The following journal prompts can add interest to your travel journal.  Here are a few to use “after” your visit.

1. Describe the highlights of your trip?
2. What was your favorite tour or activity?
3. What was your favorite meal?
4. Describe your favorite day or evening on this trip.
5. Recall something funny that happened on the trip.
6. Were there any challenges or outright disasters?
7. What was the worst thing that happened on your trip?
8. How did this adventure help you grow?
9. Has your perception of the destination changed because of this trip?
10. Has this trip inspired you to make changes in your life at home?
11. What is something new you learned from this trip?
12. Is there anything about this trip that didn’t meet your expectations?
13. Is there anything you would do differently next time you visit? (For example, experiences you missed or mode of travel?)
14. Overall, would you visit this location again?
15. What is one thing you wish you would’ve done?
16. Did this trip challenge your limits physically or put you out of your comfort zone? Will you make changes on your next vacation?
17. How did you feel when you arrived home?
18. What do you wish you had packed and what could have been left at home?
19. What is one piece of advice you would give someone else going on this trip?
20. Where do you want to go next and why?

Use the writing prompts below to add a little interest to your travel journal entries.  These prompts offer a reflection of your travel while you are “at” your destination.

1. What was your first impression of your destination?  What did you see, hear and smell when you first arrived.
2. Describe your accommodations;  your hotel lobby/room, Airbnb residence, cruise cabin etc.
3. What has been a total surprise about this destination?
4. What did you experience today that you enjoyed?  Even the small things…
5. What emotions have you felt during this trip?
6. Did anything make you smile, laugh or cry?  Did anything make you angry?
7.  What was the worst thing that happened today?
8.  Did you try anything new?
9. Describe how people dress for work and play.
10. What are the cultural differences between your culture and theirs?
11. How do the people here spend their time on the weekends?
12. How did an experience, person or place make you feel today?
13. Have you met any locals?  Describe them.
14. Describe an everyday activity you observed.  Have any of your perceptions or opinions changed?
15. What traditions would you like to adopt?
16.  What new foods did you try?
17. What meal could you eat again and again?
18. Have you tried a local beer or wine yet?  Describe it.
19. Are there any current events at your destination that are affectng you?
20. Did you learn any new words or phrases today?  How did you learn them?
21. Sketch a moment you want to remember and/or a landmark.
22. What will you miss when you return home?

Use the following to prompt your writing activity “en-route” to your next destination or adventure.

1. What made you choose this destination or experience?
2. What part of this trip have you enjoyed planning for the most?  What has been difficult?
3. List some facts about your destination.
4. What are your expectations of your destination or experience?
5. What do you hope to learn on this adventure?
6. Is there anything about the trip that worries you or makes you anxious?
7. How will you prioritize your health while you are traveling?
8. Make a list of things you can do for self-care while on the trip.
9. What essential item(s) did you pack that you will never travel without?

 

Need a little writing inspiration?  Use the following prompts to get your creativity flowing.  The following are all about the activity “before” you travel:

1. Detail your itinerary.  Why did you choose this itinerary?
2. What have you researched about this destination already?
3. What is on your bucket list at this destination?
4. What is your purpose for traveling to this destination?  What are your expectations at this location?
5. What advice have you read or been given about your destination?
6. What are you most excited about? Why?
7. Who are you traveling with?  Is this a solo trip or are you traveling with friends or family?
8. Are you celebrating a milestone moment such as an anniversary, birthday or retirement?
9. How will you get to your destination?  Describe your transportation and flight details.
10. Are there local delicacies or new foods you can’t wait to try?
11. What cultural customs did you research?
12. Are there phrases or words in a new language?  Write them in your journal.
13. Are you hoping to relax or do you have plans for big adventures while on this trip?
14. What souvenir do you want to bring home? For whom?
15. Give yourself a piece of advice before you leave on your trip.
16. Share your to do lists or packing list.
17. What movies or music did you download?
18. Is there an inspirational quote? Either something you hear and want to remember or something which is a favorite? What feelings does it invoke?