You’ve done your research, decided which travel journal is right for you. It’s in your hands, and now you’re ready to prepare it for your next adventure. You open it up, and there it is, the first, blank, page. Don’t be intimidated! The blank page means the start of your adventure. Remember, 30% of the enjoyment of a trip comes from the anticipation, so consider this the start of your trip! Here is what to include on the first (couple) pages of your traveler’s notebook.
The Facts
The first and easiest step to fill that blank space is to write the facts about the trip. It gives the notebook a purpose and starts the journey from the minute you write them in your journal.
Contact Info
Your contact information in case it gets lost. You can do this right on the blank page, or write it on another piece of decorative paper and glue it in. There are a million ways to do this, all up to your creative impulse, just make sure this is in there. Since the idea of a travel journal is that it’s on the move, there’s a good chance it could get lost and you want to make it as easy as possible for it to be returned to you. Here’s what to include:
If found, please return to:
Name
Phone Number
Location and Dates
Where are you going and when are you going there? These are the two facts that are launching your trip. You’ve chosen the place and the time and now this journal is going to capture that specific time and adventure in your life. It’s exciting and it needs to be captured on the first page. Here’s what to include:
Place (or Places)
Dates
Info About Travel Location
Whatever information you’ve found about your travel location that you think would be important to have easy access to, include it here. You will thank yourself when you don’t have to riffle around in your luggage for the name and address of the hotel or the taxi company.
Checklist of What needs to be Done Before You Leave
One of the least fun parts of traveling is doing all of the tasks and errands beforehand. Getting a visa, packing, filling up the car with gas. These aren’t always fun, but they’re necessary for the trip. I like to make a list of these tasks on one of the first pages to act as motivation to get the, done. If I see them in my traveler’s notebook as tasks that will get me to the trip, I enjoy doing them. And crossing off those tasks shows me the trip is closer and my anticipation and excitement grows.
Let’s Get Creative
Now that you have the facts down on your first page, it’s time to get creative and get some visuals on your page. This sets the tone for your journal and creates visual excitement about the trip. Years after your trip you will turn to the first page, see the facts and visuals and be able to instantly share the trip with others.
Maps
A map is my favorite way to start a journal. When I flip to the first page, I always like to see the place. It marks two things, one: that this is a travel journal which is different than any other kind of journal or diary. The traveling part will easily be signified and connected in your mind with a map. And two: it’s a travel journal about this specific place. Maps say all of that with just a glance and makes a great addition to your first page.
Go onto your computer and find a map off the place you’re going. Make sure it’s descriptive and pleasing to your eye. Print it out, cut it to fit your journal and then paste it on your first page.
Another way you could include a map on your first page is to draw one yourself. This is always a good option if you’re traveling to multiple places and you want to capture all destinations on the first page. This can be as detailed or simple as you’d like. One of my favorite ways to draw this type is treasure map style. You just start with your first location, mark an ‘X’ then draw some dotted lines to your next location and draw another ‘X’ till you’ve captured all your destinations. It’s simple, descriptive and I like the way it looks.
Photos
Photos tell us so much with just a glance. Sometimes I choose a my next travel destination by a picture of something I’m dying to see in that location. If that’s true for you, include a picture of whatever is inspiring you to take the trip.
Another photo I like to include is one of all the people that are going on the trip. Since they’re going to be such a big part of the trip, I like to include them at the beginning of the journal. So I’m always reminded of my travel companions. If I’m taking a solo trip, I’ll include a selfie of myself with my luggage or holding the map. When I solo travel, it’s about me and the trip, so I like to capture that at the beginning.
Trip Inspiration
Why did you decide to take this trip? Did you read about it in a book? Did a friend go and come back with all kinds of wild stories that you had to experience yourself? Whatever it is, every trip has a genesis story of what you were curious about. Travel is for the curious explorer and your travel journal is the record of your curiosity so make sure and include something that reminds you of that curiosity on the first page. For me, it’s sometimes a quote or a photo of the place I really want to see. Whatever it is, include it here to always remind yourself of your curiosity.
Purpose/Hopes/Intentions for the Trip
Before you leave is a great time to rally think about your hopes for the trip. What do you hope this trip will bring? What do you want to see/do/experience? Are you taking a trip with a loved one and want to connect more deeply with them? Do you want to see an ancient ruin that you’ve been waiting your whole life to see? Write these things down. Print a picture of the ruin and paste it in the first couple pages. This will act as a constant reminder throughout the trip. It will also add to the excitement and anticipation.
The first page is just the beginning! Try to capture the facts and your intentions for the trip with creativity and style. And have fun with it! When you’re on the road and for a long time after, you’ll be glad you did.