I am counting the days that I am able to travel again. This whole pandemic has the travel industry drying up and the more restrictions put into place, the more traveling I want to do. But, it’s not responsible or realistic for me at the moment. Lately, I have been reminiscing on the past trips I’ve gone on and I wish I had done more to document my travel memories.
I have tons of pictures from when I went on some trips and on others not so much. Which gave me the idea for this blog post. Why not document your travel photos or souvenirs in a special way to make it easier to reflect on and also to cherish those memories in a nice way? Keep reading for some ideas on ways that you can preserve your travel memories too.
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Jump ahead to:
1- Preserve travel memories in a bullet journal
I was on the bullet journal wave heavy a couple of years ago. This was around the time I was planning on traveling to Haiti (where my whole family is from and both of my parents were born). Since it was my very first time visiting, I really wanted to commemorate the trip as it has been on my bucket list since I can remember.
Naturally, I put some of the trip details into my bullet journal. I even made my layout for that month travel-themed (shown above) ! This may seem excessive, but looking back I am really happy I did this because it brings back the feeling of visiting my homeland. Now, I am itching to explore Haiti more and I can’t wait to go back into my old bullet journal and read the entries, my packing lists, and memories of being there.
I personally use my journal to capture travel memories, but to also help plan my trips. I love to make packing checklists, travel bucket lists, vision boards, and more. There’s just something about writing these lists down that is so satisfying.
The beauty of creating a travel journal is you can add whatever you want to it and you can be as creative as you want. You are in full control. Not only is this process fun, but it is also rewarding because it gives you the opportunity to both plan travel and reflect on your experiences.
Supplies for bullet journaling:
I love the Leuchtturm1917 notebook for bullet journaling. I’ve purchased about three of them so far and love the high-quality paper and features. The notebook has a hardcover and is available in ruled or dotted options and are numbered. There is a convenient pocket at the back of the book that comes in handy when storing small bits of paper, or notes. There’s also a built-in strap to keep the book shut when it’s not being used and a bookmark to hold your page. This notebook is a great investment if you are a writer or just someone who likes to take notes. It is a little pricey for a notebook, but it’s well worth it.
These Pigma Micron pens are incredible for setting up page layouts, darkening sketches and doodles, and writing. They are comfortable to hold for long periods of time, don’t bleed through the page and are a bullet journal staple. If you get no other supplies for your journal, make this pen set the one thing you buy (besides the journal, of course).
Assorted colored markers or colored pencils are amazing for making your journal colorful and getting creative. I use markers similar to these, as well as gel pens for when I’m feeling fancy.
Washi Tape is another bullet journal staple. It is a lifesaver! It helps divide pages, separate sections and can be used as an easy fix for covering up any unforgiving mistakes. Not to mention it is a fun way to add decorations to your journal without drawing. 🙂
If you are new journaling creatively there are some really great tutorials on YouTube. I love watching AmandaRachLee’s monthly tutorials (even though I am currently not bullet journaling lol). She’s just so creative and makes journaling look so effortless.
This tutorial is a great guide to starting a new bullet journal even if it’s mid-year!
2- Save keepsakes and souvenirs in a box or scrapbook
Similar to bullet journaling, the scrapbook is a fabulous way to cherish memories and confine them into a book. Maybe you don’t have the time to do the extra work of drawing and writing things down and making your own layouts. Or, you don’t have the patience for such tedious work. Try preserving your travel documents, photos, and other keepsakes in a scrapbook. Take pieces of paper, photos, and small keepsakes from your travels and glue them into a book, so it’s safely stored in one place.
If even that sounds like too much work, save all of your meaningful travel keepsakes and store them in a box. I tend to do this and it’s the most relaxed way to cherish your memories. This is a wonderful way to save your mementos from a trip. Whenever I am feeling down or just feel like reminiscing I pull out one of these boxes and take a look. It always inspires me and instantly puts me in a better mood. You can keep old boarding passes, event tickets, wristbands, hotel keys, or whatever your heart desires.
Scrapbook supplies:
This scrapbook album is an amazing option for anyone who’s into DIY projects. There are more than 60 blank black pages all kept together in a three-ring binder. This book is great for beginning scrapbookers who are starting from scratch because it also comes with tape, stickers, and a storage box.
Keepsake boxes:
This keepsake box is plain which means its completely customizable! It’s thin enough to be stored in a closet, or under a desk or bed, but spacious enough to hold lots of papers, supplies, and keepsakes.
3-Take Polaroid pictures to capture fun travel memories
For a more straight-forward keepsake, capture moments of your trip with a Polaroid camera and save the polaroids. This is an instant memory and can really be a fun way to document your travels around the world. It can even be used as home decor!
This Fujifilm Instax Mini camera has really risen in popularity over the past few years and it doesn’t seem like they are going away anytime soon. I love this trend because it’s nostalgic and provides instant gratification.
This bundle comes with the camera and tons of other supplies including a case, film, albums, and more. It is a great deal and is so worth the price.
4-Post pictures on social media to capture travel memories in real time
Now, I’ll be the first to admit I am not the best at posting on social media consistently, but it is a great way to commemorate experiences, especially travel. Instagram in particular is amazing for saving photos and getting a reaction on them. (Btw, you can follow me on IG here for more content).
Instagram is great for interaction and feedback as well as starting a conversation. If you don’t mind sharing where you are going, are traveling to or have gone there are no drawbacks I can think of. The photos will also be there right on your feed for easy access when you need them. Save stories on a highlight reel at the top of your IG feed to look back easily.
5-Write a blog post about your travel experiences
If you are a writer or enjoy several types of mediums you can always start a blog to document your travels. This blog has really given me an opportunity to document my recent travels and they are in one place for me to look back, reflect, and see how I felt about a place or experience.
If I hadn’t started this blog, I may not have really recorded my travels and thoughts about my travels. Plus, blogging gives me a chance to connect with and help others who want to travel as well. It’s rewarding when someone shares your post or thanks you for the advice you provide.
Are you yearning to travel more, but don’t have the money to?
Check out these posts all about how to save money for travel quickly and plan a trip on a budget!
6-Make a travel vlog to capture travel memories
If you are not a writer and prefer to document everything on video, why not make a travel vlog? This can be done on your smartphone or a small DSLR camera (if you’re fancy). This camera has excellent reviews and is small enough to travel around with. You can then upload your vlog to YouTube and share it with other people who are traveling to the destination soon. Lots of people watch vlogs everyday and it it weirdly addicting. It’s interesting to see what other people are doing during their day. If that’s your thing this is probably one of the best ways to preserve a memory. It’s almost like the modern version of a home video. You’ll be able to literally look back and see what you did and when.
7-Create a travel journal
If you are more on the private side and just want to simply reflect hone your travel writing skills in a simple travel journal. You can include your itinerary, your feelings about your trip, reflect on what you do during the trip at the end of the day, and more. The options are endless.
These are some simple ways anyone can document their travels no matter what you’re into. Which one of these methods are you excited to try? Comment below with your favorite idea or tell me how you remember your travels?
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Happy Exploring,
