The Best Travel Journals to Bring on Your Next Adventure

By Dobrina Zhekova and Madeline Diamond
Updated April 08, 2020
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Though we live in a digital age, there will always be something quite romantic and meditative about taking a moment to jot down your thoughts while you’re on the road. Travel journals are personal. They become time capsules of your memories, emotions, and descriptions of the places, people, and things you’ve encountered. And even though it will likely be a while before you embark on your next trip, journals are also a great way to plan ahead for future adventures.

Even if you visit a well-known city like Paris or New York City that’s been the subject of millions of travelogues, your trip is still unique because of all the little, hidden cafés you will discover, the conversations you will strike with locals and fellow travelers, and the situations you will find yourself getting into. And since time tends to erase moments, names, and details from our memories, writing them down in a journal is the best way to preserve them for years to come.

Related: More must-have travel accessories 

And if like us, you can't bear to throw away museum tickets or metro cards from foreign cities because they will forever remind you of your time spent there, consider purchasing a travel diary with a few pockets in it to store all of your keepsakes.

So whether you’re looking for a luxury leather journal to chronicle your adventures or you need an agenda to help you plan, organize, and document your journeys, we found 13 options that will satisfy any traveler.
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Personalized Travel Journal With Pockets and Envelopes

Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

For travelers who tend to keep every single ticket, receipt, or entry pass after a trip, this journal is for you. It features two pockets and four envelopes to store all of your keepsakes as well as six tabs for photographs or postcards. The vintage map on the cover can be customized with your name and an inspirational phrase. And since it is a journal, after all, it also has 32 blank pages plus 16 more that are lined.

To buy: etsy.com, from $48

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Sloane Stationery World Travels Pocket Notebook & Clever Pencils

Credit: Courtesy of Wolf & Badger

This pocket-size journal features 72 unlined, gilded pages, a ribbon page marker, and a lizard-embossed hardcover. Pair the journal with a matching box of 10 orange pencils, each with a fun saying.

To buy: wolfandbadger.com, $24

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Ban.do Travel Planner

Credit: Courtesy of Ban.do

This planner/travel journal is perfect for the frequent traveler. It will help you organize and keep track of all your trips for the next three years and it also features a few fun extras: a map page, a language converter, packing lists, travel stickers, and postcards.

To buy: bando.com, $15 (originally $30)

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50 States Traveled Journal

Credit: Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

If visiting all 50 states is on your bucket list, then this travel journal is the perfect way to document your progress. Each state gets two pages of fun prompts to help you highlight the best moments of your trips.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $30

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The Journey Journal: U.S.

Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

Heading on a cross-country road trip this summer? Capture your every move with this 30-day trip journal. Each day's page features prompts such as place, temperature, plans, reflections, encounters, and many more. The front page has a detailed map of the U.S. where, with the help of fasteners and string (both included), you can track your progress.

To buy: etsy.com, $18

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'This Is My New York' Journal

Credit: Courtesy of Barnes & Noble

The fourth DIY city guide in the This Is My series is dedicated to the Big Apple. It’s a city guide/coloring book/travel journal all in one. You basically get to create your own New York City guide by drawing your itinerary maps, writing down your favorite eateries and museums, and documenting your experiences.

To buy: papersource.com $18

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Vintage Travel Mini Journals

Credit: Courtesy of Paper Source

This set of three vintage-inspired journals will be sure to inspire wanderlust. Snag these notebooks for your next trip or gift them to a friend who's planning a trip in the future. Given their miniature size, these journals are perfect to throw in your bag for all your note-taking needs on-the-go.

To buy: papersource.com, $12

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Personalized Travel Journal

Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

These sleek notebooks are completely customizable, from the color to the text printed on the front cover and spine. Whether you want a journal to document a particular trip or one to plan out future adventures, this personalized option will help you get all your thoughts down on paper.

To buy: etsy.com, $17

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Rifle Paper Co. Wild Rose Stitched Notebook Set

Credit: Courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.

A slim, stitched notebook is perfect for travel because it won't take up much space in your bag, but it still has all the pages necessary for your thoughts on-the-go. This beautiful set of three floral notebooks with gold foil accents from Rifle Paper Co. will be sure to brighten up your suitcase.

To buy: riflepaperco.com, $15

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Vintage Maps Pocket Journals

Credit: Courtesy of Paper Source

These compact notebooks are easy to carry on-the-go. Plus, the map design will be sure to inspire you throughout your travels.

To buy: papersource.com, $6

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Black Faux Leather Travel Journal

Credit: Courtesy of Paper Source

Whether you prefer to write or sketch, this faux leather-bound journal will make you feel like an artist throughout your travels. Plus, this notebook comes with an attached plastic pencil pouch, making it easy to stay organized.

To buy: papersource.com, $25

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Erin Condren PetitePlanner Travel Journal

Credit: Courtesy of Erin Condren

If organization is what you're looking for, this travel journal from Erin Condren has everything you need, from packing lists to reservation logs and to-do lists.

To buy: erincondren.com, $14

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Leatherology Medium Snap Journal

A luxe leather journal is one of the most stylish travel accessories you can have. This version from Leatherology includes snap closure and a pen loop. Plus, you can monogram it to make the notebook even more your own.

To buy: leatherology.com, from $60

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By Dobrina Zhekova and Madeline Diamond