I am a sucker for a good notebook, and because I love to handwrite when I travel, I always keep a few blank journals on hand so that I can grab one to throw in my bag.
The key to a good travel journal is to have a paperback notebook (so it is not too heavy), with enough pages to capture all of your experiences, and have room to glue or tape in ticket stubs, postcards, or any other tidbit that reminds you of your trip.
I also prefer simple covers in muted or neutral colors, so that they look classy when sitting on a table at a cafe, and I like it when the lines on the pages are not too dark so that I can sketch on them as well.
As you can see, I have a lot of requirements when it comes to my travel journals.
So, I decided to make my own!
I have made three that are perfect for any trip containing all of the key elements that I listed above.
I also love having a large monthly planner that I can use to plan out when I am traveling throughout the year, but I have a hard time finding one that I can customize myself. And so, you guessed it, I created my own!
This 24-month planner is not of any specific months or years, so you can start and finish it whenever YOU want. Plus, I have included notes pages in the back so that you can plan out your locations, make note of key attractions you want to visit, or sketch out maps.
Lastly, I have always wanted to start a Line A Day journal, but most of them stretch over multiple years, which feels like A BIG commitment. So, I made one! This version is for only a year, and you can start on any month or day within the year.
Learn more about all of the journals, notebooks, and the planner below.
Perfect travel planner for multiple trips
This monthly planner has a modern forest green cover with a clean, sleek look. The soft cover makes it lightweight and easy to slip into your backpack, bag, or purse.
It is fully customizable — you can fill in the month and year yourself, so it can be used at any time. The 8"x 10" size means that you have ample space to write in your trip notes and locations.
There are 24 months available, which means that you can use this planner for longer-term trip planning.
Lined pages at the back of the monthly planner give you space to list the locations you want to visit, note important events, keep track of important trip data, and more.
Learn more or purchase the Monthly Planner here. (Check out the Canada shop here.)
Lightweight travel journals and notebooks
One of the best things about traveling is that quiet moment — perhaps sitting alone at a small table in the sunshine at a local cafe, overlooking a cobblestone square — when you have the time to write about where you have been, what you are thinking, and where you are going next.
Whether you are traveling to a faraway island, a fast-moving city, or up a mountain, these journals and notebooks are the perfect place to write about your new and exciting experiences.
Travel Journal/Notebook
This is the perfect notebook to take on your travels! It has a lightweight, durable paperback cover in a sage green color, and 200 lined pages for you to document all of your adventures.
This journal is designed to be used by adults, men, women, teens, or kids, and can be packed easily in any bag to take anywhere in the world.
Learn more or purchase this Travel notebook here. (Click here for the Canada shop.)
Botanical Journal
This journal contains 200 lined pages, perfect for documenting your travels. You can also use it as a notebook for lists, notes, thoughts, or important dates to keep track of.
The soft, green paperback is covered in an original botanical drawing (by me!), and it is lightweight, so it won't be too heavy in your bag and will be easy to carry with you wherever you are.
Learn more or purchase the Botanical Journal here. (Check out the Canada shop here.)
Notebook
With 200 thick, lightly lined pages, this take-anywhere notebook is perfect for your next trip.
Its durable paperback cover is a warm brown, terracotta color that makes it look both professional and unassuming.
Learn more or purchase this Notebook here. (Click here for the Canada shop.)
Unique line-a-day journal for a year of adventures
Smaller than the average book, this journal is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Start on any month, on any day, and then continue the journal until you have filled it up!
This journal is made with clean lines, so the only thing that stands out on the page are your memories. Each day of the year, write one sentence that sums up your day or highlights an experience or moment.
At the end of the year, use the "Best of the Year" section to choose your favorite lines from each month and gather them together on the final pages.
Learn more or purchase the Line A Day Journal here. (Click here for the Canada shop.)
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
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