It’s my belief that if you are going to embark on an epic journey, you should be chronicling your adventures. What better way than by having a beautiful travel journal to record your thoughts, impressions, and anecdotes? Of course, any old notebook will do, but it seems to me that your journal should match your personality and the personality of your trip. Here are five picks for fantastic journals to record your summer (or anytime!) travels, for any budget or style.
1. Air Mail Journal – $10
This little gem is from Crane & Co., that upscale stationary store. It is decorated with cancellation marks and pictures of famous places. It’s small (4 x 6 inches), so it’s easy to stow in a backpack for quick access. The 200 lined pages are sewn into a hardcover and include a ribbon bookmark and elastic strap to hold the journal shut. This travel-oriented journal is also the right price for someone on a budget but still wanting a journal with class.
See also Crane & Co.’s Giraffe Notebook for an African trip.
2. Travel Writing Journal – $20
A unique creation by runningwithescissors on etsy.com, this journal features vintage travel-themed images on a chipboard cover. It has 100 heavyweight linen paper and is spiralbound. It’s perfect for a person who loves retro-style accessories. Since the pages are unlined, the journal is great for those who also like to add sketches to their travel memories.
3. Tree-Free Greetings Spring Flowers Eco-Inspirations Journal – $10.79
What a wonderful find for anyone who is interested in saving trees while still capturing their unique travel memories in a journal. It’s sold on Amazon.com and is made from the reclaimed fibers of the sugar processing process. Although a bit smaller, at only 96 pages, it is an eco-friendly choice. I especially like this particular journal because it has a good quote for travelers, I think: “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” It can be good inspiration for not only living green, but also looking for the bright spots even when a trip doesn’t seem to be going that great.
4. My Journey Small Journal – $22
Another handmade, unique journal found on etsy.com. It is sold by paperannie. This one is very small – only 8 pages. However, it would be great for mounting photos along with stories and notes about them. This would make it an excellent choice for a small album to put on a coffee table for friends to flip through when they visit you. If they show interest, you can pull out the big gun photo albums for them. The creative cover features an antique car on top of an authentic map and ribbon ties.
5. Moleskine Ruled Notebook – $11.97
For those who prefer a classic, simple journal that won’t get in the way of the memories contained inside, try this sturdy journal sold on Amazon.com. It features 240 acid-free lined pages for you to chronicle your journey. There is also an expandable inner pocket and elastic strap to hold in extra goodies like ticket stubs and postcards from your adventures. It’s also available for a slightly higher price in red.
Please note that these prices do not include any applicable shipping and/or taxes. All items were available at the time of writing.
