel backpack that was durable, long-lasting and able to withstand the weather. It had to contain and protect everything I owned.

I wish I could say I chose the right backpack back then but I didn’t. I mean, it was a comfortable one to carry during my long treks in the mountains and it survived 3 long years of hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia.

Although the backpack had many good qualities, I often felt like a turtle because of its shape. It also wasn’t very practical as it didn’t have many compartments. And I had to find out the hard way that this backpack wasn’t so weather-resistant after all…

Me and my ‘turtle’ backpack in Georgia, 2017.

But now, finally, I have found my right one! And I also finally figured out what is important and what to look for when choosing a backpack for (long-term) traveling.

So hopefully this post will also help you choose the right one (a backpack that is, a significant other is more complicated…).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Why you should travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase or trolley bag

To be honest with you, I really don’t like suitcases or trolley bags. I’ve only used it once, on a city trip to Barcelona.

I thought the trolley bag would be practical to travel with it in a city like Barcelona. But already one hour into my city trip I struggled with it.

One of the little wheels broke right when I was crossing a big street, the bag fell open and its contents were spread all over the place. It was the first and last time I ever used a trolley bag.

So why do I suggest a backpack for long-term journeys? I find it much more convenient to carry a backpack on my shoulders. If you pack it right, it shouldn’t be too heavy.

A backpack is more versatile, easier to carry across cobblestone streets, uneven terrain or up a flight of stairs.

It’s also so much easier to pack it into tight spaces (like the trunk of a car when hitchhiking or shoving it between seats while taking a train) and it can handle being thrown around and piled on top of a bus or car roof.

Some people like to buy a backpack with wheels but the material is hard and if you end up in situations where you have to carry it, it won’t be so comfortable.

2. What to look for in a good travel backpack

Durable, light and water-resistant fabric.

One of the most important factors that will determine whether or not you have chosen a good backpack is the fabric.

It needs to be durable and strong so it can withstand abrasion and doesn’t rip after one month of (rough) backpacking. Ideally, the fabric should be thin enough so it’s not overly heavy but thick enough to ensure durability. Nylon is one of the best materials for backpacks.

While nylon isn’t fully waterproof, it will keep the contents of the backpack dry during a drizzle. You should be able to pour a glass of water over your backpack without the inside getting wet.

I also find it very practical if the backpack comes with a built-in rain cover. I’ve often been surprised by a heavy thunderstorm and it’s very convenient if you have a good rain cover for your bag.

Strong and sturdy zippers

One of the most frustrating things that can happen while you’re traveling is ending up with broken zippers on your backpack.

While you can still fix a rip in the fabric with needle and thread, there’s not much you can do when one of your zippers break. This happened to my previous backpack.

One of the zippers of the upper compartment must have broken when my backpack was put in the cargo of an airplane. Good thing that the baggage handler put everything nicely in another pocket!

YKK zippers are some of the best zippers around. They’re super strong and have different sizes depending on the area of the pack they’re used.

Some people also look for zippers that you can overlap and lock together with a padlock . While I don’t really use this, some people find it reassuring knowing that they can lock up their bag if they have to leave it unattended in a hostel room.

Multiple compartments

I love to keep my things organized and store them into smaller sections in my backpack. Having multiple compartments makes it easier to find my belongings back.

The main part of my backpack has two compartments: I usually put my sleeping bag and a warm sweater in the lower part and my clothes in the upper one.

Things I need quickly, like my rain jacket, hat and camping cutleries, go into the top compartment. My sandals go into one of the separate side compartments, and my towel and toiletries in the other.

If your backpack doesn’t have multiple compartments, you can always buy some additional packing cubes .

Front-loading

When I first started traveling, I barely saw any front-loading backpacks. Most bags were top-loading, meaning that they were only open at the top.

I didn’t use to care about this. I was used to having to unpack everything in my backpack if I needed something I had stored at the bottom of it.

Nowadays I have a front-loading backpack, meaning that I can open the front of the bag like a suitcase and easily have access to everything in my bag.

It definitely saves a lot of time and frustration now that I don’t have to unpack all my gear to reach for that T-shirt I had packed at the bottom of my backpack…

Padded hip belt and shoulder straps

Don’t overlook the importance of the hip belt and shoulder straps.

If you have a good backpack, most of the weight will be sitting on your hip. Check if the hip belt is padded, which will make it much more comfortable to carry the weight.

The hip belt should also be adjustable so you can tighten it for extra support.

The same counts for the shoulder straps. You really don’t want the straps cutting in your shoulders while you’re walking with your backpack.

Ideally, the shoulder straps should be wide and padded so they put a lot less pressure on your shoulders.

I also want my backpack to have a chest strap as it helps with the distribution of the weight, taking extra pressure from my shoulders.

Don’t buy a backpack with a flat back panel. Look for one with a curved frame instead as it helps to distribute the weight more evenly and keeps your spine in a more natural arch.

It’s hard to avoid a sweaty back when you’re hiking on a sunny day but a well-designed back panel creates a small space between your back and the bag so air can move through, which will cool you down a bit.

3. What size of backpack do you need?

There’s honestly not much difference between packing for a 10-day trip or packing for a one-year backpacking trip around the world.

Try to pack as light as possible and go minimalistic. You really don’t need 5 pairs of pants,15 T-shirts and 3 pairs of shoes! Keep in mind that you have to carry everything you pack.

More than once I left clothes and other stuff behind that I barely used. I was just tired of carrying things that I actually didn’t need. Every gram counts!

What will make a difference in the size of the backpack you should choose is if you’re planning on doing some camping during your journey. Camping gear like a small one-person tent , sleeping bag , and sleeping mattress will take up some extra space and weight.

I’d say that if you’re going on a long-term backpacking trip and you’re mainly staying at hostels, a 50 – 65L pack will be a perfect size.

If you’re planning on taking camping gear with you, go for a 65-75L backpack .

I’ve been traveling full-time for 8 years now and I often go camping. All in all my backpack has an average weight of around 15 kg.

I used to travel with a 65L backpack but because of my camping gear, this bag was often stuffed to the brim.

Now I have an 80L backpack with a 10L expander. I love the extra space in my bag in case I need to travel with extra food.

4. How much money should a good travel backpack cost?

I know that it’s tempting to pick a backpack that costs less than €100. But remember, what you pay is what you get.

The cheaper the backpack is, the less quality you’ll have. I understand that if you don’t have a big budget, you don’t want to spend too much money. I’ve made this mistake before.

Know that a cheap backpack isn’t made out of the most durable fabric. It will fall apart rather sooner than later.

You’ll end up buying a new one and you’ll spend more money than if you’d have gotten a quality backpack straight from the beginning.

This doesn’t mean that you have to go for the most expensive models. You can already find a very decent 65L backpack between €100 and €200.

Brands like Fjällräven, the North Face, Osprey , and Campz offer quality backpacks within this price range.

5. How do you know if you chose the right travel backpack for long-term travel?

It’s sometimes hard to know in advance if you made the right choice. You never know if it fits until you try it, right? Especially if you buy your backpack online.

My suggestion is that you first go into a shop and see what options you have. Feel the different fabrics, have a look at the styles and try on different sizes. Feel what is most comfortable for you.

If you find a model you like, ask the shop about its return policy. It’s important that you also try the backpack on with all your gear in it to see if you chose the right size and if it still feels comfortable.

If you didn’t find something to your liking in the shop yet, you’ll have at least already an idea of the different sizes and fabrics.

When you continue your search online, check if the online retail store offers a free return policy.

Get your top three backpack choices sent to your house, load them with your things and try them on. Don’t forget to verify the seams and zips if they look and feel sturdy enough!

You can even take each one of them on a little walk but be careful that they don’t get damaged or dirty so you can still return them.

It’s important that the backpack you choose is strong, that it sits comfortably on your shoulders and back and that you like the looks of it because you’re going to spend a lot of time together!

6. Why I like my backpack from Campz

I’m currently traveling with the Campz Mountain Pro 80+10L from the online outdoor shop Campz and it’s an ideal backpack for traveling and trekking.

While this backpack is also available in 55L, I picked the 80L one as I need the extra space for my camping equipment.

Although the backpack might look big and bulky, it’s actually very compact. During my travels in Morocco , I was able to easily load it in the trunk of a car while we were hitchhiking or shove it between seats whenever we took a train or a bus.

I have a weak lower back and thanks to the adjustable straps, the curved back panel and the way I can distribute my gear in this backpack, I barely feel the weight of it.

The shoulder straps, the hip belt and even the curved back panel are padded, which makes hiking with this backpack super comfortable.

The backpack has multiple compartments – on the top, on the side, on the bottom and even on the inside of the bag – so my belongings are nicely organized. It’s actually the first time ever that my backpack has so many compartments and as someone who likes overview, I totally love it!

My backpack has both a top loader and a front loader, which makes it super easy to access my gear. I mainly use the top loader for my sleeping mattress and whenever I don’t camp, I can just leave the mattress on the top and open the backpack from the front. It’s so handy!!

Another great feature of this backpack is the rain cover. It’s bright red and covers the whole backpack so I stay visible, even on a gloomy day. I also love that I can transform the rain cover into a proper bag with a small handle.

I use this feature whenever I have the check in my backpack at the airport. No more fiddling around with all the straps and such, I just zip up the whole backpack in its rain cover and everything is covered.

It also works as an extra security system as it’s a lot more difficult this way for dodgy luggage handlers to secretly steal stuff from my backpack.

Finding the best backpack for long-term traveling might sound like a time-consuming process but if you follow my tips, you’ll find the right one in no time!

*This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase one of the recommended products through our website, we’ll receive a small commission at no extra costs for you. This way you’re helping us writing more informative and awesome guides like this. Thank you!

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18 thoughts on “How to choose the Best Travel Backpack”

This arricle is amazing, it really helped me, but one thing that I still have doubts its about carrying my computer and digital gear, do you have a separate day pack for those?

Thank you! And yes, I always carry my tablet, photography and digital gear in my day pack.

Just want to add a guy’s perspective… Pre-pandemic (2019) traveled rather widely in Europe during March and April using a small backpack that qualified for airline carry-on. Worked quite well and carry-on was so much better than checking-in a larger backpack. We did not camp. Perhaps most important decision was to bring just one pair of shoes, which I chose carefully: very comfortable ankle-high leather for all-day walking (and we hiked a ton in all kinds of weather and mud), like a tennis shoe, but appeared more like a dress shoe from top view, so worked for all occasions including high-end restaurants. Kept clothes dark colors and non-wrinkle. Wore jacket on flights to save space. So long as not camping, learned I’ll never again need a larger backpack when traveling overseas.

Hi Kel, travel as light as possible is definitely the way to go! However, I’m traveling long-term and in all kinds of seasons. I spent a year in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan and the winters there are pretty cold… While I try to carry as little as possible, I need to have at least one set of spare clothing (and as this is my life, I have two sets of extra clothes :D). Just a carry-on wouldn’t work for me (unfortunately): I camp and I work online. The gear for camping and online work + photography takes the most space 🙂

Your article is both entertaining and educational. When it comes to one-bag travel, comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to carry the bag for long periods of time. As a result, a backpack with adequate back support is preferable. It’s also crucial to consider how big or small you are, as well as your body type.

THanks for these tips James!

Thanks for the great artcile. You definitely saved me from getting the wrong sized bag 🙂

Happy to hear and help you Tam! 🙂

Thanks for such a wonderful blog, the article is very informative!

Thank you Gourav! 🙂

You should join in a tournament for just one of the best blogs on the web.

Haha, thank you for the compliment! 🙂

Comfort is a big deal when it comes to one bag travel especially if you plan to carry the bag around with you for hours on end. You’ll want a high-quality harness that works with the shape of your body. When selecting a bag, it’s important to take into account how big or small of a person you are, and your body type. Although this matters more for hiking backpacks where you’re carrying a ton of gear, it’s less-important for smaller, one bag travel packs. You ll still want to consider this though. A backpack suited for someone that’s 6’5” and 250 lbs probably isn’t the best travel backpack for someone that’s 5’3” and 140 lbs.

Hey, yes, you’re making a valid point there. It’s also important to keep in mind your length and weight. If you’re a tiny person, having a backpack of 90L wouldn’t be ideal 😀

Thanks for sharing your valuable tips and experience Cynthia. Fabulous post!

Thank you Hussain 🙂

I’m impressed, I need to say. Actually rarely do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve gotten hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not sufficient persons are speaking intelligently about. I am very comfortable that I stumbled throughout this in my search for something referring to this.

Thank you Shoaib! 🙂

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