on October 27, 2025
Photos are fleeting; journals are forever. Giving children a travel journal is like giving them a time machine. Kids can record what they saw, felt and learned, from the weather to the weird fish at the market. It’s not just cute – it’s excellent writing practice and reinforces literacy.
Not all journals are created equal. Some have repetitive prompts like “What did you eat?” These are great for short trips but can feel monotonous on longer adventures. Others offer varied prompts that encourage kids to observe unusual details – Lonely Planet’s kids’ journals, for example, are quirky and fun but lack chronological flow. Plain notebooks, though, give children free rein to doodle, tape ticket stubs and write whatever they want. Encourage your kids to sketch that street performer or write a funny conversation they overheard.
Look for sturdy, eco‑friendly notebooks with hard covers and carbon‑neutral paper. Durable materials survive backpacks and sticky fingers while teaching sustainability.
To make journaling a habit:
- Set aside ten minutes at the end of each day to recap highlights.
- Encourage creativity – glue in a leaf, draw a map or add a pressed flower.
- Join them! Write your own thoughts beside theirs; you’ll create a family memoir.
A travel journal teaches kids that travel isn’t just about selfies – it’s about reflection and storytelling.
