Roaming the Americas

Travel Deeper: 15 Thought-Provoking Travel Journal Prompts

' src=

Note: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. More details are  here .

leather travel journal on a bench

I kept a journal pretty religiously when I was in high school and college. (Chalk it up to all that teen angst I needed to process.) Unfortunately in my adult life, the consistency of my journaling habit has dropped off.

And while I hope to redevelop that daily muscle in my life, there is one time when I’m pretty good about it: travel.

I saw the incredible benefits that travel journaling brings while I was studying abroad in 2004—I wouldn’t have survived that semester without the ability to process all that I was experiencing emotionally, culturally, and spiritually. (And that time I thought I lost my study abroad journal in my 20s? I was crushed . Having my travel journal to look back on is the most profound keepsake I have of that semester.)

A really beneficial travel journal goes beyond noting what you did each day, though. It challenges you to dig deep, to process through your experiences, and reflect on your reactions to them .

Even if you’re not traveling cross-culturally and it’s just a fun vacation with friends, there’s opportunity for self-reflection when you’re out of your normal environment and spending all your time with new daily companions. It’s a chance to consider how you respond to challenging moments, or to spend time sitting still and thinking about what you want your daily life to look like back home.

Journal and book on a porch swing with a yellow pillow

Whether you’re looking for study abroad journal prompts for students or some simple journaling ideas for your next vacation, I’ve compiled this short list of travel journal writing prompts for self-reflection to get you thinking more deeply about various aspects of travel and yourself.

I don’t think you need a lot—in fact, you might choose just one (see the second list) and use it daily. I’ve included 15 so that you have enough to choose from without it being overwhelming. Print it out, take a screen shot on your phone, or better yet, physically write the list in the back of your journal so you always have them available (sans technology).

These trip reflection questions will hopefully prompt you to write through the challenging and frustrating moments that travel sometimes brings, as well as dig deeper to reflect on the joyful and life-changing moments.

Self-Reflection Journal Prompts

  • What are my initial feelings about being here: curiosity, frustration, joy, awe, sadness?
  • What smell(s) have stuck out to me?
  • What was a challenging experience I had? Why did I respond the way I did? What did I learn about my personality, values, or home culture through this?
  • What has sparked my curiosity? What has fascinated me here?
  • Describe a memorable interaction or conversation I’ve had with someone who lives here. (What were they like? What did I learn about this place or culture? Why did the interaction stand out to me? What do I want to remember about them?)
  • What sound(s) have stuck out to me?
  • What is something that has surprised me about this place/culture?
  • What is different about me while on this trip (positive or negative—am I more adaptable, irritable, spontaneous, disorganized, peaceful)? Why do I think that is?
  • What were my expectations about this place? How is the trip comparing with my expectations?
  • One quality I really appreciate about someone I’m traveling with is….
  • What will I be glad to leave behind from this trip?
  • Is there anything I want to do more or less of when I get home?

Recommended Reading: How to Deal with Frustrating Travel Experiences

Daily Travel Journal Prompt

  • What’s my Kodak Moment from today—that experience, image, or feeling I don’t want to forget?
  • If I had to describe today in one word, what would it be? Why?
  • If I had to tell a 5-minute story about one thing that happened today, what would it be about? (Credit for this idea goes to storyteller Matthew Dicks. I highly recommend his TEDx Talk on this topic—check it out below.)

' src=

Travel Photographer | FAA Certified Drone Pilot

Naomi is the coffee-loving, crazy-about-Latin-America writer and photographer behind everything here. She's guided by curiosity and a belief that every place has a story to tell–whether it’s through the intricate details of nature, history that has shaped a culture, or the people who call a place home. Learn More

TRAVEL WITH MERAKI

Make Moments Matter

Get Inspired With These 50 Travel Journal Prompts

Prompts For Travel Diary

Travel Journal Writing Prompts

Struggling with ideas for your Travel Diary? Try these travel journal prompts to get you inspired and create amazing memories from your adventures and destinations!

There are so many reasons you should try writing a travel journal for your next vacation. Keeping a travel journal is a fantastic way to prepare for a trip, help you stay organized during a holiday and to keep those amazing travel memories alive long after your adventure has finished. 

Trying to come up with ideas on what to write about can be hard work though…especially if you are tired after a day of sightseeing! It can also be hard to know where to start as you have often seen and done so much in a day of travel !

Create a travel journal you are going to treasure for many years to come with the travel prompts below. They will help you capture all the sights, feelings and experiences you have that make your trip worth remembering.  

Table of Contents

Travel Journal Prompts

Travel Diary Prompts

So, what do you write in a travel journal?

It’s normal to feel a little stuck with writing. Usually just starting is the hardest part and once you begin writing you will find the ideas flow easily.

Using journal prompts like the ones below is a great way to get stop the writing block. 

If you use your travel diary to help plan your adventure then it’s a great idea to get into the habit of journaling before you leave. 

Travel Prompts For Before The Trip

  • What are your expectations of this destination or experience?
  • What is on your destination bucket list? And why do you want to see or experience these things? 
  • What part of this trip have you enjoyed planning for the most?
  • Have there been any pre-trip disasters? 
  • Why did you choose this adventure or destination?
  • Are you worried about anything?
  • What advice have you read or been given about your destination?
  • What are you most excited about? ( it could be food to try or a tour you have booked).
  • What has been your favorite vacation/adventure ever? 
  • What  souvenir do you want to bring home?
  • What do you want to learn on this adventure?
  • How have you saved up for this trip?
  • What are some interesting facts you have researched about your destination?

To really make the most of travel journaling it is a good idea to create a habit. Maybe get up half an hour early to write about your day before, or make sure you leave some time at the end of the day to journal. Try to journal every day as it is amazing how quickly you can forget all those small details.  Try the below journal prompts to inspire you while you are traveling. 

Journal Prompts While Traveling

  • What was the first thing you noticed/felt when you reached your destination
  • What was the most amazing thing you did today?
  • What was the worst thing that happened today?
  • Did you try something new?
  • What made you smile, laugh, cry?
  • What did you eat?
  • What people did you meet today?
  • Did something go wrong today? ( Travel disasters can sometimes end up as funny stories later on)
  • What are clear things you remember feeling, seeing, touching, smelling or hearing? Evoking senses is a fantastic way to bring back memories when you reread your travel journal.
  • What are you missing about home?
  • What cultural experiences have you had today?
  • How did you feel waking up in a new place?
  • Describe the place you are in detail ( add smells, tastes, sounds, and feelings as well as what you see)
  • Write down some interesting facts or history about your destination
  • What makes this place similar or very different from where you are from?
  • Did something put you outside of your comfort zone? Why? How did you feel?
  • What is happening in the news at your destination? Are you seeing/feeling/being affected by this while you travel?
  • How did an experience, person or site make you feel today?
  • What music are you listening too?
  • What books/magazines are you reading?
  • Did you learn any new words or phrases today? How did you learn them? Where did you use them?

Writing in your travel journal at the end of your adventure is the perfect way to reflect. You could journal on the flight home, or wait until you are already home and unpacking to see what your lasting memories and emotions are about a vacation. Below are some holiday journal prompts to help. 

Post Vacation Writing Prompts

  • Would you visit again? Or change something in your itinerary if you could go back?
  • Did you learn anything?
  • How would you describe what you did and saw to a friend or someone that was thinking of traveling to the same destination?
  • What was your favorite…. ( could add food, tour, place to visit, experience, person you met.)
  • Recall something funny that happened on your trip.
  • What were the highlights of your adventure?
  • What were some low points of your trip?
  • How did your trip differ/live up to your expectations?
  • Did your adventure change you or help you grow in any way?
  • Where do you want to go next? Why?
  • What  souvenir did you bring home?
  • What item did you wish you had packed? Or things you realized you didn’t need to pack!
  • What is one thing you didn’t get to do but wish you had?
  • What is one thing you did do but wish you hadn’t?
  • Is there a new food, or tradition from the trip that you are going to bring into your everyday life?
  • How did you feel coming home from your adventure?

Want these as a printable to take with you on your adventure? Download your FREE travel Journal Prompts HERE

Travel Journal With Prompts

Prompts For Travel Journal

Want to make it even easier? Why not buy a travel diary that already has travel writing prompts?

Here are some travel journals with prompts we love!

Travel with Meraki – Remember, when you are wondering what to record in a travel journal to not just stick with the facts ( I went here, it was hot today). Add lots of descriptions using all your senses! As well as what you saw, you want to remember the smells, textures, and sounds of a destination. Be sure to also write how all these things made you FEEL !

Travel Quotes To Use In Your Travel Journal

Journey Quotes

Quotes About Journeys

Vactaion With Family Quotes

Vacation Quotes For Families

Quotes About Travel

The Best Travel Quotes

PIN FOR LATER!

Prompts For Travel Diary

Holiday Journal Prompts

Sharing is caring!

Travel Journal: 100+ Prompts, Ideas, and Tips

' src=

  • March 30, 2023

Home » Day One Blog » Travel Journal: 100+ Prompts, Ideas, and Tips

Keeping a travel journal can be an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience, whether you’re an avid traveler or someone who’s embarking on a new adventure. From documenting unforgettable memories to fostering personal growth and reflection, a travel journal can be a window into the unique journeys you take in life.

In this guide, we’ve put together an extensive list of 100 travel journal prompts, tips, and ideas to help you create a travel journal that truly captures the essence of your adventures. Get ready to explore new cultures, savor the beauty of the world around you, and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will forever be a reminder of your incredible experiences.

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is simply a personal record of your experiences, thoughts, and feelings during your travels. Travel journaling is a wonderful way to document and reflect on your travel experiences, capturing memories of the places you visit, the people you meet, and the adventures you have.

Travel journaling can take various forms, depending on your preferences and needs. You can choose to write in a traditional notebook or sketchbook, or create a digital journal or blog. Some people use their travel journals not only to record their experiences but also to plan their trip, track expenses, and organize important information such as flight details, reservations, and contact information for locals they meet along the way.

Keeping a travel journal can be a valuable tool for reflecting on your travels, preserving memories, and sharing your experiences with others.

A person sits on an overlooking writing in a travel journal

10 Convincing Reasons to Keep a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal or travel diary offers several benefits, both during the trip and long after your travels have ended. Some of the key reasons to keep a travel journal include:

1. Preserve your memories.

A travel journal helps preserve memories of your experiences, sights, and encounters that might otherwise fade with time. You can look back and reminisce about your adventures, learning from and enjoying them all over again.

2. Be more present.

When you write about your travel experiences in real-time, you tend to be more focused on the present moment. This can help you to be more present and mindful during your travels, and can also improve your memory of the trip.

3. Sharpen your observational skills.

Journaling pushes you to pay closer attention to your surroundings, which can improve your observational and descriptive abilities. This heightened awareness can lead to a more enriching travel experience.

travel journal prompts for students

4. Organize your thoughts and experiences.

A travel journal serves as a central location to record important information, such as trip itineraries, contact details, and to-do lists. This can help you stay organized and focused during your travels.

5. Enhance your creativity.

Writing about your experiences encourages creativity and storytelling skills. You can experiment with different writing styles, descriptions, or even drawings to capture the essence of your trip. Since traveling has links to creativity , keeping a travel journal allows you to expand these benefits in both ways.

6. Encourage self-reflection.

Traveling can be a transformative experience, and a travel journal can serve as a tool for self-reflection . Writing about your experiences can help you process your emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and gain insights into yourself and your place in the world.

7. Boost your personal growth.

Recording your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to new experiences can provide insight into your own personal growth and development. You can track how your perspectives and attitudes have evolved over time and learn more about yourself.

8. Reduce stress.

Studies have shown that even short vacations can improve stress levels , and writing in a travel journal can be therapeutic, allowing you to process your emotions and experiences in a healthy way. Travel journaling can also help you work through challenges and setbacks that may arise during your trip.

9. Create a unique keepsake.

A travel journal is a personalized souvenir that tells the story of your adventures. What you write can become a special item to share with friends and family or pass down to future generations.

10. Encourage deeper gratitude and appreciation.

Writing about your experiences while traveling can foster a deeper sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had, helping you appreciate the journey and the people you’ve met along the way.

a person holds a map on their phone while travel journaling

What to Write About In A Travel Journal

There are many things you can write about in a travel journal. A travel journal usually involves writing a personal record of your thoughts, feelings, and observations throughout your journey. You can also include details about the food you try, the sights you see, the cultures you encounter, and the emotions you experience.

Here are a few things to write about in a travel journal:

  • Daily activities: Write about what you did each day, including any sights you saw, people you met, and activities you participated in.
  • Observations: Record your observations of the places you visit, including the landscapes, architecture, and culture.
  • Food and drink: Describe the local cuisine and drinks you try, and note any favorites or new discoveries.
  • Thoughts and feelings: Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about your experiences, including any challenges, surprises, or moments of joy.
  • Cultural insights: Document your learnings about the local culture, customs, and traditions.
  • Travel tips: Share any travel tips or advice that may be useful for others planning to visit the same places.
  • Accommodations: Write about your accommodations, including any interesting details or experiences you had there.
  • Write about the people you meet: Describe the locals, fellow travelers, and any interesting characters you come across. Note any conversations or interactions you have with them.
  • Reflect on your growth: Traveling can be a transformative experience, and writing about the ways in which you’ve grown and changed can be a powerful exercise in self-reflection.
  • Budget and expenses: Keep track of your expenses and budget, including any unexpected costs or money-saving tips.
  • Memorable moments: Jot down any particularly memorable moments from your trip, including those that took you by surprise or left a lasting impression on you.
  • Challenges and triumphs: Write about any challenges you faced during your trip, and how you overcame them. Celebrate your triumphs, big and small, and the sense of accomplishment they brought.
  • Sights, sounds, and smells: Use all your senses to describe the places you visit. Write about the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that make each destination unique
  • Overall impressions: Sum up your overall impressions of each place you visit, including what you liked, what you didn’t like, and what surprised you the most.

an example of a digital travel journal on the Day One app

13 Tips for Keeping a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal can be a great way to document your experiences and memories from your travels. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Find a travel journal that suits your needs.

When choosing a travel journal, consider not only the size and weight but also the durability of the journal. If you plan to carry it with you all the time, it’s best to choose one that can withstand wear and tear. Additionally, think about whether you want a plain notebook or one with prompts and questions to guide your writing. Some journals may have pre-designed sections for you to fill in with information about the places you visit, what you did there, and what you learned.

2. Consider a journal app with travel journal features.

Using a travel journal app like Day One is an excellent way to capture your travel experiences conveniently. You can quickly jot down notes, take pictures, and record your thoughts and feelings, even if you don’t have your physical journal with you. The app’s Map View is especially useful, as it allows you to see where you’ve been and what you’ve done in each location. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally and plan to limit your data usage, Day One will store your entries and uploads locally on your device until you connect to WiFi.

A woman uses a travel journal app while traveling.

3. Decide on your travel journaling style.

When deciding on your travel journaling style, consider what you want to focus on. Do you want to describe the places you visit in detail, or do you want to focus more on your thoughts and emotions during your travels? Writing daily entries can be a great way to capture everything that happens, but if you prefer to write less frequently, consider making notes of significant events or experiences.

4. Set a journaling goal.

Setting a goal for your travel journal can give you a sense of direction and purpose while writing. Your goal could be as simple as writing in your journal every day during your trip, or more specific, such as recording a unique experience or learning something new about the culture of the places you visit. Create a list of goals before you begin your travels so you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your journal.

5. Slow down.

When traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new sights and experiences. However, taking the time to slow down and observe your surroundings can help you appreciate the small things that you might otherwise miss. Take a moment to sit down and watch the world go by, or go for a leisurely stroll to take in your surroundings.

6. Include as many details as possible.

Include details such as the names of the places you visit, the foods you eat, and the people you meet. The more specific and detailed your writing is, the more vividly you’ll be able to recall your experiences later.

7. Use your senses.

Using your senses is a powerful way to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Try to pay attention to the smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the places you visit. Describe the scent of a local market, the sound of a street musician, or the texture of a historic building’s walls. Using your senses to describe your experiences can help bring your travel journal to life.

8. Ask questions.

Asking questions can be an excellent way to learn more about the places you visit. Locals and tour guides can provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the places you’re exploring. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on things to see and do, or for tips on where to find the best local cuisine.

travel journal prompts for students

9. Stay in the present moment.

When you travel, it’s easy to get caught up in planning, taking photos, and checking items off your bucket list. However, it’s important to take the time to slow down and appreciate the present moment. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your senses, noticing the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes around you. Take time to observe the people you meet and the interactions you have with them. Engage with the local culture and try to understand their way of life.

10. Take photos and videos.

Taking photos and videos can be a great way to capture details that you may not be able to describe in words. Use your camera or phone to snap pictures of interesting sights, people, and places. These photos and videos can provide valuable inspiration when you’re writing in your travel journal later.

11. Stay curious.

Staying curious while traveling means keeping an open mind and embracing the unknown. Try new things, explore new places, and take risks. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar, whether that’s trying new foods or engaging in new activities. Keeping a sense of curiosity can inspire your writing and help you capture unique experiences that you may have otherwise missed.

12. Keep your journal safe.

Your travel journal is a precious record of your travels and experiences, whether it’s in a physical or digital format. Consider investing in a sturdy, waterproof journal or storing your journal in a plastic bag or waterproof cover to protect it from moisture. It’s also a good idea to keep your journal in a safe place when you’re not using it, such as a backpack or hotel safe. Consider making a backup copy of your digital travel journal, whether it’s on your phone, tablet, or laptop. For example, the Day One app offers secure cloud-based backups and file exports. Additionally, you can encrypt your digital journal to protect it from unauthorized access. This way, you can ensure that your journal is safe and secure, and you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your memories are protected.

13. Make it fun.

Remember that travel journaling should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Use your journal as a creative outlet to express yourself and capture your unique perspective on the world. Experiment with different writing styles and formats, such as poetry, short stories, or essays. You could also include sketches, paintings, or other visual art to enhance your journal entries. And most importantly, don’t worry too much about making your writing perfect or adhering to a strict structure. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of documenting your travels in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling to you.

a woman sits on a bridge with her travel journal

20+ Travel Journaling Ideas

A travel journal is a fantastic way to capture memories, thoughts, and experiences from your trips. To get started, here are some creative travel journal ideas to help you get started with travel journaling:

1. Record your itinerary and travel plan.

Record your trip itinerary, including transportation details, accommodations, and planned activities.

2. Organize your packing list.

Create a packing list for your trip and reflect on what items were useful and which ones you could have left behind.

3. Create a bucket list.

Create a bucket list of activities or experiences you want to have during your trip, and check them off as you complete them.

4. Recap each day.

Write about your daily experiences, such as the places you visit, the people you meet, and the local cuisine you try.

5. Use journal prompts.

Using journal prompts can be a helpful way to spark creativity and reflection in your travel journal. Choose a travel journal prompt below that resonates with you and write freely without worrying too much about structure or perfection.

travel journal prompts for students

6. Sketch and doodle.

Illustrate your memories with drawings of the landscapes, architecture, and other interesting sights.

7. Capture quotes and phrases.

Jot down memorable quotes from locals or interesting phrases you learn in the local language.

8. Include your favorite travel photos.

Include photographs of your favorite moments, places, and experiences from your trip.

A woman looks at a map while traveling

9. Collect ticket stubs and mementos.

Attach ticket stubs, maps, postcards, brochures, or other small mementos to help you remember your trip. If you prefer to go the digital route, scan items or take a photo of these items.

10. Write about your feelings.

Traveling can be an emotional experience, and writing about your feelings can be a cathartic and introspective exercise. Reflect on how the trip is making you feel and what emotions are arising.

12. Go deeper by reflecting.

Write about your personal growth and what you’ve learned during your travels. Reflect on how your travels have impacted you, whether it’s a new perspective on a cultural issue, a realization about yourself, or an enhanced sense of empathy and understanding. Think about the ways in which your travels have shaped your worldview and how you can apply these lessons to your life back home.

13. Express your gratitude.

Express gratitude for the experiences you’ve had and the people you’ve met along the way.

travel journal prompts for students

14. Keep a food diary.

Record the local dishes you’ve tried, including their names, ingredients, and your thoughts about them during your trip.

15. Add notes on culture and customs.

Describe the local culture, traditions, and customs that you encountered and found fascinating.

16. Write about your travel challenges.

Write about any challenges you faced during your trip and how you overcame them.

17. Include maps and routes.

Trace your travel route on a map, or draw your own maps to remember the places you’ve visited.

A photo of a person used in a travel journal.

18. Write about the people you meet.

Traveling provides opportunities to meet new people and learn about their lives. Use your journal to document these interactions and what you’ve learned from them.

19. Use poetry and creative writing.

Use your travel experiences as inspiration for poems, short stories, or other creative writing exercises.

20. Keep track of your budget and expenses.

Document your travel expenses to help you plan better for future trips, or to help stay on track with your budget.

20. Include ratings and reviews.

Rate and review accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and other experiences to help you remember the highlights of your trip.

21. Make a travel wishlist.

Write a list of destinations you’d like to visit and why they appeal to you.

22. Plan for a post-trip recap.

After returning home, reflect on your trip as a whole, including your favorite moments, any personal growth, and what you’ll take away from your journey.

23. Print your digital travel journal.

Having a physical copy of your travel journal can provide a tangible reminder of your travels and serve as a cherished keepsake for years to come. By printing your travel journal, you can create a physical record of your adventures that you can hold in your hands and share with others. It can be a meaningful way to preserve your memories and reflect on your journey, long after your travels have ended.

A woman reflects on the scene while traveling

50 Travel Journal Prompts to Try

Still not sure what to write about in your travel journal? Journal prompts are a great way to spark your creativity and dive deeper into your travel experiences.

These travel journal prompts are designed help you capture the essence of your trip, and encourage introspection before, during, and after your adventure. So, whether you’re exploring new cultures, savoring local cuisine, or simply taking in breathtaking landscapes, let journal prompts guide your writing, enrich your narrative, and ultimately, help you create a captivating and memorable travel journal.

Journal Prompts For Before You Leave

Preparing for a trip can be just as exciting as the trip itself. Before you head out, consider using journal prompts to help you focus your thoughts and prepare for the adventures ahead. The following travel journal prompts can help you dig deeper into your travel expectations, identify potential challenges, and set meaningful goals for your journey. By reflecting on these prompts, you can better prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the exciting journey that lies ahead.

  • What are my expectations for this trip? What do I hope to gain from it?
  • What are the places I want to visit and why are they important to me?
  • What am I most looking forward to experiencing on this trip?
  • How do I think this trip will change me?
  • What are my travel goals, both short-term and long-term?
  • Can I describe my travel companions (if any) and why I chose to travel with them?
  • How am I preparing for my trip (mentally, physically, logistically)?
  • What are my top three fears or concerns about the trip?
  • How will I react if the trip takes an unexpected turn?
  • What am I most looking forward to about this trip?
  • How do I plan to challenge myself during this trip?
  • What role do I hope this trip will play in my personal growth and development?
  • What specific moments or experiences do I hope to capture in my travel journal or through photography?
  • How do I plan to stay open-minded and present during my trip? What steps can I take to cultivate this mindset?

A woman stops to write about a view in her travel journal

Journal Prompts For While You’re Traveling

While traveling, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and forget to take time to reflect on your experiences. By using travel journal prompts to capture your thoughts and observations during your trip, you can deepen your connection to the places you visit and the people you meet. The following prompts are designed to help you stay present and engaged during your travels, and to encourage you to take a closer look at the world around you. Reflect on these travel journal prompts to create a meaningful record of your journey.

  • How did I feel when I arrived at my destination? What were my first impressions?
  • What was the most memorable moment of my day?
  • What beautiful or interesting sight did I encounter today?
  • What new foods did I try and how did they taste?
  • How would I describe the atmosphere of a specific location I visited today (e.g. café, beach, market)?
  • How have the locals treated me and what are my experiences interacting with them?
  • What was a conversation I had with a local or fellow traveler?
  • What cultural differences or similarities have I noticed during my trip?
  • Can I describe a piece of art, architecture, or natural wonder that left an impression on me?
  • What local tradition, festival, or event have I witnessed or participated in?
  • How is my trip living up to my expectations so far?
  • What were some unexpected challenges I have faced during my trip so far?
  • Can I share an act of kindness I’ve experienced or observed during my trip?
  • What was a moment when I felt outside my comfort zone and what did I learn from it?
  • What’s a funny or embarrassing moment that has happened during my trip?
  • What has been my favorite and least favorite aspects of the destination(s) so far?
  • How has my perception of the world changed during my trip?
  • Who is an inspiring person I’ve met on this trip and what is their story?
  • What new skills or knowledge have I gained on this trip?
  • If I could give advice to someone visiting the same destination(s), what would it be?

A man packs to return home after a trip with his travel journal

Journal Prompts For After You Arrive Home

Returning home after a journey can be bittersweet. While you may be happy to be back in familiar surroundings, it’s also common to experience a sense of loss or nostalgia for the experiences you had while traveling. These travel journal prompts can help you reflect on your journey after you’re home, so you can continue to process your experiences and keep the memories alive. The following prompts are designed to help you unpack your thoughts and feelings about your trip, to identify the ways in which it has changed you, and to set goals for future travel. By reflecting on these prompts, you can continue to grow and learn from your travel experiences long after the journey has ended.

  • What will I remember most about my trip experience?
  • What was the biggest highlight of the trip?
  • What is a food or drink that I tried during my trip that I still think about?
  • What moment from my trip challenged me in a significant way?
  • What did I learn about myself during this trip?
  • How has my trip influenced my perspective on life and my priorities?
  • What souvenirs or momentos did I collect on this trip? What were their significance?
  • What was my favorite photo of the trip? What is the story behind it?
  • What was my favorite destination on my trip? Why?
  • What was the most valuable lesson I learned from this trip?
  • How have my travel goals changed after this trip?
  • What aspects of the local culture would I like to incorporate into my daily life?
  • What places would I I want to visit in the future?
  • What was a place or experience that I wish I had more time to explore?
  • How has my trip influenced my outlook on the world and my place in it?
  • How did my trip impact my sense of identity? Did I discover anything new about myself?

Wrapping Up: Your Travel Journal Awaits Your Next Adventure

Travel journaling is a fun way to preserve your memories, foster personal growth, and enhance your travel experiences. With the travel journal tips, prompts, and ideas we’ve shared in this post, we hope you now feel well-equipped to embark on your own travel journaling journey. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to capture your adventures—the most important aspect is to embrace the process, stay curious, and allow your unique voice to shine through. So, grab your journal, explore the world, and let your creative spirit soar as you document the unforgettable moments, the hidden gems, and the personal discoveries that make each journey truly yours. Happy travels and happy journaling!

About the Author

Kristen Webb Wright is the author of three books on journaling. With a passion for writing and self-reflection, Kristen uses her experience with journaling to help others discover the benefits of documenting their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In her role at Day One, she helps to promote the power of journaling so people from all walks of life can experience the transformative power of journaling.

travel journal prompts for students

Day One: The Ultimate App for Adventurers

Discover the simplicity and convenience of Day One, the ultimate travel journal app for every globetrotter. Instantly record your thoughts, take photos, and preserve memories, even when your physical journal isn’t within reach. Download the Day One app today to begin chronicling your journey.

Share this:

Capture life’s moments, anytime, anywhere..

Download the free Day One journal app for free on iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Or access your Day One Journal from any browser.

flatlay of a traditional travel journal ideas with a coffee and flowers

33 Terrific Travel Journal Ideas, Tips + Prompts!

Looking for the best travel journal ideas to help you remember your next trip–plus some prompts to help you think of what to write?

You’ve come to the right place!

As a lifelong lover of both journaling and travel, I have experimented with all kinds of travel journals over the years, ranging from the time-consuming to the simple, from the unique to the very basic.

I absolutely love the travel journaling system that I use now (more on that below), but depending on your habits and writing style, there is no limit to the number of ways to preserve your travel memories on the written page.

person writing in one of the best travel journals with photos and a cup of tea spread out next to them

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

This guide to travel journal ideas and prompts covers everything from the physical kind of travel diary to use, to tips on journaling effectively, to travel journaling prompts to help you get your writing started.

Remember, though, that the #1 rule of travel journaling is that there are no rules!

Anything that helps you preserve the intense memories of your travel experiences counts.

That being said: here are some of the best travel journal ideas out there!

Table of Contents

Terrific Travel Journal Ideas

Travel journaling tips, inspiring travel journal prompts, planning a trip.

Kate Storm in a blue skirt standing in front of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. She's looking away from the camera.

While there are plenty of beautiful travel journals on the market, don’t feel like you need one to keep a memorable travel diary!

I’ve kept travel journals in everything from a $0.99 composition notebook to elaborate leather-bound notebooks to the Notes app in my phone, and I can confidently say that the best travel journals come from the heart–the physical place you put them is the least important function.

That being said, if you are looking for beautiful travel journal examples, I highly recommend these!

View from Santa Maddalena Church near Bolzano Italy, as seen during an amazing Italy road trip

One Line a Day Journal

This is my current favorite travel journaling system, and I’ve been using it for nearly 5 years now!

Here’s the format: each page in this diary has a date at the top (say, August 17), and 5 small sections to write 1-2 sentences below it.

For 5 years, keep a daily journal of a memorable moment, and at the end, you’ll be able to look back and, on a single page, see what you did on all your August 17ths.

While this isn’t specifically a travel journal, I absolutely adore using it as one: the tracking of time through both days and years simultaneously is incredible, and the short time commitment is perfect for my lifestyle that already includes lots of writing.

I do still try to keep a long-form travel journal once a week or so, too, but I love my One Line a Day Journal so much that I recently bought two more, just to ensure I have the next decade covered if they stop making them!

one line a day journal being held up in front of greenery, one of the best travel journal ideas

Page A Day Travel Journal

Looking for something formatted for you, but with more of a travel theme and more of a long-form approach?

The Page A Day Travel Journal is perfect for that!

In addition to space to write about your day, there are spaces to note your destination and event the weather.

woman sitting in a cafe with coffee writing in a travel diary

Classic Leather-Bound Journal

What reading-and-writing nerd among us hasn’t dreamed of owning a leather-bound journal to track their travels in?

I have always enjoyed this journal style and have owned a few in my life!

There are tons of similar ones on the market these days, given how popular they are, but I love the compass detail and great reviews on this one .

leather bound travel diary with a compass on the front

Postcards To Yourself

Looking for more unique travel journal ideas?

Consider sending postcards to yourself from the road!

In many destinations, you can mail yourself (or someone else) a postcard right from the souvenir shop where you purchase it–so bring a pen along, write some quick thoughts about your day, and drop it in the mail.

By the time you get home, you’ll have a collection of memories delivered right to your front door that you can save forever.

The Ultimate Packing List for Italy: postcards from Lucca

Travel Checklist Journal

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to make sure they don’t forget a thing, the Travel Checklist Journal is the perfect choice!

With daily prompts covering everything from the restaurants you ate at that day to your most memorable moment of the day, it’s an in-depth log of your adventures.

I’ll be honest: I could never keep up with this much travel journaling on a daily basis.

But, some people absolutely can!

If you find yourself not sure what to put in some sections, though, don’t worry about it–better to skip a prompt than make your journal feel like work instead of fun.

beautiful travel journaling prompt space with tulips in a vase

Bullet Journal

A classic bullet journal like this makes a fantastic travel journal idea!

In addition to writing, consider including drawings, hand-drawn maps, charts, and more.

Standard Notebook

You don’t need anything fancy to keep a beautiful, memorable travel journal!

Anything from a simple composition notebook to the back of a receipt will do in a pinch, and I would never recommend putting off writing because you don’t have the “perfect” vessel to store your memories in.

If you’re looking for a fairly standard, lined notebook that is durable without including much formatting to get in the way of your creativity, though, I love these notebooks .

I’ve owned them in various colors and designs for years, going out of my way to replace my old ones with the same brand when they get full.

Photo of a Macbook Pro, a notebook with mountains on the cover, and a red pen. A copy of Moon New York City is laying on top of them--use this to find some of the best things to do in MIdtown NYC!

Buy one on the road!

While I definitely recommend keeping a travel journal from hour one (airports and train stations are great places to write!), there’s also something special about buying a diary on the road.

If you find a journal you love while you’re traveling, consider picking it up and journaling there from then on.

pile of travel journal ideas in a market

On Your Computer or Phone

I’ll admit, I’m very biased toward analog travel diary ideas–it’s just my style!

But if you prefer typing to writing, or you just don’t want the hassle of carrying a physical journal on the road, you can easily keep a detailed travel journal on your phone or laptop!

Evernote is a fantastic app for journaling on your phone, though a basic Notes app works fine too.

A Word document or Google Doc can work as well.

Alternatively, you can type and send emails to yourself and store them in a certain folder in your inbox!

jeremy storm working on a macbook on a train in italy, combining work and traveling

There is no wrong way to keep a travel journal–whatever works for you, is more than fine.

That being said, based on my personal experience of keeping travel journals over the years, here’s my best advice for preserving your memories!

inspirational spread travel journal prompts and postcards with notebook in the center

Try to write as often as possible.

Here’s the sad truth: you will forget much of your vacation.

Even if you remember the basics such as where you went, what you did, and who you were with, the passing years will steal the sensory details from your memory, jumble the order of events, and soften the edges of your stories, making it hard to recapture the emotions of your travel experience.

While some of that is the inevitable result of living a full, exciting life packed with beautiful memories, a travel journal can absolutely help preserve those experiences for you for decades to come.

The period of time that I was worst at keeping a travel journal– the first year of our full-time travels –is also the one where memories have faded the most.

It’s my #1 travel regret that I didn’t keep a detailed travel journal that year!

kate storm overlooking the bay of san juan del sur nicaragua

Imperfection is better than procrastination.

Don’t have time to write pages and pages?

Can’t find the right words to capture exactly how you felt seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time?

Don’t worry about it: a couple of sentences jotted down that afternoon while waiting for your coffee to arrive will capture your emotions far better than waiting weeks to find the right words.

flat lay of a travel diary with a map and coffee cup

Write what you can’t see.

Photographs and videos can do a lot to preserve visual and even auditory memory–but they can’t capture scents, or the feeling of the humidity lingering in the air, or how soft the dog you stopped to pet was, or the expression on the waiter’s face as you managed to order lunch in a language that you barely speak.

These kinds of recollections, paired with photos and videos, are invaluable for helping place you back in that moment of travel, even years after it has passed.

How to Ethically Visit Elephants in Thailand

You don’t have to be a “good” writer.

Forget the English essays of your youth: whether you consider yourself a skilled writer or not, you can absolutely keep the world’s most perfect travel journal for yourself.

Because travel journaling is nothing but a conversation with your memory, and you know exactly how to talk to yourself!

It doesn’t matter if you wouldn’t want to publish it as a memoir or that other people wouldn’t understand what you’re trying to say, because you’re the only audience!

Trust me, as a professional writer of sorts, the things that I write publicly–even in more personal blog posts like this –are not nearly as unguarded as the conversations I have with myself when preserving my own travel memories.

kate storm standing on top of a staircase of books at libreria acqua alta venice italy

Don’t edit yourself.

This goes somewhat with what I wrote about being a “good” writer, but it’s a solid tip for travel journaling even if you’re a very confident one.

Each of us sees the world in a completely unique way and will use entirely different experiences and criteria to jog our memories.

If none of the travel journal prompts in this blog post speak to you, ignore them.

Write about literally anything you like–anything that speaks to how you experienced your day.

The uniqueness of how we each see the world is never more obvious to me than when I compare the things that Jeremy writes in his travel journal to what I write in mine–many times, we each remember things that the other person didn’t even notice!

person writing travel journal examples in a notebook with laptop open

Save more than words.

Ticket stubs, brochures, boarding passes, postcards, even foreign currency–anything small and tactile that you can tuck into your travel journal is a fantastic addition.

If you print out any photos along the way or purchase any of the cheesy-but-fun souvenir photos for sale around the world, those can be great components of a travel diary, too.

Full maps are often too big to save in a traditional travel journal, but you can save them separately–or cut out your favorite section(s) and place them in your journal!

Kate Storm in a black coat standing on a brick footbridge in Brugesduring a trip to Belgium

Sadly, the ink on receipts tends to fade within a couple of years, but you can try storing a few memorable ones for a while as well.

Depending on your travel journaling style and how much you collect, you may want to tape these extra items to individual pages or keep them tucked into a separate pouch (cheap and fun cloth zip pouches can be found at souvenir markets across the world–maybe you can buy one along the way!).

For something more fun than basic tape, buy a few souvenir stickers along the way and use those to secure your mementos to the page!

Second Trip to Paris: Books on Banks of the Seine

Avoid spiral notebooks.

If you want a very inexpensive place to save your memories, opt for a composition notebook over a spiral one–trust me.

Between the spirals being pulled out of place from being moved around so much during your adventures to the fact that they’ll scratch up anything they’re stored near (like your laptop, for example), they’re just not worth the trouble.

I learned this lesson the hard way and will never use a spiral notebook (without a cover, that is) for anything while traveling again!

young woman writing travel writing prompts in the mountains

Always keep your travel journal in your carry-on.

I’ll admit, I’ve broken this rule before, but it’s terrifying checking your travel journal–especially when, like my current one, it contains years worth of irreplaceable memories.

Much better to keep careful watch over it in your carry-on/hand luggage!

Kate Storm wearing a brown coat and blue backpack, looking up at a departures board in an airport. Her purse holds some of her long haul flight essentials!

Wondering what exactly to write down in your travel diary?

These travel journal writing prompts will get you started!

Choose any of these travel journal topic examples from below and expand upon it in detail, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself jotting down details of memories that would otherwise be lost to time.

As always, the point of travel writing prompts like this isn’t to limit what you write–it’s to provide a jumping-off point.

If you find yourself veering off in a different direction after a few sentences, just roll with it!

woman writing a travel diary using travel journal prompts at a table with coffee and flowers

What did you do today that you’ve never done before?

Make a list of everything you bought today, from food items to metro tickets.

Describe the most memorable person you interacted with today.

What was your favorite thing you ate today?

Full Irish breakfast served in Dublin, one of the best things to try when looking for the best food in Ireland

What new thing did you learn today? How did you learn it?

Describe your morning routine in detail: what was different from home?

What was your most memorable form of transport today?

What animals did you see or interact with today?

ranger storm sitting in a square in savannah georgia

What was the weather like? How did it impact your day?

What were you wearing today? How did it impact your day?

Did you use any words in a language you don’t speak today? What were they?

What’s the big news where you are right now? Is it the same as at home?

Jeremy Storm climbing a pyramid at the Becan Ruins in Mexico, wearing a black t shirt and pulling on a rope for support

What’s the funniest thing that happened today?

What’s the most memorable thing that you physically touched today?

What did you eat for breakfast?

Look up, and describe everything that you see in detail.

kate storm standing in front of 3 blue domes on Santorini, Honeymoon in Santorini

If you took a tour: describe your tour guide, including their name!

What did you do today that you didn’t expect to do before your trip?

What’s an interesting story or legend from your destination?

Describe your route from where you’re staying to your first destination of the day.

One Day in Paris: Metro Sign

What’s your favorite word to say in the language of your destination?

What was your least favorite moment of the day?

What was the most surprising thing you saw today?

What interesting conversation did you overhear today?

cozy cafe with coffee and a leather chair in iceland, a great place to try out travel journal prompts and other travel journal ideas

None of these travel journal ideas or prompts speak to you?

Have something different in mind?

There’s no wrong way to keep a travel diary–whatever feels right when you’re on the road, that’s the best travel journal for you.

Subscribe to our newsletter to follow along with our travels and to receive tips and new content via email!

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

two photos of travel journal examples, black and red text on a white background reads "33 travle journal ideas and prompts"

About Kate Storm

Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

1 thought on “33 Terrific Travel Journal Ideas, Tips + Prompts!”

Thanks for posting this up , this is a very informative article surely.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

80 Travel Journal Prompts

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys. Whether you’re wandering through a bustling city, lounging on a sunny beach, or trekking across stunning landscapes, each trip brings its own set of unique moments.

There’s something special about leaving your everyday life to explore new places, meet different people, and try new foods. It’s like a bit of adventure every time you go somewhere.

That’s why I’ve put together a collection of travel journal prompts. These are designed to help you capture and cherish the memorable stories and experiences that each journey offers.

Ready to make your next trip unforgettable? Let’s start writing those memories down!

Table of Contents

Pre-Travel Reflection

Post-travel reflections, daily travel logs, personal reflections, challenges during the travel, cultural insights, food and culinary experiences, final thoughts.

  • List three hopes you have for this trip.
  • What inspired you to choose this destination?
  • How do you think this trip will differ from your previous ones?
  • What local foods are you excited to try, and why?
  • Describe your perfect day in your upcoming destination.
  • What are your travel essentials, and why do you choose them?
  • How do you feel as you prepare for this trip? Are you nervous or excited?
  • What do you hope to learn from the culture you will be visiting?
  • What travel advice have you received that you plan to follow?
  • What are three challenges you anticipate facing?

Travel Journal Prompts: Pre-Travel Reflection

  • What did this trip teach you about yourself?
  • Describe the most memorable meal of your trip.
  • Which day of your trip would you live over again?
  • How has your perception of the place changed now that you have visited?
  • What were the top three moments of this trip?
  • If you could bring one aspect of the visited culture to your home, what would it be?
  • What was the biggest surprise of the trip?
  • Write about a person you met. How did they impact your experience?
  • What did you miss about home during your trip?
  • Which place would you recommend to a friend, and why?
  • Reflect on a moment you felt out of your comfort zone. What did you learn?
  • What was the funniest or most embarrassing moment of your trip?
  • How did your experiences match your expectations?
  • Describe a moment of unexpected kindness or hospitality.
  • What insights have you gained about your next adventure?

Travel Journal Prompts: Post-Travel Reflections

  • Describe what you saw, heard, and smelled today.
  • Who did you meet today, and what did you learn from them?
  • “The best part of today was…”
  • List three new things you experienced today.
  • Reflect on a challenge you faced today and how you handled it.
  • How did you feel during today’s adventures?
  • What new places did you explore today?
  • Write about a moment that made you smile today.
  • What did you see today that you had never seen before?
  • How did the weather affect your activities today?
  • What was the best food you tried today?
  • How did you feel at the start of the day vs. the end of the day?
  • Document a moment today that took your breath away.
  • How did you navigate any language barriers or cultural differences today?
  • How would you summarize today in a single sentence?

Travel Journal Prompts: Daily Travel Logs

  • In what ways have you grown as a person during this trip?
  • “This trip has taught me that I am…”
  • What has been the most rewarding part of this travel experience?
  • Reflect on a moment when you felt completely at peace. Where were you, and what were you doing?
  • What fears did you face on this trip, and how did you overcome them?
  • How has this journey changed your perspective on life?
  • Write about a time you felt truly happy during this trip.
  • What personal qualities did you discover about yourself while traveling?
  • What was a myth about your destination that was debunked through your experience?
  • Describe a decision you made on this trip that you are proud of.

Travel Journal Prompts: Personal Reflections

  • Describe a travel mishap and how you handled it.
  • Discuss a time when things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it.
  • Describe a moment when you felt out of your comfort zone.
  • What was your biggest frustration during the trip, and how did you deal with it?
  • Reflect on a cultural misunderstanding and how it was resolved.
  • What was the most difficult day of your trip and why?
  • How did you navigate unfamiliar public transportation systems?
  • Discuss a challenge you faced with lodging or accommodations.
  • How did you deal with feeling out of place or conspicuous?
  • What travel skills have you developed as a result of this trip?

Travel Journal Prompts: Challenges During the Travel

  • What cultural practice did you find most fascinating?
  • How did engaging with local traditions enhance your travel experience?
  • What differences in daily life did you observe, and what did they teach you?
  • Write about a cultural festival or event you attended. What was it like?
  • What did you learn about the history of the place that surprised you?
  • Describe a local legend or folklore that intrigued you.
  • How did you adapt to local customs and etiquette?
  • What did you find most challenging about the local culture?
  • Discuss the role of religion or spirituality in the culture you visited.
  • What was a piece of wisdom shared by someone you met that has stuck with you?

Travel Journal Prompts: Cultural Insights

  • What was the most memorable meal you had, and why?
  • Describe the flavors and textures of a dish you tried.
  • “The most surprising food I tasted was…”
  • List three new foods you discovered on your trip.
  • Reflect on how the local cuisine reflects the culture.
  • What food experiences did you find most enjoyable?
  • Describe a meal that made you feel at home.
  • How did the food you tried differ from what you usually eat?
  • Reflect on a dish that challenged your palate.
  • How did trying new foods enhance your travel experience?

Travel Journal Prompts: Food and Culinary Experiences

Traveling is an amazing way to learn about the world and yourself. Keeping a journal helps you remember these special moments and reflect on your experiences. It’s a simple way to make your trips even more meaningful.

I hope these travel journal prompts inspire you to write about your adventures. Whether it’s a funny mishap, a breathtaking view, or a quiet moment of reflection, these stories add up to the beautiful mosaic of your travels.

Believe me, years from now, flipping through these pages will bring back those wonderful feelings and sights as if you were there all over again. Safe travels and happy journaling!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Share it on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Photo of author

Clariza Carizal, RPm

Clariza is a passionate writer and editor who firmly believes that words have great power. She has a degree in BS Psychology, which gives her an in-depth understanding of the complexities of human behavior. As a woman of science and art, she fused her love for both fields in crafting insightful articles on lifestyle, mental health, and social justice to inspire others and advocate for change.

In her leisure time, you can find her sitting in the corner of her favorite coffee shop downtown, deeply immersed in her bubble of thoughts. Being an art enthusiast that she is, she finds bliss in exploring the rich world of fiction writing and diverse art forms.

  • Trivia Quizzes
  • Memory Games
  • Spot the Differences
  • Sliding Puzzles

Artjournalist

101 Travel Journal Ideas: Page Examples, Inspiration & Prompts

Use these 101 travel journal ideas as prompts and inspiration to fill your travel journal no matter where your next adventure might be.

101 travel journal ideas

These 101 Travel Journal ideas will help you fill up a notebook of all sorts of adventures – whether it’s an exotic voyage or the everyday journey in life. 

And of course, please, please, please DO NOT feel like you have to do every single thing I put on this list – especially all in one journal. {That would be one awfully big, heavy book to lug around!} 

Whether you’re off to a grand exotic adventure, dreaming of places you want to go or maybe just enjoying a stay-cation and local points of interest, I hope you will find this post of travel journal ideas inspiring to document your next creative adventure.

101 Travel Journal Ideas: What to Put in a Traveler’s Notebook

1. start with a map.

travel journal prompts for students

Maps are always great in a journal. You can paste or tape them in or even make pockets and envelopes with them. Drawing maps can be a lot of fun also.

There are also a lot of ways to get maps:

  • Google Maps: You could even print out a satellite/street view version or the directions.
  • Maps Category on Wikimedia Commons : Lots of great free maps you can download and print out.
  • Old Books & Atlases: If you have an old set of encyclopedias that’s way outdated and not of collector value, there are likely a lot of great maps to use in your journals. I love finding an old atlas at the thrift store or book sales.
  • Marketing Maps: Many welcome centers, tourist agencies and travel rest stops have all sorts of maps available in marketing brochures. 

Staying local? Why not make a map of where you live? It could be your neighborhood, the backyard or even your kitchen. Doodles and sketches are perfectly 100% awesome here.

Another idea is to cut out shapes from old outdated maps you have. I sometimes buy old atlases and books with maps just for this purpose! These hearts shown below were cut out using a heart shaped punch similar to this one on Amazon .

travel journal prompts for students

I love scrapbook punches for so many different things in my art journals – you don’t even need that many of them and you can get perfect cut-outs anytime. These are great to make in advance before you travel somewhere – and you can get all sorts of different shapes! Circles, tags, you name it.

SICOHOME Paper Punches,Pack of 3,Heart,Circle,Star

2. Can’t Decide Where to Go? Make a Mind Map

travel journal prompts for students

As creative people, making plans and staying organized is sometimes a challenge. I know when I go anywhere it sometimes feels overwhelming to keep track of all the details or even just decide what I want to do. Sometimes I don’t even know where I want to go or what I want to do. 

Mind Maps are great for easily mapping out ideas, dreams, plans, thoughts – especially if you’re not sure how to really organize them. You can draw them out on paper or even use mindmap software to create one you like and then print out and decorate.

Sometimes just making a mind map of an ordinary place can be fun – this mindmap of things to do in Ohio actually makes me excited to go there this summer. {Living next door in PA sometimes causes me to take all the neat things to explore in Ohio for granted.}

Even if you’re only going as far as your imagination, a mind map is a great way to explore all sorts of different ideas and concepts.

3. Packing List & Trip Prep

If you are using your travel journal as part planner, part journal, making a packing list and a to-do list before leaving is a great idea.

This is not only practical, as it will hopefully help you remember everything, but it can also help document some of the excitement and anticipation for the trip before you even arrive at your destination.

4. What’s In Your Bag?

While similar to a packing list, it can sometimes be fun to either snap a quick photo or sketch and doodle a picture of your suitcase and bags.

This can also be a fun way to document different day trips – it’s always interesting to see what sorts of things you consider essential to carry with you – especially if you find yourself looking back 5 – 10 years later. I am still in awe that fanny packs are coming back in style . 

5. Make a Bucket List

A bucket list is a list of all the things you want to do. Maybe this is a list for while you are at a specific location for a period of time – or this could even be a list of all the different places you want to visit during your lifetime.

Some of the examples of things you could create for a bucket list:

  • Places you want to go
  • Region Specific Foods you want to try
  • Things you want to do
  • People you hope to see 

6. Found Things: Collecting Ephemera & Other Treasures

Lately I’ve been keeping my eyes on the ground whenever we go places. I’ve found all sorts of very interesting things by keeping my eyes and my head open to finding stuff at random.

I’ve found old coins and pennies, tokens, dropped business cards – all sorts of interesting stuff. A lot of times people may think this stuff is just trash, but if it’s flat enough it can fit into a journal and a great way to document things you’ve encountered while out exploring the world. You never know what you might find on a sidewalk.

7. Save Those Receipts

Receipts are a great way to keep track of different things you do and need during your trip. Maybe you need a special airline approved travel bag you buy before the trip, or it’s the receipt for lunch at that adorable sea-side cafe you stumbled across.

Usually these sorts of things also have geographic information printed on them, so it can make even the national/international chains a little more interesting.

I always joke that doesn’t matter where we go or how well I plan I usually end up at a Wal-mart buying supplies we forgot – but hey, at least it’s fun to see your Wal-mart receipt has a different city and state printed on it. 

8. Attach an Envelope or Pocket for Collecting & Storing Supplies 

travel journal prompts for students

Speaking of ephemera and found things, another great idea for things to include in your journal is an envelope you can use as storage. The pocket for collage supplies is one of my favorite things about Dylusions Art Journals – so handy for holding stuff!

Since most of my journals are either 7×10″ or 6×9″,  I like to use the 6×9″ mailing envelopes and glue them or tape them into my notebooks and journals to use as a pocket for holding stuff. They are great for fitting all sorts of paper scraps and other things you might find on the trip!

If you are like me and realize what a deal it is to buy 100 clasp envelopes on Amazon , you can use the envelopes to make many, many more junk journals and art journals in the future! 

Simple Stories 6x8-inch Page Protectors with (2) 4x6-inch Divided Pockets, 10-Pack

Beyond just envelopes, there are also a lot of other ways to display and store things inside of a journal, and one of the great things to use for this are the pocket page protectors often used in pocket scrapbooks.

If you are trying to keep things small and simple while traveling, Simple Stories is one brand with a wide variety of differently configured 6×8″ Pocket Page Protectors that can be a great way to hold and display items you might find in your adventures. Bonus : No glue stick needed. 

Field Artist Pro 12HP Urban Series - Complete Travel Watercolor Set with 12 Half pan Colors and Travel Brush, and a Classic Metal Field Box, All fits in Your Pocket!

9. Keep a Record/Log of Daily Events

I know sometimes when I actually DO go on a real vacation, I don’t always have time to keep track of everything we do. One good way to get around this, without necessarily having to write a whole lot or spend the day drawing and gluing things in the book is to keep a very simple log each day. 

This doesn’t have to be elaborate. Keep it simple – use the actual date or the day of the week and challenge yourself to j ust write one word for each day . This will help you remember details of the trip long after it happens. 

  • Monday – Beach
  • Tuesday – Friends
  • Wednesday – Museum

Keeping a log helps you remember things so that you can continue to fill the book up with memories and ephemera from the trip long after you return.

10. Method of Travel: Document Your Transportation

There are plenty of ways to get from one place to another. You can ride a bus, take a train, or fly up high in a fancy jet plane! 

Once you arrive at your destination, there can also be a lot of additional things to note about getting around town, especially if you are traveling somewhere that drives on opposite sides of the street or relies primarily on bicycles or scooters for transportation. 

All of these things make for great ideas for stuff to doodle, sketch, and write about!

11. Accommodations – Where Are You Sleeping?

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, airBNB, fancy resort or maybe your RV, there are plenty of things to document about where you are staying during the trip. 

Some ideas for ephemera might be brochures, print-outs of your reservation confirmation, map directions to the location. You can also always do a sketch of your room or view out the window. 

12. How’s the Weather?

travel journal prompts for students

Weather is one of those things that might be considered “small talk” but it’s also something I know can really influence what types of activities we do when we are on a trip.

We do a lot of camping – so if it’s warm and sunny, you’ll find us hiking, kayaking, and fishing. If it’s rainy, you might find us playing card games, visiting shops, or checking out area museums.

Sometimes bad weather can even make a trip more fun than expected – you might check out something new you ordinarily would have skipped, or maybe you will come home with a funny story of events.

You can record different weather events bullet journal style in your notebook or just draw different weather related symbols whenever you jot down any notes.

13. First Impressions – Any surprises?

Once you arrive at your destination, take a note of some of the things you notice right away or any different thoughts you might have about the trip there so far. This is especially a good idea if you are going somewhere completely new that is not like anything you have done before.

You might also want to take note of what expectations you had prior to leaving the trip – Is there anything that surprised you once you got there? Did you over estimate or under estimate what it might be like? Sometimes the anticipation before a trip can be much different than the actual reality once you get there!

14. Paint Backgrounds in Advance to Pack Less Art Supplies

Something I like to do in art journals when I’m traveling is to paint the pages before I go with acrylic paints I like to use. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate – maybe some simple stripes for writing on, or you can even use by block-by-block art journal technique to prep different page sections in advance.

This gives your pages a nice background and start for any type of journaling or doodles – and you don’t have the hassle of having to pack or carry around a whole lot of supplies. All you need from there is a couple of favorite pens and maybe a glue stick.

15. Try Watercolors for Compact & Portable Art Supplies

If you do want to paint while you are on your trip, a set of travel watercolors is a great option because they are generally very compact and easy to clean up and carry around – some pocket field sets could literally fit in your pocket and are smaller than most cell phones!

Watercolors are a great fun way to give your pages a little hint of color – and of course you can always use the opportunity to try out some new and different watercolor painting techniques !

16. Portrait Sketches

Meeting new people, or sometimes just seeing new people can be very inspiring to practice sketching different portrait drawing techniques. 

Portraits of new faces and people can be a great way to practice and hone in on your skills in drawing and painting faces – it can also serve as a springboard for additional art to make even when you return from the trip.

If the idea of sketching or painting a portrait makes you nervous, do not worry – there are lots of great resources to help you out here, like Mixed Media Portraits With Pam Carriker – Jane Davenport also has lots of great books such as this one which can be a wonderful resource to start with.

Drawing and Painting Beautiful Faces: A Mixed-Media Portrait Workshop

17. Draw & Sketch Landmarks

No matter where you go, there are sure to be landmarks. These can be great sources of inspiration for stories and drawing practice. 

Some landmarks are famous {such as The Statue of Liberty in NYC or The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City} – other landmarks are more of directional markers or might have personal significance to you. One example is a water tower we always look for when we drive past it on the highway.

18. Architecture

travel journal prompts for students

Wherever you find yourself, take some time to notice different architectural details such as windows, doors, gates, fences and roofs. Make a page inspired by the different things you see! This can be a detailed sketch or simply a whimsical doodle like the photo shown above.

19. Make a Cityscape

travel journal prompts for students

After you pay some attention to the different architectural details, it can be fun to incorporate this into cityscape art.

It can be a very fun challenge to recreate a drawing or doodle of the places you visit in your journals, and of course you can always combine these with other drawings or collage and ephemera.

Many of the Watercolor Doodle Cities here and other city-inspired paintings I make start from inspiration from real-life cities and towns I’ve visited.

20. Capture the Landscape

Sketching or painting the landscape can be a wonderful way to document all the beautiful views in nature. You can also photograph these scenes to inspire you to make more art when you get back home.

Maybe it’s an early morning sunrise or a field you drive past on the highway, the waves at the beach or even the way the mountains look in the distance.

21. Use Whatever You Can Find for Art Supplies  

I like to pack light when I’m traveling, and so that usually means sadly most of my art supplies have to stay at home. The good news is the lack of supplies can push you to try using everyday materials in creative ways.

For example, say you go out for tea – you can use the tea in your cup or a used tea bag to create tea stains on your papers. {Just be careful not to smear any ink from pens unless that is your desired effect!}

Over the years I’ve used all sorts of things to create with in my journal beyond traditional materials. A dandelion can often be used to get yellow coloring on paper – you could even use makeup like lipstick or eye shadow and blush on your pages.

22. Pay Attention to Special Events & Holidays

While you don’t need a special event or holiday as an excuse to explore the world, often times we do go places depending on the season and traditions we like to celebrate. 

If your journaling happens to fall around a certain holiday or you attend a special event in your adventures, there can be all sorts of seasonal things you can add onto your pages – hearts for Valentine’s Day, Flowers in the Spring, Pumpkins for Halloween, Christmas Decorations, etc.

23. Everybody Eats: Food is Never Ending Inspiration

There are some places I would visit again just with the sole purpose of eating amazing food. Food also makes for an endless source of things to put in your journal. You might not need to record every single meal or snack, but if you enjoy something good – make a note of it or use it as inspiration for art.

Another thing you can do, especially if you visit different countries is save food wrappers. Different languages, different wrappers – all these things can easily be added into your journal and will even help you remember what foods and restaurants you like if you should visit that place again.

24. Street Signs & Names

As someone who loves all things words, letters and numbers, I can’t help but feel gravitated towards interesting signs we see in different places. These can be great starting points for drawings, sketches or even things to photograph and add to your pages at a later time.

25. Read any good books?

travel journal prompts for students

Sometimes the books we read can inspire our travels – or a book can help us pass the time on a long bus ride or flight. Vacation is also a good time to catch up on books you’ve been wanting to read.

I love books so some of my favorite places to visit while traveling are small bookstores and libraries – I always find some nice treasures that way!

26. Foreign Language

If you’re traveling to a country where English is not the native language, it can be very fun and interesting to find different things that have the country’s language in your journal.

Whenever I’m shopping at used book sales, I often find a lot of foreign language dictionaries. These make for excellent paper backgrounds to use in junk journals, or you can always have fun copying the words to practice your foreign language skills.

Staying local in your own hometown? Have some fun visiting regular mundane places by learning or practicing a different language. 

¡Vamos a cocinar papas en la estufa!

Even a place as mundane your kitchen can be more fun if you learn fun ways to explore it as a traveler. This can also be a great way to help your kids practice their foreign language skills. 

27. Everyday Life

What do the people who call the place you are visiting home everyday? Take some notes, sketches or photos of a day in the life of a local.

Another thing that can be fun to do is to imagine for a moment if this place was your home, and not just a place you were visiting. What might you like or dislike about staying in that one place long-term?

28. What are other tourists doing?

Every time we’ve visited tourist-destination types of places it is always fascinating to watch the other travelers and what they are doing. Maybe you see hundreds of people with cameras, or you see people waiting in line to get their picture taken next to a certain attraction.

29. Trees & Flowers

I spend most of my vacations immersed in nature and I love drawing and painting trees and flowers. You might also want to keep some wax paper in your notebook – this can be a great way to preserve flowers or leaves.

30. Birds of a Feather

When we visit cities I always notice pigeons, and I always see seagulls at the beach. I love photographing ducks! Sometimes places we go have aviaries to visit. When we go camping, we love looking for woodpeckers, cardinals, and other birds.

You can fill your journal with bird related images or just make a list or doodles of the different birds you might encounter.

31. Animals

If you love animals, this is another great source of inspiration while you are traveling. Maybe you go to a nearby zoo, or maybe friends you are staying with have a friendly cat. 

Some places you visit may even have animals you don’t typically see that often. I remember when I visited Toronto in Canada I saw so many moose statues everywhere we went!

32. Notes From History

Most places have historical centers – even small towns often have an interesting past. If you enjoy historical points of interest, there all sorts of ways to incorporate this on your pages.

Use cut outs from brochures or old books, record facts, or even attempt to recreate a scene from history in your journal. This is a great way to use up some of your favorite vintage ephemera also!

33. Famous People / Persons of Interest Who Lived there

Almost every place has people who are famous or played an important role in the history of the area. It can be very interesting to research before you go some different people who have lived in that place – and maybe even tour some of the different things that would have been part of their daily life.

One example of this is when a friend of mine in high school was slightly obsessed with all things Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. She had learned he grew up in boring old Mercer, PA {not so far from the same boring town we lived in} – so we decided to go up one day to check it out.

It was very neat to think hey, here’s this little town in Pennsylvania just like our little town in Pennsylvania, he was a band dork, we were band dorks. It is always neat to see these sorts of places, especially if it someone who is inspiring to you, because in a way you can see the kind of environment that inspired them to become the creative person they are.

34. Music Playlist

Speaking of Trent Reznor – let’s talk about another favorite aspect of traveling for me – plenty of opportunity to listen to music!

I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a long ride than to come prepared with a good music playlist.  If you’re riding passenger on long trips, a good music playlist and a sketchbook is a great way to help pass the time.

I also like to listen to different music that is popular in different areas. It’s way more fun to listen to Blue Grass music if you are in the Mountains of Virgina or a little country music on the city streets of Nashville.

There are so many different types of music around the world, and all of it can be very inspiring to listen to while writing or creating.

Need more ideas for how to incorporate music into your journals? Our list of creative music inspired art prompts can help inspire you!

35. Textures

Make a page about different textures you might encounter on your trip. Maybe it’s the sand between your toes, the concrete on the sidewalks or the familiar softness of your favorite shirt in a place where everything is different. 

You can even optionally include some of these textures into your journal, especially if you encounter things like fabric swatches or handwoven items.

Another idea is to use different textures from objects around you as unique stencils and stamps. You can do all sorts of mark making with different textures in your book!

While I suppose this could fall under “food” – coffee for me is more than just a tasty caffeinated beverage. Draw a Picture of Coffee with the different backdrop of the place you visit. Save ephemera like napkins, coffee stirrer or receipts from shops you visit.

Pay attention to ways coffee is prepared and served. If you are visiting a place that grows and produces coffee, this too can be very fascinating to learn about and try different flavors native to the area. 

37. Souvenirs

Do you collect anything? Some people collect pennies, spoons, key chains, salt shakers – you name it! Collecting is a fun low-stress hobby and traveling can be a great way to find new things.

If you are a collector of something, it can be fun to make a page about different sorts of things you like to collect. If you don’t have a collection yet – what is one you might you be inclined to start or find interesting? 

Many different places you might visit often also have souvenir shops with all sorts of interesting things for the area. Even if you’re not a collector, you may enjoy sketching or making a list of the sort of things you notice. 

 38. Pick Up a Newspaper – Local, National & Global News

It’s always interesting to read the news somewhere you aren’t. It gives you a greater understanding of what types of things the residents who live in a place might experience on a regular day to day basis and what is important to them.

Another bonus is often times when you visit a new area the newspaper may syndicate different feature columns than your papers back home. This could mean new recipes, different horoscopes, puzzles, comments, and opinion pieces.

Newspapers are also great to use in collage and art you might be inspired to create, especially if you have very limited access to art supplies.

What does the place you’re visiting smell like? Maybe you can smell freshly baked bread drifting across the plaza, or it’s the smell of the ocean next to you, or even just the smell of pine trees in the woods. 

Paying attention to how all of your different senses experience the place can help you remember the adventure all that much more.

40. Include Conversations With the People You Talk To

One thing I enjoy doing when traveling is meeting and talking to new people and listening in on what people might be saying at the different places we visit. 

It’s funny, but some of the conversations I remember are not exactly quotable, but totally memorable enough to document in a journal. One time when we were at a beach an old man was talking to us and told us we needed to visit a place that was about 6 hours away.

“They have the most unbelievable peaches! Miles and miles of orchards…” he said. Well, after talking to him we decided to go that way the next day and yes, they did have peaches, but we were mostly awed by the unbelievable beautiful beaches!

Had we not talked to that stranger on the beach that day we never would have discovered one of our favorite beaches in the U.S.

41. The Local Dialect

I live in the Pittsburgh area and we are sorta famous for our unique dialect. Many local shops sell Yinzer stickers and other Pittsburghese types of things that are always popular with tourists and would make great journal fodder.

If you happen to be somewhere, pay attention to different words and phrases people use for things. You might be surprised how many sayings and words you pick up that aren’t in any foreign language dictionary!

travel journal prompts for students

42. Quotes About the Area and/or General Traveling

There are all sorts of great quotes that can be a great way to add to the journal. You can include general travel quotes in your journal while you are getting ready for the trip – or of course you can always add these once you are back. 

43. Interview The People Traveling With You

It’s always interesting how two different people can have two different options and memories about a trip! Traveling with kids? Ask them their thoughts – and of course don’t forget to encourage them to create their own travel journals!

44. Hidden in Plain View – Important or Sensitive Information 

It’s always a good idea to have a paper copy of important info while you are in a different place – especially if WiFi access or phone reception might be hard to come by. 

While I don’t recommend keeping sensitive info in plain sight in a journal, sometimes you can give yourself cryptic ways only you would know to have a reference for things like addresses or bank account info.

Some ways you can do this is by drawing the numbers in a certain specific pattern, or you could even make up your own secret code. 

45. Reference Lists & Safety Info

I’m sorta neurotic about safety, so I like to include helpful safety info in my notebooks, especially because we spend so much time outdoors. This might be something as simple as a mini first aid guide or a list of emergency numbers for the area. If you are traveling in a foreign place, you may even want to list some emergency contacts in the notebook.

I also like to print out this type of information to keep in planner binders. For the planner I keep in our camper, I included printed information for dog medications and first aid, since our dog has a habit of finding bees nests, eating fishing rods and getting into all sorts of trouble.

46. Currency From Different Countries

travel journal prompts for students

Many foreign countries have different types of currency that can be very interesting to keep in a journal. If you have a few smaller value notes leftover from a trip they can be a great thing to put in a journal or slip into a clear pocket you attach to the pages.

47. Track Your Budget

Budgeting might not seem exciting, especially while supposedly on a vacation! Still, it is definitely an inevitable part of life that doesn’t go away just because you are somewhere different! 

Fortunately, it can be way more fun to do when you find a way to express your creativity in your journal or planner. Keep records of expenses while you are traveling and think about different ways you can save money.

If you haven’t left for your destination yet, there are lots of great ways to plan a trip without spending a lot. Make a page about how you will save for an upcoming trip or make a list of ways to you can see the world without going into debt.

48. Random Fun Facts

Do you enjoy games like trivial pursuit? Something that can be fun to do before you leave is read up on different fun facts about an area, or you can even just jot down these things as you experience them in the place you visit.

Random Fun Fact Example: We can thank computer scientist Scott Fahlman at CMU in Pittsburgh for the widespread use of the smiley face symbol . 🙂 Pittsburgh is also home to another famous smiley face – the Eat ‘N Park Smiley ! 

49. Local Business & Industry

Do you ever need to travel for work? Business travel can sometimes create all sorts of new interesting opportunities to see sights and document parts of a place that don’t exactly make it to the city guides!

Many cities are also famous for different things related to businesses and industries. Factory Tours can be super fascinating and educational – they also make for a great activity during rainy day travels.

50. Movies, Plays & Film

Many places you wouldn’t expect have been featured in movies – other times there may be films or movies that take place in the very same places you visit.

One example is the time we visited Savannah, Georgia. My husband loves the movie Forest Gump so naturally this meant we had to visit Chippewa Square and the famous park bench at the Savannah History Museum when we explored the city.

51. The Clothes We Wear

Just like food and money, most of the time we typically need to also wear clothes. You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate unique clothing styles in different places you visit.

Depending where you travel to, the culture and weather can be very different from where you live and so the style of clothes and things people wear and do can be fascinating. 

Don’t forget to also pay attention to the clothes you are wearing. Maybe it’s a raincoat because it’s raining or you bought something special to wear for the trip.

52. Travel Shoes

Going places usually means lots of walking and standing – which means the pair of shoes you wear can make all the difference! Sketch a pair of your shoes and take note of whether they have reliably served you well in your travels, or if they’ve caused you pain, agony and misery. 

53. Hobbies & Interests

When I visited NYC my top must-see destination was the Sketchbook museum at the Brooklyn Art Library of course!

One of the ways I documented that visit was to put a safety pin in one of my pages once I got home because I noticed one of the journals there was completely bound with safety pins and I thought that was pretty unique and I didn’t want to forget it! 

Your different hobbies and interests can always overlap in travel – and sometimes in the most of unexpected ways. If you have a specific hobby or interest you enjoy, take some time to research different clubs and organizations in the area. You can find groups and points of interest for almost anything!

54. What’s Trending Now

Do you notice any interesting trends about the place you visit? Maybe there is an activity that is popular or something you notice everyone is doing.

This could be something like a TV show everyone is watching, something seasonally related or it could even be many of the homes decorated with certain pieces or in a certain style.

55. Funny Stuff

One thing you should always bring along any adventure is a good sense of humor. I love this one picture we snapped while we traveled through VA – antique tables made daily!

There are also lots of great travel-themed jokes you could use in your journal.

What travels around the world but stays in one corner? A stamp.

{Sorry, I couldn’t resist, I love punny bad jokes!} Speaking of stamps…

56. Postage Stamps: Send Yourself Some Mail Back Home

travel journal prompts for students

Postcards and foreign stamps can make for an excellent addition to any type of travel journal. You can mail yourself a letter or post card, or even pick up some post cards where you are visiting to add to your pages.

travel journal prompts for students

Shown above: A photo of some of the vintage postcards I have in my ephemera collection. If you have friends and family members who travel a lot, be sure to offer to pay for postage and ask them to mail you things!

57. Color Combos

Do you love color? Different places can be great inspiration for unique color combinations or even noticing things you may ordinarily ignore. Take a look at your surroundings and try to create a color palette based on what you see around you.

58. Rainbow Page

Another fun travel journal idea is to try to make a page that includes something of every color of the rainbow you see while you are on a trip. This could be done with ephemera or even just making notes and drawing in your sketchbook to add in photos later.

59. Inspiration is Everywhere

What do you see that inspires you to create while you are traveling? Maybe you notice an interesting pattern on textiles being sold at a shop or you like the way the vase on your table looks at a restaurant.

Take note of these little details that inspire you and sketch or jot them down. These can be great sources of inspiration for those days you need a little kickstart to create.

60. Bottle Caps, Drink Labels and Coasters

Many bottled beverages have labels and unique bottle caps that can make for great things to include in a journal. You may also notice several restaurants have coasters that are nice to save after your meal.

Bottle labels and coasters are two types of things that are normally thrown away but can make for great ephemera to include in your journal and help document the trip.

61. All the Different Shapes

Another idea for different places you visit is to create pages based on different shapes. For example, you could have a page for things that are round, such as wheels, windows, or stones.

You could also easily do this for things that are square, rectangles, triangles, etc.

62. Define Some Travel Words

What does adventure mean to you? What do you consider to be a journey?

There are lots of different travel-themed words and they often mean different things to different people. Write your own definition for words, or you could even find these words in a dictionary and cut them and paste them to the page in your book.

Here’s a couple more words you could use on the page or define:

63. Why do you love travel?

People travel for different reasons, and of course the reasons we enjoy it are also usually unique to us. What do you like the most? Is it meeting new people? Seeing something different? Learning new things?

Write or illustrate your favorite things and the reasons you enjoy discovering new places.

64. Stickers

Stickers can be found anywhere, whether it’s a price sticker on something you buy or even a marketing sticker they give away at a promotional event. Some places you visit may even have shops that sell unique stickers for the area.

65. Technology & Apps

There are many apps and websites that can make traveling a lot easier, and it can be something fun to document in your journal. These apps can help you find new places or even possibly read reviews and get special coupons and deals. 

Another thing to think about is how the place you are visiting uses technology. Do they seem advanced or are they behind compared to where you currently live?

66. Trip Stats

Another fun thing to record in your journal are trip stats. Your might record your odometer reading, number of miles you traveled, or if you have a fitbit you could make a note of how many steps you walked that day.

Fitbit Versa Lite Edition Smart Watch, One Size (S & L bands included)

67. Try Zentangle

Zentangle is a super portable form of art and very relaxing so perfect if you’re going on vacation to unwind. All you need is some paper and your favorite Micron 01 pen.

You can start with basic shapes or just tangle freely on the pages of your journal. Who knows – some places you visit may even be home of certified Zentangle instructors and classes may be available during your trip!

Sakura Pigma 30062 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set, Black, Ass't Point Sizes 6CT Set

68. Practice Creative Lettering

There are so many great ideas and ways to have fun with creative lettering in your journal. You can try different styles of letters, mix up big and small writing. 

Hate your handwriting? Our post on creative lettering ideas can give you lots of inspiration for ways to add unique text without necessarily mastering calligraphy.

Hand Lettering 101: An Introduction to the Art of Creative Lettering (Hand Lettering Series)

69. Stencil It

Stencils are flat and portable – so very easy to bring with you along your travels and keep right inside your notebook. There are TONS of inexpensive stencil sets on Amazon or you could even try making your own journal stencil templates.

A couple of stencils can definitely can help you with making shapes, layouts, and different designs in  your journal – no fine art skills required!

20 PCS Journal Stencil Plastic Planner Set for Journal/Notebook/Diary/Scrapbook DIY Drawing Template Journal Stencils 4x7 Inch

70. Bodies of Water

travel journal prompts for students

Water is always a source for inspiration, relaxing, and feeling refreshed – and where there is life, you are sure to find water! As the author of How to Read Water points out, you can learn just as much about water from a puddle as you can from the sea. 

Create a page in your journal based on what you like to do in the water – whether you go fishing, swim laps in the pool on a cruise ship or just admire the sailboats out on the bay.

71. Make a List of Things to Research

While you are on your trip, you might find yourself curious to learn more about stuff you encounter. Make a list or note of this in your journal so you can read up on it when you come back home.

Before you go somewhere new it’s also a very good idea to research different laws, customs and practices. This to-research-list can be a great thing to add in your journal before you leave to remind you to actually learn about these things before you get there!

72. Visiting a Sports Town?

travel journal prompts for students

Sports teams around the world have some very loyal fans and this can be another thing worth documenting if you are in a place that takes their sports seriously. In some areas it’d be impossible not to take note of arenas and stadiums!

Even if you’re not a sports fan, you may notice where you are visiting what important sports games are happening and what teams people proudly wear on their t-shirts, jerseys and hats. If you do visit an event, don’t forget to save your ticket stubs and program with the team roster!

73. Stick to the Grid

Grid lined pages can be nice to have when you are writing or drawing, because they also make it super easy to try to draw things when you want to be mindful of things like ratio and perspective relationships.

You can also have fun just arranging different elements in a grid-like fashion – draw your own freehand grid and fill each box with different memories or images you cut and tear out of a local magazine or newspaper.

74. What Are You Really Good At When Traveling?

Do your planning skills shine as you come up with the perfect trip itinerary? Have you mastered the fine art of packing a suitcase with all the right things? Have a knack for strumming up conversation with the locals? Or, maybe you’re just really good at getting lost! 

Whatever your strengths and skills are when it comes to travel, these should be celebrated and certainly worthy of being documented in your travel journal! Draw yourself an award, make a list of your best strengths, and celebrate all the hard work that goes into exploring.

75. Gratitude

You can never go wrong keeping track of things you are thankful for. See our list of gratitude journal prompts for even more ideas of ways to incorporate thankfulness in your journal pages.

76. No Place Like Home

Sometimes distance makes us all the more appreciative of home. What things do you miss the most while you are away from home? Draw pictures, doodle, paint, or make a list! 

77. Wish You Were Here

Sometimes when we go someplace new we can’t help but think of family or friends back home. Is there anything specific where you are that reminds you of someone? Write about it or tuck those little pieces of ephemera you find on a page.

78. What Went Wrong

It’s tempting to only document the good parts of a trip but sometimes the mishaps of travel become great funny stories after a few years…like my husbands famous melt down over a lack of parking or that time we went camping and got flooded out. 

These sorts of things aren’t exactly fun in the midst of the trouble, but years later we can look back and at least say the trips were memorable!

79. What Did You Learn?

Every trip is an opportunity and discovery is synonymous for learning. What did you learn during your trip?

Maybe you learned something new about the cultures, customs and history of the place. Or, if staying local… maybe you learned to always bring sunscreen or bug spray or how to avoid rush hour traffic.

80. Document Digitally

While I will forever be a pen and paper kind of girl, I know I also enjoy the convenience of digital art journaling – especially when it’s not always easy to pack lots of supplies! This is especially true for trips that aren’t necessarily for fun or I know I’ll be spending a lot of time indoors.

You can edit and arrange photos in a photo editing app or software program, or you can even enjoy the creative fun of painting digitally. I love using my laptop and Wacom Intous tablet to paint with Photoshop. You can also have a lot of fun creating designs with an iPad and Apple pencil. 

81. Draw a Clock

Clocks are fun and easy enough to draw – all you need is a circle! It can be fun to compare clock times all around the world, especially if you have ventured to a different time zone.

Another idea is to doodle clocks for when you want to make note of times on your itinerary and schedule.

82. Make a Chart

Charts are a creative visual way to display information and a great idea for adding some art to your travel journal. You could create a table of train and bus times, a pie chart for how you spent your time on the trip, or a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting your first trip somewhere to the second trip there.

For those who are particularly dorky like me, you might even consider making a histogram or scatter plot in your journal!

83. Healthy Matters

If you are into all things health, wellness and fitness in everyday life, it would only make sense for this to overflow into your journals while traveling.

Whether you note healthy foods you eat, exercise, changes in your mood, how much you sleep, number of glasses of water you drink each day, or have a list of medications to take daily, noting these things in your journal can help you stay on track with all the excitement and routine disruptions from traveling.

84. Design Your Own Travel Symbols & Icons

There are many common symbols and icons used for travel – an airplane, a map, a suitcase, a backpack, a compass, cars, directional arrows, trains, etc. 

All of these things are a great starting point to give you some ideas for things to doodle in a travel journal. You can make them flat, line-art style, or even make them 3-D complete with shading. 

85. Travel Role Models

Do you know someone who is a great inspiration for your travel aspirations? This could be a person who inspired you to be more courageous and explore new foreign places, or could just be someone you know who has real-world experience in traveling the globe and taught you a lot of things. 

86. Favorite Travel Blogs

Speaking of people who inspire us to travel – I know many of the places I find inspiration are various travel blogs I like to follow! Seeing their pictures is always great motivation and inspiration to go to new places I may not have considered on my own.

Whenever I am not sure of where I might like to go or what to do when visiting an area, I also love to read different blogger’s guides on attractions to visit and travel tips to make it a smooth trip.

87. The Road Not Taken – Add Some Poetry to Your Pages

There are lots of great travel inspired poems you can include in your journal, or you can even try your hand at writing your own poems.

Not a natural wordsmith? Prefer to stick to something more visual? Check out our post on found poetry in your journal pages.

88. Challenge Yourself 

Sometimes a little bit of a challenge can make even the most mundane of places a bit more exciting. You could challenge yourself to take a photo every day, or challenge yourself to visit a different neighborhood or part of town each day you are in the city.

You could also challenge yourself to commit to a certain type of art each day – a doodle a day, or a watercolor a day, or a pencil sketch a day.

Challenges should be fun – so if the idea of this sounds like a chore or one more thing to add to already a jam packed schedule, skip it or save it for the next adventure.

89. Paper Clips & Binder Clips Are Your Friends

Paper clips, binder clips and other page fasteners are wonderful and practical things to include in your journal. They are super handy when you are on the go to attach all sorts of papers and notes – no glue stick required!

Also, they make TONS of travel themed paper clips. I mean, I don’t know if you would really need 40 of them, but how adorable are these airplane shaped paper clips ? They also make ones that come in assorted animal shapes ! 

So many different styles of paper clips, I actually made an Amazon Idea List with some of my handpicked favorites – I couldn’t believe I found over 40! See all my favorites on my list: All the Pretty Paper Clips . 

Z Zicome 50 Pack Colorful Printed Binder Clips, Assorted Sizes (Floral)

90. Pins, Patches & Badges

I love collecting small novelty pins, patches and badges – but I don’t always have a great way to display or wear them. One way around this is to add them to your journal pages!

You can decide to either pin or sew the item directly onto the page, or you can attach it to a small piece of fabric that you attach into the page. You can often find these at gift shops or even while you are at different places that give them away for free as promotional materials.

91. Have a Stamping Good Time

travel journal prompts for students

There are LOTS of ways to use rubber stamps and ink pads in a journal. But… I also like to keep my supplies very minimal, especially when on the road. Something I like to do to prep my journal pages is stamp things in advance. 

You can use simple ink dabbers to create patterns or add a distressed effect to your empty pages – and of course if you already have travel themed stamps this is a great opportunity to put them to good use, whether before or after the trip!

In the page above I tried to use some of my rubber stamps and realized one of my very well-loved ink pads was finally starting to dry out after years of use.

I used the ink pad itself to stamp the page with the remaining ink on the edges to create journaling block areas. I also used the edge of the ink pad to make the lines – perfect for impromptu lists or quick daily notes.

Hero Arts LP396 Kelly's Travel Day Craft Supplies

92. Travel Tags

There are all sorts of tags that can be useful while traveling. Luggage and suitcase tags are also a great way to add some interesting stuff to your favorite journal pages. 

You can also opt to use paper tags – I love to start with small round tags like these ones and use them for doodles or quotes. Standard shipping tags like these are also like mini blank canvases waiting for your creative touch! 

93. Travel Bingo: Inspired by My Favorite Road Trip Game as a Kid

A long time ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth without technology, we played a game called Auto Bingo in the car. If you drove past something like a railroad crossing or a cow, you would slide the little marker over the picture when you spotted it and try to get them all before the end of the trip. 

This gave me a great idea to make a list of different things to look for while I’m at a certain place and then check it off if I saw that thing. It’s a like a scavenger hunt game – can you find these things in your surroundings?

94. A Boost of Encouragement

We tend to glamorize travel a lot – but sometimes it can be hectic, chaotic, stressful and even a little bit scary.

As much as I love traveling, I don’t always like the packing & preparing, and I also admittedly have no sense of direction – I still get lost on roads less than 10 minutes away from my house!

If this sounds like you, adding some encouraging words and positive affirmations can be a wonderfully uplifting thing to see if you are in unfamiliar territory or stressed out.

95. Spiritual Sense

If you are a spiritual person, or maybe just someone curious to learning about the different spiritual practices of different cultures, there are many ways this can be reflected in your journal.

You could include prayers and blessings for travelers, visit spiritual places of interest, or even just spend a few moments in quiet meditation. It can also be interesting to explore and document the various practices and traditions in the culture you are visiting. 

96. Which Way Up? Arrows & Directional Signs

I love the treasure-map style dashed and dotted lines with arrows. They really grab a person’s attention when they look through your completed journal. It makes one ask: now where does this lead?

Arrows can be used in so many different ways for a lot of different travel journal page ideas. Call attention to a specific phrase or photo, or add them to continue a story on another page. In some ways, you could make your journal a sort of “Choose Your Own Adventure Book” where the reader {or even yourself} – can explore a place in a different kind of way.

97. Attention Please! Highlights

If you are the sort of person who might fill an entire page with a LOT of words while journaling your thoughts and experiences, highlights are a fun way to call attention to things that are important or most notable.

You can choose to highlight things like dates, or just pick words and phrases you like. If you don’t have or want to use highlighter markers, you could also accent different things by using colored pencils and pens or simply by circling and underlining different things. 

This can also be a very fun thing to do with newspapers or other printed ephemera style things you might find in your travels.

98. If You Had to Do It Again…

Would you go on this trip again? Do you want to go back? What would you want to do differently? What would you want to do the same? These are all great questions to think about while you reflect on the trip on the return back home.

99. Return to Reality

What did you have it do when you got back from your vacation? Sometimes remembering responsibilities and “real life” can make us all the more appreciative and nostalgic for the time spent away!

100. Actually Print Out Your Vacation Photos

I’m totally guilty of taking a bazillion pictures…and then never printing them. They go on my external hard drive/cloud storage to never be seen by another human being again…that’s not good!

One of the things I’m making a more concentrated effort to do is actually print out photos we take. You can choose to print them from home on your own home printer, or upload them to your favorite photo print website.

101. Where to Next?

Did this trip make you want to visit any other new places you hadn’t considered before? Where do you want to go next? Or, perhaps, after all these adventures, maybe you are content to stay-cation for awhile?

I know this is a super long list, and if you made it this far, I hope you found these ideas inspiring and encouraging! Travel journals are a ton of fun to make and I’d love to see what you create!!

And of course, if you have ideas for things to include that aren’t on this list – I’d love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below!

Sharing is caring!

Join our facebook group!

Share what you’re creating and working on, ask questions + connect with over 4000 creative artjournalists for inspiration + ideas!

She Goes The Distance

40 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Writing Prompts to Save Your Best Travel Memories

40 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Writing Prompts to Save Your Best Travel Memories

Last updated on January 17th, 2024 at 05:47 am

It’s so easy to let our travel photos get buried in our camera roll or to say “I’ll remember this night forever” and forget the details that made it so special just a few months later. That’s where keeping a travel journal becomes such an important part of your trip! These travel journal ideas & writing prompts will make you fall in love with trips all over again and keep your favorite memories alive.

Travel journaling is therapeutic, fun, and provokes self-reflection and creativity. While we travel, we can be pretty busy – exploring different places, sleeping on planes, meeting new people. But just because you’re busy during your trip doesn’t mean you can’t keep a travel journal!

Keeping a travel journal is even more rewarding when you can make it personal with mementos (and other travel journal ideas I’m sharing below!)

travel journal prompts for students

And if you’re just here for the prompts, you can jump to the bottom of the post or download the free ‘Where She Goes’ Travel Journal Prompts list from The Travel Library .

Email address

Let’s get into everything there is to know about travel journaling and the creative ways you can go about your trip memory-keeping.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

All About Travel Journaling: What It Is, How To Do It, & Should You Keep A Travel Journal?

Keeping a travel journal is simply about recording memories from a trip. You can even keep track of and plan future trips in a travel journal (which I, as someone in love with lists, do often!)

There’s no one way to journal about travels. You could write during or after your trip, keep a travel bullet journal, track you running bucket list, save travel tips for your next trip – the important thing is to be creative and reflective!

Travel journaling is an amazing tool to see how travel has influenced us to grow as a person, from conquering fears to gaining self-confidence.

It can be used to beat the lonely times of solo travel or try to escape the post-trip blues by reliving those memories just made.

While we travel, there are so many highs, lows, emotions, funny moments and more that we say we will never forget. But to really never forget them, we have to reflect on them and document them! That’s where keeping a travel journal comes in handy.

The Best Travel Journals

There are lots of different options for travel journals. You could use a plain basic notebook or write in a travel diary with printed prompts and exercises. So, how do you know which one to choose?

The truth is, you can go through a lot of travel journals. Maybe you’ll get the chance to experience multiple different kinds! If you are naturally more creative, choose a mostly blank travel journal to which you can add personal touches.

If you struggle with what to write about, opt for journals with prompts built into them (or scroll down to the prompts below and download the list!)

Two travel journals that are both cute and interactive are the Wander Always Journal and the Page A Day Journal . These have prompts and activities within them, so there’s a bit less room for creativity. But, it also makes the process easier and faster with these bonuses.

Another travel journal that is perfect for those wanting a more sleek and clean look is the WNDRD Trip Planning Journal . As it says in the name, you can use this notebook for journaling and for trip planning with the specially printed planner pages.

Travel journals can also be great sentimental gifts for friends and family (or for yourself – I won’t tell!)

Travel Journal Apps

Everything has an app these days, right? Travel journaling can even be done on your phone! Some apps for travel journaling include:

  • Travel Diaries

There’s also a sweet app called Journi, where you can create photo albums with diary entries and track your trip on a map. Then you can print or share these mini albums! You can group your photos while traveling or after so that they are easy to find. This way won’t be lost in your camera roll!

Creative Travel Journal Ideas

If you want to do more than just write in your travel journal, then there are many ways to make it special and personalized!

These unique travel journal ideas are meant to get you thinking about how to make your love for travel or the travels themselves come alive.

Look for inspiration everywhere. Maybe you have a ton of extra coins lying around from your trip to Italy . Or you saved those flowers you picked near the coast of France and they are now dried. These can all be accessories used to bring your travel memories back to life in your journal!

Photo Pocket

travel journal prompts for students

The first travel journal idea is to add a photo pocket to the back or front of your journal. This is a super simple way to create a little storage of your photos without having to spend time doing a complete album!

Simply take a piece of cardstock or stiff paper and cut it into a rectangle large enough to hold your photos. You can even create a scoop like mind so they peek out.

Then add adhesive to the bottom and sides and attach it to wherever there is a sturdy spot on your journal. Voila, you have a place to put all those photos instead of letting them get buried in your phone!

Scrapbook Layout

While the first idea to making your travel journal more creative was a simple way to include photos in your journal, this version takes a bit more time and creativity.

In your travel journal, you can either leave space on the pages as you write or write and layout photos at the same time to create a commemorative mini travel scrapbook.

You’ll need small adhesive, scissors, and some creative juices flowing to transform blank pages into something beautiful.

Decorating your travel journal is another way to give it more personality and bring out the fun of your trips.

You can opt for inexpensive sheets of stickers or find specific decals you fall in love with to tell the story of your trip!

Good places to buy unique stickers and decals are Etsy , Amazon , and Society6 .

Here are some of my favorites for an aesthetic travel journal cover and pages!

  • Go Travel Decal
  • Trip Planning Stickers
  • Vintage Vinyl Stickers
  • Gold & Black Aesthetic Travel Stickers

Add Your Own Art

Take the design of your travel journal to the next level by channeling your inner artist. Use paint to decorate the outside. Doodle your favorite places on the pages or the cover to bring you back to a place.

Whatever artistic addition you can make to your travel journal, the more personal to and reflective of you it will be.

Preserving Tickets, Passes, & Other Mundane Mementos

travel journal prompts for students

One of the best travel journal ideas is to preserve all of the extra bits from your trip – things like train tickets, museum passes, and local maps – to add to your writing entries.

They may seem useless after your trip, but these tokens of your travels are the real elements that bring your memories to life. Seeing a word can help you imagine a place, but physically touching your metro pass or gallery ticket takes you right back to the moment you used it.

Tape these small papers to page corners, stuff them in the photo pocket, or even use them as little bookmarks to organize your journal.

Choose Something to Collect

Make your travel journal completely unique by sticking with a theme. This idea for travel journals will take some time to execute throughout your travels, but it can be a special way to remember each place you’ve been to.

Whether it is stamps, postcards, or boarding passes, build up a consistent collection of them from wherever you travel.

Then when it comes time to assemble your journal, you have a cute consistent theme and a visually appealing diary to document every place you have been.

Travel Journal Prompts for Reflection & Memory-Keeping

Travel journal prompts are ways to combat writer’s block and inspire creativity. To make these prompts easier to reference, you can download the free printable of ‘Where She Goes’ Travel Journal Prompts from The Travel Library, where you’ll also have access to resources like my girl’s packing list and Lightroom photo presets.

The Journey

  • What was the journey like to be here? What happened on the way to your destination?
  • Did you learn anything new on the journey?
  • Who did you meet while traveling to this place?
  • What was your favorite part of the journey?
  • Did you reach here by car, plane, train?
  • Was it a long journey? How did you feel once you reached your destination?
  • What songs did you listen to on the way that take you back to this trip?

The Destination

  • Describe your current surroundings.
  • How does this place make you feel?
  • Why did you want to be here? Did you want to be here?
  • What surprised you most about this place?
  • Who are you traveling with?
  • What have you learned about this place since arriving?
  • What’s a funny story you would tell your friend about this trip?
  • Where did you explore off-the-beaten-path?
  • Did you try any unique foods?
  • How would you describe this place to a friend or family member?
  • Name one thing you never want to forget about this place.
  • What is a memory you’ll cherish forever from this trip?
  • Did you enjoy your trip? If not, why?
  • What did you learn about yourself after visiting this place?
  • What could have gone better?
  • How do you feel after leaving? Would you return?
  • Name three things you are grateful for from this trip.
  • Describe your favorite photo from this trip.

General Memory-Keeping

  • Write about the first travel memory that comes to mind.
  • Doodle a monument or favorite place you have visited that made you want to pinch yourself.
  • Describe your first travel experience. What were you feeling? Scared? Excited? Anxious?
  • Make a list of all the people you’ve met while traveling.
  • What’s one thing you would change about travel?
  • What’s one thing you want to do better while traveling?
  • Where’s your favorite place to travel with family? Describe it in vivid detail.
  • Describe a place you’ve visited through using all five senses.
  • If you could choose one place you’ve been to stay forever, which one would it be?

Final Tips for Travel Journaling

travel journal prompts for students

Hopefully with all these travel journal ideas and writing prompts, you feel more comfortable and excited to document your travels! Here are some extra tips to make travel journaling work for you:

  • Keep your travel journal with you as you are on the go. This may seem obvious, but when you think about it, we don’t want to pause our day to go write about what’s happening that very second. Instead, have your journal with you to doodle your surroundings or write down specific feelings you have at the moment. You can elaborate later!
  • Write down keywords to escape writer’s block. If you have trouble getting started, jot down a few words that come to mind when you are looking at a prompt. Often when writing, we get overwhelmed by what the finished product should look like that we can’t even start! Start as small as keywords and as your ideas come in the writing will flow.
  • Use every sense for details. An easy way to get more creative and describe a moment well is to think about it from the perspective of all five senses you experienced with. What sounds did you hear, things do you see, flavors did you taste?

Let me know what you think of these travel journal ideas, prompts, & tips with a comment!

Save this guide to Pinterest for later reference!

travel journal prompts for students

The more memories we make, the more important it is to jot them down so we have them forever. Tell me if you’re excited about travel journaling like me!

travel journal prompts for students

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and memorable itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

Vienna on a budget: 10 money-saving travel tips, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Website URL

Sign me up for the newsletter & access to resources from The Travel Library!

JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP

travel journal prompts for students

Check this out

  • The Travel Library
  • Privacy Policy

BUY ME A COFFEE

I love creating free resources for your travels and personally responding to your questions over chat and email.

Planning a trip to Italy?

travel journal prompts for students

Looking for Something?

Zaided

65 Travel Journal Prompts To Transform Your Next Trip

' src=

Embarking on a journey and capturing memories is what makes travel so enriching.  But how can you make those experiences come alive in writing?  Introducing 65 travel journal prompts, an exciting way to inspire your creative juices while documenting your adventures.

A perfect blend of personal reflection, mindfulness, and memory retention; these prompts will not only spark your creativity but also help you delve deeper into the essence of each trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Keeping a travel journal has many benefits, including remembering important details, reflecting on experiences, acting as a creative outlet, and helping to plan future trips.
  • Using prompts while journaling before, during, and after your trip can enhance the travel writing experience and help preserve memories.
  • The article provides over 60 personalized travel journal prompts categorized into “Before Your Trip,” “During Your Trip,” and “After Your Trip” sections for in-depth personal reflection.  It also includes additional sets of prompts for study abroad students or digital journal enthusiasts to capture their travels effectively.
  • Mindful travel journal prompts can guide travelers towards an introspective journey where they reflect on meaningful moments while staying present in the moment.

The Benefits Of Keeping A Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal has many benefits such as remembering important details, reflecting on experiences, acting as a creative outlet, and helping to plan future trips.

Remembers Important Details

One of the primary benefits of keeping a travel journal is its ability to help you remember important details from your adventures. As time goes by, even the most vivid memories can start to fade; however, when you write down specific experiences and thoughts in a journal, those moments are preserved for posterity.

Jotting down these personal anecdotes not only strengthens your recollection but also adds depth and color to your travel stories. Imagine flipping through an old travel journal years later and finding detailed accounts of places visited or people encountered – it almost instantly transports you back in time.

As time goes by, even the most vivid memories can start to fade; however, when you write down specific experiences and thoughts in a journal, those moments are preserved for posterity.

Reflects On Experiences

Journaling about travel experiences can help travelers reflect on their journey and gain deeper insights into their trip.  By writing down memories, emotions, and thoughts, travelers can process their experiences more thoroughly and gain a better understanding of how they felt during the trip.

Additionally, reflecting on past travel experiences can also provide inspiration for future trips. Travelers may discover things they missed or wish they had done differently during previous travels that could inform future plans.

Acts As A Creative Outlet

In addition to helping travelers remember important details and reflect on experiences, keeping a travel journal also acts as a creative outlet. Writing about your adventures can be an excellent way to express yourself and unleash your creativity.

You can use different writing styles, experiment with language, and play around with words to evoke emotions and capture the essence of your trip.

Some people may choose to add song lyrics that relate to their travels or even create collages from ticket stubs or postcards they collect along the way.

Helps To Plan Future Trips

In addition to serving as a personal reflection tool, keeping a travel journal can also be helpful in planning future trips. By documenting your experiences and preferences throughout your travels, you may discover new destinations or activities that you want to explore further on future trips.

Additionally, reviewing your past journals can help you identify patterns and trends in your travel style, such as preferred accommodations or types of cuisine.  This information can be invaluable when it comes time to plan another adventure.

For example, if you consistently find yourself drawn to off-the-beaten-path destinations with local cuisine experiences, you might consider prioritizing those factors in your next trip’s itinerary.

How To Use Journal Prompts While Traveling

Learn how to use journal prompts before, during, and after your trip to enhance your travel writing experience and reflect on your journey.

Travel Journal Prompts 2

Benefits Of Using Prompts

Using prompts while journaling during travels can be an excellent way to enhance the experience and get more out of it. It helps travelers to stay focused, engage with their surroundings, and reflect on their feelings.

Prompts serve as a guide that keeps writers from staring at blank pages or getting lost in thoughts.  Additionally, specific prompts enable travelers to dive deeper into essential moments and memories they wish to preserve.

For instance, if a traveler comes across a brilliant sunset over the ocean, a prompt like “describe your perfect moment,” would help them capture every detail positively.

Mindful Travel Journal Prompts

Mindfulness is essential while traveling to engage in personal reflection and gain a deeper understanding of oneself. Here are some mindful travel journal prompts to help you capture your emotions, thoughts, and experiences:

  • What am I most grateful for during this trip?
  • How has this travel experience changed my perspective on life?
  • What has been the most surprising/ unexpected event or experience of this trip?
  • Reflect on a moment of pure joy that you experienced during your travels.
  • Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of a place that you visited.
  • Write about what makes you feel uncomfortable in this new environment.
  • How did you learn something new about yourself during this trip?
  • Think about someone who moved you during your travels and describe their impact on you.
  • Write about an aspect of a culture different from your own that left an impression on you.
  • How did your trip change how you look at the world?

These mindful travel journal prompts can guide travelers towards an introspective journey where they can reflect on meaningful moments while remaining aware of their surroundings and staying present in the moment.

55 Travel Journal Prompts For Every Situation

This section provides a comprehensive list of travel journal prompts categorized into “Before Your Trip,” “During Your Trip,” and “After Your Trip” sections, along with additional sets of prompts for study abroad students, digital journaling enthusiasts, and creative writers.

With over 80 personalized writing questions to choose from, this is the ultimate guide for those who want to document their adventures in a meaningful way.

Before Your Trip Prompts

Before embarking on your next adventure, take some time to prepare mentally and emotionally by using these travel journal prompts:

  • What are your expectations for this trip?
  • What do you hope to learn or experience on this trip?
  • Why did you choose this destination?
  • Have you visited this destination before? If yes, what do you want to see/do differently this time around?
  • How do you feel about traveling alone/group/on a budget/luxury/etc.?
  • List all the must-see sights/attractions in your destination.
  • Research the local culture and customs, and write down any interesting facts or traditions that interest you.
  • Make a list of the foods/drinks you want to try while there.
  • Create a packing list and note any special items/souvenirs you want to bring back with you.
  • What are your pre-travel jitters/anxieties (if any)? Write them down and think of ways to address them before and during your trip.

Did you know that personalized mindful travel journal prompts can help with deeper personal reflection and long-term memory retention ? Additionally, creating writing exercises can help get those creative juices flowing while writing your travel story!

During Your Trip Prompts

While traveling, using journal prompts can help you reflect on your experience and make the most of your trip. Here are some prompts to consider while exploring:

  • Write about an unexpected encounter or conversation you had today.
  • What was the highlight of your day? Why?
  • Describe the local cuisine you tried today.
  • Write about a challenging moment during your travels and how you overcame it.
  • What did you learn about the culture or history of this place today?
  • Reflect on something that surprised you about this destination.
  • Describe a moment where you felt grateful for this opportunity to travel.
  • Write about a scenic spot that left an impression on you today.
  • What is something new that you tried or experienced today?
  • Reflect on how this trip has already changed or impacted you.

Using these prompts during your travels can help you stay present in the moment and deepen your understanding and appreciation for the places you visit.

After Your Trip Prompts

Once you’ve returned home from your travels, there are still plenty of opportunities to reflect on your experiences and memories.  Here are some travel journal prompts to inspire reflection after your trip:

  • What was the most surprising thing you experienced on your trip?
  • How has your perspective changed since returning home?
  • What was the best meal you had while traveling? Can you recreate it at home?
  • Did you meet any new friends or acquaintances? Describe them.
  • Write about a difficult moment during your travels and how you overcame it.
  • What did you learn about yourself while traveling?
  • Are there any habits or practices from your travels that you want to incorporate into your daily life back home?
  • Describe a favorite souvenir or item that you brought back from your trip.
  • Reflect on some of the challenges or obstacles that you faced during your trip.
  • In what ways has this trip changed or impacted you?

Travel Journal Prompts 3

Travel journaling is an effective tool for reflecting on and preserving memories from trips, even long after they’ve ended.  Writing about challenging moments can help with personal growth, and reflecting on new perspectives gained while traveling can have a profound impact on one’s worldview even after arriving back home.

Study Abroad Journal Prompts

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people, and gain valuable life experiences. Here are some personalized travel journal prompts that can inspire you to reflect on your study abroad journey:

  • What inspired you to study abroad? How has this opportunity changed your perspective?
  • Write about your first impressions of the country you’re studying in.  What surprised you the most?
  • Share a particularly memorable experience you’ve had while studying abroad.
  • Describe a local festival or celebration that you have participated in.
  • Write about your interactions with locals. Has anyone made a lasting impression on you?
  • What challenges have you faced during your study abroad experience? How have you overcome them?
  • Have there been any language barriers that you’ve faced?  How has this affected your experience?
  • Write about a local dish that you’ve tried and loved (or hated!).
  • Describe the most beautiful place you’ve visited while studying abroad.
  • In what ways has studying abroad impacted your personal growth?

Travel journaling is popular among travelers as it helps preserve memories of trips and provides creative outlet for writing stories of journeys, hence personalizing prompts such as those listed above can result in long term memory retention and deeper reflection of one’s life experiences while studying abroad.

Digital Travel Journal Ideas

With the rise of technology, digital travel journals have become a popular way to document one’s travels.  Here are some digital travel journal ideas:

  • Create a blog or website dedicated to your travels. You can customize the design and layout, include photos and videos, and even monetize it if you choose.
  • Use social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to share daily updates and photos from your trip. You can also create a private group for friends and family to follow along.
  • Utilize mobile apps designed specifically for travel journaling, such as Day One or Journey. These apps allow you to write entries, attach photos and location data, and organize your entries by trip.
  • Consider using a voice recorder app like Otter or Voice Memos to capture audio recordings of your experiences on-the-go.
  • Use online tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to store all your travel journal entries in one place where you can access them from any device.

Travel Journal Prompts For Students

Travel journaling can be an excellent way for students to document their experiences and make the most out of their travels. Here are some personalized prompts for student travel journals:

  • What inspired you to embark on this journey?
  • How do you feel about leaving home and traveling to a new place?
  • What are some things you want to learn while on your trip?
  • Write about someone who has influenced your travel plans.
  • Describe the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this destination.
  • Who have you met so far on your trip and what have you learned from them?
  • What is something unexpected that has happened during your travels so far?
  • Describe a meal or food experience that was particularly memorable.
  • Write about a challenge you faced during your travels and how you overcame it.
  • Reflect on how this trip has changed you as a person.

Travel journaling is a popular activity for students studying abroad, gap years, or traveling for leisure purposes. Personalized prompts can help students reflect on their experiences and use writing as a tool for personal growth and long-term memory retention.

Tips For Starting And Maintaining A Travel Journal

To start and maintain a travel journal, it’s important to choose the right journal, find time to write regularly, stay consistent with writing, and get creative with your travel stories.

Choosing The Right Journal

Choosing the right journal is an important aspect of travel journaling. Some travelers opt for a traditional notebook while others prefer to use digital apps to document their experiences.

It’s important to select a journal that suits your preferences and needs. If you’re someone who enjoys bullet journaling, then choosing a dot-grid or lined notebook may be ideal for you.

For those who prefer digital options, there are various apps available today that cater specifically to travel journals such as Day One or Journey app.

Finding Time To Journal

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to travel journaling is finding the time to sit down and reflect on your experiences.  With a jam-packed itinerary, it can be tricky to carve out even just a few minutes each day to write in your journal.

One tip is to make use of waiting times, such as during transportation or meals, by jotting down quick notes or bullet points about your day. Another option is to wake up a bit earlier than usual and spend some quiet time journaling before starting the day’s activities.

Additionally, consider prioritizing this activity as part of your daily routine – treating it as an important task that you commit to completing each day during your trip.

Staying Consistent

Staying consistent with your travel journaling can be challenging, especially when you’re on the go.  However, it’s crucial to find a routine that works for you to ensure that you document all of your experiences and feelings accurately.

One effective method is to set aside time each day to write in your journal, whether it’s in the morning or before going to bed.

Another way to stay consistent is by using travel prompts as daily writing questions. These prompts can inspire you to reflect on various aspects of your trip, such as cultural differences or unexpected adventures, which makes writing more manageable and structured.

Finally, one excellent approach would be to personalize your prompts based on what interests you most about traveling; this will keep things exciting every day while still maintaining consistency within your writing routine.

Creative Writing About Travel

One exciting aspect of travel journaling is the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. You can experiment with different writing styles, try out new vocabulary, and express yourself in ways you may not have had the chance to before.

Plus, when you’re traveling to unfamiliar places and experiencing new things, it’s easy to find inspiration for writing prompts.  Perhaps a unique dish you tried inspires a descriptive food scene, or an encounter with a local spark a character-driven story.

Additional Resources For Travel Journaling

In this section, we’ll provide tips on apps and websites for travel journaling, examples of travel journals, the benefits of sharing your travel journal with others, and how to make the most out of your travel journal.

Apps And Websites For Travel Journaling

There are various apps and websites available for travel journaling, making it easier than ever to document your adventures. Here are some options:

  • Day One : A popular journaling app that allows you to capture text, photos, and even audio recordings.
  • Journi : This app includes features like automatic location tracking and the ability to create print versions of your journals.
  • Penzu :  An online journaling platform that offers customizable templates and the ability to password-protect your entries.
  • Journey.cloud : Allows you to sync your entries across devices and even integrates with social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
  • Evernote : While not specifically designed for travel journaling, this note-taking app is often used by travelers for its flexible formatting options.

No matter which option you choose, having a dedicated place to record your travel memories can help ensure they’re preserved for years to come.

Travel Journal Prompts 4

Examples Of Travel Journals

There are various types of travel journals that one can create, each with its unique style and theme.  Below are a few examples of travel journals:

  • Bullet Journal – This type of journal is perfect for those who want to document their trip in a creative and organized way. A bullet journal allows you to jot down your daily itinerary, list down restaurants to try out and note any memorable experiences.
  • Scrapbook Journal – A scrapbook journal involves combining photographs, ticket stubs, postcards, and other memorabilia from your travels in an artistic manner. This type of journal is great for people who love to take photos and are looking for a fun way to preserve them.
  • Digital Journal – With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, there are now many apps available that allow you to keep a digital travel journal. This type of journal usually includes features like photo storage, writing prompts and the ability to share your entries with friends and family.
  • Artistic Journal – An artistic journal encourages creativity by using techniques like painting, sketching or calligraphy along with text entries to document your journey in a beautiful and unique way.
  • Memory Book – Similar to a scrapbook or bullet journal but more focused on preserving memories than documenting daily activities or plans.  This type of journal can be used to write reflections on significant experiences or moments during a trip that you want to remember forever.

Travel journals come in all shapes and sizes; it just depends on what type of person you are and how you want to approach your travel writing journey!

Benefits Of Sharing Your Travel Journal With Others

Sharing your travel journal with others can bring several benefits beyond simply documenting your own experiences. First, it allows you to share your adventures with loved ones who may not have been able to join you on the trip.

Additionally, sharing your travel journal online through social media or personal blogs can inspire others to embark on similar trips and provide valuable advice based on your own experiences.

It also gives potential travelers a chance to learn about new destinations they may not have considered before.  Finally, sharing your travel journal can foster a sense of community among fellow travelers and create dialogue around different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

How To Make The Most Out Of Your Travel Journal

To make the most out of your travel journal, it is essential to find a format that works for you and stick with it. This could be anything from a traditional notebook to an app on your phone or laptop.

Sharing your travel journal with others can also enhance its value by creating a dialogue about different cultures and perspectives. Whether through online platforms or in-person conversations, sharing insights and observations from your travels can be both educational and inspiring.

Lastly, regularly revisiting past entries is key to keeping memories fresh and getting inspiration for future trips.

1. How can travel journal prompts enhance my travel experience?

Travel journal prompts provide a structured way to reflect on your experiences and capture memories in a more meaningful way. They encourage you to explore new perspectives, embrace creativity and help document your journey in a unique way.

2. Can I use these travel journal prompts for any type of trip?

Yes! These prompts are designed to be used for any type of trip – whether it’s a weekend getaway or a months-long adventure abroad. The ideas presented are versatile enough to inspire travelers from all walks of life, regardless of their destination or itinerary.

3. What if I’m not good at writing? Will these prompts still be helpful?

Absolutely! These prompts aren’t just about writing – they’re really about capturing moments and experiences in any way that works for you. You could sketch your surroundings, make lists, save ticket stubs or write poetry inspired by the places you visit – whatever feels authentic and meaningful to you.

4. Do I need special equipment or materials to use these travel journal prompts?

Not at all! All that’s required is a notebook (or smartphone notes app), some basic art supplies (if desired) like colored pencils/markers/watercolors/stickers etc., and an open mind ready to explore the world around you with curiosity & joy while keeping track along the way using these inspiring guideposts offered here within this list 🙂

Keeping a travel journal can greatly enhance your travel experiences.  Not only does it help to preserve important details and memories of your trips, but it also serves as a creative outlet for self-expression through writing.

Using personalized prompts and mindful reflection can lead to deeper personal growth and long-term memory retention. With over 80 travel journal prompts available, there are plenty of opportunities for inspiration and creativity while documenting your adventures.

Whether you prefer traditional pen-and-paper journaling or digital options, the benefits of travel journaling are undeniable.

I wish you the best! Fabian.

' src=

Hey there! I'm Fabian, your go-to guy for all things self-improvement! I'm wildly passionate about helping people unleash their true potential and unlock their greatest selves. An avid reader, constant learner, and lover of all challenges, I'm on a relentless quest to level up in every aspect of life. Join me on this incredible journey, and together, we'll create the extraordinary lives we deserve!

Similar Posts

15 Mindfulness For Teens Tips: Reduce Stress and Boost Focus

15 Mindfulness For Teens Tips: Reduce Stress and Boost Focus

Discover 15 effective mindfulness for teens tips to reduce stress, boost focus, and improve mental health. Start practicing today!

Master Time Management And Procrastination For Success

Master Time Management And Procrastination For Success

Master time management and beat procrastination for good. Achieve success with effective techniques and tips. Start today.

Transform Your Love Life With Mindfulness In Relationships

Transform Your Love Life With Mindfulness In Relationships

Transform your love life with mindfulness in relationships. Strengthen your connection and communication with these mindful practices.

Take Charge: Master Self Responsibility for Life Success

Take Charge: Master Self Responsibility for Life Success

Learn the importance of self responsibility and how it can positively impact your relationships, career, and overall well-being.

15 Simple Daily Mindfulness Tips For A Calmer You

15 Simple Daily Mindfulness Tips For A Calmer You

Discover 15 easy daily mindfulness tips for a calmer you. Practice daily mindfulness and reduce stress with our guide.

Unlocking Accountability In Higher Education: A Path To Success

Unlocking Accountability In Higher Education: A Path To Success

Unlocking accountability in higher education for student success. Discover insights, challenges, and solutions in our blog post.

Grab My Free Procreate Brushes

travel journal prompts for students

Grab my 32 free Procreate brushes! There is a brush for everyone in it:

  • 3 calligraphy brushes
  • 2 oil brushes
  • 2 inking brushes
  • 2 star stamps
  • 2 chain brushes
  • 2 watercolor brushes
  • 2 pixel art brushes
  • 2 outline brushes
  • 2 lineart brushes
  • 2 sketch brushes

Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

travel journal prompts for students

101 Travel Journal Ideas & Creative Prompts to make journaling fun

101 travel journal prompts. image:journals with colored pencils

My mother insisted we keep a journal on our childhood trips. I love looking through those travel logs, seeing my little girl handwriting and reading the entries. But even with Mom’s urging, my entries all grow shorter as the trip progressed. Fifty some years and many trips later, I’ve returned to keeping journals, but have come up with journal prompts and fun travel journal ideas to keep up my enthusiasm throughout the trip .

Travel diary beside laptop. Choose the method of journaling you prefer.

This post includes affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking on one of these links. Unless noted, we have not received products for review. We suggest items we have enjoyed and hope you will too.

A travel journal is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home. In it you capture feelings and travel memories as they happen. Opening that journal years later will transport you back to that trip and let you savor the experience all over again. But that is IF you are diligent in keeping your journal. Many of us begin with enthusiasm, only to drop off as the week goes on. It’s not easy to begin writing at the end of a long day of touring.

Table of Contents

Find a style and create a schedule to keep you on track.

Travel journal ideas: the medium.

Consider a format that works best for you. Some enjoy the traditional travel diary, but some are more comfortable using technology for their notes. A video diary might be the best travel journal for you!

image of phone camera amalfi coast

Journaling with technology – platforms and apps

A plus for using technology for journaling is luggage space. You already have your phone, so there’s nothing more to pack!

Mobile device apps for journaling

  • note taking apps . Tried and true apps like Evernote , OneNote, or Google Keep , are easy to use for your personal journal entries. If you use these at home, you’ll feel comfortable using them on the road.
  • We recommend: Polarsteps – tracks your trip on a map with images and brief captions. This app has a private option which is great. Travel photo books can be created after your trip. (We haven’t tried the photo books so cannot comment on quality.)
  • another popular and well-reviewed app is Journi’s Travel Blog which also allows for a printed book after the trip.
  • itinerary based apps . These allow you to upload information ahead of time re. flights, hotels, etc. and you’ll get notifications if there’s a change in plans. These are great for staying organized on a long trip . Some of these will allow you to add notes, eg., journal-like comments as you travel.

Blogging platforms for journaling

  • Set up a simple blog – WordPress.com, blogger, etc. offer free blog options. It’s easier than you might think to set up your blog, and you can easily share with friends and family. Again, try this at home before you go. (Be forewarned… this website started as a way to keep in touch with family on a trip to Egypt in 2012 …)

I try to write on my WordPress itinerary blog at the end of each day. If I’m really tired, I dictate my thoughts from my phone. Fortunately, these late-night ramblings go into the private blog until I’ve had a chance to review and correct any mistakes. (The transcription of the dictation is often strange, so enjoy a laugh, but remember to edit.) I also carry a notebook, for quick entries and information. The important thing is to try to preserve those memories. More on that later!

Say yes to new adventures - travel journal prompts and ideas

Paper travel journals

Some people just prefer the feel of paper and pen. And most of us know it’s smart to carry paper documentation in case phone batteries die, or there’s no internet available.

There are many options for buying a travel diary . The benefits of a printed journal is that the pages are preformatted and often include pages for contact info, itinerary, etc.. It’s easy to just pick up the journal and begin to write.

But consider designing your own travel journal. Creating a trip journal is a great option for filling those exciting weeks before your trip. Your journal can be as detailed or as freewheeling as you like it. With your own self-created book, you will not end up with empty pages reminding you when you hadn’t the time or inclination to write every day.

a variety of simple notebooks made into travel diaries.

How to set up your own travel journal

  • Choose a notebook. Use one you have at home or buy something special. To save space I use either a Field Notes book for a short trip, or a Leuchtturm 1917 A6 notebook for a longer, more important adventure. Both of these are small enough to fit easily into my bag. But if space isn’t a problem, choose a larger traveler’s notebook or similar.
  • Outline the pages you’d like to include. Suggestions: index page, itinerary, contact info, a world map, etc.
  • If you plan to keep a travel diary in your book, designate blank pages ahead of time. Note any travel prompts you think you’d like to write about on a back page to refer to as you go. Leave space for travel photos you can add later.
  • Decorate as much or as little as you choose! I’m not artistic, so I personalize my journal with washi tape and 1-2 stickers before the trip and add any cute stamps or stickers I come across while traveling.

Keep going: strategies to encourage journaling

Ok. So, you’ve got the journal. Now how to stay motivated to write in it?

Add some lists, prompts, and fun activity pages to your book. Some of these ideas only require checkmarks or quick dashed off notes. But knowing you need to check off that place, or write what you had for supper, will keep you coming back to the journal.

If you’re artistic, bring sketching materials, use paint, and fill your pages with images. No room for colored pencils and paints? A multi-colored pen takes up little space and will brighten your pages.

If you’re a collector, adding ticket stubs or postcards is a great way to preserve a memory. Bring along a glue stick if there’s room in your luggage. These little details will be fun to see in years to come.

Travel journal ideas and prompts to make keeping a travel diary fun.

101 Travel Journal Prompts

Some people are naturally creative. They need no suggestions for their evening journaling. But for most of us, it’s helpful to have some writing prompts to get us started. Here are some of my favorites:

Important information for your journal’s front pages

Be sure to share your travel plans with a family member before leaving home!

  • Your travel itinerary
  • Transportation and Flight details
  • Accommodations with address and contact information
  • Booked tours and guides with contact information

Travel Planning and Brainstorming Lists

  • Your packing list and pre-trip to-do list
  • Your destination bucket list? What are you most excited about doing or seeing?
  • Foods and drinks you want to try
  • Travel budget & ongoing expenses
  • Souvenirs you plan to buy and for who (leave room for spontaneous purchases)
  • Books (or movies) about your destination.
  • Some basic words in the language – please, thank you, etc.
  • Cultural customs to understand and respect.
  • What advice have you read or been given about your destination?
  • Inspirational quotes: your favorites or something you hear and want to remember.
  • Plan a playlist for your trip.

Destination bucket list - a travel journal prompt in every trip diary.

Travel journal prompts: on your way

These are great prompts to work on during those never-ending days before the trip, or on the flight.

  • Facts about your destination
  • What are your expectations of the destination or experience?
  • What made you choose this destination?
  • What part of this trip have you enjoyed planning for the most?
  • Have there been any pre-trip disasters? 
  • Is there anything about the trip that worries you or makes you anxious?
  • What do you want to learn on this adventure?
  • How will you prioritize your health while you are traveling?
  • Make a list of things you can do for self-care while on the trip.
  • What an essential thing you pack that you will never travel without?

Add a map to your travel journal and other travel journal ideas.

Daily prompts for your travel journal

  • Gratitude pages (or add a bit of gratitude to every day’s entry)
  • How did you travel to your destination?
  • What was your first reaction upon arrival in this new place- joy, surprise, disappointment?
  • What did you do today?
  • What will be your favorite memory of this day?
  • What was the most amazing thing you did today?
  • Did anything embarrassing happen today?
  • What made you laugh today? Or was there something that made you cry?
  • Was there an uncomfortable or difficult moment today? How did you handle it? 
  • Did you try something new today? If you’re on a big trip, you could designate a whole page in the journal for new experiences!
  • What’s the biggest challenge about being in this destination?
  • What did you eat today? Did you try a local delicacy?
  • Are you maintaining a balanced diet? How does it make you feel?
  • Did you meet some interesting people today? What did you talk about? If you think you’d like to keep up with them, make a note of their contact information or tuck business cards into your journal.
  • Did anything go wrong today? How was it resolved and how did you react?
  • What cultural experience did you experience today? How did it impact you?
  • What makes this place similar or different from your home?
  • Is your destination being affected by any current events? How is it impacting your trip
  • Do a self-check. Are you feeling relaxed and happy or tired and stressed?
  • What exercise did you get today? How many steps have you logged? 
  • Did you take time for self-care today? How will you prioritize yourself tomorrow?
  • What did you do today that energized you? What drained your energy?
  • What did you wear today? Make a list of what you packed and check items off as you wear them. See what can be left at home next trip.
  • Make a timeline of your day.
  • What local traditions might you like to adopt at home.
  • Consider the environment at your destination? Is there a problem with litter or smog? What is being done to fix this.
  • What challenges are the local people facing?
  • How do the locals live? What’s the top industry?
  • Make a prompt based on your hobbies, e.g. Wines you’ve tasted, art museums you’re visiting…
  • What’s working for you on this trip? Do you like the pace of travel? The people you’re with?
  • Describe your hotel/accommodation as if you were reviewing it for Travel and Leisure
  • Make a list of the interesting animals and wildlife you see on the trip. This is one of my favorite things to keep track of in my journal.
  • Travel stats: distance traveled, weather, etc.
  • What can’t you wait to share with your friends back home?
  • What music have you listened to today?

Creating sketches in your travel journal is a fun was to capture a scene.

Some creative travel journal ideas to keep things fun

  • Describe where you are in right now using as many of your senses as you can.
  • Draw a famous landmark you saw today.
  • Sketch the inside of your hotel room or the view out the window.
  • Share a story or legend about your destination.
  • If you were to write a book about this trip, what would the title be?
  • Draw a map of your travels.
  • Make a rainbow or an ABC page – (these is a fun travel journal ideas if you’re traveling with kids!) Note things you see of every color in the rainbow (or every color of the alphabet), take pictures, or sketch what you saw.
  • Make a photography (or wildlife) BINGO game .

Make journaling easy with prompts and creative ideas

Travel reflections

  • What advice do you have for others who visit here?
  • What is something special to do here that isn’t in the tour guide?
  • What was the most memorable meal from the trip?
  • What were the favorite places you visited during the trip?
  • Make a list of all the places you stayed.
  • Words you’ve learned in the local language. Or regional expressions!
  • What is the biggest lesson that this trip taught you? 
  • Am you any different when you travel? Do you have more or less – energy, creativity, irritability, etc.?
  • What is something you did that you are proud of?
  • What local traditions resonated with you most?
  • What about life here is better than life at home?
  • What are you most grateful for about this trip?
  • Was there a moment that impacted you more than you expected?
  • What do you miss most from home?
  • Do you think this trip will change your life for the better? Will tourism help the community you’re visiting? 
  • Could you live in this foreign country? Would you like to?
  • What advice have you been told by a local while on this trip? Can you apply it to your life?

101 travel journal prompts including creative ideas like maps and sketches.

Travel journal prompts: after the trip

Some ideas to reflect on during your flight home.

  • What is something new you learned from this trip?
  • Is there anything about this trip that didn’t meet your expectations?
  • What was the highlight of your trip?
  • What was the worst thing that happened on your trip?
  • Would you visit here again?
  • Is there anything you would do differently next time you visit? Experiences you missed or style of travel?
  • Has your perception of the destination changed because of this trip?
  • Has this trip inspired you to make changes in your life at home?
  • What did you wish you’d pack and what could have been left at home?
  • What has been the most rewarding travel experience of your life?
  • If you could go on a trip with anyone, who would you go with and where would you go? 
  • What is a fear you’ve overcome while traveling? How?
  • What have you learned about travel that will impact how you travel next and how?
  • How has your travel (past and present) changed you? 
  • Did this trip challenge your limits physically or put you out of your comfort zone? Will you make changes on your next vacation?
  • Where do you plan to go next?

BINGO – A fun idea for your travel journal – photography, wildlife sightings, etc.

travel journal ideas - create a photo challenge

One of our favorite travel journal pages is the bingo page. You’ll probably remember this from the road trips we took as kids where we checked off signs or other roadside things to make BINGO.

As we love to take pictures when we travel, I make a photography game. This can be an individual challenge or a competition among traveling companions. Though in my travel I’m usually doing this solo, the benefit of the photography game is that it encourages me to look at my surroundings in a deeper way. As my game ‘card’ get filled up, I find myself focusing on finding that elusive image. This is a creative and fun idea to include in your own journal.

Create your own photography challenge

  • simple things – sunsets, hotel room, or food
  • artistic ideas – black & white, close-ups, or low light
  • things that elicits a feeling – funny signs or something scary.
  • randomize the list (we have our list in excel which has a randomize option but you can do it manually just by mixing up your list)
  • create ‘bingo’ cards in your journal, with 5 or 6 squares across and down.
  • write the list, as randomized, on as many ‘cards’ as there are participants. (everyone’s card should be different)
  • at the end of each day, or when you’ve got some downtime, fill in the boxes where you’ve captured images. See who gets bingo first!

If you’re not a photographer, you can do this with highway sightings or whatever. On our recent safari we made grids of animals and birds we hoped to see.

author's travel journal from Africa, a favorite keepsake.

Travel Journal Ideas – make it easy, make it personal

Whatever medium you choose, make it something that you’ll enjoy, that will add to the trip, and not become a burden. Keep it close, so you can note things in it when there’s quiet time. Air travel is a great time to work on it.

I hope I’ve given you suggestions that will make keeping a travel journal easy and relevant. Remember, this journal is for you. Have fun!

For more suggestions, Megan from Cullessense has a great list of travel journal ideas .

Do you keep a travel log when you travel? What do you do to keep your interest from flagging? We’d love to add your suggestions into our next travel diary!

This post is part of our Travel 101 series of posts that will prepare you for your trip.

Creative travel journal ideas and prompts

Amy Tull and Team

  • Into the Wild: Planning Multigenerational Trips in National Parks
  • Nature and Birding in Costa Rica: a World of Strange & Wonderful Beauty
  • How to Survive a Long Flight: be comfortable even in Economy Seats (2024)
  • Best Time to Travel to Machu Picchu, Peru: a traveler’s guide (2024)

Amy Tull, author of the Traveling Tulls

Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

  • 80+ International Travel Essentials: Packing Checklist for Senior Adventurers (free list!)
  • Travel Dress Styling: Build Mix & Match Outfits With One Dress
  • Capture Memories: Why Book Flytographer, the Vacation Photographers 2024
  • Carry On London: Travel Light with our London Packing List (2024)

Share this:

travel journal prompts for students

30 thoughts on “ 101 Travel Journal Ideas & Creative Prompts to make journaling fun ”

Love the Photo Bingo Challenge! I’ll definitely be adding this to my own travel journals

Wrote a similar post not long time ago. Wish I was more organized when writing my journal

I’ve never been successful at keeping a regular journal. But I so enjoy making my own travel journal that I keep at it.

I need to do more of this! If only to remember for when I come to writing blog posts and knowing what the heck that photo is of! Inspired! Alison

Yes!! I use excerpts from my journal if we make a photo book after the trip. It’s interesting sometimes to read things that we’d completely forgotten.

Great post! I made a paper journal last year but got addicted to putting so much into it that it got too heavy to carry!

Ha ha! I love that! We do tend to accumulate as we travel, don’t we?

Yes it’s terrible!!

I do a mix of several things (paper notebook, notes on phone, journaling on my tablet with keyboard) and yet, I am not always successful at getting it all down so I can write about it later. The best laid plans… One thing I do that helps me is that I take more photos than you might think necessary of things like signs explaining the site we are seeing or of menus in restaurants. This helps with reference later.

I am going to start doing this! Will come in very useful when I am trying to recall details of when I was “there”!

I do keep a paper travel notebook, but it’s very basic, more my thoughts and impressions on the road rather than a journal. You have given me some great ideas to make more of my on the road notes – thank you.

Great! Let me know if you come up with other good ideas!

Wow! a lot of interesting ideas. Thanks for sharing!

This is something I majorly struggle with when traveling. I like that you included the various mediums because sometimes I feel like “journaling” is more paper. Thank you. I am going to try some of these strategies during my next big trip.

I struggle too. I really, really try to get down thoughts at the end of each day, but sometimes I’m just too tired. That’s why I like having easy options in my journal to just jot something down quick.

I really love journaling. But with no success. I would follow yours. Thanks a lot!

I think as travel bloggers we are all biased by the fact that we enjoy writing. I finished a full notebook on my last trip, while for some people in my group, keeping a journal ment only to write what they ate and what they saw. And… I am a classy journalist (?), only paper, and then once I am back I write on the blog a less chaotic version of it. Love this type of posts! Thanks for sharing =)

That’s amazing! I do a great job most days but there are times when I lag behind and just jot down a few things. I wish I wrote down what I ate!

Some great ideas here Amy. We take a lot of photos and videos but I am afraid I have never bee ngreat about taking detailed notes. I like your idea of dictating them. Even though mine would likely be rambling musings it would help sort things out later on.

I love this post – I really struggle with journalling, I always go on and off. Lots of great ideas – I am going to try some out for my NY resolutions next year 🙂

When I first started travelling I kept paper journals. But the photos were in a separate place. I finally decided I wanted to bring the words and pics together and created a blog to do that. We still create a planning journal that capture all of our travel plans, things to see and do, photo ideas, contacts and more. Some good ideas here for blog topics.

That’s how this blog got started too! But, like you, I still carry a small notebook.

I do love to have a travel journal and it has to be a new one for every trip. I love that photo bingo idea, thats cool!

I create a travel journal as a planning guide before we travel listing what we must do and what is optional. Then comes the photos. I download the pics at the end of every day under the rightly named folder. That makes it easier later when we are writing blogs. I also tried the voice recording in our Australia trip at every destination. Thanks for the tips. 🙂

I love, love, love this post! I always bring a journal with me and recently spent about 2 hours journaling in the Rodin sculpture garden in Paris. One of my favorite prompts is “Has this trip inspired you to make changes in your life at home?” which, to me, is sort of the essence of traveling. I’ll definitely use some of these on my next trip.

Thanks Amber! What a wonderful place to journal!

  • Pingback: Artistic Travel for Your Next Vacation - Trendingbird
  • Pingback: Carry On London: Travel Light with our London Packing List - Traveling Tulls

I love these! I always keep a travel journal, but it’s mostly unorganized. I wish I had these questions during earlier travels so I could keep these travel memories alive in better detail. Great list!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from traveling tulls.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Vanilla Papers

62 Best Travel Journal Ideas (And Inspiring Prompts)

Travel expands your world and leaves you inspired.

But these days travel is often a whirlwhind with packed itineraries and long “must-see” lists.

And when you return home, you often have photos that you hardly remember taking.

So how do you slow down and make travel more meaningful? And how do you make time to journal on a busy trip?

I’ve kept a travel journal for decades and it’s made my travels slower and more unforgettable .

And here’s my ultimate guide to start a travel journal. This guide includes everything to put in your journal – and the best prompts, travel journal ideas and tips .

It will inspire you to take a travel journal along on your next trip!

Table of Contents

23 benefits of a travel journal:

A woman holding a big map to her face stands in front of the Sacre Coeur cathedral in Montmartre, Paris.

1. Increases your self-discovery

A travel journal leads to fresh insights and self-discovery . And it makes travel far more rewarding when you reflect back on what you’ve learned and how you reacted in different situations.

2. Prolongs your pre-trip excitement

Journaling before you leave home gets you excited and prolongs that sweet anticipation. Write about what you’re most looking forward to on your trip. Write about your expectations.

3. Helps you plan an itinerary

A travel journal is an amazing tool to help plan your ideal itinerary. Use your journal to research before the trip – whether that’s finding maps and itineraries or jotting down restaurants to try.

Read books set in your destination and write down your favorite quotes to break the ice if you’re new to travel journaling.

4. Increases your self-awareness

When you travel, you’re thrown outside your daily routine. Self-awareness is easier because you don’t have your everyday surroundings to send you into auto-pilot.

You’re thrown into new situations and meeting new people. Your senses are heightened.

When you journal about your experiences, you get to know yourself. And that leads to more self-awareness and wisdom.

5. Exposes your weaknesses

A colorful map of the world lays out on a table with colorful photos and images on top.

Travel journaling lets you see yourself at your worst. No trip is perfect and travel tests your patience and leaves you vulnerable.

When you learn what triggers your moods, you learn how to navigate your emotions.

6. Gives you a pastime

Travel journaling is a great pastime when you’re waiting at the airport or taking a long train ride. It fills up time you’d otherwise waste aimlessly scrolling your phone.

Pick up your travel journal and let your thoughts flow. A travel journal is also a great conversation starter and way to meet new people on the road.

7. Helps you remember specific places

A travel journal increases your mindfulness and helps you remember the moment like no photo could.

So grab a seat when you can – whether that’s a park bench, a cafe or your hotel bar after a day of sightseeing.

Sketch your surroundings and vividly describe the scene in front of you. Take in all the details, sights and sounds of the moment you’re in. And capture that in your journal with descriptive language or a quick sketch.

8. Gathers items and mementos

A travel journal is a great place to collect ticket stubs, bits of leaflets and flyers, or anything you pick up as a souvenir of your trip.

Glue and tape in small items into your travel journal. These small everyday items are a powerful way to keep your memories vivid and give you a sense of place.

Carry a glue stick in your bag and keep an eye on anything you could include in your journal.

9. Keeps you organized

Whether it’s the name of that cafe in Florence or the dates of a Brooklyn art exhibit, your travel journal is a place to jot down details when you’re planning your trip.

A travel journal helps you keep track of everything you want to remember.

Your journal can also be an invaluable workbook that helps you arrange your itinerary, keep track of your budget or reshuffle your plans.

10. Helps you remember details

A woman in a bright yellow winter jacket sits on a hillside in the sunshine with the peaks of snowy mountains in the background.

Your travel journal is your personal record of the stimuli that makes your trip memorable – whether that’s the sound of a big city at rush hour or the smell of cotton candy on the beach.

It’s these rich sensory experiences that photos can’t capture.

11. Records your accomplishments

Hurdles that seem impossible are often overcome during travel.

Overwhelming situations later turn into learning experiences.

Your travel journal is a record of all these experiences and a reassurance that – in travel, as in life – everything eventually works out.

12. Keeps you motivated

A travel journal motivates you to change your habits – and your life – after everything you’ve seen on the road.

Whether you return from California and want to get back into yoga, or come home from Taiwan and want to bring more green tea into your life, use your journal to stay inspired.

13. Slows you down

A travel journal forces you to slow down and make the most of your holiday.

When you leave your daily routine behind, it can be difficult to switch to vacation mode. Writing slowly (as opposed to typing) gives you that much-needed time to recharge and observe your thoughts.

14. Boost your mindfulness

A travel journal puts you right in the moment.

When you’re writing, you don’t think about the past or plan for the future. Instead, you’re focused on the present and everything you’re experiencing.

15. Boosts your creativity

A book laying open with a map of Australia and a bright blue ocean surrounding it.

A travel journal is a great tool to fuel and inspire your creativity. Include sketches, collages or descriptive writing in your journal to get your creativity flowing.

16. Creates a souvenir

Re-reading your travel journal makes you experience your trip all over again.

17. Makes a great travel guide

Your travel journal makes a great guide if you visit the same destination again or when friends ask for recommendations.

18. Makes you more eloquent

Writing, like any other skill, gets easier with practice.

A travel journal hones your storytelling skills and your powers of description.

19. Shares your experiences

Your travel journal makes a great chronicle to share with friends or pass down to your children.

20. Relieves stress

Science shows that pouring your stress out onto a page helps you process feelings and let go. A travel journal is a portable therapist on the road.

21. Stores important info

A woman's hand points to a location on a map spread out on a table. There's a coffee cup and another map laying alongside.

Your travel journal holds your itinerary, hotel info, flight info, departure/arrival times, tour company contact information, and more.

This info proves invaluable when your phone runs out of battery – or there’s no Wi-Fi.

Use your travel journal to keep visa requirements, basic language phrases, numbers and currency exchange rates in one convenient place.

22. Keeps your kids entertained

A travel journal keeps your children occupied during long trips. It also helps them reflect on their experiences and creates a souvenir they’ll treasure when they’re older.

23. Helps you network

A travel journal is a great conversation starter with people you meet on the road. It’s also a great place to jot down their contact info or email.

24. Helps you reflect

When you return from your trip, a travel journal keeps expanding your knowledge of the destination you’ve visited.

Reflect back on your trip: what did you learn, what went better than expected and what didn’t.

A travel journal makes your trip more meaningful and lets you experience slow travel even during a short getaway.

Here are 25 travel journal ideas:

My travel journal lays open on a table with a map of Cairo and my drawing of the river Nile.

  • plane, metro, train and bus tickets
  • luggage tags
  • wine and beer labels
  • business cards
  • food labels
  • tea bag wrappers
  • cutouts from local newspapers
  • candy wrappers
  • sauce packets
  • sand and earth rubbings
  • foreign currency and coins
  • perfume samples
  • tags from clothes and souvenirs
  • paper bags and wrappers
  • paper menus
  • dried flowers and leaves
  • tickets for museums, galleries, theatres and attractions
  • tourist maps

7 travel journal tips for beginners

A brown leather notebook and a map lay on a dark wooden table.

1. Stay realistic

When you’re starting out, keep things simple.

If you scroll Pinterest and see picture-perfect journals packed with beautiful sketches, you’ll be too intimidated to start.

2. Make your travel journal personal

Buy a simple journal that you won’t mind “spoiling” with awkward doodles or sloppy handwriting.

Remember that it’s better to have an imperfect journal that’s yours than none at all.

3. Don’t mind your handwriting

If your writing feels awkward, remember that it’s still yours. You’ll find it invaluable to reread your journal years from now – and you won’t mind that it’s not perfect.

4. Keep it truthful

Keep your travel journal honest.

Be truthful with yourself and don’t be guided by what you think a travel journal should look like.

Let it be yours – and let it reflect the good, the bad and the ugly of your experiences.

5. Make it comfortable

A map and flower petals lay on the table with dim and rosy sunlight alongside a notebook filled with travel journal ideas.

Go for a spiral-bound notebook if you plan to glue and collect souvenirs into your journal. A spiral-bound notebook gives you more leeway to make collages because it expands more than a tightly-bound journal.

6, Make it art friendly

Pick a journal with thick paper if you plan to write in ink (which can easily bleed through thin paper) or if you want to sketch or do watercolors.

7. Make it portable

Pick a notebook that’s large enough to write and sketch in, but small and light enough to carry easily in your bag.

6 travel journal prompts

A pile of dozens of different maps lays all on top of each other in layers on a table.

Use journal prompts to get your writing flowing.

Here are 6 travel journal prompts to get inspired:

  • What were your expectations for this trip? Is it living up to your hopes?
  • What’s your itinerary, and what have you done spontaneously?
  • Describe a person you’ve met – their character and personality, their mannerisms, their appearance and clothing.
  • Write about a new food or restaurant you’ve tried.
  • Describe the best and worst part of your day.
  • Describe a place you’ve visited. What’s the history, the atmosphere and the smells and sounds of the place?

The benefits of writing by hand

A notebook filled with cursive writing lays open with a cup of coffee on top, surrounded by leaves, a dark green ribbon, a bowl with rocks and paper scraps.

Did you know that the mere act of writing by hand (vs. typing on a keyboard) has countless different benefits – from fighting stress to boosting your memory?

It’s all the more reason to start a travel journal and really unwind on your next vacation.

Read my guide to the Incredible Benefits of Writing by Hand (vs. Typing)   to get inspired on your analog journey.

How to start a journal

A journal lays open with writing and sketches of birds, next to a white coffee cup.

If you haven’t written in awhile – or just need some fresh inspiration to start journaling, read my Powerful Journaling Tips For Beginners (And How To Start)  to get your daily writing habit going.

More resources:

18 Incredible Benefits of Journaling  

13 Powerful Journaling Techniques (And How To Use Them)  

51 Inspiring Quotes About Journaling (To Get You Writing!)

Nature Journaling: An Essential Guide (+8 Tips To Start)

Journaling for Mental Health (And 30 Powerful Prompts)

' src=

Dee Nowak is the founder of Vanilla Papers. She keeps a daily journal and takes long walks on weekends. After a decade of slow living in Cairo, she's on a mission to help travelers navigate Egypt and the Middle East like a local. She loves simple living, journaling and local cultures.

Inside the Travel Lab

21 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Prompts for Your Next Trip

February 29, 2024

Creative travel journal ideas Pinterest cover

Journaling is a great way to make the most of any trip. Here are some of our favourite creative travel journal ideas.

travel journal prompts for students

Travel Journal Ideas

Photos and videos aren’t the only ways to capture your travels. A travel diary can help you enjoy the trip you’re on and help you relive all those memories once you’re home. After all, how often do you look back through your phone’s photos?

I’ll be honest. Completing a travel bullet journal is something I often dream about more than I manage to complete, particularly when travelling with young children. But over the years, the travel journals I have managed to complete have brought me great joy and prompted my ageing brain to remember sights, smells and tastes more vividly than ever.

So, don’t get hung up on making it pretty and perfect. Just concentrate on enjoying your trip and use these travel journal ideas to deepen that enjoyment. Don’t let them turn into one more burden or chore to complete!

Vintage travel journal open on a table

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is whatever you want it to be, baby! Or in more standard talk:

A travel journal is a personal, written account that documents an individual’s experiences, observations, and emotions during their journeys. It serves as a dedicated space for recording details such as daily activities, cultural encounters, and reflections on the places visited.

Typically, travel journals include a mix of narratives, anecdotes, and practical information. Whether handwritten or digital, a travel journal is a valuable tool for preserving travel memories, fostering self-reflection, and creating a tangible record of one’s explorations and discoveries around the world.

Although, don’t think you need to write reams. We’ve plenty of creative travel journal ideas if writing doesn’t happen to be your thing. We’re all about the easy way to fill those travel journal pages.

Leather-bound travel journal and pencil

Where to Find the Perfect Travel Journal

The romantic in me says that the best travel journal is found on the road. But the practical side of me knows that it’s easier if you pick one up before you go.

In my experience, you want a book that will stay flat when you fold it open and ideally have a tie or piece of elastic to hold it together again, to stop things falling out.

I also like travel journals with a space for a pen as that makes it more likely that you will actually have a pen with you when the time comes to write. In my experience, the best way to make sure that something happens is to remove as many obstacles as possible.

Personally, I prefer blank pages but I know that many prefer grids or lines. And I’ve never got to grips with a digital journal but if they work for you, then great!

A hard cover can protect from the bumps and bruises of life on the road but, then again, a soft cover is lighter to carry around.

Here are some lovely travel journal examples you can find on Amazon:

  • Vegan Leather Beechmore Travel Journal
  • Adventure Travel Journal with Prompts
  • Moleskine Hardcover Travel Journal

Note: if you buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Bother Keeping a Travel Journal in the First Place?

Firstly, because it’s fun! However, keeping a travel journal also has a number of other benefits.

Such as…

Memory Enhancement:

  • According to a study published in the journal Memory, the act of writing helps to consolidate and enhance memory. By documenting your experiences, in your own travel journal, you’re more likely to remember details of your journey. And that fits with what I learned when I was studying Neuroscience at Cambridge.

Stress Reduction:

  • A study by the American Psychological Association suggests that expressive writing can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Journaling about your travel experiences allows you to process emotions and relive positive moments.

Increased Cultural Awareness:

  • Research conducted by the Cultural Intelligence Center indicates that keeping a travel journal can contribute to the development of cultural intelligence. Writing about local customs, traditions, and interactions with residents fosters a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Reflection and Personal Growth:

  • Psychologist James W. Pennebaker’s research on expressive writing reveals that reflecting on experiences through writing can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. A travel journal provides a space for introspection and learning.

Enhanced Creativity:

  • Again, the busy American Psychological Association suggests that engaging in creative activities, such as writing, can boost cognitive function and creativity. Documenting your travels in a journal encourages creative expression.

Capturing Details:

  • Studies on eyewitness testimony indicate that people tend to forget details over time. Keeping a travel journal helps in preserving the specifics of your experiences, ensuring a more accurate recollection later on. Not that we hope you’ll end up in court. More, that we hope you’ll remember the highlights of your trip.

Improved Communication Skills:

  • Journaling encourages the practice of effective communication. Documenting your thoughts and experiences helps refine your ability to articulate ideas and stories.

Digital Detox and Mindfulness:

  • A study by the Pew Research Center found that 85% of adults in the United States use the internet. Keeping a physical travel journal offers a break from screens, fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection with your surroundings. Little details can bring about a big sense of calm.

Goal Setting and Achievement:

  • Again, the good old American Psychological Association notes that setting and achieving small goals, such as completing a journal entry each day, can boost motivation and self-esteem. A travel journal provides a structured way to set and accomplish writing goals.

Legacy and Sharing:

  • According to a study by Ancestry.com, 77% of adults believe it’s important to preserve their family history. A travel journal can serve as a legacy, allowing future generations to gain insights into your experiences and perspectives.

So, how about that? Not just a pretty page after all.

21 Gorgeous and Creative Travel Journal Ideas

OK, let’s get to the fun part! Creative travel journal ideas!

A collection of colourful ticket stubs

Collect Ticket Stubs

Ticket stubs may not seem so glamorous at the time but they’re one of those travel journal ideas that’s quick and easy to do, with great rewards later on. If you find yourself too busy on the trip, just shove (ahem, collect) them as you go along in one envelope. Once you’re home, you can then arrange them in a scrapbook or bullet journal along with notes and photos.

Carry Some Lightweight Supplies

It’s easier to keep up with your travel diary if you have the right tools with you. No-one needs to carry about an entire artist’s briefcase but a few pens, pencils and a roll or two of washi tape can help make it manageable.

Not sure what washi tape is? It’s like sellotape only comes with a pattern and is much more forgiving when unrolling and using it. You can pick up some washi tape here . It’s a great option to make sure things don’t always fall out along the way.

Brush up on Some Writing Tips

A travel diary shouldn’t feel like homework. But it will be more rewarding to write and definitely more pleasurable to read if you brush up on some writing techniques before you go.

We run a range of writing courses to get you started, including:

  • Freelance Writing Masterclass
  • Write Better, Write Now
  • The Writing Boost

So, whether it’s a quick weekend away or a road trip journal that spans several months, you’ll feel more confident about what goes into your own travel log.

Budapest and London postcards on a travel journal

Pick up Some Postcards

This is one of my favourite creative travel journal ideas.

Now, we’re not talking about standard tourist postcards here (although, obviously, that’s fine if that’s what you want to do. It’s your travel diary, right?!)

We’re talking about flyers and postcards for art galleries, live music, exhibitions and special events. Business cards from cafes. Anything you saw and enjoyed and which gave you a taste of the place.

Notes from Dominican Republic, The Gambia and the US on top of a travel journal

Collect the Cash

Spend more than a few days in a destination and the local money soon becomes a background event that you stop noticing. But when you’re back home, it’s a connection to the place.

So, if you can spare some of the lower denomination notes, it’s a great idea to tape a few into your travel journal.

A selection of Isle of Wight maps on a table

Keep the Maps

You know those maps that are folded back and forth, torn, soggy and scribbled over? Keep them! It’s amazing how quickly you forget the detail of a place but a scribbled note and the white fluff along a folded map seam brings it back right away. New places, new maps.

Stacks of colourful cardboard drink coasters

Make the Food to Go

At the risk of sounding like a hoarder, look out for sweet wrapper, chopstick wrappers, beer labels and more that really fit the local food you had in a destination.

I always look out for local flavours in particular, so this method of scrapbooking (sounds better than hoarding) works well for me.

Flower Press Stress

Sometimes, pressing flowers or leaves works wonders. And, sometimes, it just makes a mess. This is one of those travel journal ideas that you need to do just right: ideally with a big patch of sellophane rather than just a strip of washi tape.

Be careful, though. Some countries, most notably New Zealand and Australia, are very strict about flowers and seeds crossing their borders. Probably best to avoid this if you plan on heading there.

Hand-drawn sketch of a city skyline

Sketch Skills

Small sketches and beautiful drawings can really bring a travel diary to life. If you can draw, that is.

If not, never fear. While we can’t all be the best at everything, we can all master a few basic techniques.

It’s a good idea to just relax and have a go.

Colourful post-it notes with different languages on

Learn the Lingo

As everyone knows, with a few local phrases, you’ll get a better reception wherever you go. Yet, with age, it’s alarming how quickly that knowledge fades.

Write down those phrases while they’re fresh! It’s a fun way to nurture those brain cells.

Stick in Those Lists

Have you used a packing list? A leaving the house checklist? A bucket list? To-do list? If so, stick them in! They’ll be surprisingly interesting to look at come the end of your trip. Don’t let your trip planning go to waste!

And if you don’t? Check out our collection of packing lists and pre-travel checklists here .

Use Some Travel Journal Writing Prompts

When inspiration fails, fall back on these. Don’t worry if you feel cheesy. No-one has to read this but you.

Travel Journal Prompts Before You Go

  • Outline your expectations and goals for the upcoming journey. What do you hope to achieve or experience during this trip?
  • Share your pre-trip excitement and any pre-travel rituals or preparations you engage in before embarking on a new adventure.
  • Detail the research you’ve conducted about the destination, including its culture, history, and notable attractions. What aspects are you most eager to explore?
  • Reflect on any pre-trip concerns or uncertainties. How do you plan to address them or prepare for potential challenges?
  • Describe the anticipation you feel about trying the local cuisine. Are there specific dishes you’re looking forward to sampling?
  • Outline your itinerary and the key activities you have planned for each day. What landmarks or attractions are a must-see for you?
  • Consider the local customs and etiquette of the destination. How do you plan to respect and engage with the local culture?
  • Share your thoughts on the packing process. What essentials are you making sure to bring, and what strategies are you using to pack efficiently?
  • Reflect on any language barriers you might encounter. Have you learned a few basic phrases or expressions in the local language to enhance your experience?
  • Write about your overall mindset and emotions as you approach the trip. What are your hopes, fears, and anticipations for the upcoming adventure?

Man writing in journal by a lake

Travel Journal Prompts For on the Road

1. Describe your initial impressions upon arriving at your destination. 2. What local cuisine or dish did you sample, and how would you rate your experience? 3. Reflect on a memorable encounter with a local resident or fellow traveller. 4. Share a moment when you stepped out of your comfort zone during your journey. 5. Detail the sights, sounds, and scents of a particular place that left a lasting impression on you. 6. Write about a unique cultural tradition or festival you experienced during your travels. 7. Describe a hidden gem or off-the-beaten-track location you discovered. 8. Share a humorous or unexpected anecdote from your trip. 9. Reflect on a challenging situation you encountered and how you overcame it. 10. Write about a place that surpassed your expectations and why. 11. Document a day spent exploring nature, whether it’s a hike, day at the beach, or wildlife encounter. 12. Discuss the impact of local art, music, or architecture on your overall experience. 13. Capture the essence of a local market or shopping district you visited. 14. Reflect on how the local history and heritage influenced your perception of the destination. 15. Write about a moment of tranquillity or relaxation during your journey. 16. Share your thoughts on the transportation methods you used and any interesting experiences. 17. Describe a sunrise or sunset that left you in awe. 18. Document a day focused on immersive cultural experiences, such as workshops or language classes. 19. Write about a place you’d love to revisit and explore further in the future. 20. Reflect on the personal growth or insights gained from your travel experiences.

Travel Journal Prompts for Once You Get Back

  • Reflect on the overall experience of your journey. Did it meet, exceed, or differ from your initial expectations?
  • Capture the emotions you feel upon returning home. What aspects of your routine are you excited to resume, and what do you miss from your travels?
  • Share your favourite moments from the trip and how they contributed to your overall satisfaction.
  • Write about any unexpected discoveries or surprises that occurred during your travels.
  • Reflect on the impact of the journey on your perspective and personal growth. In what ways do you feel changed or enriched?
  • Describe the local cuisine that left a lasting impression on you. Are there any dishes you wish you could recreate at home?
  • Outline any challenges you faced during the trip and how you successfully navigated them.
  • Consider how the cultural experiences have influenced your worldview. What lessons or insights will you carry forward from your travels?
  • Share your thoughts on the souvenirs or mementoes you brought back. Do they hold special meaning or memories?
  • Write about your plans for future travels. Are there destinations you’re now eager to explore based on this recent experience?

We hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of creative ways to catalogue different places and, more importantly, what they meant to you.

For all we’ve talked about the benefits of travel journaling, the important thing is that it’s fun. Don’t let your travel journal become a chore. Like all goals and tools, it’s just a way to help you fall even more in love with life.

Journal entries should make you think or make you smile. And that’s enough.

Why not bookmark this article on creative travel journal ideas on Pinterest for later?

More on Preparing for Your Next Trip

  • The Only International Travel Checklist You Need
  • Printable Holiday Packing List PDF: The Only Checklist You Need
  • The 21 Best Souvenir Ideas for 2024
  • 27 Long Haul Flight Essentials and a Flight Checklist for You
  • The Best Flight Booking Hacks For Savvy Travellers
  • The 10 Travel Skills Every One of Us Should Know
  • The 50 Best Travel Websites and Travel Resources
  • The best travel journal ideas for kids

Creative travel journal ideas Pinterest cover

Why not pin these creative travel journal ideas on Pinterest for later?

The Best Travel Quotes

  • 150+ Best Short Travel Quotes for Instagram
  • The Best Family Travel Quotes
  • Powerful Quotes for Travelling Alone 
  • The Best Hiking Quotes and Instagram Captions to Love the Great Outdoors
  • The Best Sunset Captions, Sunset Lyrics and Sunset Quotes

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Passport To Eden

55 Travel Journal Prompts

travel journal prompts for students

55 travel journal prompts.

Lately, I’ve been getting back into travel journaling. I used to love to journal when I was younger, but at some point, Passport To Eden became my online travel journal and I scrapped traditional journaling.

There is nothing I love more than seeing words on a page. So for the past week, I’ve challenged myself to free write for thirty minutes each day ( first thing in the morning ) based on a series of travel journal prompts I created. And the process has been cathartic.

You don’t have to try all 55 of these travel journal prompts ( or any for that matter ). I created this list of prompts for rainy days when you feel stuck and aren’t sure what to write about.

I’ll also quickly list my journal supplies below.

P.S. You don’t need any supplies apart from a writing tool and a notebook but I’m a stationery nut so here we go .

Disclosure:   Heads up, this post contains affiliate links, which means Passport To Eden may get a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make an online purchase. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything. We still love that you’re here, reading our content (side note: we suggest getting a coffee or tea first because our blog posts tend to be long). You can read our full affiliate disclosure here to find out more.

Best Travel Journal Supplies

travel journal prompts hands on map and journal shown

En-Route Travel Journal

I’m obsessed with this travel journal! I picked up a copy from Gift Horse, a small boutique in Nashville , and love it (the journal’s interior has a mix of blank pages, dotted pages, grid pages, and lined pages). There are also cute travel illustrations (some full-page) throughout, which is a cute little touch. Unfortunately, the journal isn’t available on Gift Horse’s online store but you can find it here .

Travel Stickers

All hell went loose when I discovered Etsy ( stationery addicts, beware. This website is trouble ). I have lots of cute stickers from them ( like this orange-and-blue pastel travel sticker set by Audrey Okeya ). I also have a set of printable stickers ( cute graphics that I cut out for scrapbooking ), namely everything from Eva’s store, Tralala Stickers.

I use very minimal Washi Tape in my travel journal, but there is one roll I can’t get enough of – the Wayfarer Washi Tape by Nicole from PaperGamesCo . It’s absolutely stunning and brilliantly detailed . The design is adventure-focused and it goes perfectly with any travel notebook.

Table of Contents

Reflective Travel Journal Prompts

travel journal prompts for students

  • Why do you travel? What motivates you to travel? ( Example )
  • What is the biggest lesson travel has taught you?
  • What is the biggest fear travel has helped you overcome? Do you still have fears that you wish you could overcome when traveling?
  • How did your worst travel experience shape you? How did your best travel experience shape you?
  • What is your mindset about travel expectations? Where do your destination expectations/perceptions stem from?
  • What is your biggest regret when it comes to travel?
  • What is your favorite childhood travel memory? ( Example )
  • Do you have a “type” when it comes to traveling? Is there a certain style of travel that you regard as your comfort zone?
  • If you had unlimited travel days, how often would you travel?
  • Has travel changed your values?
  • What are some travel experiences you’re grateful for?

Trip Planning Travel Journal Prompts

  • How do you choose your next destination? Do you pick a place that’s always been on your bucket list? Do you pick a place you feel a personal connection to?
  • To what extent does social media influence your itinerary?
  • Make a packing list. Cross off anything you feel isn’t essential. ( Example )
  • Packing introspection exercise: sketch out your thoughts on the 10×10 capsule wardrobe challenge .
  • What are your favorite resources for trip planning?
  • Your luggage got lost. You’re given $300 to buy the essentials. What do you buy?
  • You’re challenged to spend one month in a cold-weather country with carry-on only. What do you bring?
  • Plan a staycation.

Creative Travel Journal Prompts

  • It’s open mic night at a local comedy club. You’re asked to share your funniest travel experience. What do you say?
  • Write a song you’d love to hear on the radio during a road trip.
  • What are the most beautiful words you learned while traveling?

Travel Journal Field Notes

  • What was the weather like today? Did it affect your travel plans? ( Example )
  • What foods did you eat? Did you try any local cuisine? What was your first reaction to the food? ( Example )
  • Describe your accommodations for the night. Where are you staying? What does your room look like? ( Example )
  • Did you buy any souvenirs? What inspired your purchases?
  • What transportation did you use? How did you get from one area to another?
  • Rate any attractions you visited. ( Example )
  • What are some facts you learned? Did they change your perception of the destination? ( Example )

Travel Journal Prompts: Character Sketches

travel journal prompts cafe sketches

  • Describe your travel partner.
  • Describe the crowd at a local cafe. How are they dressed? How are they behaving? ( Example )
  • Record a conversation. ( Example )
  • Did you meet anyone while traveling? Sketch them.
  • Is there anyone you met who stood out to you? Why? ( Example )
  • People watch in a local spot. Write down what people are doing. ( I feel like character sketching occasionally borders on creepy but I promise it’s a great writing exercise ).

Travel Journal Prompts: Landscape Sketches

  • What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to? What made it beautiful?
  • Pick a place. What are the sounds you hear when you recall the location?
  • Describe a dish from a restaurant you’ve visited. What did it smell like? What did it taste like?
  • Describe your travel experience from the perspective of an inanimate object in the area ( like a Parisian coffee cup or even the Mona Lisa ).
  • Imagine you stepped back in time and took a trip with a historical figure. What did the place look like then versus now? ( Example )

Travel Journal Prompts For Inspiration

  • What books inspire you to travel? ( Example )
  • What movies inspire you to travel?
  • What are your favorite travel quotes? ( Example )
  • What are your favorite travel podcasts?
  • Who are your favorite fictional travelers?

Travel Journal Prompts For Dreamers

  • Money is not an object. Where would you go right now?
  • Make a bucket list. ( Example )
  • What fictional world would you like to step into?
  • What is your dream travel job?
  • If you could wake up to any view right now, what would the scene outside look like?

Save Money For Travel Prompts

  • What is the most amount of money you’ve spent on a trip? Is there any way you could have saved money without sacrificing trip quality?
  • Plan a budget trip.
  • What are some free attractions you’ve visited in the past that you’ve absolutely loved? ( Example )
  • Come up with a list of ten ways to save money for travel. ( Example )
  • What are your limiting beliefs on travel and money? Cross them off and flip the way they are worded. Words have power. ( Instead of I can’t afford to travel, think I CAN save money to travel ).

sincerely anshula

Editor-In-Chief

Anshula grew up with a love of stories and places. Thirty-five states and 100 bookstores later, she's made her hobbit home in Middle Tennessee. Her Tookish side still takes over and leaves her chasing window seats, literary destinations, adventure books, sunrise coffee, and indie bookshops. She's appeared as a travel source on HuffPost, Reader's Digest, and MSN.

Related Posts

36 Eat Pray Love Quotes That Will Speak To Your Heart

36 Eat Pray Love Quotes That Will Speak To Your Heart

20 YA Travel Books For The Adventurer In You

20 YA Travel Books For The Adventurer In You

7 Reasons Why I Travel

7 Reasons Why I Travel

10 Beautiful Travel Poems For The Adventurer In You

10 Beautiful Travel Poems For The Adventurer In You

Funny Travel Quotes (That Are Laughably Relatable)

Funny Travel Quotes (That Are Laughably Relatable)

21 Best Travel Souvenir Ideas

21 Best Travel Souvenir Ideas

Very inspiring! I really had some struggles finding good content for my next post on my traveling blog. I mean, how should you tell your readers about your travel experiences if you don’t travel recently? Now, after reading your post I’ll definitely be able to surprise my readers with some very new and creative content. Thank you so much!

Thank you Sofie! I’m glad you found it useful! I never thought of the post as a blog post ideas list. What a creative way to use the prompts! xx – Anshula

I love this and is very inspiring to get back into journaling! I’m definitely pinning this as a reminder 🙂

Thank you Cathers! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. xx – Anshula

Thank you so much! xx – Anshula

You have some very interesting prompts here. I have a 5 year journal where I write a couple of sentences, thoughts or ideas, each day of the year, repeated for 5 years. It’s a really interesting way to journal as each day you see what you were doing at the same time over previous years. It’s great looking back on the different places I was visiting and how I was feeling about things. I have gotten a bit out of the habit since Covid but your post has inspired me to get back into it. Thanks!

Hi Andrea. Sorry for the late response. Thank you so much for your comment! I think it’s amazing that you have a five-year journal (I don’t think I could ever achieve that consistency with journaling so props to you for that). I’m so glad you found you a bit of inspiration from this post. xx – Anshula

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

What are you looking for?

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

  • Classroom Ideas
  • Teacher’s Life
  • Deals & Shopping
  • Privacy Policy

77 Invigorating Travel-Themed Journal Prompts For Kids

September 22, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Bring your child’s travel experiences to life with our carefully curated journal prompts! These thoughtfully devised cues are perfect for kids aged 6 to 10- offering an exciting gateway to documenting and reflecting on their adventures. From observing new cultures to relishing exotic foods and capturing picturesque landscapes, you’ll be able to stimulate their creativity, improve their writing skills, and make their travel tales unforgettable. Jump right in to experience a world of wanderlust! 

Cultural Observations And Experiences

1. List five interesting things you noticed about the local culture.

travel journal prompts for students

2. What is one tradition or custom you learned about and found fascinating?

3. Imagine you lived in this place 100 years ago. What would your life be like?

travel journal prompts for students

4. Imagine living in the place you visited for one year. What would you do?

5. List three things you would change about this place if you could.

travel journal prompts for students

6. Write about how this place is different from your hometown.

7. Describe the transportation in the place you visited.

travel journal prompts for students

8. What is one habit or lifestyle you observed that you’d like to adopt?

Personal Reflections And Feelings

9. Make a list of ‘Top 10 Moments’ from your trip.

travel journal prompts for students

10. Write about an unexpected adventure or event.

11. Write a letter to a friend telling them about your favorite day of the trip so far.

travel journal prompts for students

12. Write a postcard to yourself describing your feelings about the trip.

13. Write about a moment when you felt out of your comfort zone.

travel journal prompts for students

14. Write about a song or piece of music you heard and how it made you feel.

15. Write a thank-you letter to the place you visited, expressing what you enjoyed most.

travel journal prompts for students

16. Write about a moment when you felt extremely happy.

17. Write about the funniest or strangest thing that happened on your trip.

travel journal prompts for students

Creative Expressions

18. Draw the most beautiful thing you saw today.

19. Create a collage from brochures, ticket stubs, and other items you collected.

travel journal prompts for students

20. Draw your travel route on a blank map.

21. Draw a map of a city you just visited. Add landmarks you remember.

travel journal prompts for students

22. Create a comic strip about an interesting event or experience.

23. Draw a self-portrait of you in a memorable place.

travel journal prompts for students

24. Draw or describe the coins or banknotes from the place you visited.

25. Draw the national flag of the country you visited and write what its colors and symbols mean.

travel journal prompts for students

26. Imagine a character from your favorite book is traveling with you. What would they think?

Food and Culinary Experiences

27. Describe the most delicious meal you had on your trip.

travel journal prompts for students

28. Describe a local dish you tried and what it tasted like.

29. Write about a unique fruit or vegetable you saw or tasted for the first time.

travel journal prompts for students

30. Describe a cooking method or kitchen tool unique to the place you visited.

31. Write about a local market or food shop you visited and what you observed.

travel journal prompts for students

32. What is one food you saw but were too hesitant to try?

33. Compare a meal you had on your trip with a similar meal back home.

travel journal prompts for students

34. Write about a conversation you had with someone while sharing a meal.

35. Journal about a day’s full menu, from breakfast to dinner, in the place you visited.

travel journal prompts for students

Observe And Describe

36. Describe a place you visited in as much detail as possible – sights, smells, sounds.

37. Describe the most breathtaking view you encountered.

travel journal prompts for students

38. Describe the natural beauty you witnessed and how it made you feel.

39. Describe an interesting piece of architecture or landmark you saw.

travel journal prompts for students

40. Write about the local wildlife or plant life you observed and how it differs from your home.

41. Describe the sounds of the city or countryside in the place you visited.

travel journal prompts for students

42. Record your impressions of the night sky in a different place, noting any differences or similarities.

43. Write about a local shop or street market and the variety of items you saw there.

travel journal prompts for students

Learning and Growth

44. Write about a person you met and what you learned from them.

45. List five new words you learned in a different language.

travel journal prompts for students

46. Write a short story based on a local legend or folklore you heard.

47. Describe a new sport or game you learned about.

travel journal prompts for students

48. Describe a local school or educational institution you visited or learned about.

49. Write about a historical event significant to the place you visited and how it has shaped the area.

travel journal prompts for students

50. Write about a local artist, musician, or public figure you learned about.

51. Describe a local holiday or festival and what it celebrates.

travel journal prompts for students

Memories And Keepsakes

52. If you could bring back one thing from your trip (apart from souvenirs), what would it be?

53. Write about the best souvenir you bought and why you chose it.

travel journal prompts for students

54. Describe a piece of local artwork or craft you saw and why it was memorable.

55. Write about an item you collected from nature (like a shell or a leaf).

travel journal prompts for students

56. Draw or describe a traditional costume or dress you saw.

57. Write about a local music or movie you would like to bring back home.

travel journal prompts for students

58. Describe a local tradition or custom you would like to take home with you.

59. Write about a photograph you took that has a special meaning.

travel journal prompts for students

Comparative And Contrast

60. Compare and contrast two cities or places you visited.

61. Compare the landscape of the place you visited with your hometown.

travel journal prompts for students

62. Compare the local cuisine with the food you are used to back home.

63. Compare a typical day you experienced on your trip with a day in your life at home.

travel journal prompts for students

64. Discuss the differences and similarities in family life or how children live.

65. Compare and contrast the local wildlife or pets with those in your area.

travel journal prompts for students

66. Compare the modes of transportation used in the place you visited to those in your hometown.

67. Compare the school or education system of the place you visited with your own.

travel journal prompts for students

68. Compare and contrast local shopping experiences with those in your hometown.

Daily Life Documentation

69. Create a ‘Day in the Life’ entry, documenting everything you did in one day.

travel journal prompts for students

70. Document the different types of housing or buildings you saw.

71. Write about a local festival or event you witnessed or participated in.

travel journal prompts for students

72. Describe a typical mealtime or dining experience during your trip.

73. Write about a local job or profession you observed that was new to you.

travel journal prompts for students

74. Document the weather patterns you experienced during your trip and how they affected your activities.

75. Write about a local park or public space you visited and what activities you saw there.

travel journal prompts for students

76. Describe the different forms of entertainment or leisure activities you observed or participated in.

77. Journal about your interactions with local residents and the insights gained.

travel journal prompts for students

jessie on a journey logo

Best Travel Journal With Prompts

Looking for a journal with creative travel prompts, grab my free *inspired storyteller* travel journal, which includes writing tips, uplifting quotes, and 56 prompts.

profitable blogging

FREE Inspired Storyteller Travel Journal

Enter your details below to subscribe to my email list + grab a FREE travel journal complete with 56 prompts. Relive your best travel memories while igniting your creativity! //  Privacy Policy . 

The journal prompts are on their way to your inbox! 🙂

Woohoo! You're officially a member of the Jessie on a Journey community.

Make sure to also connect with me on Instagram , on YouTube , and on Facebook to start traveling #BeyondTheGuidebook.

I regularly share about solo female travel, New York City, lesser-known destinations, unique experiences, active adventures, and how to turn your passion for exploring the world into a profitable business through travel blogging.

Click here to head back to the travel blog .

.

Hi, I'm Jessie

what type of traveler are you

there are many reasons i love travel; the way it connects people and allows them to share an experience, the feeling of ultimate freedom it provides, the way it awakens a sense of curiosity.

While I think guidebooks can be a helpful resource, I believe the beauty of travel comes less in seeing sites and more in experiencing places.

Now, I realize that the definition of an amazing trip varies from person to person, which is exactly why I designed this quiz to provide unique travel recommendations based on your personality.

Get ready to explore the world #BeyondTheGuidebook!

A little bit about me:

  • I started traveling solo after friends bailed on a summer trip through Europe. It is now my preferred way to see the world.
  • I'm passionate about not putting off your dreams, whether they're travel-related or not. The time to live your life shouldn't be restricted to two weeks per year vacation or retirement. It should be NOW.
  • Some of my favorite trips have been trekking through Nepal's Annapurna Himalayas, backpacking solo through South America for three months, exploring remote Bhutan, and hiking and wine tasting my way around the Azores.
  • I've been featured in top publications like USA TODAY, CNN, Forbes, Business Insider, and AOL Travel, as well as a travel web series with Bravo and a featured guest on BBC Travel TV (twice!).

 Ready to relive your favorite travel memories while igniting your creativity?

The travel journal prompts cover adventure, food, vacations, and more!

Don't forget to pin this printable travel journal PDF for later!

Jessie on a Journey

© Jessie on a Journey 2024 | All Rights Reserved | contact

  privacy policy | disclaimer | terms.

The Travel Tester

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Posted on Last updated: June 7, 2024

When writing a travel story, following some travel journal prompts can be helpful to get the creative juices flowing. Here is a list with journal prompt ideas I compiled to get you started.

There are also quite a few journals you can buy that already have travel writing prompts in them. You can see all journals with prompts further down in this article.

Bucket List Journal Prompts

Travel experience writing prompts, inspirational journal prompts, holiday journal prompts, hiking journal prompts, travel journal prompts for kids, top travel journals for kids, the adventure book travel journal, clever fox travel journals, oakdene personalised travel journals, moleskine travel journal, duncan & stone travel journal, everywhere you go travel journal, promptly travel journal, axel & ash travel journals, onelinevoyage travel journal, luckies travel journal, letterfolk travel journal, travel without leaving home, which book to read, our favourite travel journals, our favourite travel notebook covers, travel journals for kids, discover unique travel gear & gifts in our shop.

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

LIST OF TRAVEL JOURNAL WRITING PROMPTS

OUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL JOURNALS WITH PROMPTS Full list at the bottom of this post! The Adventure Book ( Original , Ultimate and Europe Edition) Moleskine National Geographic Traveller’s Journal Duncan & Stone Travel Journal Compendium Everywhere You Go: Guided Travel Journal Promptly Journals X Kelli Murray Clever Fox Travel Journal Axel & Ash Life’s a Road Trip Journal Luckies Scratch Off Travelogue
  • What are the Top 100 destinations you would like to visit?
  • What are the destinations you would like to visit in your own country?
  • What are the destinations you would like to visit in your own town/city?
  • What is your ultimate travel dream?
  • What are some destinations you would once like to return to?

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

You don’t always need to be physically on the road to enjoy the beauty of destinations from all around the world!

From vintage travel posters to beautifully displayed souvenirs and home decor items inspired by your favourite places and from travel journals and crafts to exploring world recipes, music and dance.

With our creative articles you’ll get some fresh ideas on how to bring the world closer to the comforts of your own home.

  • Which amazing world dishes did you try across the globe?
  • Create a “6-word story”: write down a single travel experience in just 6 words
  • (When visiting a country) What is similar and what is different to home?
  • What is a memorable conversation you had with a local?
  • What is a memorable conversation you had with another traveller?
  • Did anything go wrong on your trip? What did you learn from that?
  • What were things you were grateful for on your trip?
  • What is a phrase you learned in a foreign language?
  • What were local people wearing in the place you visited? Draw it!
  • What was the strangest transportation device on your trip?
  • What was unique about the accommodation you stayed at?

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

  • What calls you to adventure?
  • What memorable insights did you have on your trip?
  • What are your favourite travel quotes?
  • What makes you happy on the road?
  • What did you most miss from home?
  • If your trip would be turned into a book or movie, what would the title be?

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

  • What is your favourite travel playlist / song?
  • What was the most useful item you’ve packed? why?
  • What was the most useless item you’ve packed? why?
  • Which books did you read on your holiday?
  • What souvenir(s) did you bring home from the trip?
  • What is a dish from your trip that you will try to recreate at home?

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

  • Which colours stood out to you during your hike?
  • What elements of landscape did you encounter (hill, rocks, waterfall, etc.)
  • (if you stayed overnight) Which constellations did you spot? Can you draw them?
  • Which flowers did you see? Can you draw them or can you add a pressed flower? (of course only if it’s allowed to pick flowers in the area you hiked, and there were plenty of them)
  • What smells did you come across on your hike?
  • Did you recognize any trees, plants or wild herbs on your hike?
  • What noises did you hear on your hike?
  • What did the clouds look like on your hike? Can you draw it?
  • Could you recognize any bird sounds on your hike?
  • Did you find any animal tracks on your hike?
  • What did walking in silence do to you?
  • Did you come up with any interesting thoughts or ideas during your hike?
  • What were you most grateful for on your hike?
  • Did you have any mental or physical challenges on your hike?
  • If you had to describe your hike to someone who’s never been out in nature, what would you write?
  • How did being outdoors make you feel?

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

  • Where have you been?
  • Who did you travel with?
  • What were your top 3 activities? Why?
  • What was your least favourite activity? Why?
  • What is one weird thing you ate?
  • What is one weird thing you smelled?
  • What is one weird thing you saw?
  • What is one weird thing you touched?
  • What is one weird thing you heard?
  • What kind of transportation did you ride?
  • Did you make any friends? Who?
  • Which stuffed animal did you bring?
  • Which books did you read?
  • Did you bring a souvenir home? What is it?
  • Which animals did you see?
  • Did you try any new food? What was it and did you like it?
  • What was the funniest thing that happened on the trip?
  • What is one thing you learned on your trip?
  • Can you name 3 facts of the place you visited?
  • Design a sticker/postcard/t-shirt of the place you visited
  • Did you see any art on your trip? Can you describe/draw it?
  • Would you like to visit this place again or not? Why?
  • Where would you like to travel next?

Full list at the bottom of this post!

  • Go!: A Kids’ Interactive Travel Diary and Journal ( RED / BLUE / YELLOW )
  • Lonely Planet Kids My Travel Journal
  • The Ultimate Travel Journal For Kids
  • Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids
  • Here I Go!: A Kid’s Travel Journal

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

The Travel Tester loves to review books that teach you something about yourself or the world around us.

From travel guides and stories to books about business and self-development and from cultural stories to cook books from kitchens around the world… if it looks interesting to us, we’ll test it!

No matter where you’re going, with our reviews you’ll know exactly what to read next!

TRAVEL JOURNAL WITH PROMPTS

I believe that the best travel journal with prompts is The Adventure Book by fellow Dutchie Nicole Nagelgast. These stunning and high-quality journals have a spot for every independent country in the world for you to fill, plus a bunch of cool prompts for you to do, collect, or experience while traveling.

You can get the Adventure Book in the 288-page, 8×9.5″ (20.5×24,5cm) Ultimate Traveler’s Edition , the 220-page, 4.9×7.8″ (19.7×12.5cm) Original Edition and the 200-page, 4.9×7.8″ (19.7×12.5cm) Europe Edition .

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

I’m also a big fan of the journals from Clever Fox. They come with prompts, stickers, checklists, a pocket, pen loop, ribbon bookmarks and elastic closure. You can choose between a 100+ page Travel Journal , Bucket List Journal and Camping Journal . They measure 5.8×8.3″ (14.7x21cm).

Oakdene Designs has a whole bunch of travel journals with prompts that you can also personalize. Check out their 80-page (40 double-sided printed) Travel Journal , Motorhome Journal , Caravan Journal , Hiking Journal , Road Bike Journal , Camping Journal and this special Wooden Adventure Journal . They measure 5.9×8.3″ (15x21cm)

Beside the general travel journal by Moleskine, they also have a 400-page traveller’s journal in collaboration with National Geographic ! This hardcover, high-quality travel diary comes in a decorative box and includes a 12 month subscription to National Geographic, 2 ribbon bookmarks, themed stickers and tabbed sections to guide your note taking. There is space for travel planning and inspiration plus pages that can be transformed into a scrapbook of your trips. It measures 5×8.25″ (12.7x21cm).

I love the aesthetic of the 100-page Duncan & Stone Travel Journal ! You can personalize this travel organizer by writing down your bucket list & special memories from 15 trips. Fill out basic details, favorite memories, & photos from each trip to remember the specifics that made the trip unforgettable. The journal is linen-bound hardcover with an embossed title. It measures 7.75×9.25″ (19.7×23.5cm).

Compendium has the 112-page Everywhere You Go: Guided Travel Journal . This guided journal holds unexpected prompts to help inspire thoughtful reflections from any travel adventure. It includes breakout spreads with uplifting quotes to help frame your thoughts and experiences, along with space for packing lists, notes, addresses, and things you want to remember. Features foil stamping on a soft cover and a ribbon marker. Printed with soy and metallic inks. It measures 5.75×8.5″ (14.6×21.6cm).

The 88-page Promptly journal is filled with custom prompts and also has plenty of space for your own additions. This minimalist notebook comes has a linen hardcover with gold embossing and comes in deep blue, powdered blue and solid grey. Some of the sections included in the journal are: a brief itinerary, memorable moments, highlights, transportation, accommodations, food, mishaps, travel companions, and a place to paste in mementoes & photos. It measures 5.5×8.25″ (14x21cm).

The beautifully designed “ Life’s a Road Trip ” and “ Swept Away by Wanderlust ” journals by Axel & Ash both feature quirky questions, fun writing prompts, ‘to-do’ notes, list pages to remember the favourites and a bucket list to fill out along the way. They measure 7.1×8.1″ (18×20.5cm).

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

The 72-page faux leather travel journal from OneLineVoyage on Etsy features customizable content on recycled paper, document storing space and an elastic diary band strap. This diary has pre-printed prompts that make it extra fun to fill out. It measures 6.5×8.6″ inches) (17x22cm)

The 64-page Travelogue by Luckies of London is a travel journal with notepad pages, as well as 8 miniature scratch maps, each representing different regions of the world. Simply scratch off where you’ve been! This journal also includes a checklist and travel tips. It measures 6.7×8.8″ (17×22.4cm)

In the 48-page Trip Passport by Letterfolk, you can easily collect your travel experiences. This small, pocket-sized journal includes 20 entry pages to record details from each trip taken, as well as 8 bonus pages that include checklists, bucket lists, and other fun activities and information. Each entry page is accompanied by a blank page for notes, memories, or affixing mementos like photos or receipts and there is space to record the date, location, who you went with, first impressions, sights, wildlife and more! It measures 3.5×5.5″ (8.9x14cm) – roughly the size of a travel passport.

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

  • The Adventure Book – Original Edition (prompts + scrapbook per country)
  • The Adventure Book – Europe Edition (prompts + scrapbook per country)
  • The Adventure Book – Ultimate Traveler’s Edition (prompts + scrapbook per country)
  • Moleskine Passion Journal Travel (blank paper)
  • Moleskine National Geographic Traveller’s Journal (tabbed sections + prompts)
  • Moleskine Journey City Notebook – London (pocket)
  • Moleskine Journey City Notebook – Paris (pocket)
  • Moleskine Journey City Notebook – New York (pocket)
  • Moleskine Journey City Notebook – Hong Kong (pocket)
  • Duncan & Stone Travel Journal (prompts + scrapbook)
  • Everywhere You Go: Guided Travel Journal (prompts)
  • Promptly Journals X Kelli Murray (prompts + scrapbook)
  • Robrasim Refillable Leather Travelers Notebook (mixed papers + pockets)
  • Clever Fox Bucket List Journal (prompts + stickers)
  • Clever Fox Camping Journal (prompts + stickers)
  • Clever Fox Travel Journal (prompts + stickers)
  • Axel & Ash Life’s a Road Trip Journal (prompts)
  • Axel & Ash Swept Away by Wanderlust (prompts)
  • Field Notes: National Parks Series (pocket, graph paper)
  • Bookishly Travel Journals (blank pages)
  • Wayfaren Travel Journal (lined paper)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Motorhome Travel Journal (prompts + scrapbook)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Travel Journal (prompts + scrapbook)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Caravan Travel Journal (prompts + scrapbook)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Wooden Journal (lined pages)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Hiking Journal (prompts + scrapbook)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Road Bike Journal (prompts)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Wooden Adventure Journal (prompts + scrapbook)
  • Oakdene Designs Personalised Camping Journal (prompts + scrapbook)
  • CamperVanStore Bamboo Travel Journal (lined paper + pen)
  • Personalized Monogrammed Leather Travel Journal (blank pages)
  • OneLineVoyage Faux Leather Travel Journal (prompts)
  • Luckies Scratch Off Travelogue (prompts + scratch maps)
  • Letterfolk Trip Passport (pocket + prompts)
  • Galen Leather – Leuchtturm1917 Notebook Covers
  • Galen Leather – Moleskine Covers
  • Galen Leather – Field Notes Covers
  • Galen Leather – Traveler’s Notebook Covers
  • I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded
  • Go!: A Kids’ Interactive Travel Diary and Journal – RED
  • Go!: A Kids’ Interactive Travel Diary and Journal – BLUE
  • Go!: A Kids’ Interactive Travel Diary and Journal – YELLOW
  • Kids’ Travel Specialty Journal
  • Lonely Planet Kids The Travel Activity Book
  • Travel Journal for Kids

GET YOUR JOURNALING SUPPLIES

Compile your own travel journal kit with these items:

  • colouring pencils
  • felt tip pens (love these from Stabilo and Paper Mate )
  • pens (love this Fisher space pen , the PILOT Rolling Ball Gel Pens and the Stabilo sensor pens )
  • highlighters
  • sharpie markers and pens
  • hole puncher
  • cutting mat
  • glue stick / glue roller
  • stamps ( wooden travel stamps or silicone travel stamps )
  • stickers (for example: travel sticker set , planner stickers , world landmark stickers , passport stamp stickers , US state stickers , travel around the world stickers , US national park stickers , outdoor stickers )
  • magnetic page markers
  • origami paper
  • scrapbook paper
  • pressed flowers
  • pressed leaves
  • scrapbook feathers
  • polaroids ( fujifilm instax mini camera, film and printer here )
  • digital printables ( travel stationary and country flags )
  • project life album
  • project life pocket pages ( type 1 / type 2 )
  • project life lined cards
  • more project life items

The Travel Tester || Creatief & Cultureel Reisblog

In The Travel Tester shop, you will find our favourite travel products and original gift ideas.

Whether you’re looking for the best travel gear, gadgets, electronics, packing solutions, clothing, shoes, travel books, health- or beauty products… we’ve made a personal selection for you!

We’ve also included our favourite tech items used to create this blog, as well as material that can help you in your self-development, such as interesting books and courses.

65+ Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

travel journal prompts for students

  • compare our planners
  • Take the Planner Quiz!

What Is a Travel Journal + How to Make One with Examples

travel journal prompts for students

Traveling to new places and journaling about your exciting and enriching experiences is beyond rewarding. Whether you're exploring a bustling city, immersing yourself in nature's wonders, or embarking on a cultural adventure, capturing your travel experiences is a great way to preserve memories and reflect on your journey. One popular and creative way to document your travels is through a travel journal . In this article, we'll cover what a travel journal is, the benefits of keeping one, how to choose the best travel journal among different types, and provide you with tips and examples on how to make your own.

Ready to discover how to capture your travel experiences in different places, explore creative travel journal ideas and travel journal prompts, and more? Let the adventure begin!

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is a personal diary that allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during your travels. It serves as a visual and written account of your adventures, providing you with a tangible keepsake that you can cherish for years to come. Unlike a regular journal, a travel diary focuses specifically on your journeys, including details about the different places you visit, the people you meet, the food you try, and the sights you see.

Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal offers numerous benefits beyond simply documenting your experiences. Here are some additional reasons why you should consider starting one:

1. Emotional and Mental Well-Being

Journaling has been shown to have positive effects on emotional and mental well-being . When you write about your travel experiences, you have the opportunity to process and reflect on your emotions, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to different situations via your journal entries. It can be a therapeutic outlet for releasing stress, anxiety, or even excitement, allowing you to better manage your emotions throughout your journey.

2. Enhanced Memory Retention

Writing about your travels helps improve memory retention. By actively engaging with your experiences and recording them in detail, you reinforce the neural connections related to those memories. This makes it easier to recall specific moments, sights, sounds, and even the feelings associated with them in the future. Your travel diary becomes a valuable tool for preserving and retrieving cherished memories.

3. Cultural Exploration and Appreciation

A travel journal encourages you to be more observant and attentive to the details of the places you visit. It prompts you to delve deeper into the local culture, traditions, and customs. By documenting your interactions with locals, sampling regional cuisine, and exploring hidden gems, you develop a greater appreciation for the unique aspects of each destination. Your journal becomes a testament to the richness and diversity of the world around you.

travel journal prompts for students

4. Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

Writing in a travel diary allows for introspection and personal growth. As you reflect on your experiences, you gain insights into your own values, beliefs, and perspectives. You may discover new passions or interests, challenge preconceived notions, or develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others. The process of self-reflection through journaling can lead to personal transformation and a deeper connection to the world.

5. Travel Planning and Preparation

Your travel journal can serve as a practical resource for future trips. By documenting your itineraries, accommodations, transportation details, and recommendations, you create a valuable reference guide that covers your experiences more fully. You can refer back to your journal to jog your memory or provide recommendations to fellow travelers. It becomes a repository of knowledge that can streamline the planning process for future adventures.

6. Connection with Loved Ones

Sharing your travel journal with friends, family, or future generations can be a meaningful way to connect and bond. Your journal becomes a storytelling tool, allowing others to experience your journey vicariously through your words, sketches, and photographs. It can spark conversations, ignite curiosity, and inspire others to embark on their own adventures.

7. Creative Expression

Engaging in the creative process of journaling stimulates your imagination and artistic abilities. Whether you're writing prose, sketching landscapes, creating collages, or experimenting with different art mediums, your travel diary becomes a canvas for self-expression. It encourages you to think outside the box, explore new artistic techniques, and develop your creative skills.

Keeping a travel journal goes beyond simply recording your experiences. It has profound benefits for your emotional well-being, memory retention, personal growth, and cultural appreciation. It serves as a tangible reminder of your adventures, a tool for planning future trips, a means of connecting with others, and a creative outlet for self-expression. So, grab a journal and embark on your journey of exploration and self-discovery through travel journaling.

Types of Travel Journals

travel journal prompts for students

There are different journals for just about any goal or activity you can think of – from travel journals to fitness journals , from gratitude journals to garden journals , and more. Similarly, there are various types of travel diaries to suit different preferences and styles. We cover the best travel journals below so you can find one perfect for you.

1. Guided Travel Journals

Guided journals provide travel journal prompts and structured sections to help you capture specific aspects of your journey. Guided journals often include questions, blank pages to fill in, and guided activities to guide your journaling process. Using a guided journal or planner , can ensure you cover all the essentials, without missing any crucial details you’ll want to revisit later.

2. Traditional Handwritten Journals

These are classic journals or notebooks with blank pages where you can freely write, draw, or glue mementos. Traditional journals offer the most flexibility in terms of customization for creative journal entries.

3. Photographic Travel Journals

For those who prefer visual storytelling, a photographic travel journal focuses on capturing moments through photographs. You can include pictures alongside brief descriptions or captions to narrate your journey visually.

4. Scrapbook Travel Journals

Scrapbook-style journals combine photographs, tickets, postcards, and other memorabilia with handwritten notes and decorative elements. They provide a visually appealing way to preserve your travel memories.

5. Sketchbook Travel Journals

If you have artistic inclinations, a sketchbook journal allows you to sketch and paint scenes, landmarks, and people you encounter during your travels. It's a great way to capture the essence of a place through your own artwork.

6. Digital Travel Journals

In the digital age, many people opt for digital travel journals, using apps or online platforms to document their adventures. Digital journals offer the convenience of easy editing, multimedia integration, and the ability to share your journey with others online.

7. Travel Bullet Journals

A popular trend in journaling, travel bullet journals combine organization and creativity. Based on the bullet journaling system, these journals use symbols, icons, and trackers to help you plan and record your travels. You can create sections for itineraries, packing lists, daily logs, and more, all while adding artistic touches and personalization.

You can also use a monthly planner with ample note pages and customize it as a travel calendar journal.

Whether you prefer the structure of guided journals, the freedom of traditional handwritten journals, the visual impact of photographic or scrapbook journals, the artistic expression of sketchbook journals, the convenience of digital journals, or the organization of travel bullet journals, there's a type of travel journal that will resonate with you and enhance your travel experiences. Choose the one that suits your style and embark on a journey of creativity and self-expression.

How to Make a Travel Journal

Now that you have an idea of the different types of travel journals, let's explore how to make your own.

1. Selecting the Right Journal

Consider the type of journaling experience you desire. If you prefer writing and sketching, a traditional blank-page journal or sketchbook might be ideal. If you want structure and guidance, opt for a guided travel journal. If you're tech-savvy, explore digital journaling options.

2. Gathering Essential Supplies

Depending on the type of journal you choose, gather supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, glue, scissors, washi tape, stickers, and any other decorative elements you'd like to incorporate. If you're going digital, ensure you have a suitable device and any necessary apps or software.

3. Planning Your Journal

Before your trip, plan how you want to organize your journal. Consider creating sections for different aspects like itineraries, accommodation, food, and sightseeing. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find information later.

travel journal prompts for students

4. Documenting Your Journey

During your trip, actively engage in your journaling process with regular (yet not restrictive or rigid) journal entries. Write about your daily experiences, jot down interesting conversations, glue in ticket stubs or postcards, and take photographs to complement your entries. Let your creativity flow and capture the essence of each moment.

Travel Journal Page and Layout Examples

travel journal prompts for students

The layout and organization of your travel journal pages play a crucial role in bringing your travel experiences, from all the different places you’ve visited, to life. By incorporating various elements and sections, you can create a visually appealing and informative journal that captures the essence of your journey. From practical pages for itineraries and packing lists to creative spreads for reflections and bucket lists, here are some ideas to help you design engaging and meaningful pages for your travel diary.

1. Packing List and Pre-Trip Planning Pages

Dedicate a page or spread to jot down your packing list and pre-trip preparations. Include essential items, travel tips, and any special considerations for the destination. You can even add checkboxes or symbols to mark off items as you pack, ensuring you don't forget anything important.

travel journal prompts for students

You may also want to check out these helpful travel and packing tips .

2. A List of Local Words and Phrases

Learning a few basic words and phrases in the local language can greatly enhance your travel experience. Create a page dedicated to practicing and referring to these words and phrases. Include translations, pronunciation guides, and space to practice writing them. This page can be a helpful tool for connecting with locals and immersing yourself in the local culture.

3. Itinerary Pages

Design pages dedicated to your daily itineraries. Include the places you plan to visit, opening hours, transportation details, and any additional notes or reservations. You can add maps, photographs, or illustrations to make the page visually appealing and easy to navigate.

4. Accommodation and Restaurant Reviews

Reserve pages to review and rate the accommodations and restaurants you experience. Include details like the location, ambiance, service, and any standout dishes. You can even attach business cards, menus, or photographs to accompany your reviews. These pages will not only serve as a reference for future trips but also help fellow travelers discover hidden gems.

5. Post-Trip Reflection and Wrap-Up

Allocate space in your journal for post-trip reflections. Create pages to summarize your overall experience, highlight your favorite moments, and reflect on the lessons learned during your journey. Include photographs, sketches, or quotes that capture the essence of your adventure. These reflection pages will serve as a reminder of the growth and memories you gained from your travels.

6. Travel Bucket List

Create a dedicated page to list destinations, landmarks, or experiences you aspire to visit or accomplish in the future. You can divide the page into different categories like countries, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or adrenaline-fueled activities. This page will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for your future travels.

7. Travel Budget, Savings Goals, and Tracking

If budgeting is important to you, design pages to track your travel expenses, savings goals, and tips for saving money during your travels. Create tables or graphs to visually represent your budget and savings progress. These pages will help you stay accountable and ensure you're making the most of your financial resources.

Your travel diary is a personal and creative space to capture the memories, emotions, and experiences of your journeys. Through carefully designed pages and layouts, you can transform your journal into a visual and written narrative of your adventures. Whether you choose to incorporate practical elements like itineraries and packing lists or focus on creative expressions like reflections and bucket lists, the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination guide you as you create pages that reflect your unique travel style and personality. With each turn of the page, your travel diary will become a treasure trove of cherished memories and a gateway to relive your journeys again and again.

Creative Travel Journaling Ideas and Prompts

travel journal prompts for students

Stuck on what to write or include in your travel diary? Here are some creative travel journal ideas and travel journal prompts to get you started:

  • Write a letter to your future self reflecting on your travel experiences and what you hope to remember.
  • Describe the scents, sounds, and tastes that stand out in each place you visit.
  • Create a "People You Meet" page, where you can jot down brief descriptions or draw portraits of interesting individuals you encounter during your journey.
  • Write a short story or poem inspired by a specific location or experience.
  • Make a to-do list of activities or experiences you want to accomplish at each destination. Challenge yourself to complete as many as possible and check them off as you go.
  • Write a gratitude list, noting the things you're grateful for during your travels. It could be the stunning sunsets, the kindness of locals, or the serendipitous encounters.

A travel diary is a beautiful way to document and cherish your travel experiences. Whether you opt for a traditional handwritten journal, a photographic account, or a digital platform, the process of journaling will enhance your journey and provide a lasting memory of your adventures. Experiment with different styles, layouts, and prompts to make your travel journal uniquely yours. So, grab a journal and start capturing your travel memories today!

Shop now. Pay in 4. Always interest-free.

Add your favorites to bag

Select Afterpay at Checkout

Log into or create your Afterpay account, instant approval decision

Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks

You must be over 18, a resident of the U.S. and meet additional eligibility criteria to qualify. Late fees may apply. Estimated payment amounts shown on product pages exclude taxes and shipping charges, which are added at checkout. Click here for complete terms. Loans to California residents made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. © 2020 Afterpay

Pay in 4 interest-free payments

No impact on credit score and no late fees. Available for purchases of $30 to $1,500.

  • Choose PayPal at checkout to pay later with Pay in 4 .
  • Complete your purchase with a 25% down payment.
  • Use autopay for the rest of your payments. It's easy!

Pay in 4 is available to consumers upon approval for purchases of $30 to $1,500. Pay in 4 is currently not available to residents of MO or NVMissouri or Nevada. Offer availability depends on the merchant and also may not be available for certain recurring, subscription services. When applying, a soft credit check may be needed, but will not affect your credit score. You must be 18 years old or older to apply. PayPal, Inc.: Loans to CACalifornia residents are made or arranged pursuant to a CACalifornia Financing Law License. GAGeorgia Installment Lender Licensee, NMLS #910457. RIRhode Island Small Loan Lender Licensee. NMNew Mexico residents:

Find more disclosures related to Pay in 4.

Photo Jeepers Logo

15 Travel Journals for Kids + Free Printable

Here’s a list of travel journals for kids to help them get excited for and document the family vacation in fun and creative ways!

Travel journals and keepsakes are terrific ways for kids to prepare for an upcoming vacation as well as keep memories of the adventure alive after returning home.

15+ travel journals for kids

This list of travel journals for kids includes books with ready-made prompts to fill in the dates, location, and list of things they did. There are also some journals with fun puzzles and activities in addition to writing down the vacation details.

Check out this free printable travel journal for kids! You can get the free download below!

Travel journal for kids free download

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

Travel journals, activities and toys for kids.

Here’s a list of resources for family travel to help keep the kids entertained on road trips, airplane, or other types of travel.

  • Road Trip journals
  • Road Trip activity pack
  • National Park journals
  • National Park activity books for kids
  • National Park activity pack
  • Road trip toys for babies
  • Road trip toys for toddlers
  • Travel toys for younger kids

Travel Journals for Kids

Here's a list of journals for kids to document the family vacation in fun and creative ways!

travel journal prompts for students

The Ultimate Travel Journal For Kids

  • Tons of games and activities―These travel activities for kids banish boredom during long rides or waits with word finds, scavenger hunts, crosswords, and more!
  • Guided travel writing prompts―Young adventurers can write down everything they see, taste, hear and more with prompts to guide observations.

travel journal prompts for students

Kids' Travel Journal

  • 6-1/4'' wide x 8-1/4'' high
  • Includes pre-trip planning pages, daily entry pages, games, puzzles, memory and photo pages, maps, fun facts, and more!

travel journal prompts for students

Travel Journal For Kids: And So The Adventure Begins

Including space for.....

  • The date & day.
  • Tracking the weather.
  • Tracking mood.
  • A space to doodle or write about the days best bit.
  • A space to track a great memory.
  • A space to write an interesting fact of the day. 
  • A space to list 3 things they've learnt that day. 
  •  A second free space page, with space to both write and draw, or stick!
  •  Over 100 pages, with space to write, doodle, stick, draw and journal.

travel journal prompts for students

My Travel Journal by Lonely Planet Kids

There's space to write, draw, collage, color and complete - turning the finished journal into a wonderful scrapbook to treasure forever. With fun illustrations, a super-bright neon cover and a handy, backpack sized format, it's a must-have item for any trip.

travel journal prompts for students

Travel Journal Kids Diary

• Kids are prompted to log the weather, activity, what they saw, ate, who they met, what they learned and what they are grateful for.

• After recording entries for the day, there is the option to draw or sketch any interesting sites they would like with included storyboard pages

travel journal prompts for students

Here I Go!: A Kid's Travel Journal

  • Guided journal prompts: Young travelers will record not only what they see and do, but also write about how they feel about their experiences while traveling—all the while crafting a unique keepsake to remember their awesome trips!
  • Travel activities: Scavenger hunts, coloring pages, doodling prompts and more encourage creativity and keep kids engaged during long drives, plane rides, and other down time during their travels.
  • Souvenir space: Make this journal the ultimate memory book by pasting in ticket stubs, postcards, photos, and more!

travel journal prompts for students

Go! A Kids' Interactive Travel Diary and Journal

Includes thought-starters so kids can capture important stuff, like cool things they spot, new things they try and people they meet. There are also adventure badges to earn, stickers, places to keep photos and other treasures, and postcards to send.

travel journal prompts for students

My Awesome Adventures: Travel Journal for Kids

  • Write your destination
  • Keep track of people and places you saw along the way
  • Write down what you did and where
  • Paste or draw pictures, maps, or fun new words you learned
  • Keep track of the weather during your vacation
  • Hold all your favorite memories in one convenient place that you can personalize

travel journal prompts for students

Kids Travel Journal, Vacation Diary

Journal pages include personal information, map of the world, a few simple questions to capture the big and small things that happened each day with plenty of space for daily doodles.

travel journal prompts for students

Travel Journal for Kids with Coloring Activities

Keep Your Child Busy While Traveling:

  • 8.5 x 8.5 inch pages
  • One Sided Pages
  • Family Friendly Journal Pages
  • Space for Doodling, Drawing and Fun

travel journal prompts for students

Kid's Trip Diary

travel journal prompts for students

And So The Adventure Begins: Kids Notebook

  • 100+ pages of alternating blank and ruled pages for ultimate creative space
  • Large 8.5” x 11” size with thick white paper

travel journal prompts for students

Most Awesome Travel Journal for Kids

★ Writing & Drawing Prompts - To record all the special moments of the trip

★ Puzzles and Games - Including word searches, mazes, I-Spy and the Alphabet game - great for banishing boredom while traveling

★ Guided Trip reviews - To summarize the highlights of the trip, learnings and to rate the trip overall

★ Sketch pages - For young adventurers to capture their travel memories through artistic expression

travel journal prompts for students

50 States Travel Journal for Kids: Let the Adventure Begin

2 pages per state : plenty room to write and draw a picture. blank space for a little info about each state, US territories, big map for you and kids color in where they've been.

travel journal prompts for students

Kids Travel Journal, 12 pack

  • Our travel journal notebooks set of 12 is perfect for taking notes, journaling, drawing, brainstorming ideas, creative writing, and doodling.
  • 80 Lined Pages: Each kraft paper journal measures 4 x 5.75 inches and has 80 lined pages of white offset paper; the tightly sewn binding allows the A6 journal to lay flat on most writing surfaces

DOWNLOAD THE FREE Travel Journal for Kids Printable !

USA AUDIO TOURS (GuideAlong)

“Download the app to your phone – no cell or wifi service needed. Based on your GPS location, the app takes you on a guided tour of the area and points out all the interesting features and stops. It’s like having a guide in the car with you.”

Similar Posts

funny photography gifts t-shirts and mug

20 Funny Gifts for Photographers

national park socks

List of National Park Socks: Fun Gift Ideas

camera christmas ornament

Camera Christmas Ornaments to Display on Your Tree

travel themed gifts

Unforgettable Travel Themed Gifts for the Globetrotters in Your Life

woman writing in a journal

National Park Journals and Passports

Outdoor and National Park Ornaments

National Park Ornaments Are Festive Vacation Keepsakes

I think kid’s travel journals are such a fun idea! They also would be interesting to look at many years later to reminisce on their childhood years. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty!

Yes! It’s a terrific memory book idea. Thanks for hosting!

What a great idea for kids!! By the way, I found your post at a party and wanted to let you know that I host parties too. Won’t you drop by and linkup with me?

Thank you – I’ll check out your parties!

These are all amazing! I have so many travel journals of my own to make notes in that it is easy to forget children may want to make their own notes too! Sim – hopping over from #SSPS

Thanks – it’s definitely a fun activity for kids during the trip and great memories after the trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Writing Beginner

500+ Writing Prompts for Kids (Journal & Story Ideas)

Hey there, future authors, creators, and dreamers. Are you ready to let your imagination run wild?

Whether you love to write stories, draw pictures, or just scribble down your thoughts, I’ve got something super cool for you. It’s a list of 500 awesome writing prompts! Think of these as little seeds you can plant in your brain, and who knows what kind of amazing stories will grow?

Grab your favorite pencil, cozy up in your writing spot, and let’s get started.

Unique Writing Prompts for Kids

Kids in a classroom-- Writing Prompts for Kids

Table of Contents

Sometimes, the best stories come from the most unexpected places.

Here are some unique ideas that will take your writing to new and exciting worlds.

  • Imagine you find a secret door in your school that leads to a hidden world. What happens next?
  • If animals could talk, what would your pet say to you?
  • You wake up with superpowers one day. What powers do you have, and how do you use them?
  • Write about a day in the life of your favorite toy. What adventures do they have when you’re not around?
  • You discover a magical treehouse that only appears at night. What do you find inside?
  • A new student at your school is actually an alien in disguise. What happens when you find out?
  • You get to invent a new holiday. What is it called, and how do people celebrate it?
  • Write about a time-traveling kid who visits ancient Egypt. What do they see and do?
  • Imagine you can jump into any book and become part of the story. Which book do you choose, and what happens next?
  • What would the world be like if kids were in charge of everything?
  • Imagine a world where everything is made of candy. What would you do?
  • Write about a mysterious door that only appears during thunderstorms.
  • You find a map leading to a lost city. What happens next?
  • Describe a day in the life of an invisible person.
  • Imagine you could turn into any animal at will. Which animals would you choose and why?
  • Write about a magical backpack that can hold anything you want.
  • You find a message in a bottle on the beach. What does it say?
  • Imagine a world where it rains chocolate milk instead of water. What’s it like?
  • Write about a time when you shrunk to the size of an ant.
  • Describe a town where everyone has a unique superpower. What’s yours?
  • Imagine you can speak to ghosts. What do they tell you?
  • Write about a magic book that comes to life when you read it.
  • You find a pair of shoes that allow you to fly. Where do you go?
  • Imagine a day when gravity stops working. What happens?
  • You discover a secret underground city beneath your house. What’s it like?

Journal Prompts for Kids

Journaling is a fantastic way to express your thoughts and feelings. These prompts will help you reflect on your day, your dreams, and everything in between.

  • What was the best thing that happened to you today?
  • Describe your dream vacation. Where would you go, and what would you do?
  • If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?
  • Write about a time you felt really proud of yourself. What did you do?
  • Who is your hero, and why do you look up to them?
  • What’s something new you learned recently that made you excited?
  • If you could talk to your future self, what advice would you give?
  • Write about your favorite memory with your family or friends.
  • What are three things you’re grateful for today?
  • If you could have any pet, real or imaginary, what would it be and why?
  • What’s your favorite thing about yourself, and why do you love it?
  • Write about a time when you helped someone. How did it make you feel?
  • What do you dream about at night? Describe your most recent dream.
  • If you could invent a new food, what would it be and why?
  • Write about your favorite place to relax. What makes it special?
  • If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be and why?
  • What’s your favorite season, and what do you like to do during it?
  • If you could live in any time period, when would it be and why?
  • What’s the best gift you’ve ever received, and why did it mean so much to you?
  • Write about a time when you were really brave. What happened?
  • Imagine you could move anywhere in the world—where would you go and why?
  • What’s something you want to learn to do, and why?
  • Write about a time when you felt really happy. What made you smile?
  • If you could trade places with any character from a book, who would it be and why?
  • What’s your favorite family tradition, and why do you love it?

Funny Writing Prompts for Kids

Get ready to giggle with these silly and wacky prompts! They’re perfect for writing something that will make you and others laugh out loud.

  • Write a story about a cat who thinks it’s a dog.
  • Imagine you’re a superhero whose only power is making people laugh. How do you use your power to save the day?
  • You wake up one morning to find that you’ve turned into your favorite food. What happens next?
  • What would happen if cows started flying? Describe a day on a flying farm.
  • Write about a world where everyone speaks in rhymes. What does a regular day sound like?
  • Your pencil suddenly comes to life and starts telling you what to write. What kind of stories does it want to tell?
  • If you could swap places with any cartoon character for a day, who would you choose, and what crazy adventures would you have?
  • Imagine a talking banana who becomes your best friend. What do you do together?
  • Write about a time you tried to teach a pet goldfish how to dance.
  • What would school be like if all the teachers were robots programmed to be super silly?
  • Imagine you have a pet dinosaur. What mischief does it get into?
  • What if your shoes suddenly started talking to you? What would they say?
  • Write about a day when everything you touched turned into spaghetti.
  • Imagine you wake up and everyone in your town is singing instead of talking. What’s the day like?
  • What would happen if you could only eat dessert for every meal?
  • Describe a time when you accidentally turned your teacher into a frog.
  • What if you found out your dog could do magic tricks? What tricks would it do?
  • Write about a time when you switched places with your pet for a day. What did you do?
  • Imagine you wake up with a giraffe neck. How does your day go?
  • What would happen if you could only walk backward for a whole day?
  • Write about a time when your lunch came to life and tried to run away.
  • Imagine you could change the color of anything by touching it. What do you change?
  • What if your favorite food could talk? What would it say to you?
  • Write about a time when you got stuck inside a video game. How do you get out?
  • Imagine you could make anything float by blowing on it. What would you do with this power?

Story Starter Writing Prompts

Sometimes, all you need is a first sentence to spark your imagination. Here are some story starters to help you begin your next great tale.

  • The moment I opened the box, I knew my life would never be the same.
  • It was a dark and stormy night when I heard a knock at the door.
  • As soon as I stepped into the forest, I realized something magical was about to happen.
  • I never expected to find a treasure map hidden in the old library book.
  • The day I discovered I could talk to animals was the best day of my life.
  • Just as I was about to give up, I saw something that made me gasp.
  • When the clock struck midnight, the world around me began to change.
  • I was walking home from school when I found a mysterious key on the ground.
  • The letter I received in the mail this morning had only one word on it: “Run.”
  • I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a dragon flying over my neighborhood.
  • As soon as I opened the treasure chest, I saw something glowing inside.
  • The strange noise coming from the attic turned out to be a tiny dragon.
  • I never thought I’d meet a real-life mermaid, but then I did.
  • The moment I touched the ancient artifact, I felt a surge of power.
  • My best friend told me a secret that I could hardly believe.
  • As I walked through the mysterious fog, I realized I wasn’t alone.
  • The letter I found in the old oak tree was addressed to me.
  • I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a giant footprint in my backyard.
  • The old key I found fit perfectly into the lock of a hidden door.
  • Just as I was about to give up, I heard someone calling my name.
  • The moment I stepped onto the pirate ship, I knew an adventure was about to begin.
  • As soon as I pressed the button, the machine whirred to life.
  • I found a map hidden under the floorboards of my room.
  • The sound of wings fluttering in the night made me look up in awe.
  • The old man handed me a coin and said, “This will change everything.”

Picture Writing Prompts for Kids

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words—or even more! Use these picture prompts to inspire a colorful story.

  • Imagine a picture of a rainbow-colored unicorn dancing in the rain. What is the unicorn celebrating?
  • Look at a photo of a deserted island. Who lives there, and what secrets does the island hold?
  • A picture shows a giant moon in the sky, twice as big as normal. What’s happening on Earth?
  • See a drawing of a mysterious castle on top of a hill. Who lives there, and what’s their story?
  • Imagine a picture of a little girl flying a kite that’s pulling her up into the sky. Where does she go?
  • Look at a photo of an ancient tree with a door carved into it. Who might live inside?
  • Picture a robot sitting alone in a garden. What is the robot thinking about?
  • A drawing shows a city floating in the clouds. Who lives there, and how do they get around?
  • Imagine a photo of a boy holding a glowing orb. What powers does the orb have?
  • See a picture of a cat wearing a wizard hat. What magical adventures does the cat go on?
  • Imagine a picture of a spaceship landing in a field of flowers. What happens next?
  • Look at a photo of a mountain with a hidden cave. Who or what lives inside?
  • A picture shows a giant fish swimming through the sky. How did it get there?
  • Imagine a photo of a tree with doors leading to different worlds. Where do the doors go?
  • See a drawing of a mysterious island floating in the air. What’s on the island?
  • A picture shows a dragon curled up around a pile of gold. What is it guarding?
  • Imagine a photo of a tiny village inside a glass jar. Who lives there?
  • Look at a drawing of a flying car zooming over a city. Where is it going?
  • A picture shows a cat wearing a pirate hat and holding a treasure map. What’s its story?
  • Imagine a picture of a magical waterfall that turns everything it touches into crystal. What happens next?
  • See a photo of a bridge made of rainbows. What’s on the other side?
  • A drawing shows a tiny person riding on the back of a giant bird. Where are they going?
  • Imagine a photo of a ship sailing through the clouds. Who is on board?
  • A picture shows a castle made of candy. Who lives there, and what’s it like inside?
  • Look at a drawing of a forest where the trees glow in the dark. What’s the secret behind the glowing trees?

Winter Writing Prompts for Kids

Winter is a time of magic and wonder. These prompts will help you capture the coziness and excitement of the season.

  • Write about building the most amazing snowman ever. What makes it special?
  • Imagine you could live in an igloo for a week. What would you do?
  • What if snowflakes were actually tiny fairies? Write about their adventures.
  • Describe a day in a winter wonderland where animals can talk.
  • What would happen if your town had the biggest snowstorm ever? How would you spend your snow day?
  • Write about a secret winter festival held by animals in the forest.
  • Imagine you wake up and find that everything you touch turns to ice. What do you do?
  • What’s the story behind a snow globe that magically transports you to a snowy village?
  • Write about a magical pair of ice skates that let you skate across the clouds.
  • What would it be like to ride a sleigh pulled by reindeer through the night sky?
  • Write about a day when the snow suddenly turned into marshmallows.
  • Imagine you could talk to snowflakes. What would they tell you?
  • What if you found a frozen lake that led to an underwater kingdom?
  • Write about building a snow fort that magically comes to life.
  • Imagine a world where winter never ends. What’s it like?
  • Describe a snowball fight where the snowballs have a mind of their own.
  • What would happen if your pet turned into a snowman overnight?
  • Write about a magical scarf that keeps you warm no matter what.
  • Imagine you could control the weather with a wave of your hand. How do you use your power?
  • What if your town had a secret winter carnival only kids knew about?
  • Write about a day when you and your friends discover a hidden ice cave.
  • Imagine you find a snow globe that transports you to a winter wonderland. What do you see there?
  • What if your favorite winter coat suddenly gave you the ability to fly?
  • Write about a time when you met a snow fairy in the forest.
  • Imagine you could skate on ice that plays music as you glide. What tunes do you hear?

Christmas Writing Prompts for Kids

Christmas is a time for joy and creativity. These prompts will fill your writing with holiday cheer!

  • Write a letter to Santa, but instead of asking for presents, tell him about your year.
  • Imagine you are one of Santa’s elves. What is your job at the North Pole?
  • What if your Christmas tree could talk? What stories would it tell?
  • Describe the most magical Christmas morning ever. What happens when you wake up?
  • Write a story about a reindeer who dreams of flying but is afraid of heights.
  • Imagine you find a lost present under the tree. What’s inside, and who is it for?
  • What would happen if Christmas lights could talk to each other?
  • Write about a snowman who comes to life on Christmas Eve and goes on an adventure.
  • Imagine you could spend a day with Santa at the North Pole. What do you do?
  • What if you woke up on Christmas morning and found out you were Santa for the day?
  • Imagine you find a magical candy cane that grants wishes. What do you wish for?
  • Write about a time when you helped Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve.
  • What if your Christmas stockings were filled with tiny talking animals?
  • Imagine you wake up to find your Christmas tree has grown to the ceiling overnight. What do you do?
  • Write about a gingerbread man who comes to life and goes on an adventure.
  • What would happen if you found out your Christmas presents could talk?
  • Imagine you spend Christmas in a cozy cabin in the snowy mountains. What’s the best part of your holiday?
  • Write about a reindeer who gets lost on Christmas Eve. How do you help it find its way home?
  • What if you discovered that your favorite Christmas ornament has a magical secret?
  • Imagine you could bake cookies that come to life. What kind of cookies do you create?
  • Write about a time when you built a Christmas tree out of snow.
  • What if you found a snow globe that could show you any Christmas memory? What do you see?
  • Imagine you get to design Santa’s sleigh. What does it look like?
  • Write about a time when you caught a glimpse of Santa’s workshop.
  • If you could celebrate Christmas with any holiday movie character, who would it be and what would you do?

Halloween Writing Prompts for Kids

Halloween is spooky, silly, and full of surprises! These prompts will help you create stories that are a little bit creepy and a whole lot of fun.

  • Write about a haunted house that turns out to be friendly. What happens inside?
  • Imagine you get to choose your own special Halloween superpower. What is it, and how do you use it?
  • What if your Halloween costume came to life? What would it do?
  • Describe the creepiest, most mysterious pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. What makes it so strange?
  • Write about a group of friends who discover a secret door in a graveyard on Halloween night.
  • What would happen if your pet turned into a ghost on Halloween?
  • Imagine you’re a witch or wizard for a day. What spells do you cast?
  • Write a story about a Halloween party where all the guests are monsters.
  • What if you found a magic broomstick that could fly you anywhere? Where would you go?
  • Describe the best trick-or-treat adventure ever. What makes it unforgettable?
  • Write about a haunted carnival that only appears on Halloween night.
  • Imagine you could turn into any Halloween creature. What would you become, and what would you do?
  • What if you found a book of spells hidden in your attic? What’s the first spell you try?
  • Write about a time when you discovered that your costume gave you real powers.
  • Imagine you’re invited to a monster’s Halloween party. What do you see and do?
  • Imagine you’re invited to a monster’s Halloween party. What games do you play, and what snacks do you eat?
  • What if your shadow came to life on Halloween and started doing things on its own?
  • Write about a ghost who has lost their way and needs your help to find their home.
  • Imagine you and your friends explore a spooky old mansion. What do you find inside?
  • What would happen if all the pumpkins in your town started glowing mysteriously on Halloween night?
  • Write about a talking black cat who gives you a special Halloween mission.
  • What if you found a magic wand that could bring your Halloween decorations to life? What happens next?
  • Imagine you discover a hidden room in your house filled with ancient Halloween treasures. What do you do with them?
  • Write about a night when the moon turns blood red and strange things start to happen in your town.
  • What if you woke up on Halloween morning to find that your town had turned into a spooky Halloween land overnight?

Spring Writing Prompts for Kids

Spring is all about new beginnings and fresh ideas. These prompts will help you celebrate the season of growth and renewal.

  • Write about planting a magical garden. What kind of plants grow there?
  • Imagine you could talk to flowers. What secrets would they tell you?
  • Describe the first day of spring from the perspective of a hibernating bear.
  • What would it be like to have a picnic with talking animals in a blooming meadow?
  • Write about a mysterious seed that grows into something unexpected.
  • Imagine you discover a hidden spring that makes everything around it come to life.
  • What if you could ride on the back of a butterfly? Where would it take you?
  • Write a story about a raindrop that goes on an adventure as it travels to the sea.
  • Describe a spring festival where the trees, flowers, and animals all join in the celebration.
  • Imagine you find a rainbow in your backyard. What happens when you touch it?
  • Write about a magical umbrella that can control the weather. What do you use it for?
  • Imagine you discover a hidden garden that blooms with flowers in every color of the rainbow. What makes this garden so special?
  • Write about a time when you found a baby bird that needed your help. What did you do?
  • What if you could talk to insects? What would they tell you about their lives in the spring?
  • Imagine you plant a magic seed that grows into something incredible. What does it become?
  • Write about a spring day when the rain brings something magical to your town.
  • What would happen if all the animals in the forest threw a spring party? What games do they play?
  • Imagine you find a hidden waterfall deep in the woods. What do you discover there?
  • Write about a butterfly that takes you on a journey to see the first signs of spring.
  • What if you could make flowers bloom with just a touch? How would you use this power?
  • Imagine you wake up to find that your garden has been transformed into a magical jungle. What creatures do you meet?
  • Write about a time when you discovered a family of rabbits living in your backyard.
  • What if you could shrink down to the size of a bug for a day? What adventures would you have in the spring?
  • Imagine you find a trail of flower petals leading to a secret spot in the forest. What do you find there?
  • Write about a spring day when everything you draw with chalk comes to life.

Fall Writing Prompts for Kids

Fall is a season full of colors, cozy moments, and new adventures.

These prompts will help you capture the essence of autumn.

  • Write about jumping into the biggest pile of leaves ever. What surprises do you find inside?
  • Imagine a talking scarecrow who tells stories about the farm. What are its best tales?
  • Describe a day in the life of an acorn as it travels through the forest.
  • What would happen if you discovered a secret treehouse hidden in the fall woods?
  • Write about a squirrel who is preparing for winter but finds something unexpected while gathering nuts.
  • Imagine you could paint the autumn leaves any color you want. What colors do you choose, and why?
  • Describe the coziest fall day ever. What do you do, and how do you feel?
  • Write about a magical pumpkin that grows bigger every time you make a wish.
  • What if you found an enchanted forest where the trees tell stories? What tales do they share?
  • Imagine a fall harvest festival where everything you eat gives you special powers. What do you eat, and what powers do you get?
  • Imagine you discover a corn maze that changes every time you go inside. What’s the secret behind it?
  • Write about a day when the wind carries you away on an autumn adventure.
  • What if the leaves in your yard started forming shapes and messages? What do they spell out?
  • Imagine you find a mysterious old lantern in the woods. What happens when you light it?
  • Write about a squirrel who finds something very unusual while collecting acorns.
  • What would happen if pumpkins could talk? What stories would they tell?
  • Imagine you spend the night camping in the fall woods. What spooky or magical things do you see?
  • Write about a time when you followed a trail of autumn leaves to a hidden place.
  • What if you found a haunted scarecrow in a pumpkin patch? What does it want?
  • Imagine you could control the wind on a blustery fall day. How would you use this power?
  • Write about a cozy fall evening where you discover a hidden world inside a jack-o’-lantern.
  • What if you could jump into a painting of an autumn scene? What would you do there?
  • Imagine you find an old book of autumn legends. What happens when you read it?
  • Write about a harvest festival where everything goes wrong in a funny way.
  • What if you discovered a magical acorn that could grow a tree overnight? What does the tree look like, and what makes it special?

Summer Writing Prompts for Kids

Summer is a time for adventure, sunshine, and fun!

These prompts will help you capture the joy and excitement of the summer season.

  • Imagine you find a hidden beach that no one else knows about. What do you do there?
  • Write about a day when you build the biggest sandcastle ever. What surprises do you find inside?
  • What if you discovered a secret cave while exploring the shoreline? What’s inside?
  • Imagine you could swim with dolphins for a day. What adventures do you have?
  • Write about a time when you found a message in a bottle floating in the ocean.
  • What if the sun didn’t set for a whole week? How would you spend the extra daylight?
  • Imagine you could fly a kite that takes you up into the sky. Where does it take you?
  • Write about a summer carnival that’s full of magical rides and games.
  • What if your ice cream cone never melted, no matter how hot it got? What flavors would you try?
  • Imagine you spend the summer on a mysterious island. What do you discover there?
  • Write about a time when you had the best summer camp experience ever. What made it so special?
  • What if you found out your favorite swimming spot was actually home to a family of mermaids?
  • Imagine you could talk to the fish in the ocean. What would they tell you about their underwater world?
  • Write about a summer night when the stars seem to be extra bright. What happens under the starlight?
  • What if you could visit any place in the world for your summer vacation? Where would you go, and what would you do?

Valentine’s Day Prompts for Kids

Valentine’s Day is all about love, friendship, and spreading kindness. These prompts will inspire sweet and creative writing ideas.

  • Write about a time when you made a special Valentine’s Day card for someone. What did it look like, and why was it special?
  • What if your pet could send you a Valentine’s Day message? What would it say?
  • Imagine you find a heart-shaped treasure on Valentine’s Day. What’s inside?
  • Write about a Valentine’s Day party where all the guests are animals. What do they do to celebrate?
  • What if you could send a Valentine’s Day card to anyone in the world? Who would you choose, and what would you say?
  • Imagine you wake up on Valentine’s Day to find that everything around you is heart-shaped. What do you do?
  • Write about a time when you did something kind for a friend on Valentine’s Day. How did it make you feel?
  • What if you could bake magical cookies that spread love and happiness? Who would you give them to?
  • Imagine you receive a mysterious Valentine’s Day letter. Who is it from, and what does it say?
  • Write about a time when you helped someone who was feeling lonely on Valentine’s Day. What did you do to cheer them up?
  • What if you could create your own special Valentine’s Day tradition? What would it be?
  • Imagine you could visit a land where everything is made of candy hearts. What’s it like?
  • Write about a Valentine’s Day surprise that you planned for someone special.
  • What if you could make a wish on a Valentine’s Day star? What would you wish for?
  • Imagine you get to spend Valentine’s Day with your favorite storybook character. Who do you choose, and what do you do together?

Book-Related Writing Prompts for Kids

Books open the door to endless adventures!

These prompts will inspire you to dive into the world of stories and create your own.

  • Imagine you could jump into your favorite book. What happens when you become part of the story?
  • Write about a time when you found a book that had the power to change the world.
  • What if your bookshelf could talk? What stories would it share with you?
  • Imagine you could visit a library where every book comes to life as you read it. What book do you choose first?
  • Write about a character from a book who suddenly appears in your room. What do you do together?
  • What if you discovered a hidden room in your house filled with ancient, magical books? What do you find?
  • Imagine you’re writing a book, and the characters start telling you what to write next. What do they say?
  • Write about a time when you read a book that was so amazing, you couldn’t put it down. What made it so special?
  • What if you could create your own ending for a book you’ve read? How would you change the story?
  • Imagine you could visit a world from your favorite book. What would you do there?
  • Write about a time when you shared your favorite book with a friend. How did they react?
  • What if you discovered a secret society of book lovers who meet in a hidden library? What do they do?
  • Imagine you could write a letter to your favorite author. What would you say?
  • Write about a book that you wish existed. What’s the title, and what’s the story about?
  • What if you could collect all the stories ever written in one magical book? What would it look like, and what would you do with it?

St. Patrick’s Day Writing Prompts for Kids

St. Patrick’s Day is full of luck, leprechauns, and all things green.

These prompts will help you celebrate this fun holiday with your writing.

  • Imagine you find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. What do you do with it?
  • Write about a time when you met a friendly leprechaun. What did they teach you?
  • What if you woke up on St. Patrick’s Day to find that everything in your house had turned green? What’s going on?
  • Imagine you follow a trail of shamrocks that leads you to a magical forest. What do you find there?
  • Write about a St. Patrick’s Day parade where all the floats come to life.
  • What if you found a four-leaf clover that granted you three wishes? What would you wish for?
  • Imagine you spend the day in a leprechaun’s shoes. What adventures do you have?
  • Write about a rainbow that appears in your backyard and leads to an unexpected discovery.
  • What if you could visit a land where it’s always St. Patrick’s Day? What’s it like?
  • Imagine you’re in charge of planning the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day party. What do you include?
  • Write about a time when you followed a mischievous leprechaun on an adventure.
  • What if you could paint the town green for St. Patrick’s Day? How would you do it?
  • Imagine you discover a secret tunnel under a giant shamrock. Where does it lead?
  • Write about a magical harp that only plays music on St. Patrick’s Day.
  • What if your pet turned into a leprechaun for a day? What mischief would they get into?
  • Imagine you find a book of ancient Irish legends. What happens when you start reading it?
  • Write about a time when you found a hidden message in a bowl of lucky charms.
  • What if you discovered that your family had a secret St. Patrick’s Day tradition? What is it?
  • Imagine you’re part of a St. Patrick’s Day treasure hunt. What do you find?
  • Write about a time when a rainbow appeared in the middle of a rainy day. What happened next?
  • What if you could create your own lucky charm? What would it look like, and what powers would it have?
  • Imagine you visit a castle in Ireland that’s rumored to be full of magic. What do you discover inside?
  • Write about a St. Patrick’s Day where everything you touch turns to gold. What do you do with your newfound wealth?
  • What if you could brew a potion that brings good luck? Who would you share it with?
  • Imagine you could catch a leprechaun. What would you ask them for, and what deal would you make?

Free Writing Prompts for Kids

These prompts are designed to let your imagination run wild.

There are no rules—just start writing and see where your creativity takes you.

  • Write about a time when you discovered a hidden talent you never knew you had.
  • Imagine you could spend a day as any animal. Which animal would you choose, and what would you do?
  • What if you could visit any place in the world, real or imaginary? Where would you go, and why?
  • Write about a dream you had that was so vivid, you felt like you were really there.
  • Imagine you could invent a new toy. What would it be, and how would it work?
  • What if you found a secret passageway in your house? Where does it lead?
  • Write about a time when you made a new friend in an unexpected place.
  • Imagine you could visit any time period in history. When would you go, and what would you do?
  • What if you could speak any language fluently? Which language would you choose, and why?
  • Write about a time when you had to make a tough decision. What did you choose, and how did it turn out?
  • Imagine you could design your dream bedroom. What would it look like?
  • What if you could have any superpower for a day? Which one would you choose, and how would you use it?
  • Write about a time when you had an adventure in your own backyard.
  • Imagine you could trade places with anyone in the world for a day. Who would you choose, and what would you do?
  • What if you could make a wish on a shooting star? What would you wish for, and why?
  • Write about a time when you did something that made you really proud.
  • Imagine you could visit any planet in the solar system. Which one would you choose, and what would you explore?
  • What if you could create your own holiday? What name would you give it, and how would people celebrate?
  • Write about a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel.
  • Imagine you could live in any kind of house, real or imaginary. What would it look like, and where would it be?
  • What if you could have any pet, real or imaginary? What would it be, and how would you take care of it?
  • Write about a time when you tried something new and how it turned out.
  • Imagine you could be the main character in your favorite movie or book. What happens next?
  • What if you could travel anywhere in the world instantly? Where would you go, and why?
  • Write about a time when you discovered something surprising about yourself or someone else.

Technology Writing Prompts for Kids

Technology is a big part of our lives today.

These prompts will help you explore how technology affects the world around you.

  • Imagine you could create a new app. What would it do, and why would people use it?
  • Write about a time when technology helped you solve a problem. How did it work?
  • What if robots became our teachers? What would school be like?
  • Imagine you could design your own video game. What is the storyline, and who are the characters?
  • Write about a world where everyone communicates only through emojis. How does it change things?
  • What if you could invent a robot to do any one task for you? What would it be, and why?
  • Imagine a day without any technology. What do you do instead?
  • Write about a time when you used the internet to learn something new. What did you discover?
  • What if you could talk to your favorite electronic device? What would it say?
  • Imagine you could build your own computer. What special features would it have?
  • Write about a time when technology went wrong. How did you fix it?
  • What if video games could become real life? Which game would you want to live in, and why?
  • Imagine you could control all the technology in your house with your mind. What would you do with this power?
  • Write about a time when you had to teach someone how to use a new piece of technology. How did it go?
  • What if you could create a hologram of yourself to do your chores? How would it work?
  • Imagine you discover a secret website that only a few people know about. What’s on it?
  • Write about a world where everyone has a flying car. How does it change the way people live?
  • What if you could create a virtual reality world of your own? What would it be like?
  • Imagine you could talk to animals using a special device. What would they tell you?
  • Write about a time when you used technology to stay in touch with someone far away. How did it help?
  • What if you could invent a gadget that makes life easier for everyone? What would it do?
  • Imagine a world where drones deliver everything you need. How does it change your daily life?
  • Write about a time when you had to unplug from technology. What did you do instead?
  • What if you could explore outer space using a virtual reality headset? Where would you go, and what would you see?
  • Imagine you find an old piece of technology from the past. What is it, and how does it work?

Alien Writing Prompts for Kids

Aliens can come in all shapes and sizes! These prompts will help you imagine what it might be like to meet beings from another planet.

  • Imagine a spaceship lands in your backyard. Who steps out, and what do they want?
  • Write about a time when you discovered that your neighbor is actually an alien in disguise.
  • What if you could communicate with aliens using a special language? What do you say to each other?
  • Imagine you’re the first human to visit an alien planet. What do you see and do?
  • Write about a day when aliens come to your school. How do they fit in?
  • What if you discovered a mysterious object that turns out to be alien technology? What does it do?
  • Imagine you could invite an alien to dinner. What would you talk about, and what food would you serve?
  • Write about a time when you accidentally switched places with an alien. What was life like on their planet?
  • What if aliens started sending messages to Earth? What do they say, and how do we respond?
  • Imagine you find a tiny alien living in your backpack. What adventures do you have together?
  • Write about a world where humans and aliens live together. How do they get along?
  • What if you could travel through space with an alien friend? What planets would you visit?
  • Imagine you discover an alien species that looks like ordinary household objects. What do they want?
  • Write about a time when you helped an alien who was lost on Earth. How did you get them home?
  • What if aliens had their own version of pets? What would they look like, and how would they behave?
  • Imagine you could ask an alien any question. What would you want to know?
  • Write about a day when you woke up to find that you’ve turned into an alien. How do you adjust to your new life?
  • What if aliens decided to compete in the Olympics? What sports would they be good at?
  • Imagine you could visit an alien zoo. What strange and wonderful creatures do you see?
  • Write about a time when an alien visited your classroom. How did they teach differently from your regular teacher?
  • What if you discovered that your favorite movie star is actually an alien? How do you find out?
  • Imagine a world where aliens and humans work together to explore the galaxy. What discoveries do they make?
  • Write about a time when you found an alien artifact buried in your backyard. What powers does it have?
  • What if aliens had their own version of holidays? What would they celebrate, and how?
  • Imagine you could travel through time with an alien companion. Where do you go, and what do you see?

Narrative Writing Prompts for Kids

Narrative writing is all about telling stories. These prompts will help you create tales that are full of imagination, excitement, and adventure.

  • Write about a time when you had an unexpected adventure. What happened, and how did it change you?
  • Imagine you find a secret door in your house that leads to another world. What’s it like, and what do you do there?
  • Write a story about a time when you made a new friend in an unusual way.
  • What if you could relive any day of your life? Which day would you choose, and why?
  • Imagine you wake up one morning with the ability to talk to animals. What do they say, and how does it change your day?
  • Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What did you choose, and what were the consequences?
  • What if you could visit any place in the world for a week? Where would you go, and what would you do?
  • Imagine you’re the main character in a fairy tale. What challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?
  • Write about a time when you did something brave. What gave you the courage to act?
  • What if you could switch lives with anyone for a day? Who would you choose, and what would you experience?
  • Imagine you discover a hidden talent that you never knew you had. How do you use it?
  • Write about a day when everything seemed to go wrong, but something surprising happened to turn it around.
  • What if you could spend a day with your favorite book character? What adventures would you have together?
  • Imagine you find a map that leads to a hidden treasure. What do you find when you follow it?
  • Write about a time when you learned an important lesson from someone unexpected.
  • What if you could travel back in time to meet a famous historical figure? Who would it be, and what would you talk about?
  • Imagine you’re stranded on a deserted island. How do you survive, and what do you discover?
  • Write about a time when you helped someone in need. How did it make you feel?
  • What if you could live in any period of history for a year? Which time would you choose, and why?
  • Imagine you receive a mysterious letter that changes your life. What does it say, and what happens next?
  • Write about a day when you woke up with a special power. How do you use it?
  • What if you could explore a place that no one else has ever been to? What do you find?
  • Imagine you’re the hero of a story that takes place in a distant galaxy. What adventures do you have?
  • Write about a time when you made a mistake but learned something valuable from it.
  • What if you could bring one of your dreams to life? Which dream would you choose, and what would happen?

Persuasive Writing Prompts for Kids

In persuasive writing, the objective is to get others to understand and accept your point of view.

These prompts will help you practice your skills in making a strong argument.

  • Write a letter to your school principal convincing them to make recess longer. What reasons do you give?
  • Imagine you’re trying to convince your family to get a new pet. What arguments do you use to persuade them?
  • What if you could choose the destination for your next family vacation? Write a persuasive essay explaining why your choice is the best.
  • Write a speech to convince your classmates that your favorite book should be the next class read. What points do you make?
  • Imagine you want to start a new club at school. Write a letter convincing your teacher to support it. What benefits does the club offer?
  • Write an essay persuading your parents to let you stay up later on weekends. What are your main arguments?
  • Imagine you’re trying to convince your friends to volunteer for a community project. How do you persuade them that it’s a good idea?
  • What if you could change one rule at school? Write a persuasive essay explaining why the rule should be changed.
  • Write a letter to your town’s mayor convincing them to build a new playground. What reasons do you give?
  • Imagine you’re running for class president. Write a campaign speech that persuades your classmates to vote for you. What promises do you make?
  • Write an essay convincing your teacher to have a field trip to your favorite museum. Why is it a great choice for a class trip?
  • Imagine you’re trying to convince your parents to let you have a sleepover with your friends. What points do you make to persuade them?
  • Write a letter to your favorite store asking them to carry a product you love. How do you convince them it’s a good idea?
  • What if you could choose the next family movie night film? Write a persuasive essay explaining why your choice is the best.
  • Write an essay convincing your school to start a recycling program. What benefits does it offer?
  • Imagine you’re trying to persuade your teacher to have a class party. What arguments do you use to convince them?
  • Write a letter to your favorite author persuading them to write a sequel to a book you love. What reasons do you give?
  • Imagine you’re convincing your parents to let you take a special class or activity. How do you persuade them it’s a good idea?
  • Write a persuasive essay explaining why your favorite season is the best. What makes it special?
  • Imagine you’re trying to convince your school cafeteria to add a new food to the menu. What points do you make?
  • Write a letter to your local library persuading them to host a special event or program. What reasons do you give?
  • Imagine you’re trying to convince your teacher to give less homework. How do you make your case?
  • Write an essay persuading your friends to try a new sport or activity with you. What makes it fun and worthwhile?
  • Imagine you’re convincing your family to take a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to visit. How do you persuade them?
  • Write a letter to your favorite TV network convincing them to create a new show based on your idea. What arguments do you use?

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts for Kids

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and celebration.

These prompts will help you reflect on the holiday and create meaningful stories.

  • Write about a time when you felt especially thankful. What were you grateful for, and why?
  • Imagine you could invite any three people, living or dead, to your Thanksgiving dinner. Who would you choose, and what would you talk about?
  • What if you could create a new Thanksgiving tradition? What would it be, and why?
  • Write a story about a Thanksgiving where everything goes hilariously wrong. How does your family handle it?
  • Imagine you’re a turkey on Thanksgiving Day. What do you do to avoid becoming dinner?
  • Write about a time when you helped someone who needed it. How did it make you feel, and why are you thankful for the experience?
  • What if you could travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving? What do you see, and how do you participate?
  • Write a letter to someone you’re thankful for, explaining why they mean so much to you.
  • Imagine you’re in charge of cooking the Thanksgiving meal. What do you make, and how does it turn out?
  • Write about a time when you and your family worked together to prepare for Thanksgiving. What was the best part?
  • What if Thanksgiving was celebrated in a different season? How would the holiday change, and what new traditions might arise?
  • Imagine you could invite your favorite fictional character to Thanksgiving dinner. How do they fit in with your family?
  • Write a story about a Thanksgiving where your family decides to have a potluck with all your neighbors. What surprising dishes do people bring?
  • What if you had to explain Thanksgiving to someone who had never heard of it before? How would you describe the holiday and its meaning?
  • Imagine you find a magical cornucopia that fills itself with whatever you wish. What do you put in it, and why?
  • Write about a time when you felt especially connected to your family during Thanksgiving. What made the day special?
  • What if your Thanksgiving meal came to life and started talking? What do they say, and how do you react?
  • Imagine you’re responsible for setting the Thanksgiving table. What special touches do you add to make it perfect?
  • Write a story about a Thanksgiving where everyone brings a dish from their culture. What new and exciting foods do you try?
  • What if you had to host Thanksgiving in a totally different place, like a beach or a mountain cabin? How would the holiday change?
  • Imagine you could give one Thanksgiving meal to someone in need. Who would you give it to, and why?
  • Write about a Thanksgiving where your family decides to go on a trip instead of staying home. Where do you go, and how do you celebrate?
  • What if you could create a Thanksgiving parade float? What would it look like, and what message would it convey?
  • Imagine you could turn your Thanksgiving dinner into a fun competition, like a cooking show. Who wins, and what do they make?
  • Write a story about a Thanksgiving where you discover a hidden family recipe. How does it change the meal, and what does it mean to you?

Fourth of July Writing Prompts for Kids

The Fourth of July is all about fireworks, fun, and celebrating freedom.

These prompts will help you create stories and reflections about this exciting holiday.

  • Write about a time when you watched fireworks on the Fourth of July. What made the experience special?
  • Imagine you could design your own Fourth of July fireworks show. What would it look like, and what would the grand finale be?
  • What if you could travel back to the first Fourth of July celebration in 1776? What do you see, and how do people celebrate?
  • Write about a Fourth of July parade where all the floats are based on your favorite things. What are they, and why do they make you happy?
  • Imagine you could spend the Fourth of July in any city in the United States. Where would you go, and what would you do?
  • Write a story about a time when you and your friends had the best Fourth of July barbecue ever. What made it so memorable?
  • What if you discovered a secret about your family’s history on the Fourth of July? How does it change the way you see the holiday?
  • Imagine you could invite any historical figure to your Fourth of July celebration. Who would you choose, and what would you talk about?
  • Write about a time when the weather threatened to ruin your Fourth of July plans. How did you make the best of it?
  • What if you could create a new Fourth of July tradition? What would it be, and how would people celebrate it?
  • Imagine you’re in charge of organizing a community Fourth of July event. What activities do you plan, and how do people enjoy them?
  • Write a story about a Fourth of July where you discover a time capsule from 100 years ago. What’s inside, and how does it connect to today?
  • What if you could have a Fourth of July party with people from all over the world? How would they celebrate, and what foods would they bring?
  • Imagine you’re writing a letter to a soldier who is away from home on the Fourth of July. What would you say to them?
  • Write about a time when you saw the most amazing fireworks display ever. What made it stand out, and how did you feel watching it?
  • What if you could create your own Fourth of July outfit? What would it look like, and why would it be special?
  • Imagine you could bake a cake that represents the Fourth of July. What flavors and decorations would you choose?
  • Write a story about a Fourth of July where your family decides to take a road trip across the country. What do you see and do along the way?
  • What if you could invite your favorite superhero to your Fourth of July picnic? How would they help make the day even better?
  • Imagine you discover a hidden park where only a few people know to watch the fireworks. What’s special about this secret spot?
  • Write about a time when you celebrated the Fourth of July in a totally different way, like at a beach or in the mountains. How was it different from other years?
  • What if you could create a Fourth of July playlist? What songs would you include, and why?
  • Imagine you’re a reporter covering the biggest Fourth of July event in the country. What do you see, and who do you interview?
  • Write about a time when you made or saw the coolest Fourth of July craft or decoration. What made it special?
  • What if you could spend the Fourth of July with a family from another country who has never celebrated it before? How would you explain the holiday to them, and what would you do together?

Travel Writing Prompts for Kids

Traveling opens up new worlds and adventures. These prompts will inspire you to explore different places, whether real or imagined.

  • Write about a time when you visited a place that took your breath away. What made it so special?
  • Imagine you could travel anywhere in the world for a day. Where would you go, and what would you do?
  • What if you could explore an ancient city that no one has visited in thousands of years? What do you find?
  • Write about a time when you got lost on a trip but ended up discovering something amazing. What happened?
  • Imagine you could take a journey through space to visit different planets. What do you see and experience?
  • What if you could visit a place from your favorite book or movie? Where would you go, and what adventures would you have?
  • Write about a time when you tried a new food while traveling. What was it, and how did you like it?
  • Imagine you could go on a safari in Africa. What animals do you see, and what adventures do you have?
  • What if you could visit a famous landmark that you’ve always wanted to see? How does it feel to be there in person?
  • Write about a time when you made a new friend while traveling. How did you meet, and what did you do together?
  • Imagine you could take a trip to a place that only exists in your imagination. What’s it like, and what do you do there?
  • What if you could visit the bottom of the ocean in a submarine? What creatures and landscapes do you discover?
  • Write about a time when you traveled to a place that was completely different from where you live. How did it make you feel?
  • Imagine you could spend a week on a deserted island. What do you do to survive, and what do you discover?
  • What if you could go on a road trip across the United States? What stops do you make, and what do you see?
  • Write about a time when you traveled with your family. What was your favorite part of the trip, and why?
  • Imagine you could visit a place where it’s always winter. What do you do there, and how do you stay warm?
  • What if you could explore the jungles of the Amazon? What animals and plants do you encounter?
  • Write about a time when you visited a place with a rich history. What did you learn, and how did it impact you?
  • Imagine you could take a train ride through Europe. What countries do you visit, and what do you see along the way?
  • What if you could go on an adventure to the North Pole? What challenges do you face, and what do you discover?
  • Write about a time when you visited a place that felt magical. What made it so enchanting?
  • Imagine you could visit a castle in Europe. What stories do you uncover while exploring its halls?
  • What if you could go camping in a national park? What natural wonders do you explore, and what do you learn?
  • Write about a time when you visited a bustling city. What sights and sounds made the experience unforgettable?

Language Writing Prompts for Kids

Language is powerful and fun to play with! These prompts will help you explore different ways of using words to express yourself.

  • Write a poem about your favorite season. How do you capture the feeling of that time of year?
  • Imagine you could create your own language. What are some of the words, and what do they mean?
  • What if you could learn any language instantly? Which one would you choose, and why?
  • Write a story where all the characters can only speak in rhymes. How does it change the way they communicate?
  • Imagine you wake up one morning and can suddenly speak to animals. What do they tell you?
  • What if you had to write a letter to someone using only emojis? How do you get your message across?
  • Write a story where words have magical powers. How do the characters use them?
  • Imagine you could read minds. What thoughts do you hear, and how do you react?
  • What if you could communicate with people in the past using letters? Who would you write to, and what would you say?
  • Write a story where a character has to solve a mystery using hidden messages. How do they decipher the clues?
  • Imagine you find an ancient book filled with a forgotten language. What does it say, and how do you translate it?
  • What if you could speak to someone who doesn’t speak your language? How do you find a way to understand each other?
  • Write a poem that describes a feeling without using the name of the emotion. How do you express it?
  • Imagine you could invent a new word that everyone starts using. What is it, and what does it mean?
  • What if you could only communicate through pictures and drawings for a day? How do you tell your story?
  • Write a story where a character has a secret language only they understand. How does it help or complicate their life?
  • Imagine you could speak the language of trees. What would they tell you about the world?
  • What if you had to create a code to send a message to a friend? How do you make sure they understand it?
  • Write a letter to yourself from the future. What advice does your future self give you?
  • Imagine you could write a story that comes true as you write it. What happens, and how do you control it?
  • What if you could translate the sounds of nature into words? What messages do you hear?
  • Write a story where the main character discovers they can speak any language but can’t remember how to speak their own. How do they cope?
  • Imagine you’re in a world where people communicate through music. How do they express their feelings and ideas?
  • What if you had to teach someone how to speak your language? What are the most important words you’d start with?
  • Write a poem or short story using a word or phrase from another language. How does it add to the meaning of your work?

Black History Month Writing Prompts for Kids

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, culture, and history of African Americans.

These prompts will help you reflect on important figures, events, and contributions.

  • Write about a time when you learned about an important figure in Black history. What did you learn, and why was it meaningful to you?
  • Imagine you could interview any African American historical figure. Who would you choose, and what questions would you ask?
  • What if you could create a museum exhibit dedicated to Black history? What artifacts or stories would you include?
  • Write a story about a child who discovers a hidden family history connected to the Civil Rights Movement. What do they learn?
  • Imagine you’re participating in a march for equality during the 1960s. What are you marching for, and what do you experience?
  • What if you could have a conversation with Martin Luther King Jr.? What advice would he give you about making a difference in the world?
  • Write about a time when you stood up for something you believed in, inspired by a figure from Black history.
  • Imagine you could travel back in time to witness a significant event in Black history. What event would you choose, and what would you see?
  • What if you could write a letter to Rosa Parks? What would you say to her about her bravery and its impact on the world?
  • Write a story where the main character is inspired by Harriet Tubman to overcome a personal challenge. How do they succeed?
  • Imagine you could visit a classroom in the past where students are learning about Black history. What are they discussing, and how does it compare to today?
  • What if you could design a poster celebrating an unsung hero from Black history? Who would you choose, and what message would you highlight?
  • Write about a time when you participated in a project or event that celebrated Black culture. What did you learn, and how did it impact you?
  • Imagine you could create a book of poems inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. What themes would you explore?
  • What if you could attend a speech by Frederick Douglass? What would you hope to hear, and how would it inspire you?
  • Write a story where the main character learns about the importance of Black inventors and their contributions to society. How does this knowledge change them?
  • Imagine you could design a monument to honor African American veterans. What would it look like, and what would it symbolize?
  • What if you could visit a jazz club during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance? What music would you hear, and who would you meet?
  • Write about a time when you learned about the history of African American music. What genres or artists stood out to you, and why?
  • Imagine you’re writing a play about a pivotal moment in Black history. What scene would you focus on, and what message would you want to convey?
  • What if you could have dinner with Maya Angelou? What would you talk about, and what wisdom would you hope to gain?
  • Write a story where a young artist is inspired by the work of Jacob Lawrence to create their own masterpiece. How do they express their creativity?
  • Imagine you’re part of a community project to restore a historic Black neighborhood. What stories and memories do you uncover?
  • What if you could visit an African American church during the Civil Rights Movement? What would the experience be like, and how would it inspire you?
  • Write about a time when you learned about the contributions of African Americans to science and technology. How did it change your perspective on history?

For even more writing prompts for kids, check out these video writing prompts:

Final Thoughts

Teachers, these prompts are just the beginning of a fantastic writing journey.

Encourage your students to take these ideas and run with them, exploring new worlds and expressing themselves freely. Kids, let your creativity soar—your stories are waiting to be told.

If you’re looking for a tool to automatically generate rubrics for writing assignments, check out my Grading GPT tool. If you’d like to customize lessons plans for different learners, try my AI Custom Learning Pro tool .

Read This Next

  • 2,500 Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Creativity
  • 200+ Opinion Writing Prompts & Examples
  • 300 Book Ideas to Write (Ideas, Titles, & Story Prompts)
  • 150 Best Fantasy Writing Prompts to Spark Your Creativity
  • 150+ Christmas Story Ideas, Tips & Prompts (Fun & Festive)

Free Bullet Journal Printables

Masha Plans

Free Travel Journal Printables

Sharing is caring!

travel journal prompts for students

Discover the magic of free Bullet Journal printables designed to ignite your wanderlust and enhance your travel adventures.

In this lineup of free travel journal printables , you’ll find resources from talented creators who share your passion for exploration and creativity.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or documenting cherished memories from a weekend getaway, these printables offer a delightful way to capture every moment. Packed with vibrant designs and practical layouts, they make organizing your travels both fun and efficient.

So grab your favorite pen, and let’s embark on a journey where planning meets inspiration, one printable at a time!

travel journal prompts for students

Incorporating printables into your Bullet Journal is like giving your creativity a set of wings. They’re not just pretty designs on paper; they’re a powerhouse of organization and inspiration, especially when it comes to travel.

Imagine having a dedicated space in your journal where you can meticulously map out every detail of your upcoming adventure. From packing lists to itinerary templates, travel printables provide a structured way to prepare, ensuring nothing is left to chance.

This level of planning allows you to embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you’ve thought of everything from your flight details to those must-see local attractions.

But the magic of travel printables doesn’t stop there. They transform into a canvas for preserving your most cherished memories. As you wander through bustling markets or marvel at breathtaking landscapes, your journal becomes a living scrapbook filled with ticket stubs, sketches, and personal reflections.

Each printable you fill out is a snapshot of your journey, capturing the essence of your experiences in a way that photos sometimes can’t. With spaces to jot down the day’s highlights or unexpected delights, these printables help you relive every moment long after you’ve returned home.

Moreover, using travel printables is an excellent way to make the most of each day on your travels. They serve as a daily guide, keeping your plans in sight and your goals in focus.

Whether it’s setting intentions for the day, jotting down places to eat, or listing activities to try, these printables ensure that you squeeze every drop of joy from your adventure. The flexibility to personalize your journal with stickers, doodles, and color codes enhances the experience, making each page uniquely yours.

In essence, printables in your Bullet Journal are more than just tools—they’re companions on your journey, inviting creativity, fostering reflection, and helping make every travel day count.

But before I share with you some of the finds for travel journal printables, let’s talk about actually using printables in your Bullet Journal.

This post may contain affiliate links. They will be of no extra expense for you, but I receive a small credit. Please see my  Disclosure  for more details. Thank you for supporting Masha Plans!

How To Use Printables In Your Bullet Journal

Adding printables to your Bullet Journal is pretty easy, but there are a few tricks to it. So, to ensure you do know how to do it and don’t feel intimidated by the task, here is how you do it.

And if you need a step-by-step guide, even with a video, be sure to check a link at the end of the post.

It’s all about making sure that printable fits snugly in your journal as if it were meant to be there. If the printable is already cozied up to an A5 size (the Bullet Journal’s best friend), you’re golden. If not, just make sure you toggle printing settings to A5.

Another part of adding printables is using the right supplies, so here are some of my top recommendations:

  • High-quality printing paper. Especially if you’re planning to use any markers on your printables, you need to have a high-quality paper. Otherwise, it will damage your pens. I prefer using HP Premium Paper .
  • Paper cutter. You can definitely just use scissors, but I find that you always get cleaner cuts if you use a paper cutter like this Firbon paper cutter .
  • Corner rounder. I find that most journals have rounded corners, so it would be a fun idea to cut your printables the same way. You can do it yourself with a pair of sewing scissors like I do, but I would recommend using a corner rounder instead.

You really only need good paper and a pair of scissors, but if you want more, get these. It’s really a great investment if you’re planning on using a lot of printables, plus they all are pretty affordable.

Now that using printables is not that scary anymore let’s look at those journal printables you came here for.

There are plenty of different travel journal printables, and I've got a large variety here for you. I also gathered printables from different creators so you can check different styles and aesthetics.

Let's dive in!

travel journal prompts for students

Masha Plans Free Printables

We're starting with a set of printables I've created for your travel journal. One is a page to help you stay on top of your daily journaling when you travel, and another is a set of stickers.

You can already get these and 50+ other free printables in the Resources Vault , and if you don't have your access yet simply click "get free printables".

travel journal prompts for students

Travel Notes Printables

I love how these travel notes come with different types of grids, so you can find one that you like the most. Travel notes also have a pretty vague header, so you can come up with different ideas on how to use these pages.

travel journal prompts for students

Free Printable Travel Pages

Here are a few beautiful free printable travel related pages, perfect to use in your Bullet Journal. I believe a travel bucket list and a packing list are the staples to have!

travel journal prompts for students

Free Printable Travel Journal Page

Here is a well-organized travel page to help you plan a perfect trip, since it includes all the information you need to ensure you get the best experience from it.

travel journal prompts for students

Free Travel Journal Template

This is an entire printable travel journal that includes many valuable pages to plan and record your next adventure. You can use them in your journal, or you can create an entire journal just from these printables.

travel journal prompts for students

Free Travel Bullet Journal Printable Stickers

Having pre-made pages is useful, for sure, but what about some stickers? Using these, you can create a customer travel page you want and add a colorful and fun decoration to it.

travel journal prompts for students

Free Printable Travel Journal

This set of printables has several pretty useful pages, like emergency information and things to do page. I also really like the cottage core feel of these printables with the beautiful flowers used to decorate them.

travel journal prompts for students

Free Printable Travel Checklist

Having a proper packing list is the secret to a great trip; you don't want to be in a constant state of anxiety that you forgot something. This printable will help you plan out everything you need to look your best and always have all you need for the best adventure.

travel journal prompts for students

FREE Travel Tracker Printable

Tracking your trip is always a fun idea, and I love having a visual representation of all the places I've visited. These printables give you a world map and a USA map to add to your travel journal and start ticking off places one by one.

travel journal prompts for students

Travel Journal Printable

A cute and doodly set of travel journal pages, and I absolutely adore this style. It will help you plan your trip, but it also adds a lot of fun with coloring and customizing these spreads.

travel journal prompts for students

Travel Journal Template

Last but not least is this printable page, which gives you an outline of the month so you can have a clear idea of where your trip fits. It also gives you ample space to plan the places to visit and things to do on your adventures.

Free Printable Travel Journal Pages

In case you got lost with all the options out there, I just wanted to mention once again that you can find travel journal pages and other printables in the Resources Vault .

If you don’t have access yet, you can always sign up in the form below.

Once you confirm your subscription, you’ll get the password to get 50+ free Bullet Journal printables, stickers, and worksheets to use right away.

If you’ve never used printables before, be sure to check my post How To Use Printables In Your Bullet Journal .

It’s pretty basic, and you can find all the supplies you need in my post Supplies For Using Bullet Journal Printables .

More Resources

Are you looking for more ideas and inspirations for travel pages or even maybe just more free printables? I’ve got you covered!

Check out these posts next:

  • 15 Travel Journal Layout Inspirations
  • Top Travel Journal Supplies for Your Next Adventure
  • 60+ Free Bullet Journaling Printables

>>> What other printable pages are you looking for? Share with us in the comments!

Hope this post was interesting. If you find it so, please share! If you enjoy my content and want to show your appreciation, please consider supporting me with a cup of coffee .

And remember: Keep Bullet Journaling, and Don’t Be A Blob!

travel journal prompts for students

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

IMAGES

  1. 70 Writing Prompts That Will Inspire Your Travel Journalling

    travel journal prompts for students

  2. 31 Travel Journal Prompts + Creative Travel Journal Ideas

    travel journal prompts for students

  3. 60 Descriptive Vacation Journaling Prompts For High School Students

    travel journal prompts for students

  4. 35 Travel Journal Prompts For Your Dream Vacation

    travel journal prompts for students

  5. Free Printable Travel Journal To Document Your Adventures!

    travel journal prompts for students

  6. 50+ Fun Travel Writing Prompts

    travel journal prompts for students

COMMENTS

  1. 50+ Easy Travel Journal Ideas and Writing Prompts for Kids

    Create a collage of your tickets (plane, museum, tour, etc.). Do a 30-second sketch of what you see right now. Sketch someone you met along your journey. Doodle the icons that make your destination special. Go out at night (if it's safe) and draw a street scene. Find one detail of where you are and draw it.

  2. 100 Travel Journal Prompts Get You Inspired

    Here are some non-writing travel journal prompt ideas: Draw a famous landmark you saw. Sketch the inside of your hotel room or the view out the window. Do a leaf rubbing. Create your own mini comic strip that tells a travel story. Do a travel collage that tells a story.

  3. 31 Travel Journal Prompts + Creative Travel Journal Ideas

    I love these prompts for when I'm feeling stuck and am searching for things to write in a travel journal: 1. Remember a time when you met people while traveling that felt like family. Describe your time with them in great detail. 2. Write a postcard to a friend from a place you've loved visiting. 3.

  4. Travel Deeper: 15 Thought-Provoking Travel Journal Prompts

    Whether you're looking for study abroad journal prompts for students or some simple journaling ideas for your next vacation, I've compiled this short list of travel journal writing prompts for self-reflection to get you thinking more deeply about various aspects of travel and yourself. I don't think you need a lot—in fact, you might ...

  5. Get Inspired With These 50 Travel Journal Prompts

    Try these travel journal prompts to get you inspired and create amazing memories from your adventures and destinations! There are so many reasons you should try writing a travel journal for your next vacation. Keeping a travel journal is a fantastic way to prepare for a trip, help you stay organized during a holiday and to keep those amazing ...

  6. 40+ Creative Travel Journal Prompts (Beginner-Friendly)

    Here are my 5 favorite tips for a smoother travel journaling experience: 1. Make it visual. Adding visual elements to your travel journal will make it more personal and informative. Think gluing memorabilia or ticket stubs, sketching what you see (buildings, foods, people), or just adding a small photo you took.

  7. Travel Journal: 100+ Prompts, Ideas, and Tips

    3. Sharpen your observational skills. Journaling pushes you to pay closer attention to your surroundings, which can improve your observational and descriptive abilities. This heightened awareness can lead to a more enriching travel experience. 4. Organize your thoughts and experiences.

  8. 33 Terrific Travel Journal Ideas, Tips

    Please see our disclosure policy for more detail. This guide to travel journal ideas and prompts covers everything from the physical kind of travel diary to use, to tips on journaling effectively, to travel journaling prompts to help you get your writing started. Remember, though, that the #1 rule of travel journaling is that there are no rules ...

  9. 80 Travel Journal Prompts

    80 Travel Journal Prompts. By Clariza Carizal, RPm. Updated on July 21, 2024. Traveling is one of life's greatest joys. Whether you're wandering through a bustling city, lounging on a sunny beach, or trekking across stunning landscapes, each trip brings its own set of unique moments. There's something special about leaving your everyday ...

  10. 101 Travel Journal Ideas: Prompts & Inspiration

    101 Travel Journal Ideas: What to Put in a Traveler's Notebook. 1. Start With a Map. Maps are always great in a journal. You can paste or tape them in or even make pockets and envelopes with them. Drawing maps can be a lot of fun also. There are also a lot of ways to get maps: Google Maps: You could even print out a satellite/street view ...

  11. 40 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Writing Prompts to Save Your Best

    Travel journal prompts are ways to combat writer's block and inspire creativity. To make these prompts easier to reference, you can download the free printable of 'Where She Goes' Travel Journal Prompts from The Travel Library, where you'll also have access to resources like my girl's packing list and Lightroom photo presets.

  12. 65 Travel Journal Prompts To Transform Your Next Trip

    The article provides over 60 personalized travel journal prompts categorized into "Before Your Trip," "During Your Trip," and "After Your Trip" sections for in-depth personal reflection. It also includes additional sets of prompts for study abroad students or digital journal enthusiasts to capture their travels effectively.

  13. 101 Travel Journal Ideas & Creative Prompts to make journaling fun

    Travel journal ideas: the medium. Journaling with technology - platforms and apps; Paper travel journals; Keep going: strategies to encourage journaling; 101 Travel Journal Prompts. Important information for your journal's front pages; Travel Planning and Brainstorming Lists; Travel journal prompts: on your way; Daily prompts for your ...

  14. 16 Irresistible Travel Writing Prompts » JournalBuddies.com

    These travel journal prompts are designed not just to fill blank pages but to ignite a spark of curiosity, pushing (student) writers beyond their comfort zones and encouraging them to embrace new perspectives. Ok, without further ado, here are those irresistible travel journal prompts to help your pen take flight. 16 Travel Journal Prompts

  15. 62 Best Travel Journal Ideas (And Inspiring Prompts)

    15. Boosts your creativity. A travel journal is a great tool to fuel and inspire your creativity. Include sketches, collages or descriptive writing in your journal to get your creativity flowing. 16. Creates a souvenir. Re-reading your travel journal makes you experience your trip all over again. 17.

  16. 21 Creative Travel Journal Ideas & Prompts for Your Next Trip

    Digital Detox and Mindfulness: A study by the Pew Research Center found that 85% of adults in the United States use the internet. Keeping a physical travel journal offers a break from screens, fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection with your surroundings. Little details can bring about a big sense of calm.

  17. 55 Travel Journal Prompts

    Best Travel Journal Supplies. En-Route Travel Journal. I'm obsessed with this travel journal!I picked up a copy from Gift Horse, a small boutique in Nashville, and love it (the journal's interior has a mix of blank pages, dotted pages, grid pages, and lined pages).There are also cute travel illustrations (some full-page) throughout, which is a cute little touch.

  18. 77 Invigorating Travel-Themed Journal Prompts For Kids

    11. Write a letter to a friend telling them about your favorite day of the trip so far. 12. Write a postcard to yourself describing your feelings about the trip. 13. Write about a moment when you felt out of your comfort zone. 14. Write about a song or piece of music you heard and how it made you feel. 15.

  19. Best Travel Journal With Prompts

    Grab my free *inspired storyteller* travel journal, which includes writing tips, uplifting quotes, and 56 prompts! GET THE FREE TRAVEL JOURNAL. Enter your details below to subscribe to my email list + grab a FREE travel journal complete with 56 prompts. Relive your best travel memories while igniting your creativity! //.

  20. Travel Journal Prompts to Inspire You! || The Travel Tester

    This guided journal holds unexpected prompts to help inspire thoughtful reflections from any travel adventure. It includes breakout spreads with uplifting quotes to help frame your thoughts and experiences, along with space for packing lists, notes, addresses, and things you want to remember.

  21. What Is a Travel Journal + How to Make One with Examples

    Similarly, there are various types of travel diaries to suit different preferences and styles. We cover the best travel journals below so you can find one perfect for you. 1. Guided Travel Journals. Guided journals provide travel journal prompts and structured sections to help you capture specific aspects of your journey.

  22. Travel Journaling Made Easy [Download 99 Travel Journal Prompts]

    It helps to remember these places and events and to learn something new from them. 3. You'll Become a Better Storyteller. The third reason to keep a travel journal is that you learn how to tell interesting stories about your travels from diaries. In this way, you are learning the art of a superb storyteller.

  23. 15 Travel Journals for Kids + Free Printable

    7. Go! A Kids' Interactive Travel Diary and Journal. Includes thought-starters so kids can capture important stuff, like cool things they spot, new things they try and people they meet. There are also adventure badges to earn, stickers, places to keep photos and other treasures, and postcards to send.

  24. 500+ Writing Prompts for Kids (Journal & Story Ideas)

    Discover 500+ Writing Prompts for Kids. Teachers and students can get inspired by these creative and unique prompts. Jumpstart your imagination. ... Journal Prompts for Kids. ... Travel Writing Prompts for Kids. Traveling opens up new worlds and adventures. These prompts will inspire you to explore different places, whether real or imagined.

  25. Free Travel Journal Printables

    Discover the magic of free Bullet Journal printables designed to ignite your wanderlust and enhance your travel adventures.. In this lineup of free travel journal printables, you'll find resources from talented creators who share your passion for exploration and creativity.. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or documenting cherished memories from a weekend getaway, these ...

  26. Why I Love Spontaneous Travel

    Stuck with a 36-hour layover in Bangkok in December 2016, I made a wild decision: I contacted a Thai friend via Facebook whom I had met decades earlier, when I was studying abroad in my early 20s ...