One of the best parts of travel is creating amazing memories to look over fondly for years to come. Documenting your adventures is a fantastic way to reflect in the moments themselves, create meaningful keepsakes, and inspire even more adventure. Read on to learn about a few ways that you can get creative with your vacation diaries.
1. Film Photography
Snapping pictures is a tried-and-true way to document travel. Now I know, travel photography is hardly reinventing the wheel, but it’s a classic for a reason. You can capture beautiful landscapes, Insta-worthy meals, and smiley moments, all with just a click of a button. However, sometimes this convenience can have us focused on getting the most picturesque angle, taking us away from the present. This is what makes film cameras so special! With limited photos, you’ll focus less on getting the perfect shot and more on what’s right in front of you. Don’t know how to develop film? No problem! You can bring your film rolls and even entire disposable film cameras to drug stores or independent photo studios to get your film developed by a professional.
2. Junk Journaling
Junk journaling is just as it sounds: creating a physical, scrapbook-style journal using the “junk” you collect throughout your life. When you think of the word junk, you might be thinking of garbage that you’d just throw away, or the random things you find in your junk drawer at home. However, in the world of junk journaling, junk is repurposed into scraps that spark memories and joy in a completely customizable way. Some common “junk” items you might find on your travels include plane tickets, napkin corners with your new favourite bakery’s logo, and torn-off pieces of your souvenir shopping bags. The things you could stick into one of these eclectic books are truly endless!
3. One-Second-Per-Day Vlog
Going on a long trip? Well, this one’s for you! Sometimes creating full-on vlogs can be onerous and time-consuming. This is where one-second-per-day vlogs come in. It’s as simple as it sounds: take a one second clip every day of your trip and then stitch them into one video! At the end of your trip, you’ll have a fun, fast-paced vlog to watch, reminisce over, and share with your friends and family. Stitching together these short clips has never been easier. Download 1SE, upload your favourite seconds there, and the app takes care of the rest. Bonus points if you edit a cool song in the background.
4. Diary Playlist
Creating a playlist before your trip to set the tone is always fun and exciting. So, why not create a playlist while on your trip, as well? To put together a diary playlist, the idea is to throw on songs that you hear throughout your adventures, or tunes that come to mind along on the way. Hear a performer playing a samba cover on the streets of Brazil? Put it on the playlist. Can’t get that one track out of your head while solo hiking in Alberta? That goes on the playlist too! By the end, you’ll have a full set list that reminds you of all the far and wide places you’ve been. This is perfect to play while on your next road trip or are looking for some vacation planning inspiration.
5. Signed Memento
Before embarking on your trip, pack a blank item, like a plain tote bag or bandanna, and a permanent marker. The rest is simple: Have the new people you meet along your adventures sign that item like a yearbook. When you return home, you’ll then have a one-of-a-kind piece that connects you to those new friends forever.
6. Polarsteps App
Polarsteps is a travel tracker app commonly used by backpackers to document their adventures. There, you can journal your photos, videos, and written entries into an interactive map of where you’ve been. It’s a great way to connect with other travellers and show your friends and family what you’ve been up to. They can even like and comment on your entries and see the amazing places you’ve visited.
Ultimately, there are endless ways to document your trips, so it all comes down to finding what’s best for you. I hope this blog has inspired you to get creative on your next adventure. You won’t regret it!
Bon voyage,
Jacqueline
