best travel journal apps

A Little Journal… These Digital Travel Diary Apps Are Worth Your Time

Last updated on July 7, 2024 by Shannon

As travel enthusiasts, we yearn to capture the essence of extraordinary travel moments and freeze them in time. We even want those mundane details preserved—what was the name of that hilarious taxi driver who shuttled you from the airport to your guesthouse?

If you’ve logged those details in a travel journal, you don’t have to remember—that’s where travel journaling apps come in, offering a digital travel scrapbook that easily documents even the craziest travel adventures.

I’ve been traveling the world for 15 years, writing, photographing, and sharing my travel stories from the first day. That means I have pretty high expectations when it comes to using digital travel diaries meant to preserve the memories of your expeditions. Here’s what you need to know about the best online travel journal apps available.

Table of Contents

What are Digital Travel Diaries?

While journaling about your travels via a paper notebook used to be called a travel log, the more modern equivalent is an online travel journaling app. That said, even diary app is just a new way to log the most important moments of your travels—and the mundane ones too.

Travel journals essential just document your experiences, capturing your memories as you travel the world. By logging your travel memories in real time via a journaling app, you ensure the smaller details are captured.

Was it a torrential downpour on the day you had booked an “any-weather” tour of the Norwegian fjords? Log that and then share how you felt at that very moment, otherwise the details fade with time.

That’s the real magic of keeping a travel log in any form, a beloved notebook, an app, or a blog. I’ve used all three over my 15+ years of travel. This travel blog was my primary travel log, but at times I’ve used these travel apps to capture moments more immediately.

And no matter my online travel journal app of choice, I always, always have a small physical journal. Even if you diligently record all of the best moments of your trip in your digital travel diary app, you should also carry a small travel journal that acts as your travel log—you use it to jot down funny off-the-cuff moments, or even just mundane details.

Perhaps you press between the pages ticket stubs, a pretty flower from your world wanders, and other small memorabilia that can’t be captured in a journaling app. It becomes a place to log currency conversions you can surreptitiously glance at when haggling at a market, or jot down lists and travel plans.

I never travel without a pocket Field Notes waterproof notebook and this Moleskine travel journal —its these two things that have allowed me to share such rich details on this blog, my personal travel log that’s been running 15 years and counting.

How to Choose an Online Travel Journal App

Travel journal apps are not one-size-fits-all. The best apps offer the exact range of features you need and at a price point you can afford—which can mean free! Many journaling apps offer a free version that may just meet your needs. Often its the more sophisticated features that require a paid upgrade.

Given that you’re probably snowed under travel planning, don’t waste your time downloading every travel diary app here. To pick the right app for your travels, consider these things before you download it:

When choosing an online travel diary app, there are several factors to consider that can help you find the one that best fits your needs. Here are some tips to help you make a decision:

• Features : Review what the journaling app actually does—what are the key features these app developers believe are the hallmarks of their app? That will tell you a lot about functionality. Standard features of most digital travel diaries include: text entry, photo and video uploading, geotagging, and weather data. Decide which features are important to you and ensure that the app provides them. Maybe you want an awesome map interface because you’re hopscotching around the world for a year ? Or you’re studying abroad you might want an app with more functionality around text and photo entries.
• Platform Compatibility : Check if the digital journaling app is available on your preferred platforms, such as iOS, Android, web-based, and desktop. If you’re bringing both a smartphone and laptop on your travels , you may wan a travel diary app that seamlessly switches between the two devices.
• Syncing and Backup : Consider whether the app offers syncing and backup options—and if those are free or paid features. You want access your travel diary across multiple devices, and you want it securely backed up to the cloud.
• Export and Sharing Options : If you plan to share your travel diary with others or would like to have a backup of your entries outside of the app, check if it offers export options, such as PDF or other file formats.
• Company Story : If the travel journaling app you’re considering using hasn’t been around for at least two-to-five years, run in the other direction. Companies, especially app makers, fold quickly. The last thing you want is an email saying you have a matter of days to download your cherished memories before they’re all deleted.

Best Travel Journaling Apps

Day One tops most of these lists because it’s actually that good—and it’s been around since 2011, so you know your travel memories are safe with this online diary app. The company has invested in a high-quality product, and updates over the years have responded to user reviews and feedback—which is enthusiastic across the board.

Its clean interface and seamless integration with iOS (both iPhones and Macs) and Android make it a joy to use. You can effortlessly capture each destination through text and photos, while popping in location data too.

Best app features : The “On This Day” functionality is neat because it doesn’t pull in the best of anything, but rather that exact moment years ago when you were on an incredible adventure out there in the world—or maybe you had logged a tasty hot chocolate at a hipster spot near that landmark you were visiting.

Either way, you’ll be transported back there in an instant and that app feature is maybe one of the strongest motivators to journal about all the big (and small) things that happen as you travel.

Cost : The free version is enough to see if you like it, but if you’re using this as your main digital travel journal then the one photo per entry restriction on free plans isn’t going to cut it. Premium is affordable though, at just under $3 per month, which buys you unlimited photos, videos, audio, drawings, and more.

If you go all in on Journey as your travel journal app, it will become your trusted companion. Rather than being a journaling app that’s great for travel, this travel-centric journaling app goes above and beyond with its extensive features.

Geotagging allows you to pinpoint the exact location of you experiences, while the inclusion of weather data and “mood” status adds depth to entries. You can import photos from your camera roll directly into journal entires, creating vivid visual narratives of your travels.

This robust app works on iOS devices and Android phones, Mac or Windows computers, and there’s even a web app! Basically, it’s an accessible and essential tool for any travel writer seeking to document their adventures with style and precision. Not only because of the features, but also because it allows multi-media exports in PDF or doc format.

It’s also a bit cheeky and has a handy guide to what Journey offers versus Day One or Daylio .

Best app features : Stand out for many will be the features that let you automatically sync and import social media content from Instagram and the like—what a time saver! And the full text editing screen is nice—you can bold, bullet, color, or link to anything you’d like right inside the text. Surprisingly, that’s not in every diary journaling app.

But one of the neater travel-focused elements are the three views for your journal—media (where you scroll by photos), map (which shows your entries pinpointed on a map of the world) and calendar (journals organized by date).

Cost : Unlike essentially all competitors, Journey offers a one time purchase license—currently $18. You can buy a membership for ~$4.20.

3. Journalfy

The Journalfy Travel Journal app is a new contender on the market with a lot of potential. It entered the market earlier this year, so the company has a short track record, but it’s beautifully designed with a lot of thoughtful touches—including an analog, old-school travel journal that you can back up using their app.

I love using a physical travel journal, so it’s a neat differentiator that you can use these either together or independently (the paper journal is as beautifully designed as the app). If you use the app without the physical journal, the free plan allows you to upload up to 10 photos per entry, which is plenty for most travelers. The free and paid plans include the same features, however, you can just add more photos and create more entries with the paid plan.

Best app features: The share function is seamless—friends and family can view entries without the app. The writing prompts are helpful, and the intuitive, ad-free layout makes it easy to record travel memories on the go. The PDF export feature is handy, though adding images to the exports would be an improvement.

Cost: The free version is probably enough for most, however, they do have a monthly option for $2/month or an annual plan for $18.65/year.

Daylio , billed as a “simple micro-diary app,” adds an interesting twist to a travel journaling routine. As a mood and activity tracker, it enables you to record daily experiences and emotions with ease—and without writing anything. It’s an interesting way to to reflect on how your travel adventures have impacted your overall well-being .

It’s not for the hardcore travel writer, but rather, Daylio captures the essence of the travel experiences in a uniquely personal way. It’s a good companion for those seeking to intertwine their emotional journey with their physical travels. And for those who want a more streamlined diary app with fewer features and just straight to the meat of what you want to do.

Best app features : This app is dead simple to use and can be updated in under a minute thanks to the tap interface. It’s certainly not going to be the only way you record you travels, but if you’re already planning to share extensively on a Facebook or Instagram page , then this ease of use may just ensure that you use it every day.

Cost : You could get pretty far with the free version, or upgrade for just $3 per month—only the premium version supports exporting to PDF.

5. Evernote

Real talk: The digital travel journal of your dreams may be something you’re already using. When it comes to versatile note-taking, Evernote reigns supreme. Its functionality goes beyond simple journaling, allowing the creation of multimedia-rich entries.

I’ve organized my entire life via Evernote—travel pans, stories, etc—and its robust features make a compelling case for this being one of the best journaling apps out there, period. Not just in travel, but in general.

As one of the best digital diary apps, you can update it seamlessly across iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Best app features : Well, you could use Evernote to basically plan and execute your trip, in addition to using it as a digital journal. You can also stay ruthlessly organized.

Cost : The free version offers 60 MB monthly uploads, which is constraining for travelers looking for an online app where they could add photos and videos to Evernote itself—this would like be better if you’re embedding YouTube videos, for example, versus storing them in Evernote.

The Personal version offers a more reasonable 10 GB in monthly uploads, but costs $11/month for that perk. If you’re already paying for Evernote for other reasons then this could be an excellent online travel journal, otherwise some of the other ones are likely better priced for a traveler.

6. Travel Diaries

For those seeking a dedicated travel journaling app, Travel Diaries hits the mark. It’s really a truly solid option. As a travel writer, I’m captivated by its interactive features. You can easily create immersive travelogues, complete with photos, maps, and annotations.

It’s also a captivating way to showcase your journey to fellow travelers (and your family and friends back home, of course!). The ability to share your travel stories and explore others’ adventures on the platform adds a sense of community not available in the other digital travel journaling apps.

It’s available as software for web, iOS and Android, but will only work with an internet connection (either cell data or wifi)—which means this might not be the best journaling app for those going far off-the-beaten path .

Best app features : A broad range of fonts and styles allow you to design your travel diary according to your own taste, and your travel log can include itineraries, travel photos, and a traveling map. The layout as an actual travel journal is a fun and personal touch that makes it feel like your digital diary is just as capable of creativity as a blank page in front of you.

Cost : There is no free version of Travel Diaries—it’ll be a subscription for as long as you want access to your travel journal. The basic plan costs $1 a month and includes unlimited storage and is really all most travelers will need for a robust travel journal. If you want to export your stories to PDF, you’ll have to upgrade to $3 per month.

Diaro App is a reliable companion for millions of people, not just globetrotters. This comprehensive diary app offers an array of features that elevate a travel journaling experience. Sometimes the best travel journal is, well, just a great online diary that you happen to use to document your travels.

The ability to add text, photos, tags, and organize entries into folders keeps this app well-organized—you can effortlessly find specific memories or delve into specific themes from your trips. It has a map of entry locations, which is especially important for those using this as a travel journal diary.

Diaro’s sleek interface and user-friendly design make the process of documenting adventures a true pleasure. Available on web, iOS or Android devices (with cross-device syncing via Dropbox) Diaro is a go-to app for travelers who want to capture the essence of their trip with elegance and efficiency.

Best app features : The multilingual UI (30+languages) may be a real boon for those for whom English is not their native language, but the shining standout features is just how easy it is to create a robust diary accounting for all of the key moments on your trip.

Cost : The free version has robust functionality. Upgrading to Diario Pro costs $10 per month and offers more customizability.

8. Polarsteps

Polarsteps is a great travel journal app that offers automatic tracking of your journey, making it effortless to document and share your trips. With its GPS technology, the app traces your route in real-time, creating a visually appealing map of your adventure without requiring any manual input.

This feature sets Polarsteps apart from other travel journal apps, as it eliminates the need for constant updates and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip while the app takes care of recording your route—and uses minimal data and power to do so.

What truly makes Polarsteps unique is its ability to create a beautifully presented travel log that showcases your journey. This app is made for the travel photographers out there also wanting a digital travel log of their journey.

Along with the automatic tracking, the app allows you to add photos, captions, and personal insights to your entries. These elements are then combined to create a visually stunning travel journal that can be shared with friends, family, and fellow travelers. I think this is one of the prettier apps—the maps alone are just a step up from the others.

Best app features : The GPS tracking is easily the standout here. You’ll know the precise spot you took a photo, and can then include a quick note—an inside joke you shared with a friend while there, a tidbit about the day, and more. This kind of precise location data is invaluable in the months and years after you travel.

Cost : It’s free! Polarsteps offers you a printed travel journal of your trip, which is how it’s monetized.

9. Waffle Journal

Waffle Journal stands out from the rest as a a collaborative journaling app that allows you to document and share your travel experiences with others—probably those on your same trip. Its unique approach fosters collaboration, allowing friends, family, or fellow travelers to contribute to your journal. With the ability to add stories, photos, and memories, everyone can create a collective travel diary that captures the essence of your adventures.

The app goes beyond traditional journaling by integrating multimedia elements. You can include photos, videos, and audio recordings. It’s not a travel journal specifically, so you’re not going to have any of those map features the travel apps have integrated into the experience, but it could be a great option for those travel in a group, or a group of friends who just love to share their travel adventures with each other. Social sharing features make it easy to showcase your travel adventures on social media platforms or via email.

BONUS: RIP: Bonjournal

Bonjournal captured my attention many years ago for its visually stunning approach to travel journaling. As you penned your travel stories, this app transformed them into beautifully presented narratives—and it made you choose just one photo to represent your day. Which was really quite neat.

This travel journal app is no longer available! Even though other websites are still recommending it as a travel diary app, the gorgeous app that debuted more than a decade ago is no longer up and running. Instead, a new app with the same name launched in 2021—it’s not a viable alternative. This new Bon Journal diary app is glitchy and poorly rated—storing your cherished travel memories there is not a good idea.

Don’t forget a paper journal as well.

This Moleskin travel journal is well made and worth the space it will take up in your bag. There will be times you just want to put pen to paper—you’ll be glad you have an analog record of your travels too.

How to Safely Store Travel Photos and Videos

These travel journaling apps are a terrific way to document your journey for personal memories, and to share with others. Although some long-term travelers create a travel blog to record their trips, using a travel diary instead is a great alternative.

You get amazing functionality and the ability to share your travel stories without the hassle of running a blog—which can get pricey and generally lacks the ability to share some stories privately with family, or keep other journal entries entirely private.

One thing all of these apps have are general constraints on how you upload, store, and present your travel photos and videos. Although some of these apps offer paid subscriptions with unlimited uploads, you’re likely safer if you store your actual travel photos elsewhere, too. Here’s a quick review of other places you can store travel photos, and the perks of using them in addition to, or instead of, a travel diary app.

• Facebook pages : Rather than use your personal profile, consider setting up a Facebook page for your trip—then you can share unlimited stories, photos, and videos. And you’re creating and sharing in a place where it’s likely your family and friends are already hanging out.
• Instagram : This is a great way to share photos, but videos and stories are a little more constrained on this platform. This might be a good option in addition to a digital travel diary.
• SmugMug : If you need a place to both store and display all of your travel photos, SmugMug is a great option. I’ve had an annual plan for more than a decade and it offers unlimited storage for all of my photos from all over the world for $88 per year. And it’s totally customizable—you can create gorgeous albums on a custom domain name if you own one.
• Google Drive : If you just need a backup solution without the need to share then Google Drive is a good option (I find Google Photos a chore to use). It’s just $2 a month for 100GB of cloud storage.

Ready for some travel inspiration? These are the best travel stories of travelers to follow now, inspiring books from historic travels, and short reads, too.

10 Best Travel Journal Apps to Organize Your Travel Memories

As a digital nomad or frequent traveler, you likely want to keep a log of your travel activities. But what and how you record is a very personal experience.

You may want to write extensively about your experiences and feelings and keep them private. If so, you are probably better off with a paper journal and a pen.

Or maybe, you want to log the most important moments, photos, and travel routes and share them with your family and friends. In that case, a digital travel journal makes more sense.

Perhaps you’re an Instagram Influencer or blogger and want to keep copious notes for future posts/reels.

No matter your reason, if you’re looking for a travel journal app to maintain a digital log, this list of the 10 best travel journal apps will help you find the one that suits your needs.

Let’s start!

Table of Contents

10 Best Travel Journal Apps

1. day one journal.

With a Twitter-like interface, the Day One Journal is about capturing the important moments of your trip. The app can collect data such as location, weather, and music, for your travel photos and videos.

You can use this app as a digital diary and write using your finger or Apple Pencil and quickly comb through the entries using photos, timeline, or calendar. It even accepts voice commands.

This travel journal app can record fine details such as temperature, moon phase, weather, address, etc.

A free version is available, but upgrading to the premium version gives unlimited journal entries, photo storage, cloud sync, audio recording, and 25% off on book printing (if at some point you’d love to create a printed book of your adventures).

Platforms Supported:

• Apple Watch
• Safari and Chrome browser extensions

Cost: $2.92 per month billed annually.

Perfect for: Anyone looking for an online version of a standard journal that can also include images, voice recordings and track your locations

2. Find Penguins

One of the top digital travel journals, Find Penguins uses GPS tracking and AI to automatically track your journeys.

It also updates temperature, weather, altitude, etc., giving you a quick snapshot of the conditions on a particular day.

All the data that the app gathers is then displayed in a fun way on an interactive map as a trail and posts.

Find Penguins refers to those posts as footprints that are essentially blog posts where you can attach photos, videos, and texts as diary entries.

If you want, you can order a printed photo journal complete with maps, photos, and footprints.

Cost : Free with in-app purchases. You can buy a monthly or yearly subscription for $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year respectively.

Perfect for: Anyone who needs the best travel journal app for automatic journey tracking.

3. Polarsteps

If you need a completely free travel journal app that not only helps you to plan and track your journeys but also doubles up as a digital travel diary, Polarsteps is one of the top travel diary apps you can find.

It comes complete with an editable itinerary planner and transport planner. It even plots and automatically tracks your path on a digital world map.

You are free to add thoughts, videos, and photos. If you want, you can leave tips for the traveling community, or retrace your steps by scrolling through your travel stats, photos, and places.

The app also supports printing a hardcover travel book with just a touch of a button. The best part? It works offline and allows you to manually add journal entries that can later sync when the internet is available.

Perfect for: Anyone looking for a free travel tracker app that can track the travel route and keep the family informed!

Momento is more than just a travel journal app. It can double up as a project/work journal, pregnancy journal, or private journal.

This app can organize and streamline your social network activities from 11 social platforms. You can add photos & videos, tag your fellow travelers and places you visit , and even record your pregnancy journey!

Momento can also give daily, monthly, or yearly visual summaries, and allow you to explore past timelines.

Cost: Free with in-app purchases for paid upgrades.

Perfect for: People who need a multi-purpose digital journal that works not only as an online travel journal but also as a private and/or work journal.

5. Journi Blog

Journi Blog is a unique photo journaling app that you can use to record your travel experiences as timelines and maps or even have them printed as a photo book to show off to your friends and family members.

Whether you have a travel blog where you write about your vacations and travels, or whether you are maintaining personal travel diaries or recording your kids’ photo album, Journi Blog helps to capture all the moments and stories.

With this travel diary app, you can create a public travel journal or create a private journal entry.

Cost : Free with in-app premium membership purchase options. Membership costs €9.99 for one month, €43.99 for 6 months, and €53.99 for one year.

Perfect for: Those who want a photo journaling app.

Penzu isn’t particularly designed to be a travel journal app. In fact, it is more of a reflective journal meant for note-keeping and milestone tracking. However, it can be used as a pregnancy journal, a food diary, and even a travel diary.

It will give you the feel of maintaining an online travel blog with the ability to add images, add photos, and write your travel stories. You can use custom tags to categorize your travel logs.

Penzu has an incredibly simple interface where you can record beautiful memories of your entire trip.

Cost : Free, Pro for $19.99 a year, and Pro+ for $49.99 a year.

Perfect for : Anyone who needs a private online journal or a digital diary with syncing ability across the web and multiple mobile devices.

7. Tripcast

Tripcast is one of the favorite travel journal apps for many users worldwide. The app is perfect to keep your friends and family members updated about your journey.

With Tripcast, you can create shared photo albums where your fellow travelers can upload and share photos they click and store them in a single place.

The app uses photo geotagging to create a map of the places you visit.

Cost: Free!

Perfect for: Those who are on a group vacation, or participating in volunteer projects.

8. Journey: Diary, Journal

Journey was listed as the Google Editors’ choice in the best travel apps category. Just like other travel diaries, Journey will help you to maintain a travel journal complete with texts, audio files, images, and videos.

You can also use this dedicated app to add location and weather details to all your journal entries.

If you want, you can download and keep your entries private on your computer. Alternatively, you can export them as PDF or DOCX files for easy sharing.

Journey is not just a simple travel journal app. It is a multi-purpose app that allows users to record anything they want such as a stress management journey, sleep journey, better habits development journey, and so on.

Cost : Journey is a free app, but there is an in-app membership purchase option for $3.99 a month or $29.99 a year.

Perfect for: Those who need a multi-purpose journal app that can also be used as a digital travel diary.

Diarium is another great app that allows maintaining a travel journal using a calendar interface.

You can quickly attach texts, audio files, and images, and even tag multiple entries in a single day.

There is an option of adding a sitemap with location info. Plus, the app will display a wide range of data including your fitness data, weather info, and calendar events.

You can easily export entries in HTML or DOCX formats. Journal entry is possible using a laptop, PC, mobile, or tablet.

Cost: Diarium is free, but offers in-app purchases. You can purchase a lifetime pro version for $5.99.

Perfect for : Those who want a travel journal app without committing to a monthly or yearly subscription.

10. Worldee Trip Planner & Journal

Worldee is a popular digital travel diary that not only allows you to organize and store your travel memories.

You can mark the countries visited on an interactive world map, add timelines, photos, and maps, and even share your trips.

You can share your stories with other travelers or you can keep everything private. The app will also help you to plan your next trip using the integrated trip planner.

With the trip planner, you can set your itinerary and travel map on the same screen and then share your trip details with your travel partners.

Cost: The app is completely free to use.

Perfect for: Those who want a completely free digital travel journal.

More Journal Apps to Consider

1. trotter it.

Trotter It is a digital travel journal app that allows you to create and share travel stories with travelers across the world. It also doubles up as a social networking app for travelers. The app is available only through Google Play Store and is completely free to use.

2. Jauntlet

A mix of a travel journal and a free travel blog, Jauntlet allows you to present your trips in a neat timeline. The app connects with Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and imports photos from different profiles.

You can add the location to a post to add it to the map and write your story. Jauntlet is a web application that offers a platform-independent mobile site.

3. Esplorio

A beautiful and interactive travel journal app, Esplorio can record trips even without a data connection. You can choose what to share publicly and what to keep private.

It easily integrates with social platforms to retrieve previous journeys. The app is free but there is a pro plan available for $49.99 per year. It is available on iOS devices and through a web app.

4. Traverous

Traverous is an automated travel journal application that uses GPS data to track and record your trip. It also records media and location to create a personalized animated travel diary. The app is free to use but to unleash its full potential, you will need a premium account that costs $4.99 a month or $54.99 a year. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

How to Choose the Best Online Journal App

Choosing the best online journal app can be tricky. They’re all so good and you need to pick one that does everything you want it to.

Here are a few tips on choosing the best online journal app:

• Ease of use : The app you select should be straightforward and easy to use. An overly complex app will only make your life difficult.
• Mobile apps : Since you will mostly be traveling with your phone or ipad, the app must have versions for either iOS or Android or both. However, digital nomads traveling with laptops can always use web apps.
• Social features : The app you select must be able to integrate with social platforms. If the app has a built-in community feature, it is even better, especially for group tours and backpackers.
• History : The company developing the app must have a proven history of offering digital journaling services. You will not want to use it only to see that it is no longer under development.
• Cost : The app you select must be cheap. Expensive subscription plans can put budgetary pressure.
• Security: If you want your journal entries to be private you need to ensure the app has end to end encryption services.

Best Travel Journal Apps FAQs

Is there a free journaling app.

Yes, there are a few free travel journal apps available today. While some are dedicated digital travel diaries, others are all-purpose digital journals that can be used for keeping travel records.

Day One Journal has a free version, Polarsteps is completely free, Penzu has a free version and Tripcast is free. Try them out and see which one you like the best!

What’s the best app to track everywhere I’ve traveled?

Most of the digital travel diaries listed above can track every place you have traveled . Apps like Day One Journal and Find Penguins can not only track the places you visit but also add additional data like weather, temperature, altitude, address, and more.

Best Travel Journal Apps Summary

Digital travel diaries or journal apps are immensely beneficial (and fun) as they help to organize your travel experiences and keep your memories stored in a single place.

They will allow you to add written notes, images, videos, audio files, tags, etc., and help you to easily share your experiences with friends and family, or other users.

For digital nomads or influencers, some come with customizable layouts for enhanced personalization and some will even allow you to blog automatically and share moments of your trips with your readers.

Try a few out and select the one that is within your budget and meets your needs the best. Hopefully, this list of the best travel journal apps will assist you in finding an awesome journal for your travels! 🙂

Subscribe to the Working Traveller Newsletter and alongside weekly money making and nomadic lifestyle tips, get instant access to my FREE ebook – 200+ Ways to Generate an Income While Travelling the World !

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links, from which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services I’ve used or would use myself. If you choose to purchase from any of my links, thanks so much for your support! 😊

Packing Light; 24 Expert Tips to Travel Light (From a Fellow Traveler)

35+ hilarious road trip games for couples & digital nomads.

Hand-Picked Top-Read Stories

Remote Work Trend: Americans Are Migrating To Rural Areas

Remote Work Levels Are At The Lowest Since 2020

A Comprehensive Guide to Health Insurance for Remote Workers

Trending tags.

• Work From Home
• Virtual Teams
• travel guides
• Software Development
• Remote working Tools
• remote working news
• Remote Working
• Remote Workers
• Remote work with pets
• Best Apps for Digital Nomads

5 Travel Journal Apps To Document Your Dream Journey 

A Few Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Travel Diary App

• Cost : Most travel journal apps have a free basic subscription. If you work with photography or video making, you might consider premium options to store more material or customize your edits. Some travel diary apps have specific options for image and video integration. On the other hand, the basic subscription is great for holidays and private diaries. Just remember that some functionalities might require a regular fee.
• Ease of use : In the same vein, if you are on holiday, you might prefer a less customizable app, easier to learn and set. Most travel diary apps allow you to create feeds for your family and friends – maybe downloading the same app for free. 
• Reliability : No one wants to lose data and pictures because a cheap app crashes. So, if you have to do it, do it well! 

5 Best Travel Journal App to Document Your Journey Online

• Day One Journal 

Day One Journal

Wrapping Up

• Digital Nomads

Sign up for the ThinkRemote newsletter and stay up to date with the latest news and tips on remote work and WFH productivity.

Additionally, you’ll get a copy of our chairman’s best-selling remote leadership book for free (a $19.99 value).

Join us (We Have Cookies)

You're interested in news & tips about remote work? What luck! That's what we do! Better join our newsletter so we can hang out.

Privacy Overview

6 Free Travel Journal Apps to Create a Beautiful Trip Diary

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

They say that the trick to remembering anything you learn, think, or feel, is to write it down. Travelling is all about learning, thinking, and feeling, and these free travel journal apps make it easy for you to maintain a trip diary, which you can embellish with photos and share with friends.

1. Find Penguins (Android, iOS): Auto Track Your Travels and Post Updates for Friends

Find Penguins is a smart app that automatically tracks your movements during your trip, while your phone is in your pocket. It also updates the weather, temperature, and altitude, providing a quick snapshot of what the conditions were like that day.

All the data that the app gathers is presented in cool statistics and interactive maps. It's fun to see how you traveled represented on a map as a trail and posts about the noteworthy events. Find Penguins also updates your profile along the way, noting how many countries you went to, how many trips, and so on.

Each post in Find Penguins is called a footprint, which can include text, images, videos, or a combination of these. The app is a bit like using social media, and you can control who sees your posts. If you discover something you want to do while browsing a friend's feed, you can add it to your "bucket list" and save it for later. If you're traveling with someone else, you can add them to your trip to get joint updates on your statistics.

Download: Find Penguins for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Travel Facets (Web, Android, iOS): Turn Your Camera Roll Into an Automatic Album

Travel Facets turns all the photos you take on a trip into an organized album of your travels. The app reads the geotagging location data in each picture you've taken with your phone, matches the date and time with weather records, and maps out the trail. You won't have to lift a finger throughout this process.

Once the album is ready, you can edit it to add captions or additional data. These are called waypoints, and you can even add non-image waypoints manually to note something worthwhile.

You can also skip the entire automatic album maker and make a trip manually. You get more control over each waypoint and how it represents your trip. You'll want to use this mode if you want a robust travel diary, adding your thoughts to create a memorable journal.

Share albums with other Travel Facets users or privately so that only those with the link can see your trip.

Download: Travel Facets for Android | iOS (Free)

3. TravelMap (Web): Simplest Way to Create a Map of Your Travel Blog

Sometimes, you don't want the complexities of an app, social news feeds, auto-tagging, and all that jazz. Instead, all you want is to create a map where you add places of interest to plot your trail, along with photos and journal entries. TravelMap is that simple, free solution.

The simplicity of this web app is its best part. Sign up, create your mini-site with a unique address, and start creating your map. The map is your homepage, where you add places by searching or clicking placemarkers. You can always reorder these too.

Then, add images to your map or write posts and link them to the placemarkers you've already mapped. The result for a viewer is a neatly ordered map showing your journey, with a sidebar that displays images or posts to reveal more about your adventures.

The free version of TravelMap should be enough for most people, as its restrictions are still pretty high (like a maximum of 100 images). However, the premium version removes all such limitations if you need it. You can also check out a cool demo of TravelMap to see its full possibilities.

4. Jauntlet (Web, Android, iOS): Journal That Looks Like a Travel Blog Timeline

The Jauntlet web and mobile app look a bit dated compared to others in this list, but the final output looks so good that it deserves a recommendation. It's a mix of a travel journal and a travel blog, presenting your trip in a neat timeline.

When you sign up, Jauntlet asks you to also connect your Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. This lets the app import photos from your different profiles. When you make any new post of a city you've been to, add the location to plot it on a map, write a journal entry of what you saw and felt, and select photos to add to the entry.

The final result looks fantastic, as seen in the image above. It's a timeline of where you've been, showing a map on the left, the city and date at the top, and your thoughts and photos on the right. Viewers can also comment under the entry. The whole thing can be played as an automatic slideshow, taking readers through your entire journey.

Download: Jauntlet for Android | iOS (Free)

5. Travel Diaries (Web, Android,iOS): Create an Actual Diary and Optionally Print It

Travel Diaries is a free app to design what a travel journal of your trip will look like and optionally print it too. The app is a virtual open book where you can write beautifully formatted entries.

For each page, you can apply one out of 38 custom layouts, choosing how text and images will appear on the page. Based on the layout, select and upload images from your camera roll, and write text in the simple text editor.

Travel Diaries isn't the best app for on-the-fly travel journaling while you're on the trip. It's more a place to reflect on your journey and compose a good-looking travel diary that you would be proud to show to friends. If you like what you've created, you can pay to download a PDF of the journal or ask the app makers to print and ship the travel journal to you directly.

Download: Travel Diaries for Android | iOS (Free)

6. Traveldays (Web): Travelogue of Photos With Location, Time, and Captions

Traveldays is one of the best online photo album creators to show off your trips and vacations. It's shockingly easy to use, as it takes your photos and automatically turns them into a picture journey of your travels, almost like showing postcards or polaroids to friends.

Upload your pictures in the order you want, and Traveldays will seek their geotagging information to pin it to a Google Map. You can also write small captions on each image. Share the link with your friends, and you're done.

Try a Physical Travel Diary

So which travel journal app should you go for? There's no one-size-fits-all app here. As a rule of thumb, Find Penguins, Travel Facets, and Jauntlet can better log your thoughts while on the trip. TravelMap, Travel Diaries, and Traveldays are better to create a travel diary after you're back from the trip.

But as much as we love these apps, there is a case to be made to use a physical travel diary instead. Not only do many travelers swear by the little diary they carry with them, but How Life Unfolds offers a detailed guide on how to use a travel journal while you're on a trip to make it more memorable than ever before.

• Cool Web Apps

Sign up for our daily newsletter

• Privacy Policy
• Advertise with Us

Best Travel Journal Apps to Collect Travel Memories

Want to create a detailed journal of your travels that includes photos, points of interest, favorite memories, and much more? Just try out a few travel journal apps to see which is best to collect your travel stories, and even plan out new journeys.

Best for General Journaling: Day One

Best for sharing: travelmap, best for customization: journey, best for privacy: penzu, best for finding new adventures: polarsteps, best for looking back: diarium.

Available for: iOS , Android

Price: Free with premium option

Day One is easily one of the best travel journal apps – and overall journaling apps , by far. It’s incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for beginners who want to document their travel experiences or just journal day-to-day happenings. It also features encryption and password protection to help keep your entries safer.

Day One isn’t just for travel. However, the ability to create text and media entries, add details on a map, and even keep track of special moments on a calendar make it perfect for jotting down every memory during your trip.

Personally, I love that even the free version is ad-free. But, this is one of those times that the premium version is well worth it at under $3/month, thanks to the addition of unlimited journals. The free version allows unlimited entries in a single journal, video, up to 30 high-res photos per entry, and audio recording.

Available for: All platforms that support web apps

Price: Free with premium options

TravelMap doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app, but it does offer a web app. From the site’s homepage, tap your browser’s menu, and select Install app . It’s that easy. This adds an icon to your device. Tap it, select the menu, and choose Administration to start documenting your travel adventures.

It’s completely free and easy to create a private blog, complete with a map showing lines to each destination. Upload up to 100 pictures and get your own domain for free. If you upgrade, you get 3,000 photos/year or unlimited, depending on the plan. Plus, the $97/year plan lets you import GPS files, create custom map styles, live track your travels, and more.

If you’re a travel blogger or influencer, TravelMap is perfect for sharing your travel memories with others in real time. Just share your TravelMap site, and they can join in at any time. If you’re traveling often, try these apps to save money on international travel .

Journey appears to be a standard journaling app on the surface, but when you check out the variety of plugins, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best travel journal apps. I highly recommend immediately adding the Location and Places plugin to automatically list where you are when you add a new entry. Plus, you can always access your journal from any browser – not just your phone.

The free version is rather basic but still lets you geotag posts manually, add photos to your entries, and password protect your journal. It’s simple to use, and the free plugins let you add checklists, change journal colors, upload automatically to other services, record the weather, record your mood, and more.

The premium version boosts the experience by adding larger cloud backups, more media storage, end-to-end encryption, shared web links, custom templates, and more.

Penzu uses passwords and even military-grade encryption to help keep your entries safer. You can completely wipe local storage if you’re switching to a new device. It’s the focus on privacy that makes this stand out as one of the best travel journal apps.

While it’s designed for any type of digital diary, you get unlimited entries and add photos and basic customization – completely free. As with most apps like this, the premium version gives you some nice perks, such as higher level encryption, unlimited journals (only one in free), handwritten fonts, much more customization, writing prompts, and more.

If keeping your travel memories private is important, upgrading is worth it. Otherwise, a good password in the free version is all you need.

Price: Free

Polarsteps does something most other travel journal apps don’t – it guides you toward new adventures. Think of the platform as a traveling social network. Upload your travels, or keep them private. Explore guidebooks, photos, and more from fellow travelers. If you’re feeling inspired to go on a new trip, find out how to save money on flights .

Surprisingly, it’s completely free to use Polarsteps, and your high-res photos are automatically uploaded to the cloud (if you want) to help save space on your phone. Once again, it’s free.

Explore your memories at any time, share them with others, and even create your own guidebooks. You can also turn your memories into an elegant hardcover book. This is how the app makes money, but it’s optional.

Diarium isn’t just a travel journal app. Journal about any and everything. But it’s easy to tag entries with a location, see travel memories in the calendar view, and even check out maps to see where you’ve traveled at a glance.

What I love is the different views. View entries in a calendar, timeline, or map format. Easily search for past entries, or turn on the On This Day notification for a fun look back. If you’ve used another journaling app in the past, Diarium helps you import your entries to make transitioning much easier.

While the app is cross-platform between iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, you must pay a separate fee for each platform. For instance, to go between Android and Windows, you’d need to buy Diarium for each platform. However, it is just a one-time fee per platform.

No matter which of these travel journal apps you choose, it’s all about enjoying yourself during the journey. It’s not always easy to get perfect pictures for your journal, but try these online photo editing tools to help turn okay photos into amazing ones, or use a little AI magic to make your pictures even better.

Image credit: Unsplash . All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.

Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox

Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.

20 Best Travel Journals to Document Your Trips

Some include prompts and templates to help get you started.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Last-minute planning of a trip can consist of chaotic lists in your phone's notes app while the chronicling of said trip may look like sporadic photos in your camera roll. But what if there was a collective place you could plan in advance and jot down funny moments along the way? A travel journal can culminate the ups (and downs) of your vacation with guided prompts and templates.

Our experts at Good Housekeeping Institute extended our expertise in the best photo book makers and best wedding planning books to research the best travel journals, a category we have not yet formally tested. We rounded up the best travel journals of 2023, whether you want a self-designed bullet journal or a notebook with fun maps and stickers. At the end of our list, you can find advice on how to start your travel journal as well as read more about why you can trust Good Housekeeping. And if you have a frequent traveler in your life besides yourself, check out our guide to the best travel gift ideas (although a journal is a great idea too!).

The Art of the National Parks: Park-Lover's Journal

Perfect for the outdoors enthusiast in your life, this journal celebrates each of the 63 parks. It's 175 pages long and comes with prompts that'll help them chronicle their journey. It doesn't hurt that this journal has gorgeous illustrations of each park by real artists.

Papier Off Piste

Whether this is your first or fifth travel journal, or a gift for the college student in your life who's about to go abroad, Papier's notebooks will check all of the boxes. One GH editor has the Off Piste journal and loves the cover, a simple design that includes a meaningful quote, and appreciates the helpful templates you'll find inside the notebook. You'll be able to document up to six trips with templates for your budget, packing list, transportation, accommodation, itinerary and a journaling space for freestyle writing. There are also pages dedicated to a travel wishlist as well an illustrative map you can color in as you mark off countries you've visited.

Peter Pauper Press Page-A-Day

Journals can ring in at a variety of prices, but you can find a great travel journal for under $10 that will still give you enough space to write about your wanderings around the world. This leather-bound journal dedicates one page to each day of your trip, with spaces to add in the date, location and weather conditions (we especially like the delicate drawings for types of participation which you can circle with your pencil or pen). Dotted lines on the page will keep your entries neat and organized and an included ribbon bookmark will keep track of where you left off last. Even though this journal is pretty basic in design and on the smaller side, we think it's a great option for someone who doesn't want to spend too much on their first travel journal.

Clever Fox Vacation Planner

Amazon's Choice with a 4.6-star rating across over 900 customer reviews, this travel journal comes with more than just a notebook. You'll also get 150+ fun stickers to embellish your entries, plus the journal also has a pocket to hold the pages of stickers and an elastic band for your pen. But what makes this journal really stand out is its extensive range of templates geared towards helping you plan your trip. For five trips, you'll get pages for research and budget, a packing checklist, transportation and accommodation details and an expense tracker, plus a map and more journaling pages. If you like to plan out every detail, this is the perfect travel journal for your needs. We wish you could fit more than five trips in the journal, but for the price, it's a great value.

Peter Pauper Press Kids Travel Journal

Perfect for the adventure-inclined kiddo, this 96-page travel journal lets young travelers record everything from general entries about a trip to a packing list. Kids can even paste in photos, tickets and more and store the rest in the journal's back pocket. The journal is also full of games, maps, helpful phrases in other languages, metric information, quotes and fun facts. Not only is this kid-friendly journal a creative means to document their early adventures, but its accessories encourage international learning.

Leatherology Medium Spiral Snap Journal

Available in four hues including black onyx (pictured), brown, azure and lilac, this journal is made from gorgeous dyed leather with light gold hardware. You can choose from a spiral or bound format, but note that the spiral option has 130 perforated pages while the bound journal has 265 ruled sheets (or 128 pages). Regardless of which style you choose, you'll will get the benefit of a snap closure and a built-in pen loop, although the writing utensil is not included. We appreciate the versatility of this journal given the blank pages that let you doodle and write freely over the course of your next trip.

Mark and Graham Leather Bound World Travel Journal

This beautiful leather bound journal not only has pages for writing about your trips, but it also includes full-color maps of major cities plus world weather information, international dialing codes and more. A perfect gift for the international traveler, you can also add a foil debossed monogram to the cover if you want to add a personal flare to the notebook. We wish that the journal was available in more than one color, but the rust orange is a versatile enough choice that will stick out in a dark suitcase or bag.

Duncan & Stone Paper Co. World Trip Adventure Book

An almost-perfect five-star rating on Amazon and the titular Amazon's Choice badge is enough to make you add this travel journal to your cart. The layflat design makes it easy to open and write on, and you'll have enough pages to reflect on 15 trips plus a back pocket for extra photos and blank pages for notes and random musings. What we love most about this journal are the helpful prompts that guide newbies through the process of journaling, with questions like "Where did you stay?." and "Something I learned from this destination/culture..." From basic to more thought-provoking questions, you'll have a boost of inspiration to help you document your journey.

Day One Day One

While the majority of picks on this list are physical journals, you can also document your trips through an app if you prefer a digital format or have minimal space in your luggage . Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director at the GH Institute Rachel Rothman , says Day One is a solid choice with ample positive reviews from consumers. You can download the app for free on your iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. You'll get one journal for one device with the ability to add a photo per entry, plus templates, export capabilities and tags. If you want unlimited journals, devices and photos plus the option to add videos, audio recordings and more, opt for Day One Premium which rings in at $2.92 per month.

Extreme Assistants Classic Notebook

If you travel a lot, or tend to squish as much as you possibly can into your carry-on (we have all been there), you'll want a durable journal that can withstand being tossed around and bumping against other items in your bag. A faux leather hardcover and thick paper ensure your journal will stay intact as you travel to and fro. The manufacturer adds that the cover is designed to be easy to clean, which is helpful if you are journaling on the airplane or train and accidentally spill your drink. We also appreciate that you can add a photo or logo to the cover for an element of personalization, especially since the notebook is more basic in style.

Deanna Didzun The Traveler's Playbook: A World Travel Journal

Journaling of any kind can be intimidating as you don't always know where to start — even a notebook with guiding prompts can lead to partial writer's block. If this sounds like you, then opting for a book that has more structure and a variety of templates is the way to go. This popular travel journal has a 4.3-star rating on Uncommon Goods is designed by explorer Deanna Didzun who created illustrations and lists to help jog your memory of your most recent journey. You can give overall star ratings for each destination and write down food and drink highlights if you so please.

Smythson Travels and Experiences Panama Notebook

There are journals and then there are journals — and this beautiful handcrafted leather journal falls into the latter category. Bound in crossgrain lambskin and available in a light blue or scarlet red, you'll have 128 pages of lined Featherweight paper to fill. This notebook is all about quality and is designed to last, but with that comes a higher price tag. It would be a great gift for the writer in your life who loves to travel, but given its simple layout and lack of templates other travel journals can have, it may not be splurge-worthy for every traveler.

DesignWorks Ink Suede Travel Journal

If you or a friend is traveling to Santorini, Mexico and/or Sydney in the near future, you may want to opt for this travel journal inspired by each of those stunning cities. You can add personal information in the first page of the notebook and the 240 pages are lined with spaces to include the subject and date. Although the journal does not include prompts or templates, we love the eye-catching gold design and appreciate the ribbon bookmark to keep track of your last entry.

Moleskine Traveller's Journal

Moleskine, the established brand that has been around for over two decades, is synonymous with traditional, high quality notebooks — and this travel-specific journal is no different. There are three sections for a travel wish list, short trips and long trips plus two sheets of stickers and a ribbon bookmark. The journal has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon across over 3,200 consumer ratings. One five-star review calls this notebook "the traveler's best friend," and notes how helpful it can be to keep track of places, restaurants and sites so you don't forget.

JB Leather Personalized Travel Notebook

For a personalized touch, this pick lets you choose from over 1,000 charm and stamp combinations including astrological charms, meaningful quotes and more . There are also three different vegan leather hues to choose from: cinnamon, cedar and sandy brown. The notebook has 18 plastic card slots, a zippered pocket for storage and a total of 152 lined pages. You can also refill the notebook as you cross places off your travel wish list. A best-seller on Etsy with a perfect five-star rating, this customizable notebook is popular among customers. Multiple reviews comment on the fast delivery, and its high-quality, beautiful appearance.

Transient Books Custom Travel Journal for Kids

With this journal, you can customize the cover color, font and cover map, as well as choose between 100- and 200-page books with lined, unlined and prompts variations. We love the various ways you can personalize this kid-friendly journal, making little ones that more excited to explore new places. The five-star seller has over 3,000 customer reviews on Etsy. And the travel journal doesn't just have to be a gift for the kids: Adult customers also said they enjoyed using the notebook for camping trips and vacations around the globe.

Compendium Everywhere You Go

We have included travel journals on this list that have prompts but none like the unexpected ones in this notebook that will get your creative wheels turning. The questions may catch you off guard, but prompt thoughtful reflection: they range from "If this place had a perfume, it would smell like..." to, "If this place had a soundtrack, these songs would be on it." The notebook is Amazon's Choice and has a 4.5-star rating, with multiple customers calling it the perfect gift for the traveler in your life, whether you need a gift for a teen or a present for a thirtieth birthday .

PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook

Keeping a bullet journal is a popular trend that can easily translate to an aesthetic yet meaningful travel journal. This popular bullet notebook has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with over 18 color options to chose from including mustard yellow (pictured), burgundy, lavender, royal blue and more. The 5.7-by-8-inch dotted pages lend themselves to open-ended creativity. While it can be hard to start designing and writing a journal from scratch, you have the benefit of customizing how much space you want for each list or entry.

Polarsteps Travel Tracker

Physical journals are not everyone's cup of tea, which is where an app like Polarsteps comes into play. Available for iOS and Android devices, Polarsteps lets travelers track their journeys. You can utilize over 300 helpful guides created by travel editors, as well as use the itinerary planner to dream up your perfect vacation and check the transport planner when unsure of what mode of transportation to use from one destination to another. Once you begin your trip, plot each site you visit and slowly form a personalized map that you can embellish with photos and videos. From there, share your map with friends and family or turn it into a travel book to look back on for years to come.

Glad & Young Studio The Traveler's Journal

If you have a bookshelf with rows of novels, photo albums and notebooks, you may want an aesthetic-looking travel journal that fits your style. This leather notebook has 60 pages to document your travels, and is available in a neutral shade (pictured) as well as two marbled patterns that are unique to each purchase. We personally love the brightly colored assorted pattern that has swirls of lavender, yellow, fuchsia and blue. The lined pages are great for daily entries and you can also note the day and weather. Note that to clean, you'll want to wipe away and spills or messes with a soft cloth.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-nkr7rg:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-nkr7rg:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/latest/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-nkr7rg:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/latest/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The Best Personal Blenders

These UGG Boot Lookalikes Cost Only $19

The 12 Best Heat Protectants of 2024

These Blue Light Glasses May Help With Eye Strain

The Best Power Tool Brands

The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls

6 Best Hair Straightening Brushes of 2024

The Best Presents for 11-Year-Olds

10 Best Texturizing Sprays of 2024

The Only Toys to Gift Your 4-Year-Old This Year

The Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds

New Travel Tech

Top 10 Travel Journals & Apps for Your Next Adventure

Here is a list of the best travel journals for every journaling style, from blank pages to guided prompts and more….

• 1 Here is a list of the best travel journals for every journaling style, from blank pages to guided prompts and more…
• 2.1 1. For Minimalists: Dexiliao Lined Journal Notebook
• 2.2 2. For Efficient Journalers: Page-a-Day Artisan Travel Journal
• 2.3 3. For Adventurers: Maleden Refillable Spiral Notebook
• 2.4 4. For Lifelong Travelers: Wanderings Leather Travelers Notebook
• 2.5 5. For Campers: Clever Fox Camping Journal
• 2.6 6. For Kids: Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids
• 2.7 7. For Junk Journalers & Scrapbookers: MOLNESO Junk Journal Supplies
• 2.8 8. For Backpackers: Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebooks
• 2.9 9. For Photo Journalers: Journi Blog App
• 2.10 10. For Automated Fans: FindPenguins Travel Tracker App
• 3 Here are Your Quick Links to all the New Travel Tech
• 4.1 Related

They say pictures are worth a thousand words, but a thousand words aren’t as valuable as YOUR words. Putting what you experience and what you feel as you travel into words immortalizes your adventures. It captures a trip that is uniquely yours, regardless of how many people visit that same destination.

So, while your travel photos are worth a thousand words, you should supplement them with your own words.

The following travel journals help you do just that. They are a great way to catalog road trips, family vacations, short trips, and long trips. Whether you like to journal by writing freely or by answering guided prompts, there’s a journal on this list for you.

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases at no added cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Top 10 Travel Journals & Travel Journal Apps

I’ve done my best to narrow down the many travel journals to the best options for a variety of travelers and journaling styles. This includes printed journals as well as digital travel journal options.

Hopefully, you will find the perfect travel journal FOR YOU out of these top 10.

1. For Minimalists: Dexiliao Lined Journal Notebook

This blank journal is a perfect choice for those who prefer to write freely on lined paper. It’s a hard-cover notebook that’s small enough to slip into your backspace, purse, or travel backpack.

Nice features include an elastic closure, pen loop, bookmark, and back pocket. It includes 72 sheets for 144 pages to write on.

While it is a nice, simple option, you can choose from 27 cover colors and designs.

2. For Efficient Journalers: Page-a-Day Artisan Travel Journal

If you want to notate your memorable moments succinctly, this journal is for you . The simple format saves you from falling behind from trying to write lengthy journal entries. Instead of ending up with an unfinished journal and partially-documented trip, you get a complete journal of all your experiences.

The product description says it best: “A page per day is just enough space to take note of memorable places you’ve visited and explored, but brief enough for you to have more time to experience those places, rather than spending time writing about them.”

Instead of genuine leather, this journal has a soft vegan faux leather cover embossed with a globe. It has 176 writing pages, a bookmark, an elastic band closure, and a back cover pocket.

Each page has simple sections for the date, location, and weather conditions. Plus, enough dotted lines to concisely write about your day on one page.

3. For Adventurers: Maleden Refillable Spiral Notebook

If you want a travel journal that really LOOKS like a travel journal, this is a great option. It reminds me of a ship captain’s log book with a compass embossed on the front cover, which comes in several appealing colors.

The artificial leather cover has leather strings that weave across its spine and wrap around the book to close it.

This journal comes with blank pages, which is great for artists or journalers who like to sketch. However, the best part is the versatility of this notebook. It has a spiral binding, so you can swap out blank pages for lined pages or mix different inserts together for different uses.

The spiral binding also makes it possible to use this notebook for your next trip and all future trips. You can remove the pages after a single trip and bind them together to save. Then, replace pages as needed for your next vacation.

4. For Lifelong Travelers: Wanderings Leather Travelers Notebook

This classic travel journal is bound with hand-crafted genuine leather. It’s designed to last a lifetime with refillable pages and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It comes with thick acid-free paper to better preserve your best memories.

This journal’s simple yet appealing design has a small compass rose embossed in the bottom right corner and is closed with a simple leather string. Plus, a nice built-in bookmark.

You can also select the perfect size for you. It comes in four sizes: pocket, regular, A5, and large.

5. For Campers: Clever Fox Camping Journal

This is the best travel notebook for campers and RVers. It helps you track your experience at different campgrounds and destinations and helps with planning!

It includes many writing prompts and templates, like a campsite log, meal planner, packing lists, to-do lists, and more. Plus, it gives plenty of space to write your own notes or attach pictures, ticket stubs, and the like. It also comes with fun camping-related stickers.

This high-quality journal comes with a ribbon bookmark, pen holder, elastic strap, and expandable back pocket.

It’s meant to use for different trips… 12 trips, to be exact, with 8 pages per trip.

6. For Kids: Ultimate Travel Journal for Kids

This travel journal for kids makes journaling easy for young travelers. It comes with many games and activities, as well as guided writing prompts. It’s a fun way for kids to get their creative juices flowing while preserving the best moments and favorite memories of the trip.

I think one of its best features is the “ Mad Libs ” style writing prompts where kids filling the blanks. It’s a much less intimidating approach compared to expecting kids to fill in blank pages.

7. For Junk Journalers & Scrapbookers: MOLNESO Junk Journal Supplies

“Junk journals” are quite popular these days. They give creative freedom to catalog your special memories and attach sentimental “scraps” from your travels. It’s a scrapbooking approach that combines writing, photos, ticket stubs, cut-outs, and really anything you want to add to the journal.

Please note the above link is for junk journal supplies for travelers. It’s not a journal or notebook, but supplement supplies you can use with any notebook or journal you choose.

The travel supply kit comes with scrapbook paper, stickers, and other travel-related scraps to add personality to create your own travel scrapbook.

8. For Backpackers: Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebooks

This Rite in the Rain journal is ideal for backpackers or those who don’t let the elements stop them from adventures. Whether you’re going backpacking in the rainy Pacific Northwest or kayaking down a river, or just like to take your journal everywhere with you, this weatherproof option comes in handy.

As the brand promises, you can WRITE IN THE RAIN! That’s how waterproof and durable this notebook is. You just need to use a standard #2 pencil or all-weather pen.

The spiral binding makes it easy to write wherever you are. It’s impact-resistant and won’t lose it shape in your backpack or bag. The cover is also made of tough, flexible material.

It’s also worth noting that unlike synthetic waterproof paper used in other notebooks, Rite in the Rain paper is completely recyclable.

9. For Photo Journalers: Journi Blog App

Journi Blog is a photo journaling app that makes it easy to record and print your travels digitally. You can create maps and timelines and describe your favorite travel memories. You can then share these, print them as photo books, or keep them private for your personal enjoyment.

The app is available on iOS, Android, and the web.

You have full privacy control over who sees your stories. You can keep it private, share with select friends and family, or make it public. It’s a popular option for beginners to professional travel bloggers.

10. For Automated Fans: FindPenguins Travel Tracker App

Lonely Planet Traveler recommends this app saying, “FindPenguins is the perfect network for globetrotters!” It is similar to the Journi Blog app, where you can log photos, track your travels, and print beautiful travel books.

FindPenguins is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play .

The app automatically tracks and creates your travel route, marked world map, photo albums, and travel statistics. You can blog your “Footprints,” and then the rest is automated. You can also connect with friends or fellow travelers using the app.

Here are Your Quick Links to all the New Travel Tech

Missed any of our previous posts?

• Don’t Let Bad Tech Ruin a Good Roadtrip
• How to Organize Travel Photos (5 Easy Tips)
• 20 Best Cities for a Pet-Friendly Vacation
• Top 10 Minimalist Travel Backpacks (2023)
• 10 Safety Hiking Gadgets for Backpackers & Outdoor Travel
• Telemedicine for Travelers hits new level with TytoCare

Top 3 Bathroom Finder Apps to Use While Traveling

• 15 Ways to Get to Know A New City
• Is Starlink Residential Portability Worth It for Travel?
• 10 Life-Saving Survival Gadgets for Adventurers
• How to Use Apple AirTags to Track Your Luggage

Similar Posts

Drive Weather – The app for travelers

We have found one of the best weather app for RV travel and general road trips. Drive Weather takes the National Weather Service’s weather forecast showing the weather along a route when they reach each point. It allows comparison of different routes, creating stops, interactively changing departure time and other features that help travelers plan driving trips around the weather.

Polarsteps Travel Mapping App works seamlessly

This week’s travel app is called Polarsteps, and it’s an automatic travel mapping app that tracks your travels seamlessly, giving you a very attractive map that shows your routes, your stops, and the highlights you want to display. The thing that is particularly awesome about this app is that all you have to do is…

Exploring the Wonders of the Waze Travel App Navigating Your Next Adventure

Are you ready to hit the open road and embark on an adventure? Or perhaps you’re just bracing yourself for your daily commute? Either way, the Waze app is your ultimate go-to for navigation, traffic updates, and road exploration.

7 Best GPS Apps for Your Travel Style (2023)

We’ve categorized the best GPS apps for your smartphone based on travel style. So, if you’re looking for the best GPS for a road trip, international travel, overlanding, RVing, and more, we have the best GPS app for you…

3 Apps to Save on Hotel Stays & Accommodations (BIG TIME!)

Travel accommodations are one of the top 3 travel expenses that eat up your budget fast. Trying to find a nice hotel at a reasonable price is getting more and more difficult. And, in some cases, we’d be happy with just a safe, comfy place to sleep. In this article, we will explore three apps that help you save BIG on hotel stays and accomodations: HotelTonight, HostelWorld, and CouchSurfer…

I’ve ranked 3 different bathroom finder apps according to their usefulness in different situations. Whether you’re traveling abroad or going on a road trip, these restroom finder apps will point you in the right direction…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Carry-On Luggage
• Checked Luggage
• Convertible Carry Luggage
• 4-Wheel Luggage
• 2-Wheel Luggage
• New Arrivals

Adventure-ready carry-on & checked luggage.

• Isolate Collection
• Reveal Collection
• Dry Collection
• Gear Collection

Use these space-saving, dirty-clothing-separating, Pack-It® organizers to max out your next trip, not your bag.

• Carry-On Duffels
• Large Duffels
• Rolling Duffels
• Backpack Duffels

Your new grab and go-to duffel.

• Carry-On Backpacks
• Waist & Shoulder Bags
• Travel & Hiking Backpacks
• Packable Bags

Packs and bags geared up for everything, from daily commutes to extended trips.

• Luggage Tags & Locks
• Comfort & Necessities
• Money Belts
• RFID Security

Money belts, hidden pockets, wallets and more.

• Travel Blog
• Sustainability
• No Matter What® Warranty
• Find a Store

Tips, tricks, and recommendations for adventures big and small.

Travel Journal Apps & Digital Travel Diary Options

Written by Alison Kotch on August 28, 2022

Alison Kotch is a freelance writer and editor based in Brooklyn.

If you’re hitting the road you’ll want to document every moment. These are the best digital travel apps that just might replace your journal.

Asked your boss for well-deserved time off? Good! Depending on the reason for your break (and how long you'll be away from work), you might not want to spend every second documenting your travels ... and every travel photo you post might not be Insta-worthy. Even though there’s something to be said for packing your daypack with a pen and a paper journal and writing about your trip, it’s a lot easier to keep friends and family in the loop while you’re on the road if you do it digitally.

How to Choose an Online Travel Diary App

Every trip is different, and so is every traveler. If you're headed out for a short two-week trip, you may choose a travel diary app that offers features to integrate into your life as well—more of an online journal. But if you're traveling around the world on a one-year trip, perhaps a dedicated app that could transition into a blog is more your speed. Either way these are a few considerations before you sign up and start journaling.

• Ease of use : If the travel journaling platform is online but offers no app, that might be a deal breaker if you're only traveling with a smartphone! Look for apps that allow you to quickly open it up, upload photos, and jot quick notes.
• Company history : How long has this company been offering digital journaling services? The last thing you want to do is invest time and effort into journaling only to discover the app has shut down, and you need to export all of that hard work.
• Social features : Do you want an app that excels first and foremost at getting you right to the journaling, or are you interested in digital travel communities with a social element? If you love one of the travel diary apps on this list, but it doesn't feature a built-in community, consider how you could use Instagram or a Facebook page to fulfill that need.
• Cost : Some of these are free, while others offer limited services on the free platform and require paid upgrades to make it fully featured.

Best Digital Travel Journal Apps

Here are the best digital travel diary apps that will help you document your next journey.

Day One Journal

The best part about Day One journals? You don’t necessarily need to be taking a cross-country or international trip to use it; you can just make a habit of capturing things that inspire you. Journaling novices will likely be content with the free version, which allows you to write diary entries by hand, with Apple Pencil, or your finger. You can look back through entries via calendar, timeline, or photos, while also being reminded of specifics of that day, like temperature, weather, moon phase, and altitude. Upgrading to the premium version of this digital travel diary gives you even more incentive to make journaling a habit: It allows unlimited photo storage and journal entries, cloud-based storage, audio recording, and a 25 percent off book printing discount … perfect if you’d prefer to page through your memories in paper form after collecting all of your epic travel stories.

Travel Diaries

The free Travel Diaries app has everything a traveler could want in a digital diary: Customizable layouts that allow you to enhance your text with photos and maps marking all of the places you visited, with the option to keep entries private or share them with family and friends. Inspired to turn your diary into a travel blog? No problem: The app can convert your entries from diary to blog automatically, which you can share via social media or email. Need to see your entries in print? That’s an option, too. Choose to print all (or a portion of) your trip; books are available for printing in as few as 40 pages (or as many as 320), in hard or soft cover formats.

Tripcast markets itself as the place you "share your travel photos with the people who want to see everything, not just the highlights." It's designed as a social network for those who love to spend time on the road. The app supports photos and videos and encourages your friends and family to comment, like, and interact with your updates—perfect for solo travelers who will love knowing their loved ones back home are along for the ride. The iPhone app is highly rated, and users generally rave about the variety of features to journal through the website or on iPhone or Android. You'll love the feature where it uploads all your travel photos to a map, so you can see the world populated with your best memories.

Even though it’s currently only available for iPhone users, Bonjournal is ideal for travelers who want a simple interface for documenting their activities, whether that means road-tripping up the West Coast or chilling on a deserted island. Not sure if you want to share every moment of your trip? Its privacy settings allow you to keep some entries to yourself. Need inspiration for your next trip? Follow friends (or fellow travelers), curl up in your travel blanket, and be inspired by their entries.

Are you not traveling but want to live vicariously through someone who is? Polarsteps is a photo-lovers dream. It provides the capability to track your travel route automatically when on the road (and uses minimal battery power while doing so) and transforms each travel journal into a visually stunning coffee table book. The coffee table books are complete with modern-looking layouts of the countries visited, miles and/or kilometers covered, and the number of photos taken.

Even if you don’t have any life-changing trips planned, Momento is worth downloading either way. Momento can organize your social network activity from up to 11 different platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Swarm, Flickr, and YouTube) into one neat, cohesive package. You can make it private, which is great if you’re using its pregnancy feature that allows you to journal your experience of nine months of pregnancy and beyond. You can also explore people who have tagged themselves enjoying similar experiences. No vacations (or pregnancies) in your future? This travel diary also doubles as a work/project journal, allowing you to track project notes, milestones, and meetings so you’re always prepared, whether working in-office or in another time zone.

When you use a digital travel journal you need only slip your smartphone into your waistpack and let the travel adventures get under way.

Travel Diary Apps: FAQs

What is a travel diary app.

You have all your essential tech for travel , like your smartphone to share photos with friends and family, but are you using it to document your experiences? Now, you can use app-based travel diaries to track and capture your experiences. Travel diaries allow you to document every fun and exciting thing you do while traveling the world. However, thanks to the many travel log apps available, you no longer have to carry a journal. Instead, you can create a travel journal on your smartphone to capture your best memories and create your own personalized travel book.

These apps also allow you to share your travel scrapbook with the touch of a button. You can share them either as a blog or on social media. Common features of travel diary apps include:

• Photo and video sharing
• Journal entries
• Snapshots of temperature, weather, altitude, and more

Are there any free travel diary apps?

Yes, there are tons of free travel diary apps you can use, including some mentioned on this list, such as Day One Journal and Travel Diaries. Additionally, many paid travel journals come with free versions with limited features. However, if you love traveling and sharing your experience with others, we recommend using paid versions to track your travels, upload photos, and share entries with your followers.

Can I use a travel diary app offline?

Some travel journal apps allow you to create entities offline in case you lose service, while others let you share pictures without the internet by selecting photos and creating private posts offline. However, whether you can use a particular travel diary app offline depends on the app, so you should research which apps you can continue to use when you don’t have any service.

That said, if your app doesn’t allow you to create new entries without service, you can continue to take photos on your smartphone and update your entry later.

Can I add photos and videos to my travel diary entries?

Yes! Most travel journal apps allow you to add photos and videos to document and remember your experience. Additional features may include turning your diary entries into social media posts and blogs, taking a snapshot of the time and weather, customizing layouts, and more. However, some apps are more photo-based than others, so consider what you want your travel diary to be. For example, if you prefer to create a scrapbook with photos and captions, you might choose Polarsteps, which allows you to create a coffee table book-style photo journal.

Read More From the Travel Blog

How to sleep on a plane like a pro: essential tips for travelers.

Learn about choosing the best seat, using sleep aids, and packing the right accessories for a restful flight.

Ultimate Guide To Carry-On Luggage Size: Requirements & Restrictions

Learn the essential guidelines for carry-on luggage size to ensure hassle-free travel and avoid issues at the airport.

How to Wash a Backpack Like a Pro

Washing a backpack might seem like a simple task, but doing it properly can extend the life of your trusty...

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

Travel Diaries: Photo Journal 4+

Digital scrapbook & trip diary, travel diaries b.v..

• 4.2 • 54 Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Embark on a transformative journey with the Travel Diaries app, your passport to turning every adventure into an unforgettable story. Blog travel experiences and pin places visited on travel maps with the Travel Diaries travel journal, book creator, travel tracker and map maker app! Join thousands of Travel Writers Who: - Create a travel log book with itineraries, travel photos, traveling maps, & keepsakes from countries visited - Pin their places to travel and countries been with the travel pin feature - Reflect on unforgettable locals & travelers book like a travel journalist - Unleash their inner Rick Steves to make a travel guide - Create a travel book with the book creator feature Craft Your Travel Chronicle: Immerse yourself in the world of adventure with our versatile travel journal platform. From an interactive travel map that pins your global adventures to customizable layouts for a visually stunning travel photo journal to vivid travel pictures and weave compelling travel stories that will linger in your memory like cherished travel memories. Effortless Travel Blogging: Capture each moment with precision, turning your musings into a mesmerizing travel journal. Share your adventures on a stylish webpage, connecting with a vibrant community of passionate travel enthusiasts. Plan Your Next Expedition: Transform your thoughts into a virtual travel notebook, an endless source of inspiration for planning your next odyssey. Map out countries, cities, and must-visit places, jotting down bucket list ideas. Craft a well-organized plan, ensuring your ideas are beautifully presented for your travel diary. Pin Your Globetrotting Adventures: Elevate your experiences by transforming your journey into a vibrant tapestry of memories with the travel pin feature. Effortlessly map out the countries been you've visited, creating a visual masterpiece that's not just a record but a work of art, perfect for any passionate travel tracker. Capture Moments, Tell Extraordinary Stories: Turn your musings into a stunning photo travel journal, create a personalized travel diary with various fonts and layouts to document your adventures.Enhance your diary with photos, maps, and other features to make it visually appealing.Easily share selected chapters of your diary as an online travel blog with friends and family. Compose with Effortless Grace: Our online text editor is your literary companion, making journaling a breeze. Choose from a myriad of fonts, blog post layouts, and digital scrapbook sticky boxes. It's designed to capture the charm of a real travel diary, ensuring your words are as visually appealing as the destinations you explore. Seamless Mobile & Web Experience: Switch between the mobile and web app seamlessly, ensuring you can log your travel adventures whether you're on the go or relaxing in your hotel room. Your world travel journal is accessible wherever your journey takes you. Publish and Preserve Your Memories: Choose what to share publicly and let the world follow your travel adventures. From a secret travel diary to a beautifully printed travel log book, our app ensures your travel memories are not just captured but shared and preserved for a lifetime. Customizable Travel Journal:Tailor your travel diary with diverse fonts and layouts. Add travel photos, maps, and more to create a visually stunning record of your journeys. Each entry is a testament to your unique travel story, presented beautifully for a customizable and memorable experience. Start your Travel Diaries adventure today and unlock the power to turn every travel moment into a timeless tale! --------------------- Contact Us: https://www.traveldiariesapp.com/en/contact Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Create, share, and relive your travel stories with Travel Diaries.

Version 2.1.31

Enhanced performance and fixed bugs for a smoother experience.

Ratings and Reviews

Best travel diary i’ve found.

I’ve been using Traveldiaries for several years now and am really happy they’ve developed an app as that makes it so much easier than going through the website. I love the format for text. The only downside to this app, and when using the website, is the requirement to pick a template for photos. This is the most restrictive photo feature I’ve seen in the different travel apps I’ve tried and it really prohibits adding the photos I’d like to without putting them into a size category. It would be so much better to just be able to add, and label photos without having to pick a template. Other than that, I love the app and I love the way the books look once printed; the resolution on the photos is excellent.

Awesome App

As an avid traveler, I've found Travel Diaries to be an indispensable tool for documenting my adventures in a way that's both captivating and effortless. With its user-friendly features like customizable layouts and easy map pinning, I've been able to craft stunning travel journals that truly reflect the essence of my journeys. The ability to seamlessly switch between the mobile and web app ensures that I can log my experiences wherever I am, while the option to share my memories publicly or keep them private gives me full control over my travel narrative. From composing with effortless grace using the online text editor to preserving my memories in beautifully printed logbooks, Travel Diaries has truly transformed the way I capture and share my travel stories, making every moment an unforgettable tale.

Love this app!!

I’ve been using Travel Diaries for almost a year and I absolutely love it! My husband and I moved overseas for an Expat assignment for a few years so I’ve been blogging ever since and my family and friends love getting to see all our pictures and read about our adventures along the way. There’s only been a few very minor issues with uploading and/or organizing my book, but with a quick response from Paula at Travel Diaries, it was easily fixed and I was able to continue my books without a fuss. I’m on my fourth book and I can’t wait to get them all printed so I can have all of these amazing memories to look back on. I highly recommend this app as it’s easy to navigate and a great way to have all of your memories be put into a book to share with anyone!

Developer Response ,

Thank you so much for your kind words! How fun that you are keeping so many diaries in the app. We are looking forward to print them for you so you can enjoy them for many more years to come! You know where to find us in case you have any further questions or feedback. Kind regards, Paula

App Privacy

The developer, Travel Diaries B.V. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• User Content
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Dutch, Spanish

• Online $39.99
• Basic $17.99
• Print $64.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

Baby Diaries - Book Journal

You Might Also Like

Travel Journal & Trip Tracker

Hoptale: Remember Your Journey

Jauntlet Travel Blog & Journal

FindPenguins: Travel Tracker

Polarsteps - Travel Tracker

15 Best Travel Diary Apps for Enthusiastic Travelers 2024

There are abundant travel diary apps available nowadays, but the irony is to choose the best.

Table of Contents

“Updated” Best Travel Diary Apps to Download in 2024

Here we have mentioned the top 15 travel diary apps where you can effortlessly save your journeys, preserve precious memories, and embark on a virtual travel adventure whenever you like.

1. Trotter It

You will be amazed at Trotter It when it comes to keeping a digital diary. Trotter It app is a consolidated platform that allows you to document, create, and propagate your travel stories in real time. You can put up amazing pic that you have captured, and you can also create meaningful content full of life. Trotter It App hosts innumerable possibilities and many powerful features to be explored.

Trotter It is one of the best and free free travel diary apps that elevates your adventures. Capture moments, create vivid entries, and relive your journeys effortlessly with this user-friendly companion.

It not only enhances your travel experience but also allows you to keep beautiful and long-lasting memories simply by empowering you to capture even the minute details of your travel time. For any adventure travel, religious tour, or any celebrations or event, it will be your true travel companion. This app will enable you to create and capture mesmerizing content pieces while capturing the exact intensity and nature of events in their true sense.

• Price : Free
• Google Rating : 4.7/5

Download the app : Android IOS

How Does Trotter It Work?

• Trotter It is a user-friendly software or application.
• It simplifies and automates specific tasks.
• Users input information and select options to trigger actions.
• The exact functioning depends on its intended purpose.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Trotter It?

• Key features may include automation, integration, reporting, and customization.
• It offers unique benefits such as time-saving and efficiency.
• Features cater to specific user needs and goals.

Who Is Trotter It For?

• Small businesses and large enterprises.
• Professionals in various industries.
• Those seeking to streamline and automate tasks.

Who Is Trotter It Not For?

• Individuals or businesses with unique and custom requirements.
• Those looking for an entirely different type of software.
• Users not in need of task automation.

Advantages of Using Trotter It App

• Increased efficiency and productivity.
• Time-saving and reduced errors.
• Cost-effectiveness and improved workflow.
• Positive outcomes for users, such as case studies or testimonials.

2. Day One Journal

This app certainly will capture your interest as it enables you to create a huge collection of inspiring events. The free version of this app also allows the users to create manual entries either using fingers or an Apple Pencil, which can be browsed through easily using the timeline, calendar, and photos feature even mentioning the specifics for that outing including weather and temperature conditions, altitude, etc.

How Does Day One Journal Work?

• Day One Journal is a digital journaling app.
• It allows users to create and maintain personal journals.
• Users can write, add photos, and record audio entries.
• It syncs across devices and can be used on mobile and desktop.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Day One Journal?

• Entry creation with text, photos, and audio recording.
• Location and weather tracking for entries.
• Tagging, searching, and categorizing entries.
• Syncing and backup to the cloud.
• Integration with social media and other apps.

Who Is Day One Journal For?

• Individuals looking to maintain a digital journal.
• Writers, bloggers, and creatives for idea capture.
• People interested in tracking personal or travel experiences.
• Those who appreciate organized and searchable digital journaling.

Who Is Day One Journal Not For?

• Users who prefer traditional, physical journaling.
• People who don’t have a need for digital record-keeping.
• Individuals seeking a completely free journaling solution (Day One may have a cost).
• Those looking for extensive collaboration or project management features.

Advantages of Using Day One Journal App

• Easy and convenient digital journaling.
• Rich multimedia options for capturing memories.
• Cloud backup ensures data safety and accessibility.
• Powerful organization and search capabilities.
• Cross-platform functionality for journaling on various devices.

Download the App : Android IOS

• Price : Free and Paid
• Google Rating : 4.6/5

3. Travel Diaries

The Travel Diaries App is a great app that features almost everything on the wish list of a traveler. The app’s highly customizable layouts allow the users to write about the place, insert photos, and insert maps that they visited. A user can keep the entries private or make them public by sharing them with family and friends. A unique feature of this app is it automatically converts your entries into a beautiful printable blog to crown your social media handles.

How Does Travel Diaries App Work?

• Travel Diaries is a mobile app for recording and documenting travel experiences.
• Users can create digital travel journals with text, photos, videos, and audio.
• The app may offer GPS tracking to map the user’s travel route.
• Users can share their travel journals with friends and family.
• Travel Diaries may have both a mobile and web version for easy access.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Travel Diaries App?

• Entry creation with multimedia options (text, photos, videos, audio).
• GPS tracking for visualizing and documenting travel routes.
• The ability to organize and categorize entries by location or date.
• Social sharing options for sharing travel experiences.
• Offline access to entries for use in remote areas.

Who Is Travel Diaries App For?

• Travel enthusiasts who want to document and share their adventures.
• Tourists and backpackers looking to keep digital travel records.
• Individuals who want a convenient and organized way to relive their trips.
• Users who appreciate a mix of multimedia in their travel journals.

Who Is Travel Diaries App Not For?

• Those who prefer traditional pen-and-paper travel journaling.
• Users who are not interested in documenting their travels.
• Individuals who need extensive project management features for travel planning.
• People looking for a general note-taking app rather than a specialized travel journal app.

Advantages of Using Travel Diaries App

• Convenient digital journaling for travelers.
• Multimedia-rich entries for capturing the essence of the journey.
• GPS tracking adds a unique visual element to travel documentation.
• Organized and easy-to-retrieve travel memories.
• Sharing options to keep friends and family updated on your adventures.
• Google Rating : 3.3/5

4. Polarsteps

If you are pretty close to nature and wish to capture every minute detail, then Polasteps is the right app for you. This app will not only automatically track your travel route via road, but also it transforms every journal entry into an amazingly stunning coffee table book appearance. This feature captures countries visited, exact travel time spent, miles traveled, and any pictures that you have taken. It also has mesmerizing layouts.

How Does Polarsteps Work?

• Polarsteps is a travel tracking and journaling app.
• It automatically tracks your journey using GPS.
• Users create a digital travel journal with photos, text, and location tags.
• The app syncs your data to create a visual travel map.
• It works on mobile devices and can function offline.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Polarsteps?

• Automatic journey tracking through GPS.
• Creation of detailed travel journals with photos and text.
• Geotagging of entries to show specific locations.
• An interactive map that visualizes your travel route.
• Social sharing options to keep friends and family updated.
• Offline functionality for use in remote areas.

Who Is Polarsteps For?

• Tourists, backpackers, and globetrotters looking to keep digital travel records.
• People interested in creating a visual travel map of their journeys.
• Individuals who want an easy and organized way to capture travel memories.

Who Is Polarsteps Not For?

• Those who prefer traditional pen-and-paper journaling during their travels.
• Users who are not interested in documenting their journeys.
• People looking for a more extensive project management or planning tool.
• Individuals who want a generalized note-taking app rather than a specialized travel journal app.

Advantages of Using Polarsteps

• Convenient and automatic tracking of travel routes.
• Visual and interactive mapping of your journeys.
• Multimedia-rich entries that help you relive your adventures.
• Easy sharing with friends and family to keep them updated.
• Offline functionality for travelers exploring remote areas.
• Privacy features to control who can view your travel data.
• Google Rating : 4.5/5

5. Bonjournal

Bonjournal is a simplistic app that is only available in Apple stores. It boasts of a really simple interface to document the travel experiences of apple users, whether it’s a road trip through Phoenix Valley or traveling to Miami Beach.

How Does Bonjournal Work?

• Bonjournal is a digital journaling platform.
• Users create journal entries with text, photos, and tags.
• Entries are organized by date and location.
• Bonjournal may have both a mobile app and a web version for accessibility.
• Users can keep their journal private or share it with a select audience.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Bonjournal?

• Entry creation with multimedia options (text, photos, and tags).
• Organized by date and location for easy retrieval.
• Ability to keep the journal private or share it with a select audience.
• Web and mobile versions for convenient access.
• Export and backup features to preserve your journal.

Who Is Bonjournal For?

• Individuals looking for a digital space to maintain personal journals.
• People who appreciate multimedia elements in their journaling.
• Writers, travelers, and creatives for idea capture.
• Users who value organization and privacy in their journaling.

Who Is Bonjournal Not For?

• Those who prefer traditional, physical journaling.
• Users seeking extensive project management or collaboration features.
• Individuals looking for a social or blogging platform instead of a private journal.

Advantages of Using Bonjournal

• Convenient digital journaling accessible from various devices.
• Multimedia-rich entries for capturing and preserving memories.
• Organization by date and location for easy retrieval.
• Privacy settings for controlling who can access your journal.
• Export and backup options to ensure your journal is preserved.

Official Website : Visit

Minube is a simple travel planning and organizer app that will help you find the best vacation ideas. The application also allows you to save or bookmark your favorite places and create your travel itinerary and tourist guide. In addition, the app will help you discover some of the best unknown yet beautiful locations worldwide.

The best part of Minube is that after your trip is complete, the app will automatically create a beautiful photo gallery of all the places you have visited.

How Does Minube Work?

• Minube is a travel planning and discovery platform.
• Users can search for destinations and travel experiences.
• The platform provides recommendations, travel itineraries, and user-generated content.
• Minube may have a website and mobile app for accessibility.
• Users can create and share their travel plans and experiences.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Minube?

• Destination search and discovery.
• Travel recommendations and itineraries.
• User-generated content and reviews.
• Mobile app and website versions.
• Social sharing and collaboration for trip planning.

Who Is Minube For?

• Travel enthusiasts looking for destination inspiration.
• Tourists and explorers seeking travel recommendations.
• Users who value user-generated reviews and experiences.
• Travelers who appreciate trip planning and collaboration with others.

Who Is Minube Not For?

• Those who prefer offline or traditional travel planning methods.
• Travelers who have very specific, unique travel requirements.
• People looking for comprehensive booking and reservation features (Minube focuses on inspiration and planning).
• Users seeking an entirely different type of travel platform (e.g., business travel).

Advantages of Using Minube

• Easy access to travel inspiration and recommendations.
• User-generated content for authentic travel experiences.
• Itineraries and trip planning features.
• Social collaboration for group trip planning.
• Availability on both mobile and web platforms for accessibility.
• Google Rating : 4.2/5

7. Grid Diary

Have you always wanted a journal but did not know where to start? Then Grid Diary is the perfect application for you. You get swappable proms in a lovely flexible grid format where you can record and reflect on your life’s happening. In addition, you can note down your habits and goals and share affirmation and gratitude in the application.

Grid Diary helps record your mood, develop habits, improve productivity and manage stress. You also get to use rich tools like template library, habit check-in, writing reminder, and many more.

How Does Grid Diary Work?

• Grid Diary is a digital journaling app with a structured format.
• Users answer a series of daily prompts or questions.
• These prompts encourage self-reflection and diary entry creation.
• Entries are organized in a grid layout for easy tracking.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Grid Diary?

• Structured journaling with daily prompts.
• Grid layout for visual tracking of entries.
• Customization options to tailor the prompts to your preferences.
• The ability to attach photos to entries.
• Export and backup features for preserving your diary.

Who Is Grid Diary For?

• Individuals looking for a structured approach to journaling.
• People who appreciate guided prompts for self-reflection.
• Users who want to develop a daily journaling habit.
• Those who value customization and personalization in their journaling process.

Who Is Grid Diary Not For?

• Users who prefer free-form, unstructured journaling.
• People who don’t want daily prompts or constraints.
• Those seeking a completely different type of journaling app (e.g., multimedia-rich journals).
• Individuals who require extensive collaboration or project management features.

Advantages of Using Grid Diary

• Encourages a daily journaling habit through structured prompts.
• Promotes self-reflection and mindfulness.
• Provides an organized grid layout for tracking your entries.
• Customization options to tailor your journaling experience.
• Export and backup features to ensure your diary is preserved.

8. Tripcast

Tripcast is an application that allows you to set your travel photos with your acquaintances and with a global audience. It is meant for the people who want to see everything about a place and not just the highlights. You can invite your friends, family members, and acquaintances to the album and give them life photo updates directly from the road to start a trip. In addition, the users can ask questions, post comments, and like pictures on the application.

How Does Tripcast Work?

• Tripcast is a travel journal and sharing platform.
• Users create a digital travel journal by adding text, photos, and videos.
• The platform allows users to track their journeys on a map.
• Entries are often tagged with location and date information.
• Tripcast may offer both a website and mobile app for accessibility.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Tripcast?

• Creation of digital travel journals with multimedia content.
• Entry tagging with location and date for organization.
• Accessibility via both website and mobile app.

Who Is Tripcast For?

• Tourists, backpackers, and globe-trotters looking to keep digital travel records.
• People interested in creating a visual representation of their journeys.

Who Is Tripcast Not For?

• People seeking a comprehensive travel planning tool (Tripcast focuses on travel documentation).
• Individuals looking for a general note-taking app instead of a specialized travel journaling platform.

Advantages of Using Tripcast

• Multimedia-rich entries for capturing the essence of your adventures.
• Easy sharing with friends and family to keep them updated on your trips.
• Accessibility on both websites and mobile apps for travel documentation on the go.
• Google Rating : 3.8/5

9. Wowanders

Wowanders is an intelligent travel diary that makes sure that you never forget the hotels, sights, restaurants, and other places you visit on a specific holiday. You also can browse trips and places shared by other users. Using the application to build a diary while on a trip will automatically select the places you have visited and suggest them to be added to your journal.

How Does Wowanders Work?

• Wowanders is a travel and experience-sharing app.
• Users create a digital travel diary by adding photos, videos, and text.
• The app automatically tracks users’ journeys and generates a visual map.
• Entries can be tagged with locations and categorized by experience.
• Users can share their adventures with friends and followers.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Wowanders?

• Creation of digital travel diaries with multimedia content.
• Automatic GPS tracking for visualizing travel routes.
• Entry tagging and categorization for organization.
• Social sharing options to share travel experiences with others.
• The ability to discover and save recommendations from other travelers.

Who Is Wowanders For?

• Tourists, explorers, and globetrotters looking for digital travel records.
• Travelers who appreciate organized and shareable travel memories.
• Individuals seeking travel recommendations from other like-minded travelers.

Who Is Wowanders Not For?

• Users are not interested in documenting their journeys or sharing with others.
• People looking for extensive travel planning and booking features.
• Individuals who don’t want to share their travel experiences with a broader audience.

Advantages of Using Wowanders

• Convenient and multimedia-rich digital journaling.
• Visual and interactive mapping of travel routes.
• Organized entries with tags and categories.
• Social sharing options to keep friends and followers updated.
• Discovery of travel recommendations from other users, making trip planning easier.

10. Geospike

This excellent travel application allows you to record your travels, share them with your friends and find a way back to the places you have visited. In simple words, Geospike will enable you to build a travel history while on the go.

With the help of this app, you can instantly record the place you are at, attach photos and add notes to your location. Geospike is the best application to capture and share moments while on the go, and you can log a spike given if you are not online.

• Google Rating : 2.7/5

This is a splendid multi-platform diary cum journal cum mood tracker that helps to record your activities. Using the day and sync feature, you can even record appointments, events, thoughts, feelings, ideas, and secrets. Diaro will help you organize your daily journals, notes from the past, and a simple way. The application will preserve your special memories and store your moments and memories.

How Does Diaro Work?

• Diaro is a digital diary and journaling app.
• Users create personal diaries by writing daily entries.
• The app often includes multimedia elements like photos and tags.
• Entries can be categorized and searched for easy retrieval.
• Diaro may offer both a mobile app and web version for accessibility.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Diaro?

• Diary entry creation with text, multimedia, and tags.
• Categorization and organization of entries.
• Search functionality for quickly finding specific entries.
• Secure and private journaling with password protection.
• Export and backup options for preserving your diary.

Who Is Diaro For?

• Individuals looking for a digital space to maintain personal diaries.
• Writers, bloggers, and creative thinkers for idea capture.
• People interested in documenting their daily experiences.
• Users who appreciate organized and private journaling.

Who Is Diaro Not For?

• Those who prefer traditional pen-and-paper diary writing.
• Users who don’t have a need for digital diary-keeping.
• People seeking a comprehensive project management tool (Diaro focuses on journaling).
• Individuals who want a social platform or collaborative note-taking app.

Advantages of Using Diaro

• Convenient digital diary for personal expression.
• Multimedia-rich entries for detailed memory capture.
• Organization and easy retrieval of diary entries.
• Privacy features for secure journaling.
• Export and backup options to ensure your diary is preserved.

12. Diarium

Diarium is the best functional and feature-rich diary for all devices. This application helps you store all your precious memories in one place and will remind you frequently to write down your experiences at the end of the day. In addition, Diarum automatically displays information about your day, making it easier for you to maintain and monitor your journal.

You can also add pictures, and videos, come all your recordings and display your calendar events and fitness info on the application.

How Does Diarium Work?

• Diarium is a digital journaling app designed for personal expression.
• Users create daily journal entries that can include text, photos, and tags.
• The app often features calendar integration for easy entry management.
• Entries can be categorized, searched, and organized for quick retrieval.
• Diarium may have both a mobile app and web version for accessibility.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Diarium?

• Diary entry creation with text, multimedia elements, and tags.
• Integration with the calendar for efficient management of entries.
• Organization and categorization of entries.
• Search functionality for quick retrieval of specific entries.
• Secure and private journaling with options like password protection.
• Export and backup features to ensure the preservation of your journal.

Who Is Diarium For?

• Individuals seeking a digital space to maintain a personal journal.
• Writers, bloggers, and creative thinkers looking to capture their thoughts.
• Those who benefit from calendar integration to manage their entries efficiently.

Who Is Diarium Not For?

• Those who prefer traditional, pen-and-paper journaling.
• Users who have no interest in digital journal-keeping.
• People seeking a comprehensive project management or collaborative tool (Diarium focuses on journaling).
• Individuals who are looking for a social platform or collaborative note-taking app.

Advantages of Using Diarium

• Convenient digital journal for personal expression and documentation.
• Multimedia-rich entries for capturing detailed memories.
• Efficient organization and retrieval of diary entries.
• Export and backup options to ensure the preservation of your journal.
• Google Rating : 4.8/5

Penzu is a simple diary cum journal that focuses on your privacy. The application promises a compelling and unique user experience and does online writing and recording intuitively as if you are writing in your diary.

Penzu promises to keep all your thoughts secret, and you can use it to jot down anything whenever you want. You can also lock the application using a PIN or password to protect your private thoughts and memories. It ensures that no one learns about your ideas, even if they have your mobile.

How Does Penzu Work?

• Penzu is a digital journaling platform focused on privacy.
• Users create personal diaries or journals with text entries.
• Entries are stored securely, often using encryption technology.
• Penzu may offer both a mobile app and web version for accessibility.
• Entries can be edited, organized, and searched for easy retrieval.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Penzu?

• Diary and journal entry creation with text.
• Focus on privacy with secure storage and encryption.
• The ability to edit, organize, and search for entries.
• Multiple journal entries and categorization options.
• Access through both a website and a mobile app.

Who Is Penzu For?

• Individuals who value privacy in their journaling.
• Writers, personal diarists, and anyone who enjoys writing for themselves.
• Users who appreciate the simplicity of text-based journaling.
• Those who want a secure and private space to document their thoughts.

Who Is Penzu Not For?

• People who prefer multimedia-rich or collaborative note-taking platforms.
• Users who are not interested in digital journal-keeping.
• Individuals seeking a comprehensive project management tool (Penzu focuses on journaling).
• Those looking for a social platform or interactive note-sharing app.

Advantages of Using Penzu

• Secure and private digital journaling.
• The ability to write and store personal thoughts without concerns about privacy.
• Simple and easy-to-use platform for text-based journaling.
• Organization and search features for quick retrieval of entries.
• Accessibility through both a website and a mobile app.

14. iBucket List

iBucket Travel Diary App is your ultimate companion for unforgettable journeys. Seamlessly record and cherish your travel experiences, from picturesque landscapes to heartwarming encounters. Capture moments with photos, videos, and thoughts, and relive them anytime. Stay organized, inspired, and forever connected to your wanderlust soul with iBucket Travel Diary App.

How Does iBucket List Work?

• iBucket List is a digital platform designed to help users create and manage their bucket lists.
• Users can sign up and create their lists of life goals, dreams, and experiences they want to achieve.
• iBucket List often allows users to set goals, add descriptions, and deadlines for each item on their bucket list.
• Users can track their progress, mark completed goals, and share their lists with friends and family.
• The platform may be available through a website or a mobile app for easy access.

What Are the Features and Functionality of iBucket List?

• Bucket list creation with goal setting, descriptions, and deadlines.
• Progress tracking to monitor your achievements.
• Social sharing options to inspire and connect with others.
• Customizable privacy settings for sharing preferences.
• Accessibility through both a website and a mobile app for convenient management.

Who Is iBucket List For?

• Individuals who want to organize and keep track of their life goals and bucket list items.
• People looking for motivation and inspiration to achieve their dreams.
• Users who appreciate social sharing and connecting with others who have similar goals.
• Those who value a convenient and accessible platform for managing their bucket list.

Who Is iBucket List Not For?

• Users who have no interest in setting or tracking life goals.
• People who prefer traditional methods of maintaining a bucket list (e.g., pen and paper).
• Individuals seeking a platform for collaborative project management or different types of content.
• Those who are looking for a comprehensive social networking platform rather than a focused bucket list manager.

Advantages of Using iBucket List

• Easy organization of life goals and bucket list items.
• Progress tracking to help you stay motivated and focused.
• Sharing your aspirations with others and connecting with like-minded individuals.
• Customizable privacy settings for controlling who can see your list.
• Accessibility through both a website and a mobile app for seamless management.

15. Daily Trip

Daily Trip Diary App is the perfect travel companion for globe-trotters. Effortlessly document each day’s adventures, memories, and emotions. Create a visual narrative with photos and jot down thoughts with ease. Stay organized and preserve your travel tales in one place, ensuring your journeys are cherished forever with Daily Trip Diary App.

How Does Daily Trip Work?

• Daily Trip is a travel planning and itinerary management app.
• Users can create detailed trip plans by adding destinations, activities, and accommodations.
• The app often provides suggestions for points of interest and attractions.
• Daily Trip may include options for setting budgets and tracking expenses.
• Users can access and edit their trip plans via both a mobile app and a website.

What Are the Features and Functionality of Daily Trip?

• Trip planning with destination, activities, and accommodation details.
• Suggestions and recommendations for points of interest and attractions.
• Budget setting and expense tracking features.
• Collaboration options for planning trips with others.
• Accessible via both a mobile app and a website for convenience.

Who Is Daily Trip For?

• Travel enthusiasts who want a convenient way to plan and organize their trips.
• Tourists and vacationers seeking itinerary management and point-of-interest recommendations.
• Users who appreciate budgeting tools and expense tracking while traveling.
• Those who enjoy collaborative trip planning with friends or family.
• Travelers who prefer accessible and centralized trip planning through a website and mobile app.

Who Is Daily Trip Not For?

• Individuals who prefer spontaneous, unplanned travel experiences.
• People who have no interest in detailed itinerary management.
• Travelers who require a comprehensive booking or reservation system.
• Those who are looking for a social networking platform or general note-taking app.
• Users who are looking for a completely different type of travel-related service.

Advantages of Using Daily Trip

• Convenient and comprehensive trip planning in one place.
• Access to recommendations and suggestions for attractions and activities.
• Budget management and expense tracking for cost-conscious travelers.
• Collaboration options for planning trips with friends or family.
• Accessibility through both a mobile app and a website for seamless trip management.
• Google Rating : 3+/5

Must Read: Best Travel Social Media Apps – Get Rolling!

List of 15 Best Travel Diary Apps 2024

3 Benefits of Keeping an Online Travel Diary

1. Convenience and Accessibility : Travel diary apps allow travelers to document their experiences conveniently on their smartphones or tablets. This means that you can write down your thoughts, record memorable moments, and upload photos or videos in real time, no matter where you are. You won’t need to carry around a physical diary or a stack of paper to jot down your travel memories. Plus, these apps often come with features like cloud storage, making your entries accessible from any device with an internet connection.

2. Organization and Searchability : Travel diary apps typically come with built-in organizational tools. You can categorize your entries by date, location, or type of experience, making it easier to find specific memories later. Some apps even use GPS data to automatically tag your entries with the location, helping you recall the places you visited. Additionally, many of these apps include search functionality, so you can quickly find past entries related to specific keywords or destinations.

3. Multimedia Integration : Travel diary apps often allow users to include multimedia elements like photos, videos, and audio recordings alongside their written entries. This multimedia integration enhances your travel diary by adding visual and auditory dimensions to your memories. You can capture the beauty of landscapes, the sounds of bustling markets, or the flavors of local cuisine. These multimedia elements not only help you relive your experiences more vividly but also make it easier to share your travel stories with friends and family.

Wrapping Up

The travel app market is dynamic and getting transformed with the addition of new travel apps with each passing day. The intent is to make travelers’ lives easier. So, if you are getting ready for your next expedition, you must test and try the above-mentioned travel diary apps !

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a travel diary app, and why should I use one? Ans : A travel diary app is a digital platform that allows you to document and preserve your travel experiences, including photos, notes, and memories. Using one can help you organize and relive your adventures easily.

Q2. Are these travel diary apps free to download and use? Ans : Some of the apps on the list offer free versions with limited features, while others require a purchase or subscription for full access. Be sure to check the specific app details for pricing.

Q3. Do these travel diary apps require an internet connection to work? Ans : Yes, some of the apps mentioned rely on an internet connection for certain features, while others can be used offline. Check the individual app descriptions for connectivity details.

Q4. How user-friendly are these apps for someone who is not tech-savvy? Ans : Most of these apps are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces. They often include guides and tutorials to help users get started.

Q5. Can I use these travel diary apps on both Android and iOS devices? Ans : These apps’ availability can differ based on the platform. Some are available on both Android and iOS, while others may be exclusive to one platform. Check app store listings for compatibility.

Q6. Can I access my travel diary entries on multiple devices, like my smartphone and tablet? Ans : Many of these apps offer synchronization across devices, allowing you to access your diary entries from multiple platforms. Check the specific app’s features for details.

Q7. How secure are these travel diary apps in terms of protecting my personal information and travel data? Ans : Most reputable travel diary apps prioritize user privacy and employ encryption and security measures to safeguard your data. Read their privacy policies for more information.

Q8. Can I back up my travel diary entries in case of device loss or damage? Ans : Many of these apps offer backup and cloud storage options, allowing you to retrieve your entries even if you switch devices or lose your phone.

Q9. What makes each travel diary app unique, and how can I choose the one that suits my travel style best? Ans : Each app offers different features and capabilities, so it’s essential to consider your specific needs. Review the individual app descriptions to find the one that aligns with your preferences.

Q10. Are there any hidden gems or standout features in these apps that users should know about? Ans : Some apps have unique features like automatic travel book creation, mood tracking, or community sharing. Explore the detailed descriptions to discover these hidden gems.

Trotter It - a Dedicated App for Passionate Travelers like You. Download Now and Share your Travel Memories with the World. Get it on Google Play | IOS

Leave a comment or Cancel Reply

Trotter It – Best App for Passionate Travelers

A living travel journal for your friends back home.

Read On. Scroll Down.

Tripcast has an overall App Store rating of 4.8 stars , based on 3.5K user reviews

“Tripcast Is A Beautiful Travel Journal For Your Smartphone. Another polished, well-built app from a talented team.”

“The students' parents back in America loved being able to see the photos at the end of every day. It made them feel like they were sharing in their kids' trip.” M. Steitle

“Our group of 36 people of all ages found it easy to learn and use. It really added to our experience, almost like extending the trip after we were all back home.” T. Langevin

The best way to share your trip

Make updates instantly.

Update your family and friends in real time

Stay in touch

Ask questions, leave comments, and like posts

Build an album with everybody

Vacationers assemble.

Collect everyone's trip photos in one place

Easy backup

Download them all when you get home

Effortless tagging

Photos are automatically added to the trip map

Browse by location

View photos by where they happened, not when

Available for anyone, anywhere

Tripcast is simple to access and use through a web browser, so anyone can join and contribute.

Tripcast's award winning iOS app gives you fast, mobile access and takes full use of iOS 7 and iOS 8.

Tripcast for Android has been specially designed for the world's most popular mobile operating system.

Everyone is using Tripcast to share their travels

Keep it private.

Share only with the people who care the most, away from social media

Apps for everyone

Access Tripcast through gorgeous mobile apps and the web

Bring everyone along

Notifications keep friends and family updated whenever there's activity

• Travel Guides
• Top Destinations
• Inspiration & Ideas
• Booking Tips
• Packing Guide
• Where to stay
• At The Airport
• How-to Guides
• First Times
• Travel Community
• World Flavours
• Travel Products

10 best travel journals for your 2022 journeys

We love travelling! Besides getting to know new places and interacting with different cultures, we also treasure the memories of each trip.

No matter how many photos and videos we take, some of us still like a travel notebook to document our experiences and feelings on our journey. Travel journals are perfect for this purpose and are, perhaps, the most valuable treasure a traveller has.

As the world is starting to reopen for tourism and we are preparing to hit the road again, we take a look at why they are essential to pack and the best travel journals out there to document your trip.

READ MORE : Want a hot coffee wherever you travel? Here are the best travel kettles for you to choose from.

What are travel journals, and who uses them?

A travel journal is a special notebook that can be used to document experiences, make plans, and can also serve as a diary of your adventures. Many are packed with tools, tips, bucket lists and maps too.

Whether you are an occasional holidaymaker or a nomad constantly on the move, taking note of your adventures can help remind you of the fun or difficulties of your trip and serve as guides if we revisit those same places.

What should it contain?

The content may depend on what you want to portray and your style. However, some essential points will serve as a guide for your trip.

• Countries and places to visit
• Itineraries and daily trips
• Where to stay and addresses of hotels/hostels/homestays etc.
• People we meet and their contact cards if they provide us with one
• Activities to do and enjoy in each city/country
• Curious stops and other interests in each city/country
• Things we liked and our impressions of the places we visited
• Pictures and other imagery references

You can also accessorise your travel journal

For those with an artistic side or if you just want to customise your travel notebook, then you might consider using custom stickers . You can create your own unique designs that make your notebook your own.

It is something to consider if you want to bring a bit of spark and personalisation to the travel journals that you buy.

What to look for when purchasing a travel journal

When purchasing one, you should make sure it is of high quality and has a theme that reflects your personality and style. It must also be easy to carry wherever you go.

Among the features of a good travel notebook are:

• Type of paper quality and style. Decide if you prefer them to be blank pages, lined or dotted, according to your convenience and liking
• Spiral or bound; maybe refillable, too. Choose whichever you find easier and more comfortable for your writing
• Size of the journal. Generally, light and pocket-size travel notebooks are more portable and convenient. A mid-size of 5” x 7”—120 x 170mm—is more than enough for most travellers
• Type of cover. Pick one with a hardcover, leather, waterproof or just a classic notebook

Best travel journals for 2022

• Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal
• Passion Journal – Moleskine Travel Journal
• Moleskine National Geographic Traveller’s Journal
• Indestructible Field Travel Journal
• Journey Journal by Cracked Design
• Voyager Refillable Notebook
• DIY Travel Journal
• Old World Journal
• Promptly Journal – Compact Travel Journal
• Travel Journal Apps

1. Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal (vegan leather notebook)

If you like to write in a traditional-style leather travel journal, but you love animals more, this is the perfect one for you. With round corners, smooth-finish pages and dotted lines, it fits easily in your backpack or bag.

You can purchase it on Amazon for $5.40 USD.

2. Passion Journal – Moleskine Travel Journal

Moleskine brings us this 400-page journal to record our trips. It has a neat hardcover, rounded corners and intro pages filled with tips and an eight-year travel planner calendar. Protected in a rigid box, it is the treasure you were waiting for.

You can purchase it on Moleskine’s website for $29.95 USD or on Amazon .

3. Moleskine National Geographic Traveller’s Journal

Another gem from Moleskin, it is packed as the previous one in a hard box. This journal is 5” x 8.25” in size, and the National Geographic element shares journey tips for all kinds of explorers.

You can buy it for $34.95 USD on the Moleskine website .

4. Indestructible Field Travel Journal, All-Weather

A waterproof journal with 192 pages in total, this one is built to last. What makes it extra convenient is its pocket size and paper type that works with a ball-point pen or pencil to capture the details of your journeys.

You can acquire it on eBay for $20.89 USD.

5. Journey Journal by Cracked Design

These journals are not conventional at all, as they come with different maps. You can pick the edition that best suits your next trip by choosing where you want to go. It is conveniently light, designed for a 30-day-trip, and you can find map editions with maps for the US, Asia, Australia, Europe and Canada.

Purchase it for $18.00 USD on the Cracked Designs website .

6. Voyager Refillable Notebook

This flexible-faux-leather-cover journal is ideal for those who long for a vintage feeling while recording their trips and travel memories through words. It is refillable with attractive every-60-pages separators, so it can be reused over and over.

Purchase it on Amazon for  $6.17 USD.

7. DIY Travel Journal

Many travellers love to create their own travel notebooks. A do-it-yourself journal feels more intimate and can be personalised with the information any intrepid explorer wants .

Build it using easily accessible materials and enjoy your handiwork as you update it.

8. Old World Journal

This exclusive notebook is trimmed with shimmering gold maps, navigation lines and lightly lined cream-coloured pages. Its interior art makes it the perfect present for vintage lovers.

Purchase it on Amazon for $33.41 USD in hardcover and $12.15 USD in diary format.

9. Promptly Journal – Compact Travel Journal with Minimalist Design

This unique journal has a content table and meaningful prompts to guide your writing along the journey. It has 88 pages and includes travel-inspired artwork by illustrator Kelli Murray.

Buy it now on Amazon .

10. Travel Journal Apps

Though underrated, travel journal apps are a great start for journaling your globetrotting experiences. They provide you with guidelines to help lead your trips while recording your interests and memories quickly in an online travel journal. Some of them are free to download, while others can be purchased for more features. Among the most useful are: Diarium for Windows and Android users, Day One for Mac and IOS users, Penzu , Five-minute Journal for beginners, Daylio for non-writers, etc.

These are some of the most used and popular travel journals, but it’s important to find one that suits your needs. Whether it is a physical, classic one you handwrite or an app with lots of whistles and bells, choose one that allows you to easily portray every journey experience giving you a lifetime of travel memories to re-enjoy any time.

• Travel journal

RELATED ARTICLES

Travel wanderlust reviews the kagami true wireless earbuds, travel wanderlust presents: the traveller christmas gift guide 2023, be smart travellers: how quality accessories make all the difference.

[…] READ MORE: Here are our choices for the best travel journals for 2021 […]

Comments are closed.

LATEST ARTICLES

The top 10 singapore bars to visit in 2024, exploring the best foodie destinations for 2024, exploring sustainable travel: eco-friendly destinations to visit, adventure travel in southeast asia: thrilling experiences for adrenaline junkies, most popular, the 5 most visited tourist attractions around the world, what are the seven wonders of the world, 10 places to visit before you die, the 5 best islands in thailand.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Use

Copyright © 2024 Travel Wanderlust - All Rights Reserved.

Travel Journal: 100+ Prompts, Ideas, and Tips

• March 30, 2023

Home » Day One Blog » Travel Journal: 100+ Prompts, Ideas, and Tips

Keeping a travel journal can be an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience, whether you’re an avid traveler or someone who’s embarking on a new adventure. From documenting unforgettable memories to fostering personal growth and reflection, a travel journal can be a window into the unique journeys you take in life.

In this guide, we’ve put together an extensive list of 100 travel journal prompts, tips, and ideas to help you create a travel journal that truly captures the essence of your adventures. Get ready to explore new cultures, savor the beauty of the world around you, and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will forever be a reminder of your incredible experiences.

What is a Travel Journal?

A travel journal is simply a personal record of your experiences, thoughts, and feelings during your travels. Travel journaling is a wonderful way to document and reflect on your travel experiences, capturing memories of the places you visit, the people you meet, and the adventures you have.

Travel journaling can take various forms, depending on your preferences and needs. You can choose to write in a traditional notebook or sketchbook, or create a digital journal or blog. Some people use their travel journals not only to record their experiences but also to plan their trip, track expenses, and organize important information such as flight details, reservations, and contact information for locals they meet along the way.

Keeping a travel journal can be a valuable tool for reflecting on your travels, preserving memories, and sharing your experiences with others.

10 Convincing Reasons to Keep a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal or travel diary offers several benefits, both during the trip and long after your travels have ended. Some of the key reasons to keep a travel journal include:

1. Preserve your memories.

A travel journal helps preserve memories of your experiences, sights, and encounters that might otherwise fade with time. You can look back and reminisce about your adventures, learning from and enjoying them all over again.

2. Be more present.

When you write about your travel experiences in real-time, you tend to be more focused on the present moment. This can help you to be more present and mindful during your travels, and can also improve your memory of the trip.

3. Sharpen your observational skills.

Journaling pushes you to pay closer attention to your surroundings, which can improve your observational and descriptive abilities. This heightened awareness can lead to a more enriching travel experience.

4. Organize your thoughts and experiences.

A travel journal serves as a central location to record important information, such as trip itineraries, contact details, and to-do lists. This can help you stay organized and focused during your travels.

5. Enhance your creativity.

Writing about your experiences encourages creativity and storytelling skills. You can experiment with different writing styles, descriptions, or even drawings to capture the essence of your trip. Since traveling has links to creativity , keeping a travel journal allows you to expand these benefits in both ways.

6. Encourage self-reflection.

Traveling can be a transformative experience, and a travel journal can serve as a tool for self-reflection . Writing about your experiences can help you process your emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and gain insights into yourself and your place in the world.

7. Boost your personal growth.

Recording your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to new experiences can provide insight into your own personal growth and development. You can track how your perspectives and attitudes have evolved over time and learn more about yourself.

8. Reduce stress.

Studies have shown that even short vacations can improve stress levels , and writing in a travel journal can be therapeutic, allowing you to process your emotions and experiences in a healthy way. Travel journaling can also help you work through challenges and setbacks that may arise during your trip.

9. Create a unique keepsake.

A travel journal is a personalized souvenir that tells the story of your adventures. What you write can become a special item to share with friends and family or pass down to future generations.

10. Encourage deeper gratitude and appreciation.

Writing about your experiences while traveling can foster a deeper sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had, helping you appreciate the journey and the people you’ve met along the way.

What to Write About In A Travel Journal

There are many things you can write about in a travel journal. A travel journal usually involves writing a personal record of your thoughts, feelings, and observations throughout your journey. You can also include details about the food you try, the sights you see, the cultures you encounter, and the emotions you experience.

Here are a few things to write about in a travel journal:

• Daily activities: Write about what you did each day, including any sights you saw, people you met, and activities you participated in.
• Observations: Record your observations of the places you visit, including the landscapes, architecture, and culture.
• Food and drink: Describe the local cuisine and drinks you try, and note any favorites or new discoveries.
• Thoughts and feelings: Reflect on your thoughts and feelings about your experiences, including any challenges, surprises, or moments of joy.
• Cultural insights: Document your learnings about the local culture, customs, and traditions.
• Travel tips: Share any travel tips or advice that may be useful for others planning to visit the same places.
• Accommodations: Write about your accommodations, including any interesting details or experiences you had there.
• Write about the people you meet: Describe the locals, fellow travelers, and any interesting characters you come across. Note any conversations or interactions you have with them.
• Reflect on your growth: Traveling can be a transformative experience, and writing about the ways in which you’ve grown and changed can be a powerful exercise in self-reflection.
• Budget and expenses: Keep track of your expenses and budget, including any unexpected costs or money-saving tips.
• Memorable moments: Jot down any particularly memorable moments from your trip, including those that took you by surprise or left a lasting impression on you.
• Challenges and triumphs: Write about any challenges you faced during your trip, and how you overcame them. Celebrate your triumphs, big and small, and the sense of accomplishment they brought.
• Sights, sounds, and smells: Use all your senses to describe the places you visit. Write about the sights, sounds, smells, and textures that make each destination unique
• Overall impressions: Sum up your overall impressions of each place you visit, including what you liked, what you didn’t like, and what surprised you the most.

13 Tips for Keeping a Travel Journal

Keeping a travel journal can be a great way to document your experiences and memories from your travels. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Find a travel journal that suits your needs.

When choosing a travel journal, consider not only the size and weight but also the durability of the journal. If you plan to carry it with you all the time, it’s best to choose one that can withstand wear and tear. Additionally, think about whether you want a plain notebook or one with prompts and questions to guide your writing. Some journals may have pre-designed sections for you to fill in with information about the places you visit, what you did there, and what you learned.

2. Consider a journal app with travel journal features.

Using a travel journal app like Day One is an excellent way to capture your travel experiences conveniently. You can quickly jot down notes, take pictures, and record your thoughts and feelings, even if you don’t have your physical journal with you. The app’s Map View is especially useful, as it allows you to see where you’ve been and what you’ve done in each location. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally and plan to limit your data usage, Day One will store your entries and uploads locally on your device until you connect to WiFi.

3. Decide on your travel journaling style.

When deciding on your travel journaling style, consider what you want to focus on. Do you want to describe the places you visit in detail, or do you want to focus more on your thoughts and emotions during your travels? Writing daily entries can be a great way to capture everything that happens, but if you prefer to write less frequently, consider making notes of significant events or experiences.

4. Set a journaling goal.

Setting a goal for your travel journal can give you a sense of direction and purpose while writing. Your goal could be as simple as writing in your journal every day during your trip, or more specific, such as recording a unique experience or learning something new about the culture of the places you visit. Create a list of goals before you begin your travels so you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your journal.

5. Slow down.

When traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new sights and experiences. However, taking the time to slow down and observe your surroundings can help you appreciate the small things that you might otherwise miss. Take a moment to sit down and watch the world go by, or go for a leisurely stroll to take in your surroundings.

6. Include as many details as possible.

Include details such as the names of the places you visit, the foods you eat, and the people you meet. The more specific and detailed your writing is, the more vividly you’ll be able to recall your experiences later.

7. Use your senses.

Using your senses is a powerful way to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Try to pay attention to the smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the places you visit. Describe the scent of a local market, the sound of a street musician, or the texture of a historic building’s walls. Using your senses to describe your experiences can help bring your travel journal to life.

8. Ask questions.

Asking questions can be an excellent way to learn more about the places you visit. Locals and tour guides can provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the places you’re exploring. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on things to see and do, or for tips on where to find the best local cuisine.

9. Stay in the present moment.

When you travel, it’s easy to get caught up in planning, taking photos, and checking items off your bucket list. However, it’s important to take the time to slow down and appreciate the present moment. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your senses, noticing the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes around you. Take time to observe the people you meet and the interactions you have with them. Engage with the local culture and try to understand their way of life.

10. Take photos and videos.

Taking photos and videos can be a great way to capture details that you may not be able to describe in words. Use your camera or phone to snap pictures of interesting sights, people, and places. These photos and videos can provide valuable inspiration when you’re writing in your travel journal later.

11. Stay curious.

Staying curious while traveling means keeping an open mind and embracing the unknown. Try new things, explore new places, and take risks. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar, whether that’s trying new foods or engaging in new activities. Keeping a sense of curiosity can inspire your writing and help you capture unique experiences that you may have otherwise missed.

12. Keep your journal safe.

Your travel journal is a precious record of your travels and experiences, whether it’s in a physical or digital format. Consider investing in a sturdy, waterproof journal or storing your journal in a plastic bag or waterproof cover to protect it from moisture. It’s also a good idea to keep your journal in a safe place when you’re not using it, such as a backpack or hotel safe. Consider making a backup copy of your digital travel journal, whether it’s on your phone, tablet, or laptop. For example, the Day One app offers secure cloud-based backups and file exports. Additionally, you can encrypt your digital journal to protect it from unauthorized access. This way, you can ensure that your journal is safe and secure, and you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your memories are protected.

13. Make it fun.

Remember that travel journaling should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Use your journal as a creative outlet to express yourself and capture your unique perspective on the world. Experiment with different writing styles and formats, such as poetry, short stories, or essays. You could also include sketches, paintings, or other visual art to enhance your journal entries. And most importantly, don’t worry too much about making your writing perfect or adhering to a strict structure. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of documenting your travels in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling to you.

20+ Travel Journaling Ideas

A travel journal is a fantastic way to capture memories, thoughts, and experiences from your trips. To get started, here are some creative travel journal ideas to help you get started with travel journaling:

1. Record your itinerary and travel plan.

Record your trip itinerary, including transportation details, accommodations, and planned activities.

2. Organize your packing list.

Create a packing list for your trip and reflect on what items were useful and which ones you could have left behind.

3. Create a bucket list.

Create a bucket list of activities or experiences you want to have during your trip, and check them off as you complete them.

4. Recap each day.

Write about your daily experiences, such as the places you visit, the people you meet, and the local cuisine you try.

5. Use journal prompts.

Using journal prompts can be a helpful way to spark creativity and reflection in your travel journal. Choose a travel journal prompt below that resonates with you and write freely without worrying too much about structure or perfection.

6. Sketch and doodle.

Illustrate your memories with drawings of the landscapes, architecture, and other interesting sights.

7. Capture quotes and phrases.

Jot down memorable quotes from locals or interesting phrases you learn in the local language.

8. Include your favorite travel photos.

Include photographs of your favorite moments, places, and experiences from your trip.

9. Collect ticket stubs and mementos.

Attach ticket stubs, maps, postcards, brochures, or other small mementos to help you remember your trip. If you prefer to go the digital route, scan items or take a photo of these items.

10. Write about your feelings.

Traveling can be an emotional experience, and writing about your feelings can be a cathartic and introspective exercise. Reflect on how the trip is making you feel and what emotions are arising.

12. Go deeper by reflecting.

Write about your personal growth and what you’ve learned during your travels. Reflect on how your travels have impacted you, whether it’s a new perspective on a cultural issue, a realization about yourself, or an enhanced sense of empathy and understanding. Think about the ways in which your travels have shaped your worldview and how you can apply these lessons to your life back home.

13. Express your gratitude.

Express gratitude for the experiences you’ve had and the people you’ve met along the way.

14. Keep a food diary.

Record the local dishes you’ve tried, including their names, ingredients, and your thoughts about them during your trip.

15. Add notes on culture and customs.

Describe the local culture, traditions, and customs that you encountered and found fascinating.

16. Write about your travel challenges.

Write about any challenges you faced during your trip and how you overcame them.

17. Include maps and routes.

Trace your travel route on a map, or draw your own maps to remember the places you’ve visited.

18. Write about the people you meet.

Traveling provides opportunities to meet new people and learn about their lives. Use your journal to document these interactions and what you’ve learned from them.

19. Use poetry and creative writing.

Use your travel experiences as inspiration for poems, short stories, or other creative writing exercises.

20. Keep track of your budget and expenses.

Document your travel expenses to help you plan better for future trips, or to help stay on track with your budget.

20. Include ratings and reviews.

Rate and review accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and other experiences to help you remember the highlights of your trip.

21. Make a travel wishlist.

Write a list of destinations you’d like to visit and why they appeal to you.

22. Plan for a post-trip recap.

After returning home, reflect on your trip as a whole, including your favorite moments, any personal growth, and what you’ll take away from your journey.

23. Print your digital travel journal.

Having a physical copy of your travel journal can provide a tangible reminder of your travels and serve as a cherished keepsake for years to come. By printing your travel journal, you can create a physical record of your adventures that you can hold in your hands and share with others. It can be a meaningful way to preserve your memories and reflect on your journey, long after your travels have ended.

50 Travel Journal Prompts to Try

Still not sure what to write about in your travel journal? Journal prompts are a great way to spark your creativity and dive deeper into your travel experiences.

These travel journal prompts are designed help you capture the essence of your trip, and encourage introspection before, during, and after your adventure. So, whether you’re exploring new cultures, savoring local cuisine, or simply taking in breathtaking landscapes, let journal prompts guide your writing, enrich your narrative, and ultimately, help you create a captivating and memorable travel journal.

Journal Prompts For Before You Leave

Preparing for a trip can be just as exciting as the trip itself. Before you head out, consider using journal prompts to help you focus your thoughts and prepare for the adventures ahead. The following travel journal prompts can help you dig deeper into your travel expectations, identify potential challenges, and set meaningful goals for your journey. By reflecting on these prompts, you can better prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the exciting journey that lies ahead.

• What are my expectations for this trip? What do I hope to gain from it?
• What are the places I want to visit and why are they important to me?
• What am I most looking forward to experiencing on this trip?
• How do I think this trip will change me?
• What are my travel goals, both short-term and long-term?
• Can I describe my travel companions (if any) and why I chose to travel with them?
• How am I preparing for my trip (mentally, physically, logistically)?
• What are my top three fears or concerns about the trip?
• How will I react if the trip takes an unexpected turn?
• What am I most looking forward to about this trip?
• How do I plan to challenge myself during this trip?
• What role do I hope this trip will play in my personal growth and development?
• What specific moments or experiences do I hope to capture in my travel journal or through photography?
• How do I plan to stay open-minded and present during my trip? What steps can I take to cultivate this mindset?

Journal Prompts For While You’re Traveling

While traveling, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and forget to take time to reflect on your experiences. By using travel journal prompts to capture your thoughts and observations during your trip, you can deepen your connection to the places you visit and the people you meet. The following prompts are designed to help you stay present and engaged during your travels, and to encourage you to take a closer look at the world around you. Reflect on these travel journal prompts to create a meaningful record of your journey.

• How did I feel when I arrived at my destination? What were my first impressions?
• What was the most memorable moment of my day?
• What beautiful or interesting sight did I encounter today?
• What new foods did I try and how did they taste?
• How would I describe the atmosphere of a specific location I visited today (e.g. café, beach, market)?
• How have the locals treated me and what are my experiences interacting with them?
• What was a conversation I had with a local or fellow traveler?
• What cultural differences or similarities have I noticed during my trip?
• Can I describe a piece of art, architecture, or natural wonder that left an impression on me?
• What local tradition, festival, or event have I witnessed or participated in?
• How is my trip living up to my expectations so far?
• What were some unexpected challenges I have faced during my trip so far?
• Can I share an act of kindness I’ve experienced or observed during my trip?
• What was a moment when I felt outside my comfort zone and what did I learn from it?
• What’s a funny or embarrassing moment that has happened during my trip?
• What has been my favorite and least favorite aspects of the destination(s) so far?
• How has my perception of the world changed during my trip?
• Who is an inspiring person I’ve met on this trip and what is their story?
• What new skills or knowledge have I gained on this trip?
• If I could give advice to someone visiting the same destination(s), what would it be?

Journal Prompts For After You Arrive Home

Returning home after a journey can be bittersweet. While you may be happy to be back in familiar surroundings, it’s also common to experience a sense of loss or nostalgia for the experiences you had while traveling. These travel journal prompts can help you reflect on your journey after you’re home, so you can continue to process your experiences and keep the memories alive. The following prompts are designed to help you unpack your thoughts and feelings about your trip, to identify the ways in which it has changed you, and to set goals for future travel. By reflecting on these prompts, you can continue to grow and learn from your travel experiences long after the journey has ended.

• What will I remember most about my trip experience?
• What was the biggest highlight of the trip?
• What is a food or drink that I tried during my trip that I still think about?
• What moment from my trip challenged me in a significant way?
• What did I learn about myself during this trip?
• How has my trip influenced my perspective on life and my priorities?
• What souvenirs or momentos did I collect on this trip? What were their significance?
• What was my favorite photo of the trip? What is the story behind it?
• What was my favorite destination on my trip? Why?
• What was the most valuable lesson I learned from this trip?
• How have my travel goals changed after this trip?
• What aspects of the local culture would I like to incorporate into my daily life?
• What places would I I want to visit in the future?
• What was a place or experience that I wish I had more time to explore?
• How has my trip influenced my outlook on the world and my place in it?
• How did my trip impact my sense of identity? Did I discover anything new about myself?

Wrapping Up: Your Travel Journal Awaits Your Next Adventure

Travel journaling is a fun way to preserve your memories, foster personal growth, and enhance your travel experiences. With the travel journal tips, prompts, and ideas we’ve shared in this post, we hope you now feel well-equipped to embark on your own travel journaling journey. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to capture your adventures—the most important aspect is to embrace the process, stay curious, and allow your unique voice to shine through. So, grab your journal, explore the world, and let your creative spirit soar as you document the unforgettable moments, the hidden gems, and the personal discoveries that make each journey truly yours. Happy travels and happy journaling!

About the Author

Kristen Webb Wright is the author of three books on journaling. With a passion for writing and self-reflection, Kristen uses her experience with journaling to help others discover the benefits of documenting their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In her role at Day One, she helps to promote the power of journaling so people from all walks of life can experience the transformative power of journaling.

Day One: The Ultimate App for Adventurers

Discover the simplicity and convenience of Day One, the ultimate travel journal app for every globetrotter. Instantly record your thoughts, take photos, and preserve memories, even when your physical journal isn’t within reach. Download the Day One app today to begin chronicling your journey.

Share this:

Capture life’s moments, anytime, anywhere..

Download the free Day One journal app for free on iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Or access your Day One Journal from any browser.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 13 Best Travel Journals

From leather-bound to Moleskine, here are the best travel journals to keep track of your adventures.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Whether you’re staying close to home or embarking on a bucket-list trip, it’s no secret that travel helps enrich our minds and provides us with a better understanding of the world around us — all while creating lifelong memories. To document your adventures and preserve these precious memories, consider snagging a travel journal. As you shop, keep in mind that the best travel journals come in a slew of different forms — including some with all-blank pages for long-form freewriting and others with a mix of dotted pages and prompts to spark some inspiration. All in all, it’s safe to say that there’s a travel journal out there for everyone. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorites, including a handful with bonus features like illustrations, maps, stickers, detachable packing lists, and storage pockets.

Best Overall

Papier joy travel journal.

The journal is divided into six sections to help travelers stay organized while planning their vacations and documenting their memories.

There’s no place to store a pen.

Divided into six distinct sections, the Papier Joy Travel Journal makes documenting your travels easy and fun. Use the wishlist and trip ideas sections to write down your top bucket list travel locales, while the journey planning and reflection sections provide plenty of space to document your escapades. Pass the time en route to your destination — be it by train, plane, or automobile — by filling out the travel games section of the notebook which includes fun activities like “I Spy,” airport bingo, word searches, and word scrambles. At the very back of the journal, you’ll find an illustrative world map to color in. You can, of course, use the journal to jot down packing must-haves, restaurant recommendations, and anything else to help you stay organized while on the go.  

The Details: 192 pages | 5.5 × 8.5 inches

Best Hardcover

Moleskine voyageur notebook.

This journal features fun and functional bonus features like stickers, detachable packing lists, and to-do lists.

There are limited color options.

Moleskine is renowned for its durable notebooks, and this travel-themed one is no exception. Featuring a clothbound hardcover, elastic closure, and an expandable inner back pocket, this 208-page travel notebook is unique in that it also comes complete with detachable packing lists, to-do lists, and, best of all, a sheet of themed stickers for decorating. The travel-planning section is excellent for — you guessed it — planning out your itinerary, while the budget pages come in especially helpful for jotting down and keeping track of expenses. And, since this is a travel journal, it should come as no surprise that there is also a dedicated section for writing down key memories to look back on. 

The Details: Lined, blank | 208 pages | 4.5 x 7 inches

Best Accessories

Clever fox travel journal.

It comes with fun themed stickers and offers specific sections for budgeting and trip reviews.

It’s made with faux leather, which is considered less durable than genuine leather.

Creative types will especially appreciate this Clever Fox Travel Journal, which comes with over 150 stickers to decorate away. Need some inspo? Check out the included user guide with examples to help you create your own one-of-a-kind travel journal. The calendar page can be used to mark down important trip dates, while the illustrative map page can be used to plan out your route. There are also research and budgeting pages, along with a trip review section where travelers can look back on their favorite activities. Additional highlights include a ribbon bookmark, a back pocket, and a pen loop.

The Details: Blank, lined, dotted | 120 pages | 5.8 x ‎8.4 inches

Best Sustainable

Rocketbook smart reusable notebook.

This innovative journal utilizes QR code technology to scan and safely store your entries in a digital app on your smartphone.

Those who prefer a more traditional journaling experience may not feel so connected to this smart journal.

Travelers looking for a more sustainable approach to journaling (read: one that doesn’t require excessive amounts of paper) should consider snagging the Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook. Simply scan the QR code printed on each page, and your smartphone will automatically snap a photo of your work before subsequently updating it to the corresponding app where your entry will live on forever. You don’t need to worry about accidentally losing the journal, and your memories, along with it!). To “write,” use the included reusable pen, add a drop of water, and wipe with the included microfiber cloth to reveal a blank page ready to fill once more.  

The Details: Dotted | 36 pages | 6 x 8.8 inches

Best Pocket Sized

Letterfolk trip passport journal.

This compact travel journal can be easily stashed away in your backpack or pocket while on the move.

With just 48 pages, this journal is not ideal for longform entries.

As the name suggests, the Letterfolk Trip Passport Journal is about the size of a passport, which means it can easily fit in your carry-on, tote bag, backpack, or everyday purse. Despite its small size, it contains a total of 20 entry logs for travelers to jot down key details of each trip. Each entry page is also accompanied by a blank page that can be used to record thoughts, photos, illustrations, and even keepsakes like ticket stubs and museum tickets. The back pages of the journal offer checklists, flight logs, bucket lists, and other fun activities. 

The Details: Lined, blank | 48 pages | 3.5 x 5.5 inches

Best Prompts

The traveler's playbook.

The specific prompts will help inspire travelers to record small but memorable details of their vacations.

Conversely, the creative, hyper-focused pages and prompts may feel overwhelming to some.

Document each and every one of your adventures with this beautiful journal, which was created by an avid traveler. Inside, you’ll find a slew of illustrations and prompts to help get those creative juices flowing and inspire travelers to record seemingly small but unique details of their journeys that will live on for decades. There’s even a dedicated page for each country, a master tracker to help plan the ultimate itinerary, a travel bucket list, checklists, and pages where travelers can record the names and details of new friends made while globetrotting. Finally, for each country visited, color it in on the world map page. 

The Details: 256 pages | 5.8 x 8.3 inches

Best Leather

Smythson "travel and experiences" cross-grain leather notebook.

This timeless travel notebook features a chic albeit durable cross-grain calf leather construction.

There are no specific prompts or unlined pages.

This portable, pocket-sized travel journal is both functional and fashionable thanks to its cross-grain leather construction, which is known for its excellent ability to withstand wear and tear. As such, you can expect it to stay intact for years on end while serving as your trusty travel companion. Plus, it can even be personalized with your initials for an extra-special touch. Choose from four fun color options: Nile Blue, Orange, Scarlet Red, and Bright Emerald. 

The Details: Lined | 64 pages | 3.5 x 5.5 inches

Mark and Graham Leather Bound World Travel Journal

This leather-bound travel journal includes colored maps of cities around the world.

It’s not refillable, meaning that you’ll need to purchase an entirely new journal when you run out.

World travelers may opt for a travel journal with multiple maps to 1) plan their upcoming trips, 2) map out future itineraries, and 3) know where they’re going when wandering through new-to-them locales. This one from Mark and Graham includes full-color maps of major cities, as well as world weather information and international dialing codes. The leather-bound book is a sleek and functional choice. For extra-luxe flair, consider adding foil-debossed monogramming for just $12.50. 

The Details: 320 pages | 6 x 4.5 inches

Best Customizable

No ordinary emporium personalised travel journal with map pages.

This fully customizable journal makes an excellent gift for friends or family, or a keepsake for yourself!

Since it ships from the United Kingdom, it can take several weeks to arrive.

Whether shopping for yourself or a lucky giftee, this travel journal can be fully personalized based on specific preferences and travels. Shoppers can customize the cover with a title, subtitle, name, date, and message. There’s also the option to select the number of pages, along with the page design. Choose between blank or lined pages, and between colored or gray maps. Lastly, the journal boasts a sleek matte finish and sturdy hardcover construction to ensure it’ll stand the test of time. 

The Details: Blank, lined | 50-150 pages | 5.9 x 8.2 inches

Best Refillable

Robrasim refillable travelers notebook.

Three different paper refills are available.

It’s a small notebook.

This versatile leather travel journal has not one, not two, but three different 64-page refill inserts — lined, blank, and kraft paper — based on personal preference. When one notepad is full, simply remove it and replace it with a new one. The included pouch is also great for storing receipts, ticket stubs, and other small travel mementos. And while this is technically classified as a travel journal, it can also be used for general note-taking, sketching, or daily planning. Take your pick of two colors: coffee and wine.

The Details: Lined, blank | 64 pages | 4 x 5.2 inches

Best with Stickers

Legend travel planner.

It has three sheets of stickers, plus dedicated pages for safety tips and checklists.

It only holds info for a maximum of five trips.

This fun travel journal-slash-itinerary planner has three sheets of themed stickers to decorate. With dedicated pages for emergency contacts, safety tips, pre-trip checklists, and even translation to commonly spoken languages, think of this journal as the ultimate travel companion. Globetrotters also have the opportunity to add photos and mementos while simultaneously jotting down notes, ideas, and expenses. The attached pen loop, three ribbon bookmarks, elastic closure, and pocket for loose notes and documents are all added bonuses. Travelers can take their pick of six fun color and pattern options, as well. 

The Details: Ruled, dotted | 5.8 x 8.3 inches

Best for Kids

Peter pauper kids’ travel journal.

A combination of maps, prompts, illustrations, and games make this the ultimate kid-friendly travel journal.

It's most suited for international travel.

Surprise and delight your child(ren) with this kids’ travel journal ahead of your next family trip. Suitable for those ages seven through 12, this journal is filled with prompts, photos, illustrations, maps, puzzles, and games to keep little ones entertained for hours on end. Kids can use the blank pages to paste photos and mementos, while the lined pages are great for jotting down memorable experiences, reflections, and drawings. The travel journal is also chock full of travel-centric quotes and fascinating world facts. The back pocket is great for stashing keepsakes.

The Details: Blank, lined | 96 pages | 6.2 x 8.2 inches

Journo Travel Journal & Trip Tracker

This is a great option if you plan to transfer your digital travel memories to a glossy photo book.

Digital journaling may not be for everyone.

Travelers looking for a non-traditional journaling option should download Journo, a travel journal app and trip tracker that’s Android and Apple smartphones — along with tablets and Macs. Think of this app as a digital travel scrapbook complete with notes, photos, and — get this — audio clips. Travelers can choose to type or handwrite their entries, and the digital journal can be completely customized with specific text styles and colors. It can also be printed out into a gorgeous coffee table book. 

The Details: Customizable | Unlimited pages

Tips for Buying a Travel Journal

Consider your needs.

Are you going on a road trip? Backcountry hiking? On a month-long ship journey across the ocean? Consider where you’re going and for how long when picking a journal. If you’re going to be in some extreme weather, you might want to pick a journal that has some weather protection. Short on suitcase space? Or maybe you’re only bringing minimal gear? Consider a pocket-sized journal to maximize precious packing room.

Pick the right page format and style

Be sure to look at what types of pages come with your journal, and if it is refillable, what types of page refills are available. If you’re used to writing on lined paper, you’ll want to make sure your journal has that. But if you’re looking for some blank pages so you can sketch or add photos, make sure the journal includes them, too.

There is no right or wrong way to journal. Simply start and just let the words flow onto the pages. Talk about what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, who you're traveling with, the itinerary, what you ate, etc. If you’re not quite sure how to journal, choose a journal with prompts that will help you get started.

A bullet journal is more for to-do lists, scheduling, organizing, and jotting down ideas. Usually, bullet journals include dotted pages instead of lined pages, but you could simply add in your own bullet points to a lined journal if you wish. Bullet journals are great for quick notes while on the go, or for organization in between long journaling sessions.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Lauren Dana Ellman utilized a combination of research and personal expertise as a travel commerce writer to compile a list of the best travel journals on the market. She also combed through dozens — if not hundreds — of product reviews and ratings to narrow down the specific product picks mentioned above.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

#1 Travel Journal App

Capture every detail of your travels in a personal journal, share your unique adventures with family and friends, and turn your memories into beautifully printed books.

Create your travel journal online

Easily add stories to your diary in our online editor or app, which have been designed to look like an actual book. Choose from numerous fonts and styles to design your travel diary according to your own taste.

Change the layouts

After adding a text (or several texts), you can continue formatting the diary by choosing different layouts. Place a layout on the desired page and fill the grey areas with photos, maps or other features.

Add photos and maps

A travel journal is not complete without photos and maps! Click on a grey area and add an image, picture or map. You can place pins on the map to indicate certain locations or specify an entire travel route.

Share your diary

You choose which – if any – of your chapters you’d like to share with friends and family. Once you share them, they are automatically converted into an online travel blog that you can share with the world.

Order a beautiful book just with a single click.

• Hardcover & softcover
• 2 sizes: A4 and A5
• (Luxury) matt & high gloss paper
• From 24 up to 298 pages

What our customers say

Beautiful editor.

A lovely way to share my travel stories with those who stay at home. But I especially like that I can also have my own booklet made!

Easy to use

The application is very accessible to anyone and the illusion that you are writing in a real diary also works well. I love using Travel Diaries.

Just amazing

I used to create photo books, but now that I have discovered Travel Diaries that is a thing of the past. The combination of text and photos is unique.

Get started right away!

What are you waiting for? Capture your adventures in a digital diary that you can share with friends and family. You can switch between any of your devices anytime. Get started in our online web application.

19 Best Travel Journals for Documenting Adventures

By Author Meg Frost

Posted on Last updated: November 18, 2023

Categories Travel Tips

Share the love!

Even after spending all kinds of time planning travel adventures we always seem to forget little things, such as how we’ll remember our adventures for years to come.

A travel journal is a fantastic way to keep track of all your fun trips and share them with friends and family.

Travel journaling doesn’t have to be time consuming or involve tons of writing.

If you like the idea of documenting your journeys in some way, keep reading to learn about the best travel journals for documenting your adventures.

Travel Listography Journal

I always feel super accomplished when I get to cross something off a list, don’t you?

If you’re not traveling, you can turn your journaling time into dreaming up big things for future travels with the Travel Listography journal.

This fun travel journal includes journal prompts that are all in list format. For example, cities in Europe that you want to visit, and another list for cities that you have visited.

Ticket Stub Diary

If you love to hop from one music festival to the next, a ticket stub diary is right up your alley!

Just slide your used concert tickets into an open pocket and you’re done.  Easiest travel journal ever.

While these types of journals were created with concerts and music festival tickets in mind, this concept also works will for tickets of other types, such as sports games, museums, and theater shows.

Moleskine Passion Journal, Travel, Hard Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Elm Green, 400 Pages

If you’re embarking on a long-term trip, get a travel journal that is durable and has plenty of pages. 

You don’t want a travel journal that is so thick that it’s too heavy to lug around with you, but make sure there are enough pages to cover the length of your journey.

Moleskine, which is well-known for its durable notebooks and journals, has a series of journals themed after several cities, as well as a generic travel journal.

You could also consider getting a small bundle of journals, if you can’t find one that is thick enough for the length of your trip.

I LOVE to create photo books using pictures from my travels.

Photo books make great coffee table books and are excellent conversation starters. They also make fantastic gifts for friends and family that you travel with.

Like a traditional DIY scrapbook, you can make your photo book as simple or as flashy as you want.

I prefer to mix things up and create a photo book that is stylized like a scrapbook.  Mixbook  is my favorite site to create photo books like this.

Check out a few more fun options on how to repurpose your travel photos in my post about the  best photo gifts  you can make with travel pics.

One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book

I get it. Sometimes you’re just too dang busy to spend time writing in a journal or making a scrapbook.

A fun way to still keep a journal when you’re strapped for time is the One Line a Day journal.

I have the Q&A version of this journal and enjoy adding memories to it each day. All you have to commit to is writing one sentence each day. Everybody has time for one line a day!

Page a Day Travel Journal

If you have a bit more time to devote to your travel journal, check out the Page-A-Day travel journal. As the name suggests, the goal is to fill out 1 page per day of your travels.

You'll get a bit more than 1 line a day, but not feel overwhelmed with needing to fill out too much.

You Are Here Journal

Keeping a mindfulness journal during your travels is a great way to focus on the present and experience your journey without distractions, such as judgement.

You Are Here is a great mashup of travel journaling, memory keeping, and mindfulness journaling.

It’s also a great way to train yourself on fully experiencing the cultures of where you travel and practicing mindful travel.

Travel scrapbook

If the thought of writing in a journal each day seems boring to you, but you still love the idea of recording your travel memories, consider putting together a travel scrapbook .

The best part about creating a travel scrapbook is that you can make it as simple or as artsy as you want.

You can create a basic photo album with pictures neatly arranged or you can go all out with fun flair like patterned paper, washi tape, stickers, travel quotes, boarding passes, ticket stubs, brochures – pretty much whatever you want!

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Hard Cover Notebook, 4 5/8" x 7 1/4", Yellow Cover, Universal Pattern (No. 370F)

While you might not care to journal about your day, perhaps you’ll want to take notes while out on a hike, birdwatching, backcountry camping, and so on. Believe it or not, weatherproof notebooks are a thing!

Rite in the Rain makes notebooks that are portable and weatherproof. The pages won’t deteriorate if they get wet, and neither will the cover. The spiral binding is also pretty durable and won’t bend when smooshed in a backpack or pocket.

To further weatherproof your field notes, use a #2 pencil or Rite in the Rain pen, as the typical ball point pen will bleed if it gets wet.

Voyager Refillable Journal

I love the versatility of the voyager refillable notebook from Peter Pauper Press.

It comes with a faux leather cover available in a variety of colors and 3 notebook inserts: lined, dots, and grids.

The insert can easily be removed when filled up or swapped for an insert with different types of pages (ex: lined vs. grid).

I like the idea of changing out the page types for different types of journaling or when inspired to write vs. draw (or have space for both).

A plastic pouch attached inside is also included, which is great for stickers, pens, stencils, and business cards.

Letterfolk Trip Passport Journal

If you're trapped for space, the Letterfolk passport journals are exactly what you need.

These teeny tiny notebooks come in a variety of themes, such as Trip (general travel), Museum, Wine, and more.

Start a travel blog

If you’d rather share your travels with others, especially as they happen, start a travel blog!

Even if you aren’t looking to start a blog as a business, it can still be a fun way to share your memories with family and friends.

A travel blog can also be done at no cost if you use a free blogging platform, such as WordPress.com.

If the idea of a blog seems overwhelming, you could start a Facebook page or Instagram account instead.

If the purpose of your online travel journal is to stay connected with family and friends, this might be a better route than a blog, assuming your family and friends already spend time on these social networks.

DUNCAN & STONE Travel Journal with Prompts

This beautiful travel journal from Duncan & Stone has a little bit of everything - prompts, lists, and open ended space. It's perfect for those who want a little bit of everything.

Honeymoon Travel Journal

A honeymoon is the perfect kind of trip you want to memorialize in a journal.

This Honeymoon travel journal from Pillow Toast includes prompts, lists, and even space for ticket stubs, photos, etc.

I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded

I Was Here is part travel planner and part travel journal. There's space for tips and planning, as well as space for recording your thoughts as you travel. Best of all, it's slim so it won't take up lots of space in your bag.

Keep a sketchbook

If you’ve been blessed with artistic drawing skills ( super jealous, BTW ), grab yourself an unlined sketch pad before you head out on your next journey.

Instead of writing about your travels at the end of each day, draw something! 

Alternatively, you could carve out time into your schedule to sketch a scene live. For example, set yourself up in a park and sketch a beautiful garden, or hike up a mountain to sketch the sun rising above a valley.

I totally wish I had the talent to draw well! A  travel sketchbook  makes such a fun keepsake from a trip. Plus, you get to practice your skills.

Everywhere You Go Guided Journal

This guided journal includes prompts for specific dates, as well as lists to fill out as you travel.

Lonely Planet Kids My Travel Journal 1

Keep your kids occupied on a road trip or help them unwind at the end of a long travel day with their own travel journal.

I’m a big fan of Lonely Planet guides and travel books. They even have a guided travel journal just for kids!

Add extra magic to your vacation with behind-the-scenes tours, dessert parties and more!

Promptly Journals' Travel Journal for Kids

Another great travel journal from kids comes from Promptly Journals. It includes prompts, pre-travel lists, and even space for travel games like tic tac toe.

Travel journal app

If you’re not into starting a blog or publicly journaling about your travels on social media and don’t want to lug around a printed journal, use a journal app instead.

There are a ton of travel journal apps available for both iPhone and Android devices. For more information on the best apps out there, check out my post about my favorite  travel journal apps .

Which travel journals are you looking to buy?

I hope you’ve found your new favorite travel journal. Let me know which one you bought in the comments below!

If you’re not traveling yet but want to work on gratitude or manifestation journaling, check out my post about the best journals for manifestation .

About the author

Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.

Read more →

This post was originally published on January 28, 2018. It was last updated on October 27, 2023.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

13 Custom Photo Gifts for Any Special Occasion in 2023

Saturday 11th of March 2023

[…] 15 Best Travel Journals for Documenting Trip […]

Tuesday 21st of August 2018

loved your article and read it with a vested interest as I have been crafting handmade leather travel journals for some time. take a look at www.bespokebindery.etsy.com Perhaps they will interest yoh

Matador Original Series

10 travel apps matador's editors actually use.

T here’s no shortage of travel apps out there. Some are hyper-specific to certain tasks, others are common. It can be hard to imagine even short trips without apps that have become standard tools, like Google or Apple Maps and Google Translate. A new crop of AI-enabled tools, like Matador Network’s GuideGeek , are poised to once again change the travel landscape.

Out of the many travel apps out there, a handful stand out as the ones the well-traveled Matador team turn to again and again. These are the travel apps our editors put their trust in on the road, in the air, and on adventures close to home.

Screenshots: onX

onX is disrupting the GPS mapping app market with a product that is better looking, has better technology, and is much more user-first than anything else out there. Beyond its basic routing and tracking abilities, onX has drastically upped backcountry safety and strategy for trip planning through new layers in its apps (one each for backcountry hiking and skiing, off-roading, and hunting). This summer, the app debuted Wildfire layers, which shows the location of current fires in the area and provides basic info about them. In winter, onX has an equally useful avalanche predictability layer that shows potential trigger points based not just on current conditions but on factors like slope angle and aspect, elevation, and terrain traps. The layer goes so far as to show how big and far-reaching an avalanche in a given location is likely to be, and provides info on routing around likely trigger points. It has tools specific to hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, overlanders, and skiers – all available with a simple $34.99 Premium annual subscription or $99.99 Elite annual subscription. No app, service, or educational tool provides more up-to-the-moment safety info for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. — Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

Screenshots: Flighty

Being based in Denver in a United Airlines hub, I deeply appreciate the award-winning United App that provides all the information I need in a timely and reliable manner. But I can’t always fly United with a job that requires frequent travel. I tested out Flightly on a few recent trips, and it brings the same functionality of United’s app to every other airline. Plane updates, gate changes, time estimates, and more are pushed straight to my phone with Flighty. It predicts delays and sends them immediately. I particularly appreciate the taxi, takeoff, and landing time information as someone who sees the time in the air and somehow always discounts how long those on-the-ground tasks take. It’s a boon for people who obsessively track the plane for their flight so they know exactly what to expect, and unlike your standard delay notification, Flighty also can usually list why the delay is occurring so you can plan accordingly. It’s more trustworthy than the repeated gate announcements that boarding will be delayed another 15 minutes every half hour. Best of all? It’s universal, covering all worldwide airlines every day of the year. — Nickolaus Hines, Managing Editor

Omio and Busbud

Screenshots: Omio and Busbud

I’m a big advocate for bus travel. As excited as some people get about hopping trains in foreign places, especially for longer or intercountry trips, I’ll almost always see if I can get where I want to go by bus first (for a number of reasons I’ve written about before ). Omio has always been my go-to for finding and booking bus tickets in Europe (although the platform also covers the US and Canada, as well as trains, ferries, and flights). It’s a particularly great option when you want to compare different modes of travel on longer routes. Say you want to get from Barcelona to Paris — you can easily see whether it’s more time and cost effective to book a budget airline, hop on a train, or take a bus. Busbud focuses primarily on intercity bus and train travel but has a broader global reach, with bus and train options in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Both platforms are reliable, comprehensive, and straightforward to use. — Alex Bresler, Editor

Screenshots: Xe

Theoretically speaking, it’s not too tall a task to memorize the conversion rate for whatever currency is used where you’re traveling and then do some simple equations to figure out the cost of things abroad. Practically speaking, I’m terrible at math and it takes me far too long to accurately come to the correct number — especially when bargaining for something or making a quick purchasing decision. Xe does all the hard work for me. The app quickly makes real-time currency conversions for whatever number you put in for currencies around the world. I always have it up on my phone for quick access when I’m traveling, so I always know what I’m paying for something. It’s also helpful when budgeting out what the costs for a trip will be outside of the pre-booked things like accommodations. The only downside is that it requires an internet connection, though the right phone plan fixes that. — Nickolaus Hines, Managing Editor

Screenshots: Airalo

I’ve used Airalo, an eSIM marketplace, as a digital alternative to physical SIM cards since before my latest iPhone deleted the SIM card tray altogether. It’s simple: You just use the Airalo app or website on your smartphone to select the eSIM that makes the most sense for the country or region you’re visiting, pick the amount of data you expect to use given the duration of your trip, and follow the installation and activation guide. As something of a tech luddite, I appreciate the step-by-step, user-friendly instructions, complete with graphics to make the eSIM setup a breeze. I’ve used Airalo across Europe (both for shorter trips to specific countries and longer multi-country trips) and parts of Asia, always with affordable, fast, and reliable service. Best of all, you can top up your plan as you go and even get credits (Airmoney) when you refer friends (many of mine are now dedicated Airalo users, too). — Alex Bresler, Editor

Screenshots: Flush

The answer to nature’s call used to be easy in any city I went to: Go to a bar, because anywhere that serves alcohol probably also has a toilet. It was trickier when traveling with people who weren’t as open to throwing one back for the sake of a bathroom, and then trickier still when I had a kid who couldn’t enter said bars. Few, if any, travelers want to actively think about bathroom stops, but they’re a necessary consideration for any trip — particularly when the trip involves spending long days out and about. Flush simplifies it all by showing every public restroom near you. It has helped me with family trips in France and Italy, urgent pit stop requests in hometowns, and late-night adventures. The bathroom locations listed vary, but are all public. Sometimes the nearest option is a Starbucks or a gas station, other times its a park. There are even semi-permanent porta potties on there. And it’s all connected to maps so it’s easy to find the closest walking directions directly to the John. — Nickolaus Hines, Managing Editor

Screenshots: Wise

Wise looks like a bank, but is a “Money Services Business.” I have used it for more than three years for global money transfers, among other things. One can hold balances in 40-plus currencies and send transfers to bank accounts in a large number of countries with much smaller fees than traditional banks. In my case, it allowed me to receive payments from the US while I was living as a digital nomad in different countries, as well as to transfer money to friends and pay for goods and services in places such as Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and Spain. In the case of friends and family who were also using Wise, or if I was transferring from a balance to a bank account in the same currency, usually I paid minimal fees or no fees at all for the transfer. For example, if you send 1,000 euros from your own balance in euros to an account in euros, you only pay 0.95 cents as a fee (try the fee calculator ). The exchange rate is excellent (much better than the exchange rate I get from traditional banks) and one can also get a Wise debit card to use around the world. — Deb GC, SEO Editor

Screenshots: TripIt

I’ve used TripIt to build travel itineraries since 2015. Each time I book a hotel, restaurant reservation, flight, or anything else, I forward the confirmation email to the app’s automated email service and it adds it to my itinerary without any effort from me. Entire trips come together with an easy-to-follow timeline and I love having all confirmation numbers, addresses, and contact points for a trip nicely organized in one place. The app also tracks travel stats, and it’s cool to see how many cities or countries I’ve visited over time and how many miles I’ve traveled. There’s a free version as well as a paid version that adds benefits like airport maps, notifications of flight changes, and other helpful perks. — Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor

Screenshots: PlantID

More like this

Trending now, everything you need from rei's labor day sale, eagle creek's gear warrior carry-on is the definition of effortless travel, this brand leads the 'pac' in sustainable travel clothes, arc’teryx summer hiking gear will actually get you through all four seasons, this small and stylish wallet keeps my dual-country lifestyle organized, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy .

Matador's Newsletter

Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more!

You've been signed up!

Follow us on social media.