Are you a travel enthusiast looking for ways to record the memories of all your adventures? Then you definitely need to start a travel journal!

And I have plenty of ideas of what you can put in that travel journal too (which I will of course share with you today)!

The world is a big place and I want to experience all that it has to offer. But if you’ve been traveling for years, it’s so easy to forget everything that you’ve done and all of the places you’ve been.

That’s where a travel journal comes in. You can create a travel journal full of all the restaurants and attractions you visited and so much more.

But wait there’s more! Traveling is not only a way to experience new things but it’s also a great way to boost your mental health and we are about that life over here at Healthy As You Can.

I’ll be sure to tell you more about that later.

Ya’ll, I’ve been amazed at the wonders vacationing has done to my mental and emotional health (especially the beach)!

Just the mere thought of walking onto to the beach lifts my spirits! And with a travel journal you get to relive your travel memories over and over again!

That’s what travel does, and your travel journal can be your best companion on these adventures.

I’ve put together some fun and creative ways to use a travel journal so that you do not lose out on the memories and thrills that come with visiting new places.

Trust me; you’ll want to see this!

Oh yeah, and this post contains affiliate links to great products that will help you in your health journey. I will get a commission if you decide to buy from these links but I’m only recommending products that I feel confident about.

– What’s A Travel Journal, Anyway?

A travel journal is a perfect way to document your experiences during and after your trip… and don’t tell me you’ll always remember everything without documenting because we both know that the chances are slim.

Recording your adventure at that moment is where the real magic happens: you could quickly take notes of the places you’ve visited, describing them in your own words.

You can write down your packing list, trip itinerary and document the pictures you took in different places in your travel journal too!

The best way is to write down quick notes during your escapades, but if you can’t do it right then don’t worry. Just reflect on your experience when you return to your hotel room.

It will feel like you are reliving the moment all over again!

A travel journal or planner is the best way to plan, organize and document my trips. It ensures that I do not miss out on any of the essential details and helps me preserve lasting and treasured memories. Plus you can use a travel journal to write down your packing list as well.

– How To Choose A Travel Journal

I love making memories, and I love keeping memories. If you’re planning on your next adventure, you may want to keep memories of food, places you visited, local languages you learned, etc.

But where’s the safest place to document them?

With so many options available, here’s my take on choosing the right travel journal.

1. A Blank Journal: You’re good to go with a regular notebook or you could use a bullet journal with dot grid pages. It doesn’t have to be bulky either, and you can easily get one in a store near you.

What’s most important is that you can take it with you anywhere and put down what you need to.

I like to get journals from Ross but you can also get them from Amazon.

Here’s a super cute travel journal from Erin Condren:

2. A Binder Filled With A Printable Travel Journal Pages: Having this is a sure way to ensure your trip runs smoothly and no essential detail is overlooked. It’s handy and has enough space for your travel journal writing.

– How Travel Helps Your Mental Health

As women, we have to constantly juggle a work-life balance, but believe me when I say it’s okay to escape the routine once in a while just to relax and refresh.

If you’re a busy mom with kids, you’re not left out either; you’ll be amazed at some of the benefits the whole family can enjoy from your decision to explore new places.

Get out there and see the world; travel boosts your mental, emotional and physical health.

Here are the different ways travel helps your mental health.

Boost your mental health and gives mental clarity:

You may not realize this but your brain needs a rest from all of the daily tasks you have to do.

Vacationing is one of the best ways to relax your brain and recharge. It can also help you free your mind and dilute all forms of mental stress.

It’s best if you can go on a relaxing trip like a beach trip or a spa trip, if you are in need of some rest and relaxation. Sightseeing trips are not quite as calming.

Relieve the tension: Okay, I get it; you have deadlines to meet, goals to smash, business deals to seal, a promotion you’re working towards, and on and on… And I sincerely get it!

But taking a vacation does not stop you from achieving your goals. In fact, it empowers you to achieve your goals.

The pressure you’re constantly putting yourself under can actually result in a mental and physical breakdown, and I know you do not want any of that.

While writing your work-life plans, add the places you’ll travel to for mental healing, relaxation, and restoration.

You need it to stay refreshed and energized; a week’s vacation can make all the difference.

Sharpen your creativity: There have been times when it seemed like I was losing out on creativity. I’m aware that creativity is inexhaustible, but your mind can get so worked up that it’s almost like you’re staring at a blank screen.

We shouldn’t let it get to this stage.

Traveling ignites our creativity: it refreshes the mind and makes way for new ideas.

Traveling boosts my creativity, and as I explore new locales, learn the language of the locals, visit new sites, etc., my tank of ideas is refilled.

– Creative Travel Journal Ideas (With Examples)

Maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, now that I have my travel journal ready, what am I supposed to write about?”

Having a travel journal is the icing on the cake for any adventure, so I carefully researched all the fun and creative things you can include in yours.

Are you ready to see them?

I’ll take your answer as YES!

So, let’s go!

1) Write down your mood based on where you were

Did you visit the beach? Did you try surfing, or maybe you made new friends out there, and you had a jolly time mingling, sharing, and connecting.

That’s something to write down.

Maybe you went on a canopy walkway in Michigan, and you felt mixed emotions of freedom and fear; write exactly how you felt in your travel journal. Those emotions are valid and worth noting.

As you write, you may realize that you’re actually scared of heights, and you probably wouldn’t want to try again.

Conversely, you may resolve to face your fears by exploring other adventures like skydiving, etc., on your next trip.

Either way, it’s a win-win for you!

2) Write down your favorite meals/restaurants

If you’ve been to Iceland, it’s safe to assume that you didn’t miss out on some of their traditional dishes like their Plokkfiskur – fish stew, Hangikjöt – smoked lamb.

When I visit new places, one of my favorite spots has to be the restaurants… Yes! You can call me a foodie; I’m a big fan of healthy (sometimes not so healthy) and tasty meals.

Another idea is to document the taste, feel, and sight of your travel meals. Listing the foods you tasted and how they made you feel is another travel journal idea that can help you make memories.

3) Make a scrapbook

This is another favorite thing I like to do while traveling…

Like me, you can use your plane ticket, receipts, brochures, etc., to add more information and character to your journal. Once you start getting creative like this you’re creating more like a scrapbook journal which I love!

Cut out the essential parts if you need to, or simply stick them out in your scrapbook. You’ll end up with a colorful yet memorable travel journal. Maybe you should take some glue with you in your suitcase!

4) Funny things that happened on the trip

What funny things happened during your trip? Just recounting some of my experiences makes me smile already.

Did you experience a wardrobe mishap that made you laugh so hard (been there done that)? Did you miss your hotel room and knocked on someone else’s door before realizing it?

Maybe there was an oops moment at the beach. Or some funny guy or the lady next to you seemed to know how to tell all the right jokes.

What made you laugh sooooooo hard?; write it in your travel journal and spell it out as you remember.

5) Your favorite attractions

I know of the Eiffel tower in Paris (j’daore), where love happens; I know of the northern lights in Iceland. I know of Times Square in New York, and I am also aware of The Royal Botanic Gardens in London.

These are some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world.

Did you visit any of them? If yes, what was it like?

Make a list of all the favorite attractions you experienced while on your trip, and if you took pictures while there, another scrapbook is waiting to be made.

Go ahead and write your story!

Related: Here are some more lists you can write in your journal-

20+ Creative Lists To Write In A Journal When You’re Bored Or Anxious

6)Lessons I learned on my trip

I love traveling, I love meeting new people, I love creating memories, and I love trying new things on my trip.

What about you? Are there lessons you learned on your trip? That’s a travel journal idea to explore!

Maybe you learned how to never take nature for granted.

Maybe you learned how to face your fears by joining a canopy walk.

Maybe you became better at communicating and connecting with people from a culture different from yours.

There’s definitely something you learned while traveling; tell it all in your travel journal.

7) Record your favorite memories

Okay, if you’ve been waiting to hear some of what I enjoyed while traveling, the wait is officially over.

I have always enjoyed taking in the beauty of nature, animals and appreciating the world around me.

Nature has the finest attractions! I’ve gone whale watching, dolphin watching, and to wildlife rescue centers.

Can you now remember your favorite memories? Those memories are special and priceless. Writing them in your travel journal ensures you do not lose them.

– Bonus Travel Journal Idea

8) Jot down your favorite stories

Traveling helps you learn about the world; you’ll also be thrilled by some of the traditions, cultures, and practices of others who share this planet.

When I’m visiting a new place, I always look forward to hearing the stories from the locals and creating some of my own!

What other stories did you hear while traveling? It’s time to grab your pen and write it while it’s still fresh in your memory.

9) Travel Journal Prompts

Another idea is to use journal writing prompts in your travel notebook! You could look for a list of prompts online or you could create your own. You can write down what’s on your travel bucket list.

And you could write down the places you want to visit once you get there and the restaurants you want to order from.

Maybe there’s some places you want to revisit. Write that down and then explain why you want to go back.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless!

Want to read this post later? Save it to one of your Pinterest boards!

– Conclusion

Traveling is one of the best ways to free your mind, reset, fuel your inspiration, and improve your overall well-being.

As women, we need to prioritize our mental health and take trips off to refuel. You should never wait till you’re completely burned out before taking some me-time.

Don’t miss out on these travel journal ideas either; you need them to preserve the precious memories of all you experienced while traveling.

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9 Unique Travel Journal Ideas And How It Boosts Your Mental Health