How to Write a Memorable Travel Journal
I regret not keeping travel journals during my early years as a flight attendant. It would be wonderful to look back at memories and musings of people, places, and pastimes dimmed by the years. Today, I never travel without a journal close at hand. Journaling adds pleasure to every trip.
Here are some suggestions for writing and enjoying a travel journal:
� Although any a small notebook will work, add excitement to writing by purchasing a special travel journal before your trip. Pick up additional unique journals as souvenirs along the way. (Start on a budget. Dollar Tree stores have a wide selection of journals for $1.00.)
� Some people keep one on-going journal for multiple trips. I prefer a separate journal for each major trip and a continuing journal for mini-trips.
� Begin writing before you leave. Write an introduction in your journal. Discuss your preparations and your expectations for the journey.
âÂ?¢ Keep your journal and a ballpoint pen close at hand so you don’t miss memorable moments on tours and outings.
âÂ?¢ During the day, jot down facts and resources you want to remember. Catch the who, what, when, where and how of daily adventures. But, don’t get so focused on details that your journal becomes a “Got up. Had breakfast. Tour bus was late. Steak was tough” mundane list.
� Capture your impressions and emotions of the world around you. Write about the interesting people you encounter. Use your five senses to get the most out of experiences. Colorful adjectives describing what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel make your journal come alive.
Sample journal excerpt:
March, 17 2003. Ship docked in Maui this morning. For the past 24 hours we watched magnificent Orcas breaching all around the ship. It is thrilling to hear them blow as they surface and watch as gracefully flukes seem to wave to us. Did not know you could actually smell a whale’s blow! Was not aware before this trip that they migrate to Hawaii during this time of the year to bear their young.
As we got off the ship we were greeted by traditional hula dancersâÂ?¦and one not-so-traditional one. Miss Daisy calls herself the “oldest hula girl in Hawaii.” At 91-years-young, she greets disembarking passengers as if they are old friends. When we had our photo made, she told me to say “sex” rather than “cheese” because it makes a prettier smile. Her stories were fascinating. She was one of the most delightful women I have ever met. Wish I could have spent the entire day with her. (Miss Daisy’s photo attached in journal.)
� Get different perspectives. Encourage travel companions or new acquaintances to share ideas for entries in your journal. Note unusual and funny signs or local sayings.
� If you are artistic, add sketches. Destination stamps and postcards add interest to destination entries.
âÂ?¢ Commit to writing everyday. Some of your musings may be several pages; others only be a few words. Don’t get hung up on spelling, grammar, style, or length to the extent writing becomes work.
âÂ?¢ Consider making a brief summary of each destination. Discuss favorite things you saw, ate, purchased, and ideas for future trips. End with an “if I come back here, I want to” approach.
Have fun journaling. Share your journal with others or simply keep it as a very personal remembrance. Who knows, your travel journal could become a travel book!
Travel writer Lynne Christen is author of Travel Wisdom – Tips, Tools, and Tactics for All Travelers, available at www.travel-wisdom.com. Contact Christen at travelwisdom@cox.net.
