avatarTiani Travels

Summary

The author regrets not keeping a travel journal during eight months of full-time travel, emphasizing the importance of capturing all the nuanced details and personal growth that photos alone cannot preserve.

Abstract

After traveling for eight months, the author reflects on the regret of not maintaining a travel journal to document the intricate details of their experiences. They highlight that while photos are a common way to capture memories, they fall short in immortalizing the full spectrum of travel, such as the taste of lavender chocolate in Croatia, the breathtaking beauty of a Montenegro bus ride, or the discomfort of a bad Airbnb experience in Spain. The author points out that a travel journal serves multiple purposes: it aids in processing emotions and thoughts, records personal growth, and preserves the essence of the journey, including cultural insights and the highs and lows of travel. Looking forward, the author is determined to keep a thorough travel journal to ensure that none of the vivid experiences, from lifelong friendships to challenging hikes and delayed flights, are forgotten.

Opinions

  • Keeping a travel journal is invaluable for capturing the full range of travel experiences, beyond what photos can convey.
  • A travel journal is a personal tool for reflection, allowing one to process and revisit feelings and thoughts throughout the journey.
  • Documenting travel experiences helps one to appreciate their growth and the lessons learned from different cultures, cuisines, and interactions.
  • The author values the ability to reminisce about past adventures in detail and sees travel journaling as a way to preserve memories for the future.
  • The author believes that journaling is a more intimate way to remember the good, the bad, and the ugly of travel, which can be lost in the simplicity

My One Regret After Eight Months of Full-Time Travel

Any guesses?

Tiani next to the Hajduk Split Football Team Emblem in Croatia — Photo by Author Tiani Travels

I didn’t keep a travel journal…

You might be thinking: what’s the big deal? You don’t need a travel journal, you can take pictures to immortalize those memories.

The trouble is, I want to be able to look back on all of the tiny details if I please and keeping a travel journal will allow me to do that.

In the future, I might want to remember exactly how that lavender chocolate tasted in Croatia, how insanely beautiful that bus ride was in Montenegro, or just how awful my first Airbnb experience was in Spain.

Writing a travel journal is like writing a blog. Likely less polished with dog-eared corners, mind you. It allows you to process your thoughts as you go, reflect on your experiences and make changes where they’re needed.

Why Should You Keep a Travel Journal?

  • It helps you to process your experiences and feelings on your journey
  • You can read back and see how you were feeling at different points in time
  • See how much you’ve grown through your travel experiences
  • Keep a note of all of the things you learn about different countries, cultures, cuisines and people
  • You can keep a paper journal or a digital one, whatever suits you
  • Years pass and you’ll likely forget the details of your trips
  • It’s nice to reminisce on your past adventures
  • Sometimes photos just aren’t enough

I have visions of being that crazy, free-spirited Granny, who rummages around in her vintage wooden chest, pulling out old travel diaries and reading snippets of my adventures to my grandchildren while they sit on my knee.

I will definitely be keeping a thorough travel journal from now on. I can’t afford to forget all of the good, the bad and the ugly from my travels.

  • Lifelong friendships
  • Stunning scenery
  • Delicious food
  • Interesting culture
  • Steep hikes
  • Delayed flights

I want to remember it all!!

Do you keep a travel journal? Let me know in the comments!

If you enjoyed this article, you might like:

Follow my Instagram @tiani_travels to see my travel adventures!

Thanks for reading!

T

Travel Tips
Travel Writing
Croatia
Regret
Writing
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarUnsquashablegirl®️
What Solo Traveling Women Taught Me About Empowerment

A journey of a lifetime to Antarctica

6 min read
avatarCory Vinny
How I’m Refitting an Old Sailboat For New Adventures At Sea

Our DIY journey to make Chérie into a true dream maker

6 min read
avatarSharon Back
My Review: The Good Life Abroad — Part 2

The sun had set on our first day in Florence, Italy, marking the beginning of our month of living abroad with The Good Life Abroad, a new…

15 min read
avatarJo Muller
Visiting Machu Picchu: Plan Ahead!

What to know before exploring this Wonder of the World

4 min read
avatarletters from rosie
dear september, please be good

2 min read
avatarAvinash B
I Let Sounds Plan My Day in Osaka

My ears guided me through a sensory overload to an unforgettable local experience

7 min read