Jordan Carroll Insights: Travel Journals It’s a dilemma we all face. Remembering our travels. At some point many look back and think, “What was that place called? I wish I could remember the name. Why didn’t I write it down?” It’s a dilemma we all face. Remembering our travels. In the excitement of spontaneous roadtrips, hours of touring, or romantic getaways, documenting what happened at the end of the day is probably the last thing your brain wants to think about as you face-plant into your pillow.
Comment [ML1]: Journals On the Fly Chronicles of Mania Journey Journals Comment [ML2]: How does this intro work? I think it’s a faster start.
But eventually that the time will come. The time when you wish you could remember the little details of what you did, where you ate, the little moments of happiness at making a local friend or witnessing a breathtaking view. If traditional diaries aren’t your thing, you’re not alone. For those that might find it a little too 19th century, there are dozens of ways people keep up with their adventures that fit with their style, skills, and personality. Just because you didn’t write in a diary during a trip, doesn’t mean you can’t still document those memories. Scrap Scrapbooks No, we’re not suggesting you pick up your mother’s hobby of scrapbooking with flowery paper, paints, and funky shaped scissors. Just hear us out. One of the coolest trends to recently sweep through supply stores is the idea of a “smash journal.” What are you smashing with said journal? While you could probably use it as a weapon against rogue bugs daring to cross your path, it does in fact have a much cooler purpose.
Comment [ML3]: I’d suggest getting to this point sooner if you can, because I am definitely one of those people who don’t document travels, and reading this sentence would get me into the article.
The concept revolves around the idea that people collect so many tickets, stubs, brochures, receipts, postcards, pictures, and countless other mementos during trips. What do you do with these? If they’re special you might keep them tucked away in the dark recesses of a closet or in an unofficial junk drawer until you finally decide to trash it. And then you are back to square one (insert fail hashtag now). This But this type of journaling is easy as pie. Official Smash Books can be found at craft stores for about $13. They include a special pen with glue attached and a variety of colored and zany patterned paper. If you are on a budget, make your own by simply picking up a blank notebook, glue stick, and sharpie at the grocery store. Then you smash. It can be as creative or simple as you want. For all the doodlers out there, this is your calling. Those years of drawing squiggles on your homework or papers during work meetings are finally paying off. Just arrange your plane tickets, photos, and stubs. Glue them and stick ‘em on the page. If you’ve got a heavier museum pamphlet or postcard that just won’t stick, paperclip it in. To spice things up, there are accompanying stickers and topic prompters sold to accompany the books. If you go the official route, there are various sizes and types of journals you can choose from. Pocket sized to “green” themed, there’s something for everyone. Photo Books
Comment [ML4]: I think this paragraph could use a little trim to improve the flow. Edit OK?
Comment [ML5]: I don’t know what this phrase means? Could you elaborate? (or you could cut it out)
Jordan Carroll If smash journals are still too crafty for you, maybe photo books are your thing. Do you take gobs of photos during your trips, but then never do anything with them? There is only so much photo space on walls and in bookcases. While the idea of photo books isn’t new or groundbreaking, it often gets overlooked as a feasible option. Creating a professional-looking book doesn’t have to have a big price tag attached to it either. With book-making websites popping up all over the Internet, prices are reasonable and vary from $10 to $50 depending on how you customize it. Paperback or hardback? Color or black and white? Book sizes typically start at 5x7 and go up to 11x14 if you’re okay with spending a little extra cash. If you’re not in a time crunch, pick a website with templates you like and sign up for their emails. Create your book, and then wait for a juicy coupon or sale. You can often save at least 20 percent.
Comment [ML6]: I think you could probably do without these details.
If you’ve never put together a book before, don’t count this option out. Between sites like Shutterfly.com and Snapfish.com, there are hundreds of templates allowing you to personalize your book while merely “dropping” photos in. The result? You get an awesome journal or coffee table book that makes friends think you’ve got mad creative publishing skills. If you want to take publishing a step further, similar websites like lulu.com can help you compile your photos and journal entries into a regular book. Sharing a compilation of personal travels can make for great gifts for family or friends. Video and Mobile If a picture is worth a thousand words, video must be worth 10,000. For the tech savvy traveler, high-definition video journals are a cinch when you’ve got a Smartphone or compact camcorder in your pocket. Whether out and about hitting up sites or waiting for a flight, shoot some video with personal commentary. Creating video diaries is akin to family videos. It’s something your friends and family can watch down the road that will probably induce fits of warm and fuzzies. With mobile technology, you can even compile footage on the go on a Smartphone or tablet. Apps like iMovie, Viddy, and AndroMedia allow you to edit video on a portable device, and will produce professional-looking results. If you’re not familiar with shooting and editing video, not to worry. These apps are now designed to be used by the most novice users. Almost all include intros or step-by-step instructions. If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, post videos on a multimedia diary app or blog or post them to a personal YouTube channel that allows family to vicariously live through your adventures.
Comment [ML7]: I love your writing style. You have such engaging language and relate to the reader very well.