Travel diaries can enrich your writing. New experiences can be a treasure trove of ideas. When something unique happens, I often think, “I can use that in a story.” I always imagine that I’ll remember such encounters. Inevitably, time passes and the nuances of the scene elude me.
That’s where journals come in.
Keeping a travel diary is a good way to keep track of observations, tidbits of interesting information you come across, impressions, and thoughts. Entries can spark ideas to enhance your fiction. It’s also a great way to record memories. Whatever the end goal, it’s a worthwhile habit to take up. And it’s an excuse to buy pretty journals. I love beautiful blank books and am a collector of pens. I have a habit of saving my journals, but going on a trip is the perfect time to give myself permission to use one!
Taking notes on a phone or other device works fine for travel journaling as well. If you’re more comfortable using your laptop, that’s another option. It doesn’t matter what tools you use, as long as you get words down.
The best time to write is anytime.
Some find early mornings ideal to record hopes for the trip and plans for the day. Bedtime can work well to reflect and write about the different experiences you might’ve had. Throughout the day, you can make notes about the people you’ve encountered, foods you enjoyed, places you visited. Writing your thoughts down while they’re still fresh in your mind is one of the best way to capture details. Different times of day have different benefits.b
Squeeze in writing while waiting in restaurants, on an airplane, or just while taking time to relax. It’s surprising how many opportunities arise. Hone your observation skills. Capture the everyday moments, interesting things you encounter, or impressions. It’s really up to you about what you want to include in your journal.
Once, I attended a festival in Seattle and observed the typical attractions, but an impromptu encounter between a girl of about four-years-old and a street musician is engraved on my mind. With her mother nearby, this little curly-headed blonde girl whirled around, her summer skirt flaring out as she danced, oblivious to the crowd. The man was middle-aged, a bit older than the other performers, and not on the main thoroughfare but still in a busy area. They radiated joy to the crowd. It was such a poignant scene. Such a simple thing, to play a little song or to dance in the street. All these years later, I can picture it and the emotions flood back, but the specific details are a bit fuzzy. Luckily, I kept a daily diary.
Grab those memories while you can. You’ll never regret having a written account of happy times, whether they’re from your dream vacation or a visit to see cousins.
Some Ideas to Kickstart a Travel Journal
Descriptions of Scenery, Foods, Events, People
Local Dialect, Sayings, Turns of Phrase
Emotions Experienced
Hopes and Dreams
Thoughtful Reflections
Memories
Notes and Plans for the Next Journey
Do you have any tips for keeping a travel journal? Leave a comment!
Donna Jo Stone writes YA contemporary novels about tough issues but always ends the stories with a note of hope. She blogs at donnajostone.com.
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