When you’re traveling, there’s nothing quite like putting pen to paper and documenting your experiences. 

Especially when you’re traveling solo. It’s a great way to remember your travels while giving yourself something to keep busy with when dining out alone.

I was really lucky that my dad thought to give me a travel journal when I first began traveling alone in 2017 and again a few years ago when I set out to spend about six months alone in Europe.

I spent that entire trip writing a journal with all my adventures and personal thoughts. It became my routine every night during dinner, because to be honest back then, I hated eating alone and journaling gave me a way to look busy. 

Three years and a ton of non-stop solo travels later, I love getting to read that journal. It’s so special seeing how far I’ve come as a person, while smiling and laughing at memories I’d since forgotten from my time on the road back then.

It’s amazing how fast time goes, and now my biggest regret is that I didn’t make time to journal during my many solo trips since that first summer.

Of course, I’m lucky. I get to share most of my travel stories with you on my website or through social media like Instagram and YouTube.

But there’s truly nothing like keeping a diary on the road, especially when solo traveling. Remembering all the personal things like making new friends, working through heartbreaks, and even thinking I’d found love again before realizing not every relationship or friendship is meant to last.

I know it’s so cliche, but it really is true that the greatest relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself.

The beautiful part about being human is that we are constantly growing, and it’s a spectacular thing getting to revisit your old self one day years from now when you discover your old travel journal in a storage box somewhere.

After some research searching for my latest travel journal, I’ve made a list of the top five travel journals to help you find the perfect one to document your next adventure. 

 Keep reading to discover the perfect journal to keep you company on your next trip!

Things to Look for When Buying a Travel Journal

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When you’re choosing the best travel journal, there are a few key features that you should consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind during your search.

Size and Portability

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Think about the size and weight of the journal. You want to find one that’s easy to carry with you on your travels, especially if you’re traveling long term.

Ideally one compact enough to fit in a backpack or purse.

Binding and Cover

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The binding and cover of the journal are important factors to consider.

A durable cover will protect your journal from wear and tear, while a sturdy binding will keep the pages from falling out.

I prefer a hardcover or leather-bound journal for added protection, especially when traveling for long periods of time.

Paper Quality

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The quality of the paper is essential for a good travel journal.

Seriously, the last thing you want are pages that tear easily or let the ink bleed through.

Look for acid-free paper to prevent yellowing and deterioration, so your travel journal stays beautiful for years to come.

Layout

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Do you prefer lined or blank pages?

Would you like a journal with prompts to help you record your experiences?

Think about what will work best for you and your travel style.

Additional Features

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Some travel journals come with additional features, like pockets for storing tickets or souvenirs, or a built-in pen holder.

Consider what features are important to you and your travel needs.

5 Best Travel Journals for Your Next Trip

Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal

What I Like

  • The vegan leather cover is soft and durable, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.

  • The pages are lined and offer plenty of space to write down your thoughts and experiences.

  • The journal is just the right size to fit in your bag or backpack without taking up too much space.

What I Don’t Like

  • The journal only has 176 pages, so you may need to purchase additional journals for longer trips.

  • Some users may prefer a journal with more blank pages for drawing or sketching.

  • The journal is not waterproof, so it may not be the best choice for outdoor adventures or trips to the beach.

The Verdict

and stylish, the Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal is definitely worth considering. Its soft vegan leather cover feels great in your hands, and the ample writing space makes it easy to document your travels.

While the journal only has 176 pages, it’s the perfect size to take with you on a typical vacation.

Overall, the Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal is a brilliant choice for anyone looking for a stylish and functional travel journal.

Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal

With its vegan leather cover and ample writing space, this is the perfect travel companion for any trip.

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Duncan & Stone Paper Co. Travel Journal

What I Like

  • The journal includes a table of contents with space for 15 trips, prompted trip overview questions, “Favorite Things” pages, a bucket list for future travel ideas, and blank pages designated for notes and photos. It also comes with a back pocket to store extra pictures and notes.

  • The journal is made with a quality linen cloth hardcover with a gold embossed title and spine, making it a stylish and durable keepsake for any traveler.

  • With 110 pages, there is plenty of space to capture all of your favorite adventures.

What I Don’t Like

  • While the journal is a great size for traveling, it may be a bit too bulky for some travelers who prefer something more compact.

  • The journal is a bit pricier than some other options on the market, but the quality and features make it worth the investment.

  • The journal has plain pages, so if you prefer ruled or graph paper, this may not be the best option for you.

The Verdict

This travel journal is perfect for capturing your memories and experiences on the go. The high-quality materials and thoughtful design make it a great keepsake that you’ll treasure for years to come.

The downside is that the journal is bulky and has unlined pages, but if you’re looking for a stylish one to consider.

DUNCAN & STONE PAPER CO.

If you're looking for a high-quality travel journal to document your adventures, the Duncan & Stone Paper Co. Travel Journal is definitely a great choice!

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Adventure Writing Journal

The Verdict

This journal’s refillable design and included pen are great features, plus the durable faux leather cover and magnetic buckle closure keep your writing safe.

The downside is the journal is on the smaller side, which may limit the amount of writing space. Overall, this travel journal is a superb choice for anyone who wants to document their travels in a stylish and practical way.

Refillable Adventure Writing Journal

The refillable design of this journal and included pen make it a sustainable choice, while the durable faux leather cover and magnetic buckle closure keep your writing secure.

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Billtigif PU Leather Journal Notebook

What I Like

  • The 100GSM premium paper is high quality and won’t bleed through, ensuring your writing is neat and tidy.

  • The 2 zipper binder pockets are great for storing important items like bills, money, and credit cards.

  • The size is perfect for carry-on bags and purses, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors!

What I Don’t Like

  • The PVC material of the binder pockets may not be as durable as other materials.

  • The journal may be too small for some people who prefer a larger writing surface.

The Verdict

With its beautiful design and high-quality paper, this is a magnificent gift for yourself or a loved one who enjoys writing and traveling.

It’s also refillable, so you can continue using it for years to come. Plus, the binder pockets help you keep important items organized and easily accessible.

Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish and reliable travel journal, this one is a splendid choice.

PU Leather Journal

With its embossed pattern and comfortable leather cover, this journal is perfect for all your travel adventures.

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Chinco Travel Journal Notebook

What I Like

  • The journal’s handmade leather cover looks antique and rustic, and has a soft and smooth hand feel.

  • The notebook is small and easy to carry, making it perfect for taking with you on your travels.

  • The Chinco Travel Journal Notebook comes in a set of 6, so you’ll have plenty of journals to use on your travels.

What I Don’t Like

  • The journal’s plain ruling might not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer lined or dotted pages.

  • The journal’s small size might not be suitable for those who prefer larger notebooks.

  • The journal’s cardboard side pocket inserts might not be as durable as other materials, so you’ll need to be careful when handling them.

The Verdict

Since this journal comes in a set of 6, you’ll have plenty to use on your travels, or gift to friends.

Its small size makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go, and its lined pages are perfect for jotting down your thoughts and experiences on the road.

The journal’s cardboard side pocket inserts are a pleasant touch, although they might not be as durable as other materials. Overall, the Chinco Travel Journal Notebook is a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable and stylish travel journal.

Travel Journal Notebook Vintage Retro Leather

The Chinco Travel Journal Notebook comes in a set of 6, so you'll have plenty of journals to use on your travels or gift the extras to friends.

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Final Thoughts

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I hope you’ve found the perfect travel journal to document your next trip.

Just remember to bring a pen and make time to write in it every night.

Trust me, it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of your travels and forget, but you’ll be glad you made time for it when years from now you’re reading it and smiling, remembering all your glorious adventures.

 

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