For anyone who loves to travel, part of the joy is looking back and remembering your experiences. It can be as simple as gazing at a photo or telling stories with travel buddies. Or it can be a specific item or activity you do every trip. Below are 12 ways to document your travels – use one or more to reminisce and relive your travels for years to come!
Ways to Document Travels
1. Write in a Paper Journal
One of the easiest ways is to keep a paper journal. You can take daily notes or write a summary at the end of each city, country, or trip. Document your activities, sightings, and tastes.
2. Utilize a Notes App on Your Phone
A notes app on your phone can work like a paper journal, without the bulk of a physical notebook or the need for pens. It is always available and backed up on the cloud, so you won’t lose the information.
3. Start a Blog
I take phone notes in real time and then translate them into blog posts later. Not only does my website give me a place to share my memories – the act of writing blogs helps cement the adventures in my mind.
4. Film Vlogs
If you are more visual, another option is to film videos while you are out and about. These can either be simple daily vlog-style videos or more elaborate location-specific cinematic creations.
You can share videos on a personal website or social media platforms like YouTube.
5. Post on Instagram
Many people like to post travel photos and videos to their Instagram feeds and stories. This is an easy and quick way to document your surroundings and activities.
If you are alone or feel unsafe, it is wise not to post your location until after you’ve left the area. Some long-term travelers use frequent posts to let family and friends know they are ok. One man posted “Mom, I’m Fine” photos for his journey around the world.
6. Use a Photo Sharing Website
If social media is not your thing, sites like Flickr, SmugMug, Photobucket, Imgur, ImageShack, imgbox, and others publicly host pictures or allow you to share albums with specific people.
7. Take Matching Selfies
If you travel often, taking a photo with the same sign or item can provide a consistent look, motif, or branding. In addition to “Mom, I’m Fine”, I have seen stuffed animals, cutouts of people, and cardboard frames.
When I was younger, I had a family friend take a photo with their kid’s beanie baby wherever they traveled for work.
This idea also goes for using the same pose everywhere you go. Many people have a favorite pose – some like to be photographed from behind looking out to the landscape while others consistently use yoga poses.
YouTubers Kara and Nate take the same photo outside the airport for their first flight of the year.
8. Print a Photo Book Per Trip or Year
With all these photos available digitally, people can miss the look or feel of a printed image. Somehow, holding a physical image makes you focus on it more. Books also make great gifts for people you traveled with or family and friends who are not regular users of your other platforms.
Each December, I print a photo book of my favorite pictures throughout the year.
9. Draw in a Sketchbook
For the artistic traveler, sketching their favorite locations can be very rewarding. I have even seen some people paint with watercolors while on vacation. These personal keepsakes give insight through the artist’s eye – capturing what captivated them while blurring or removing the less important aspects of a scene.
10. Create a Collection
For those who like physical souvenirs, you can buy similar items on your trips to create collections. Common items include shot glasses, clothing, jewelry, currency, keychains, ornaments, handmade items from local artisans, home décor, coffee/tea, and spirits. Other people have saved plane and train tickets.
In addition to jewelry and artisan-made items, I try to regularly collect magnets and pins.
11. Send Postcards
Sending postcards to friends and family while you are away has been customary since at least the early 1900s. My brother-in-law does this. You can send yourself postcards too and create a book of places you’ve been.
12. Get a Tattoo
A more permanent reminder is to get a tattoo. These can be done while traveling or once you are home again. If you do choose to be tattooed abroad, research the shop or tattoo artist beforehand. Health and cleaning standards vary widely from place to place.
It is popular to get a tattoo in southeast Asia and Oceania as these areas are known for traditional and ritual tattoos.
I hope this gave you fun ideas to use on your next trip. Have you done any of the above? If so, comment below on your experience!
We love the basket and giraffe! We’re guessing these were from your travels to Southern Africa!
On our travels we have, of course, painted on location but collectively we have purchased earrings, spoons, postcards, and baskets. We always love the handcrafted items from local artisans. Great ideas for other ways to document your travels. We will share.