Keeping Memories While We Travel | 1 of 3

Every summer seems like a promise for a new adventure. Whether you travel to another country or to the next county over through car, plane, or book, these moments deserve safe keeping.

When I look back at all the different places I’ve visited, the memories fill my heart with awe. Chasing adventure can lead to the most beautiful experiences in our lives. Unfortunately, most of my quests did not reach the permanence of the page.

One of the trips that are left to my imagination was my trip to Seoul, Korea, in 2013. Like most trips, I remember enjoying myself while devouring the street food, figuring out the subway system, and shopping at every cosmetics store available (their products do wonders for Asian skin!).

But if you ask me the names of the food, the stops we visited, and the directions to the areas we shopped, I couldn’t tell you what they were even if I took pictures along the way. When I start to retell what happened, the holes in the details turn the experience to bland images, holding a little less magic than they ought to.

Dwelling in Possibility

So in March 2015, I decided to document a company trip I took to South Korea (round 2!). Not only did I return home with stories and shopping bags, but I also had the details in full grasp.

If you travel internationally on a plane, domestically in a car, or locally by foot, traveling in itself is an adventure. If it is an escapade that’s important to you, document it!

Here are three good reasons:

1. Remembrance. Ten years from now (or even two), you’ll want to reminisce that destination wedding with the seven-course sit down dinner you attended and what the seven courses were! Or you’ll want to experience the kaleidoscope of emotions you felt when you first read Ella Enchanted five years ago. You’ll want to get the story straight with the details tucked in their proper corners.
2. Reference. Did you take an Uber through Edsa Blvd. or on Makati Hwy.? Where did we find Red Crab Restaurant again? What part highlighted Edmund’s character arc?  You’ll be better prepared when you return for another round and won’t be starting from square one ‘cause you’ve got it all figured it out.
3. Reassurance for Others. Perhaps your friends are traveling to the same area or are asking for suggestions for their next trip. Voila! Work your magic while you suggest (in detail) the best places to eat, party, and play. And you could even add the places to avoid, as well.Or maybe your friends found the bottom of their TBR pile (major props to those who do!) and need a suggestion for their next read. You’ve got their back with the best read for the genre, pacing, and author in  mind.Pass that information like a pro while sharing the memories you gained. And, as a bonus, you can turn the information you gathered into travel blog material or an idea for your next query letter for a magazine feature (you’re welcome ;D).

Using a vehicle or scavenging a book, keep record of your journey through a travel journal. Whether the information is for your eyes only or to help your fellow readers, write it down. Secure the details. Travel on.

This is the first article of a three part Travel Journal series. Read the others:

• Which setup should I use for my Travel Journal? | 2 of 3
• What should I write in my Travel Journal? | 3 of 3

Want more encouragement throughout your creative journey? Sign up for the newsletter by clicking here or on the image below to receive inspiration, blog updates, special offers, and a bonus workbook.