Travel journal peeping

Bangkok Travel JournalOur journals are as varied as we are. Some are highly decorated; others are plain. Some are spiral-bound; others lack lines. Regardless of how we choose our journals, or what we choose to fill them with, it’s always fun to get a look at someone else’s trusty travel buddy.

Compared to some, my journal is simple: black cover, no lines, no sketches, no mementos pasted in—just words. Between my travel journal and my camera, I feel that I’m pretty well covered in the artistic expression department. Besides, I’ve never been very good at illustration, so I just cut drawing out of my routine.

One way I get a glimpse at neat journal ideas (from homemade covers to organization techniques) and cool diary design is on Moleskinerie. You don’t have to own a Moleskine to find something that speaks to you. Get a gander at Erik Gauger’s Mt. Hood notes, a boarding pass redesign, detailed sketches and pretty passports.

Do you decorate your diary? Use it for packing lists? How does your journal serve you on your travels?

Posted by | Comments (3)  | July 2, 2010
Category: General, Lifestyle Design, Travel Writing


3 Responses to “Travel journal peeping”

  1. Lise Says:

    My Moleskine journal serves as a DIY guidebook, scrapbook and journal. It has places, times, friends, a journal section and then a bunch of memories.

    As I travel I paste in ticket stubs, metro maps, hand scribbled directions, restaurant cards, etc. and in the end its a memory and planning tool for future trips. I am going to experiment with the Moleskine city notebook this fall and see how I like having all the built-in organization or if I prefer to use them my own way.

  2. Rebecca Says:

    Interesting article. Never thought about decorating a journal or pasting mementos in it. Mostly use a journal to record thoughts about cultures and people and how travel may have changed me during the course of my travels. Nothing fancy…

  3. Ted Beatie Says:

    After almost 10 years of carrying Moleskines around, I use the softcover squared variety, journaling on the right side, taking notes or diagrams on the left side. I use the pocket to hold tickets and business cards, but I always have to reinforce the bottom of the pocket!