Why You Should Keep a Travel Journal

Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by Candice Landau

I won’t sugarcoat it: keeping track of what you do when you travel is hard. You’ve got places to see, maps to comprehend, an itinerary to keep, and content to capture.

At the end of the day, writing a daily recap of what you did, especially when you’re exhausted, just isn’t a top priority for most people. And, unless you’re a writer, a social media influencer, or a content creator who needs to remember the nitty-gritty details, what does it matter anyway?

In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on the value of keeping a travel journal—regardless of your job—as well as insight into how I keep mine (with a plug for my newly published travel planner notebook, available now on Amazon!). It’s the result of three intensive years of having to write about my travels to many different countries.

Travel Journal vs. Travel Planner: What’s the Difference?

First, let’s be clear: a travel journal and a travel planner are not the same thing. One is freeform and reflective (a travel journal), while the other is structured and itinerary-based (a travel planner).

But here’s the thing: using a travel planner can make it easier to keep a travel journal.

Why? Because a planner helps you capture the essentials of your trip while you’re on the go—things like dates, locations, activities, and quick highlights. It creates a foundation of notes that you can later expand into a detailed travel journal when you have more time and energy.

At a minimum, each day, all you have to do is keep a running list of the things you did. If you have the mental energy and time, you can easily transition into a journal entry.

This is why I designed my travel planner notebook: to bridge the gap between structured planning and reflective journaling. It’s the perfect tool for travelers (and writers) who want to stay organized and preserve their memories without feeling overwhelmed. It includes:

Space for the daily plan
Space for the recap (did you follow the plan or do something else?)
Space for content ideas
And, if you have time, space to transition into a freeform journal entry

Why You Should Keep a Travel Journal

So why should you keep a travel journal in the first place? Let’s break it down.

1. Capture memories beyond photos

Photos are great, but they can’t capture the way a fresh baguette smells on a Parisian street corner or the sound of a street musician playing a hauntingly beautiful tune. Travel journals allow you to record the intangible:

The smells, tastes, and sounds
Funny quotes or moments that made you laugh, think, or shed a tear
Small interactions that would otherwise be forgotten

2. Create better content later

For writers, content creators, or anyone who wants to share their travels later, your travel journal is a goldmine. Notes from your journal can help you create:

Social media posts
Blog articles
Travel videos or reels

Even if you’re not a professional creator, journals make sharing your adventures with friends and family so much more engaging.

3. Improve your memory

Studies show that writing things down helps encode them in your long-term memory. By reflecting on your experiences in writing, you’re reinforcing those memories and making them easier to recall later.

4. Track recommendations for friends and family

Your journal becomes a personalized travel log filled with recommendations for loved ones who may want to visit the same places. Where to eat, what to skip, the best view for sunset—it’s all there.

5. Practice gratitude and reflection

Traveling can be hectic. Taking even 10 minutes to reflect on your day allows you to slow down, appreciate the moment, and process your thoughts. Journaling is also an excellent way to practice gratitude, which has been shown to improve mental well-being.

>> Related Reading: Travel Comfy: What I Wear When I Fly

How a Travel Planner Can Help You Journal

If you’re like most people, finding time to sit down and write in a travel journal every day can feel impossible, especially when you’re exhausted after walking 20,000 steps in a new city. That’s where a travel planner comes in.

Here’s how it works:

Capture the basics: A travel planner notebook gives you space to jot down essential details like dates, locations, activities, budget and meals. These structured notes are quick and easy to fill out, even on a busy day.
Highlight key moments: Use your planner to mark standout moments or things you don’t want to forget—like a funny quote, a breathtaking view, or a meal you’ll dream about later.
Reflect Later: After your trip, use your planner as a reference to expand on your experiences and create a full travel journal. The planner ensures you don’t forget any important details.

This method works because it takes the pressure off. Instead of trying to remember everything at the end of the day, your planner does the heavy lifting, leaving you free to enjoy the moment.

How I Keep a Travel Journal

If you’re ready to start journaling, here’s what works for me:

Start small: You don’t need to write pages every day. A few bullet points can be just as meaningful. My travel planner has space for more detailed notes too (a full page) if you have the energy but if you don’t, no worries.
Use prompts: If freeform writing feels daunting, use prompts like:
- What was the best thing I ate today?
- What’s one thing I’d recommend to someone visiting this place?
- What made me laugh today?
- What would I tell someone not to bother seeing?
- What do I wish I’d known before, or brought with me?
Combine with an itinerary template: Structure your notes with key details like:
- Date and location
- Activities and meals
- Highlights and let downs
- Contact information for people you meet or businesses you love
- Content ideas / imagery captured
Reflect after the trip: Use your notes to flesh out your travel journal when you’re back home and have the time to reflect.

Traveling is an adventure—one worth remembering. Whether you keep a detailed travel journal or jot down a few highlights in a planner, what matters is capturing the moments that make your journey uniquely yours.

And if you’re looking for the perfect travel planner to get started, check out my notebook on Amazon—it’s designed by a real traveler (me!) for other real travelers looking to capture their experiences.