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5 Reasons to Keep a Travel Diary

Top post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian BloggersHave you ever come across a person in a café or a train busy scribbling or coloring in a diary or a journal with a faraway look on her face? I have come across many such travelers who chronicle their travel journeys in little note books. Needless to say, these world travelers have inspired me to keep a travel diary as well, though I don’t write in it religiously.

Since I have packed and unpacked more times than I can count and I can think of 5 reasons to keep a travel diary.

5 Reasons to Keep a Travel Diary

Travel Diary or Travel Journal is a collection of your travel stories, adventures, memories and moments. Why write them down, when you can collect these memories through blog posts, photographs, social media or a diary app? That’s because…

1. There’s no better keepsake than a notebook. They can be tucked away and stored in bookshelves to be revisited over and over again. And because there is something extraordinary about opening a crisp new notebook and writing at the top: Day 1 of my trip to…

2. Memory is a slippery eel. I clicked hundreds of pictures with my new camera during one my earlier trips to Jammu and Kashmir, with not a single word about the trip. Today, I have a folder full of images of people and places I no longer remember. I remember saying “It’s so beautiful, I can never forget it.” And now… it’s all hazy. Daily accounts with pictures, itinerary, currency, drawings, maps, ticket stubs, and visiting cards in a diary bring all the memories of a trip back to life.

3. References and Tips. A travel diary is a vault of information. It has the hotels with good and bad experiences, the travel guide who went the extra mile, the food that you loved, the market that captured your heart, the cabbie who helped you… It has all the practical info that you may share with some other traveler or use it again on your next trip.

4. It is therapeutic. Travel isn’t always pretty. Sometimes there are mishaps, tears, jet-lag, delayed flights, headaches and nasty experiences. In these moments, writing in a diary or even doodling has the ability to calm our minds so that we are better able to handle mishaps when we travel. Travel diaries like the personal therapists, let us rant and help manage our frustrations and worries.

5. To capture the uniqueness of the experiences. Usually we talk about our experiences in a very superficial way. For instance, Taj Mahal is beautiful or it’s very serene at Pangong Lake. But what does that really mean? How did I actually feel while I was looking at these things? Reflecting on the beauty or capturing the feeling of the moment, or writing some unexpected moments or beautiful conversations is important. If you’re not processing the information at that time, then the memories just aren’t formed. You may capture a hundred pictures in the camera, but when you look at them later, it won’t be the same.

You can truly transform your travel experiences by taking to the written word instead of the electronic devices. Go ahead and start journaling your travel adventures and tales. Believe me, your older self will be thanking your younger self for creating this!!

Do you have a Travel Diary? If not, why? Please share in the comments below.

My theme for this year’s Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is Notes from the Road, which has my thoughts, views, experiences, tips, stories inspired by my years on the road.

D

112 Responses

    1. Well said. A few words in the journal and that can spark the creative juices and later memories!

  1. Great post Shilpa thank you! I take note books/journals when I travel; wouldn’t be without them. Some seriously small, small enough to tuck into a pocket, others somewhat larger. Nothing nicer than having a cup of coffee somewhere new and jotting down random notes, thoughts and feelings, senses, experiences ..

  2. Couldn’t agree more with your idea of a travel diary, Shilpa! I used to carry one very often earlier. Now, I don’t anymore for I wish to experience the moment as it is! But I know what you mean. Writing is way better than using gadgets to share pictures and moments and the best part is that you have it all with you as a keepsake.

    1. I know what you mean, Esha. I used to note a lot of things earlier and then it all fizzled out. But am getting back to writing in my notebooks the thoughts and the experiences, again!

  3. I have never had a Travel Diary, but your reasons cited are tempting me to get one. One big issue is, thank to using word and texting I have stopped writing manually, and my writing now sucks! Can’t read what I write!:)))

    1. Hahaha, it cant be that bad. Let me tell you that it was the same with me. Like everything else in life, you get back to what you have learnt ages ago with a little practice and patience. Writing a few things every day will make you love your writing once again, in no time. Believe me!! 🙂

    1. You are doing great, Deena! A travel diary and a daily journal is the best habit that helps in every aspect of our life, including self awareness and of course creating memories too!

  4. I have been carrying a diary with my from my last year’s trip to Italy. However I just managed to write a few notes on places etc and then never wrote on again. However it is still going with me to rest of the places I have been to after it. I loved the scribblings and sketches you have done on the pages you have shared. And totally agree with you, I too forget the small details and after years I look at photos and just remember how beautiful they were. I will try to maintain it from now onwards.

    1. Thanks for sharing your experience, Shesha and looking forward to your travel notes from all over the world 🙂

  5. I’ve never been one for keeping a diary, but I often find writing inspiration when in different countries or cities and I’m still often found scribbling away in a notebook with that faraway look on my face
    Debbie

  6. I can honestly say i regret not doing this. All the travel memories i did over the last decade are slowly fading away from this old brain and i really wish i had written it down and added snippets.

    1. It happens to all of us. SIGH
      It is never too late to start on something new, so go ahead and start writing in your travel diary, Roshan 🙂

  7. Great post-Shilpa, indeed keeping a travel diary is a great idea and it can help a lot in various ways. personally, I had done this during my teenage days and still, I remember It was so fun. after reading your post will try to do it again. enjoying your series. please read my today’s post herehttps://surbhiprapannablogs.blogspot.com/2018/04/blogchattera2z-homoeopathya2z-d.html

    1. Yes, re-reading the earlier entries is the best part of keeping a diary. It takes you back in time and leaves you with that warm happy feeling 🙂

    1. Noting on phone is convenient but we need to take a back-up of it when we are changing to a new phone!!
      I forgot to do it once when the phone was reset to factory settings and another time, couldnt sync Blackberry notes to Windows phone. 🙁

  8. Yea Shilpa, i do keep a travel log with me always. I make a list of all the place to visit, visited , important numbers to contact on emergency at that place, eateries and finally i record the day. Actually this helps a lot to rekindle the fond memories of that place after ages. I also keep a note on the expenses to compare. nice reading your post. D is Dare to Dream- Do have your say on my post too. have a nice day 🙂 https://syncwithdeep.wordpress.com/2018/04/04/d-dare-to-dream-blogchattera2z-atozchallenge-atoz/

    1. Try a travel journal from your next trip and do share your experience. Would love to know that 🙂

    1. Agree, every trip is different and so is the mood, available time etc… but writing something or the other is better than not writing at all.

  9. I used to do that a lot, but somehow over the past few years it just stopped. I really need to restart it. Thanks for reminding! And every reason is so true – the vault of information, the memory eel, all of it!

    1. I know that happens to all of us. Hope you get back to jotting all your travel details soon, Deepa 🙂

  10. Cant really agree lesser Shilpa.. So with my girls growing up, i have got them to start maintaing a travel diary every time we travel. Ofcourse, they end up drawing and doodling away, But I just let them be cause it is a good start.

    1. Drawing and doodling is totally cool, as they add character to the diary. Let them continue to do that. I am sure the words will follow soon.

  11. Couldn’t agree more on it. I too keep a diary handy while i travel yet I have never come across writing a full fledged travelogue. Now of course i jot down on the phone’s notepad for memories.

  12. Loved all the tips you shared, Shilpa. I too have recorded my awesome South Africa trip in my Travel Journal. I love to flip its pages often when I feel monotonous in my life.

    1. How sweet is that, Arti!! My son used to do the same and his Happy Journal is something that I will treasure forever. It has some beautiful memories! Thanks for sharing a slice of your life 🙂

  13. I do have a diary in which I jot down my feelings, emotions, experiences good and bad. Now, I am just waiting to go travel to some place so I can jot down my travel experiences in it and then reminisce about those wonderful moments years later! 🙂

  14. I am a paper, pen and diary person. I love to scribble and I love my travel journals. Now, even my son has started doing it. Many years later when we look back at them, it reminds us of fond memories. I am just loving your travel series Shilpa, looking forward to more.

    1. How wonderful is that your son has taken up this amazing habit from you. There’s nothing like revisiting these little notes every now and then. Thanks, Balaka, glad you are enjoying this series. I am loving your posts too, felt a little sad about Mr Desai today!

  15. A travel journal is a best keep to revisit memories every now and then. The thought that you can truly transform your travel experiences by taking to the written word instead of the electronic devices is a great thought. We think everyone who travels should maintain a diary of their own.

    1. Absolutely. A travel journal is not only a marvelous keepsake to record anecdotes and moments but a great way to introspect and learn too!

  16. My daughter is good at this shilpa, she will be counting the stations and writing and also taking details… I used to only jot down how much i spent daily to keep track of my expenditure… I think I must keep a separate diary for travel…. useful post. Thanks for sharing

    1. Love what Dorothy is doing. I am sure her diary would be the most treasured souvenirs from her trips!! Glad you liked this post, Genevive!

  17. Whether you are a regular jet-setter, or travel once in a blue moon, a travel journal is an incredible tool to capture those memories in a creative way. But that’s not all. You can also use your travels for life-enhancing experiences, and use your journal to to embrace those lessons. The problem with us humans is that we often have selective memories. Often, when you go on a trip, you may remember selected highlights of your experience. Usually things that were either very good, very bad, very familiar, or very alien. That’s fine. But there is a range of experiences in-between those extremes. Such a conversations you have with strangers, navigating your way around a new city, the weather, doing ordinary things such as ordering food. Even that is barely scratching the surface. A travel journal captures these deeper experiences. Seemingly unimportant things, which will probably become even more important than the tourist highlights few months or few years down the line.

    1. Aha! You have aptly summed up why we need a travel diary. Thank you so much for adding value to the discussion, Romila and good to see you here 🙂

  18. Dear Shilpa,
    Thanks for the reminder. I used to carry a travel diary when I was a kid, not anymore. Infact my first writing happened on a train travel. These days I just jot down pointers on my phone notes. But I guess it makes so much more sense to have a diary to doodle on and write the points. More realistic and experiential I suppose.
    I’m going to remember to carry a travel diary from now onwards for my next travel. 🙂 Thanks to you. <3

    Natasha
    natashamusing

    April Anecdotes
    Destinys Child

    1. HI Natasha. That’s true. Writing in a diary helps you to experience that moment completely. You must start using your travel diary and do share your experience 🙂

  19. I always note down small anecdotes as I travel. I can’t call it a diary yet, but maybe it is time I kept one dedicated to travel.

    I love the idea and the reasons make so much sense 🙂

  20. Shilpa, did you do the art for the image for your first point? It is beautiful! And yes, if only for the one reason: memory, it is essential to keep a travel diary. Of course it is great to read it later, too. And while traveling with kids, encourage them to write about the trip, too!

    1. LOL 😀 No, my sister helped me with that. 😛
      Yes, travel diaries have so many great stories stored in them, revisiting them again and again is so much fun.
      Agree with you, kids should be encouraged to write their travel diaries from an early age!

  21. I keep a diary. And some of them are on my blog, under the label “Travel”.
    One, it helps others who want to get some guidance; and two, it serves as a good memory bag into which you can dip into, and relive old days.

  22. I never had a separate travel diary. Always carried my regular diary for travels too. Everything finds a place there. Before my memory is very volatile. I forget everything very soon. And it’s sad.

    And did blog posts on the places i visited sometimes. Instagram posts now a days. Sometimes Google Photos reminds me of those days after a year or so with a collage or a video.

    1. Yes, these days we can share our travel tales on the digital media but there’s something charming about a diary! I am sure your diary must be very special for you!

  23. I do keep a journal if trips, at first just for the notes to use in my writing but as I review them other bits of memory return.
    Great post!

  24. In today’s time, when everyone is busy clicking photographs, a travel journal slows you down and gets you really observing the surroundings.

    I’ve been travel sketching for last 10 years and nothing gives me more happiness. Do check out my #BlogchatterA2Z posts for some travel sketches …

    1. I like this bit about ‘slows you down’… absolutely true. It helps you to stay in the moment and process the information rather than seeing things from the lens of your camera or phone!

  25. This really is a good idea. Jotting down everything from the trip–what a great way to save those inspirations. Oddly, what also resonated with me is the idea of storing the little book away, on a bookshelf.

    1. Glad that you find the idea of a travel diary interesting, Hope you will take it along with you on your next travel, Tina 🙂

  26. I used to doodle while travelling and I guess I will have my old diary somewhere. For me its therapeutic especially on long journeys its helpful.

    1. Doodles and drawings add a distinct character to a travel diary. You must dig that old diary of yours and share it with your kids, Deepa. I am sure they will love it and will be inspired too 🙂

  27. I’ve always made a travel diary on all my overseas travels. I even stick various collectibles in them. From boarding passes to entry tickets, everything that can be glued in a book goes in. My theme for this challenge is Wanderlust and these journals help me today to document years and years of journeys. I’m so glad that I made them. I don’t know what got me started in the first place but am I glad today. Planning to make one for every single journey now.
    http://poojajagtiaani.blogspot.in

    1. Yes, collectibles from the journeys add more character to the diary. Would love to see your travel diary, Pooja 🙂

  28. I have always been fascinated by the idea of diaries. And this travel diary thing looks very interesting. The pics that you have shared, really make me want to make one for my next journey

    1. Thanks Anupriya. Do start doodling and drawing in your travel diary and do share it with us. 🙂

  29. I love keeping travel journals and tucking bits of daily ephemera into them, along with sketches and notes. And I love peeking into other’s journals as well – it was really a delight seeing yours.

    1. Yes, tid-bits of travel in a journal serve as great reminders and look cool too. Thanks Deborah, glad you liked my journal!

    1. Log of things that’s photographed… that’s pretty cool. Have never heard of that. Would love to see your travel diary, Joy 🙂

    1. I have not used Google Keep, would love to explore it. Thanks for sharing and dropping by, Sachin.

  30. Travel diaries are lovely. Specially to record the funny incidents that happen along the way. The trouble is that one is usually so tired at the end of the day. I could rarely write my travel diary when I was traveling with my children, unless I carved out half an hour the next day.

    1. Oh yes, funny incidents, interesting conversations in a travel diary form for great reading years later 🙂

  31. Very beautiful sharing. Enjoying all your posts in #AtoZChallenge. You are writing meaningful and thought-provoking articles..Articles that stay in memory after doing so much of reading in the day. Had loved your post on books too.. this one.. books)https://shilpaagarg.com/2018/04/travel-books.html

  32. I have another reason for keeping a diary: I draw on it, and I think it allows me to look more attentively to some things.

    1. Oh yes, you observe keenly when you have to draw. Drawings add so much value and character to a travel diary, isnt it!!

  33. I just started keeping a travel diary a few years ago, and couldn’t believe I’d never done it before! You’re right; it’s really wonderful to be able to look back on. I’m a hopeless artist, so my husband just got me a Lifeprint printer for Christmas, and I’m so excited to use it in my travel journal. For now, I’ve just been using it in my daily journal.

  34. I have to confess, I am very bad at keeping any form of diary. I did try to keep a travel diary, but I failed miserably.
    Still, I’ve seen people compiling beautiful travel journals with pictures and any kind of ifnormation, tikets, itinaries… anithing.
    A frind of mine makes her diary before she leaves. I mean, she plans her travel so carefully, she already has everythign with her when she leaves.

    1. I have seen such beautiful travel diaries too. Last month, a foreigner sitting next to me in train had pencil colors, sketch pens, glue-stick, scissor… and she was so good at doodling. Her diary was so pretty and impressive,
      Wow, your friend’s diary would be awesome too.

  35. My travel diary doesn’t even close coz I’ve attached so many things in it. Brochures, tickets, envelops, pics n I love it. Whenever I open it up the memories flood me and it reminds me of the good times I’ve spent there.

  36. I haven’t really had the opportunity to travel abroad but love the idea of a travel diary. I have, however, kept mementos of my local visits to museums etc. Great idea to document the memories.

  37. This was how I started blogging, our travels got longer and longer and it was easier to stay in touch with friends and family via a blog. We also used to send ourselves postcards with memories from every place we visited

  38. Those are all great reasons to keep a travel journal! I also like pasting in tickets, printouts of a few favourite photographs from the trip, and other little bits and bobs into my travel diaries. They’re such a wonderful way to keep those travel memories alive!

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