I'd long thought about starting a travel journal before I'd actually gotten around to creating one. I've always loved to travel and as someone who appreciates some quality family time, I especially love holidays and adventures with the people I love most in all the world. When I travel, I become a collector of all sorts of bits and bobs but storing them away in a tin, without any way to document the memories they held almost seemed a waste, not to mention that I began to find it difficult to recall where I'd picked some of them up.

So it became clear that because I wanted a better way to capture the happy memories I'd made on my travels and also because I wanted a special way to share them with my children and tell stories of 'Nanna's Adventures' to my grandchildren, it was time to create a travel journal. But it became even more than just that. It became a way to express my creativity because I filled it with hand-painted illustrations and sketches of my favourite views and landscapes. It also became a way to start a to-do list, making note of all the things I'd missed out on, or wanted to do again when I returned. Lastly, it became a wonderfully relaxing and hygge activity for me to enjoy when I got some much-needed me-time.

So what would my tips be for starting a travel journal?

You don't have to be a world traveller

As well as trips abroad, I always like to include weekends away and even days out. There are some many wonderful places to visit and adventures to be had, even a short distance away from home. Don't wait for a big trip abroad to get started, all you need is a destination and you're good to go!

The story begins with planning

You don't have to wait until you're already there to begin your journal entries. Make a note of what you imagine it will be like so that you can compare it to reality once you arrive. You can use your journal to help you make plans, list the kinds of things you want to do or see while you're there and capture how you're feeling as you get closer to your trip.

Write during your trip if you can

Memories are best captured while they're still fresh in your mind so if you can spare a few moments to make note of the little things or even some short journal entries, then do so. The small details are always the hardest to remember when time goes by so whether its the name of the charming barman who gave you all wonderful service or the name of the street where you found the perfect breakfast spot, it's worth writing it down.

Pictures complete the story

They say pictures are worth a thousand words so fill your entries with them! If you're not going to do your own illustrations then photos make a wonderful addition, as well as sticking in card and paper mementoes like tickets, postcards or receipts. Be sure to take along some washi tape (I just love these ones!) or a pocket-sized glued stick.

Write more when you get home

Because you started writing about your trip, it makes good sense to end it with one more entry after you have returned.

What was it like? What did you learn? What surprised you? What disappointed you?

Reflection is important. It will help you to understand all the good and bad things about your experience so that you can apply that to any future adventures you enjoy. Not only will you learn more about yourself, but you will also learn more about those who travelled with you. When you see the bigger picture, it may surprise you.

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