This year, I decided to take my love for journaling to a whole new level by starting a travel journal. Why? Because I’ve realized that while my mom and I try to take at least one trip every year, I only have a gallery full of photos to show for it. There’s nothing tangible to flip through or hold, no keepsakes to take me back to those incredible moments. As I’ve just turned 30, I feel a deeper desire to document the places I’ve been, the things I’ve experienced, and the people I’ve met along the way. Time feels more precious now, and I want a library full of memories to look back on.

Of course, I’ve journaled before, but it was always sporadic and focused more on processing my thoughts or stress. While that was cathartic, I want more than pages filled with heavy emotions. This year, I’ve also started a gratitude journal and a yearly journal, each with its unique purpose. If you're interested, check out my other blog post, "How to Start a Gratitude Journal: Your Guide to a Happier Mindset", and stay tuned for my upcoming post on starting a yearly journal. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to keep up with the latest updates!

Now, back to the travel journal. I’ve always loved traveling, and I’m manifesting more opportunities to explore the world. My travel journal feels like the perfect way to appreciate the adventures I’ve already had and look forward to creating more. Here are some creative tips I’ve discovered while documenting my travels:

My Top Travel Journaling Tips

1. Pick a Journal You Love For my most recent trip to Italy, I bought a journal while I was there. It’s already decorated with stamps and pictures of Milan, making it feel special and connected to my experience. If your journal isn’t pre-decorated, take some time to make it uniquely yours. For example, I painted the cover of my gratitude journal, and I love how it turned out. Stickers, photos, or other personal touches can make your journal a joy to look at.

2. Make It Your Own Your travel journal can be whatever you want it to be: a photo gallery, a junk journal, a visual diary, or a mix of everything. I love using items from my travels, like receipts, packaging, and even paper placemats from restaurants. These small details add a unique, authentic touch. You don’t have to break the bank buying decorative supplies - just have fun with it!

3. Don’t Feel Pressured to Fill Every Page Sometimes your trip won’t provide enough content to fill an entire journal, and that’s okay. For my Italy journal, I decided it would be dedicated to all of my future trips to Italy—because I’m definitely going back! If you’re working with limited supplies, get creative with what you have. For instance, if you’ve only got photos and markers, decorate the borders with fun patterns and write a short story or list about what you did that day.  

4. Essential Supplies Here’s what I’ve found most useful for travel journaling:

• Paper Cutter: It’s a game-changer for clean, straight cuts.

• Glue Tape Runner: Compact and mess-free, it’s perfect for sticking things in on the go.

• Markers: Paint markers are my favorite because of their opacity, but any markers will work.

• Washi Tape: Great for adding decorative borders or creating flip flaps to maximize space.

• Mobile Photo Printer: I use a Kodak Step, which prints photos from my phone onto sticker paper. It’s so convenient and a must-have for me.

5. Start Simple Don’t feel like you need a ton of supplies to start. A journal, a pen, and a little creativity are all you need. If you want to build your collection over time, look for deals at thrift stores or dollar stores—you’ll be surprised at what you can find! Believe me, the more you journal, the more supplies you think of along the way!

My Goal with Travel Journaling

Ultimately, I want to create a space where people can explore all kinds of creative outlets to foster self-love, relieve stress, and find gratitude in their day-to-day lives. Travel journaling has helped me cherish my memories and appreciate the beauty in my experiences, and I hope it can do the same for you.

Some of the products and supplies I’m looking forward to purchasing for myself include:

• Shape Cutting Scissors: You can purchase a set of five scissors, each with a different pattern. These allow for unique borders or add a decorative touch to the paper you glue into your journal.

• Corner Punch Cutter: This tool clips the corners of your paper to match the journal’s rounded edges or create a different feel.

• Shape Cutters: For example, a circle or heart shape cutter can add additional flair to your pages.

• Stencils and Stamps: I’m planning to explore more stencils and stamps to add extra creative elements beyond stickers.

If you already have some of the supplies I mentioned earlier, these are great items to consider adding to your collection. They can open up more opportunities to experiment with your travel journaling style and make your pages even more personal. 

What are your favorite travel journaling tips? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram @mind.over.mata or email me at devyn@mindovermatastudio.com - I’d love to see what you’re working on.