Make your travel memories into treasures! Easy travel diary for beginners
Hello everyone! I'm John, and I'm here to give you easy-to-understand information on finance and health. Traveling is so much fun! Seeing new scenery, eating delicious food, interacting with local people... But don't you find that your wonderful memories fade away little by little as time passes?
In such a case, "travel diary" "What? "Wait, keeping a diary is such a hassle..." "I don't know what to write..." Some of you may think so. But don't worry! Today, I'll introduce you to the appeal of travel diaries and some tips on how even beginners can easily get started, along with some advice from experts.
What's good about a travel diary?
There are many benefits to keeping a travel journal. Let's take a look at some of the main ones:
- Keep your memories vivid: Photos are great, of course, but it's hard to remember the emotions, thoughts, and atmosphere of those times. By writing them down in words in a diary, you can read them again years later and remember them as clearly as if you had traveled back in time.
- Mindfulness Effects: Have you ever heard of "mindfulness" (paying attention to the present moment)? Writing a diary while traveling is the act of focusing your attention on the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions in front of you. This will allow you to enjoy your trip more deeply and is also expected to have the effect of calming and refreshing your mind.
- Opportunities for self-growth: By looking back on the events and feelings you had during your trip, you can discover new things about yourself, such as "I was moved by this" or "I feel this way at this time." Also, recording how you overcame small troubles and challenges while traveling can help you build your confidence.
- Also help you plan your next trip: If you record information such as "That restaurant was delicious" or "That road had an amazing view!", it will be very useful the next time you visit the same place or when giving advice to a friend.
What should I write? No need to think too hard!
"What should I write in my diary?" This may be the first thing that many people worry about. But don't worry! There are no set rules. The important thing is,Write honestly what you feel and thinkこと.
For example, how about writing something like this?
- Use all your senses:
- What I saw: The amazing sunset colors, the interesting signs, the way people dressed, etc.
- Sounds heard: The hustle and bustle of the city, birds chirping, the sound of waves, local music, etc.
- Smells: The smell of spices in the market, the smell of flowers, the smell of earth after rain, etc.
- What I tasted: The taste of a new dish, the flavor of local coffee, etc.
- What I felt on my skin: the warmth of the sun's rays, the pleasant breeze, the feel of the cobblestones, etc.
- The feeling at that time: Write down your honest feelings, such as things that made you happy, things that were fun, things that surprised you, things that made you a little anxious, etc.
- Memorable conversations and encounters: Small conversations with locals and stories about people you meet while traveling will also become wonderful memories.
- Small discoveries and observations: It's also interesting to discover things that you can only make by getting away from your everyday life, like "I found a cute cat here!" or "People in this country are really generous with time."
- Happenings and what I learned from them: Getting lost or things not going as planned is part of the journey, so it's a good idea to record what you learned from those experiences.
You don't have to write perfect sentences. Bullet points or short notes are fine. The important thing is the act of "writing down" things.
Tips for keeping a fun travel diary
If you're going to start, you want to keep it fun, right? Here are some simple tips.
- Find your favorite tools:
Choose something that makes you feel like you want to use it, such as a pen and notebook that are comfortable to write with, or a planner with a design that matches the atmosphere of your trip. Recently, diary apps and blog services for smartphones have become convenient. The warmth of handwriting and the convenience of digital have their own merits.
- Set aside time to write (but not too much):
For example, it's easier to make it a habit if you set your own rules, such as "write for 10 minutes every night before going to bed" or "take quick notes when taking a break at a cafe." However, you don't have to force yourself when you're tired or don't have time. It's important not to feel pressured to "write!"
- If you're having trouble coming up with something to write, try using a topic:
If you're not sure what to write, try asking yourself these questions:
- What was the most memorable thing for you today?
- What was the most delicious thing you ate today?
- What surprised you the most today?
- What's the highlight of your day in one word?
- What would you like to do tomorrow?
- Don't aim for perfection:
Don't worry if you make typos or your writing isn't very coherent! This is a record for yourself, not for others to see. Relax and write freely.
- Use more than just words:
It's fun to stick things like ticket stubs, coasters from shops, pressed flowers, or even simple sketches on it. It will look more colorful and you'll look forward to rereading it even more.
Travel and mental health
I believe that travel diaries are more than just a record of memories; they also have a positive effect on our mental and physical health. Taking time away from the busyness of everyday life and facing yourself is a kind of "Self Care" (Taking care of yourself). By putting into words the new discoveries and impressions you make on your travels, you can organize your thoughts and feel more positive.
This may help reduce stress in your everyday life and give you hints for living a richer life. While it is important to gain financial security for the future through investment, increasing these "spiritual assets" is just as valuable.
Author's comment
I myself always keep a simple diary whenever I go on a trip. When I read it again a few years later, I can recall the fresh feelings I had at the time and think, "Oh, so that's how I felt!" or "This happened at that time," and it's really interesting. You can start with just a few lines of notes, so why not try keeping a diary as your "travel companion" on your next trip? I'm sure it will make your trip more fulfilling and more unforgettable.
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
How To Keep A Travel Journal For Memories &
Mindfulness, From A Pro