Valerie

I have noticed that many people on this forum are superb writers and their web pages have been exceptional. I have always kept a travel diary whenever I go to Europe. Any hints on how to write daily pages in a travel journal?

Al

My wife and I have kept diaries of our travels for years, and so we have developed a "system." First, I write down the diary each and every day, day by day -- no skipping. First I write the place we stayed overnight, the date, and use the international weather symbols for each morning, afternoon, and evening. Any pilot knows these. After I write my impressions of the day, my wife "edits" my copy and adds her own bits while I shower. When we get home, I commit these daily jottings to the computer, which she again "edits." From these detailed sheets, we prepare a summary which we send to friends and relatives -- rather salty, warts and all. I also write what I call my "Wall Street Journal" -- a habit formed long ago when I was in the investment business. These are my observations about economic and political conditions where we have traveled, and the opportunities (or lack of opportunities) for investments. Just by way of specifics, I called the shots early on one South American nation's economic renaissance and made a series of good investments. I also got out early, observing that conditions were transitory. There is nothing worse than to be boring -- so don't write "what I did on my vacation." Write down the little things, the funny things, those things that bring back memories years later. You will be glad you did.

Meg

I have been keeping travel journals for the last few years. I buy a nice journal before each big trip. I take a small spiral notepad with me on the trip and make notes all day - what we ate, where we went, how much everything costs, the people we meet, the trains we take, etc. Each night I transcribe my notes into the journal. I also take a glue stick and am able to paste tickets stubs, brochures, postcards, etc. into the journal. We always enjoy going back and re-living our trips.

Jeanne Mills

Even though I am lax about keeping a journal at home, I have always kept a travel journal. It's nice to read notes I've made about a trip that we took several years ago--it brings it all back to us. <BR> <BR>It seems as if there are two approaches to keeping a journal: left-brained and right brained. My writing is largely subjective. I don't keep lists of prices or the weather although I can see why one would want to do that. I record impressions, colors, conversations, insights. Verbal snap shots. Those are the things I might forget but they add so much to my experience that I am always glad to read them later on. I am frequently surprised at something I've written or pleased that I wrote about something my husband did or said that I may have otherwise forgotten. For me, it adds texture. <BR> <BR>I, too, buy a new journal for every trip. My suggestion is to do as a previous person said, write every day--even just a sentence or two. It's too difficult to go back if you've skipped even one day. It begins to feel like a chore then. <BR> <BR>Because we mainly travel abroad for business, we have our lap top with us so I usually write two or three "e-mails home" to a few receptive friends and family members. This is a longer, more "public" version of my journal. It allows me to use another perspective regarding our experience. <BR> <BR>If you don't like to write, use your photograps as your journal. If you put them in an album, notes next to photos make a wonderful picture journal. <BR> <BR>I love this forum--I have learned a great deal from (and some about) you. Elvira, you are a hoot. <BR> <BR>Jeanne

Carol

Hi Valerie: <BR> <BR>Journal-writing is a wonderful <BR>thing to do. If you'd like to <BR>read our journal, go to our <BR>website at: <BR>www.davidandcarol.com and click <BR>on "Our Magnificent Journey". <BR> <BR>What worked for us was to buy a <BR>small notebook-(the less cumbersome <BR>the better.) <BR> <BR>We recorded every day - usually in <BR>the evening over dinner - what we did, what we spent (good for future and for <BR>recommendations), where we ate, etc. <BR>AND strong first impressions. <BR> <BR>We didn't worry about how it sounded, <BR>just that we included all the info. <BR> <BR>We we got home, my husband went to <BR>work - writing, researching, editing, <BR>and we tried to fill in any blanks, <BR>such as restaurant names, etc. <BR> <BR>We read and re-read, each time reliving <BR>our journey and finally the journal <BR>was complete. <BR> <BR>Probably the most wonderful thing <BR>about journal-writing is that not <BR>only do you get to sharewith others, <BR>you get to live it all over again! <BR> <BR>Hope that helps! <BR> <BR>Carol

wes fowler

Valerie, <BR>I enjoy writing - witness some of my long-winded responses to Fodor correspondents. I've never kept a travel journal, however. I find it easier and just as effective to write postcards and mail them to myself. They usually arrive within a few days of my return from Europe and immediately refresh my memory. They essentially serve as index cards that I can organize as I choose and from which I can write up a travel narrative. Subject matter almost always deals with impressions and perceptions rather than "practical" stuff like money matters or weather. I don't waste my time on costs, since the cost of a meal or hotel today may have little relevance if I visit the same hotel or restaurant three or four years from now. Since weather is something I can do little about, I see no reason to record observations about it.

Diane

Years ago I traveled with a friend who kept a journal of our trip to Hong Kong. When we returned she typed it up and gave me a copy. I was delighted. I've kept a travel journal ever since. I also buy a small book with lined sheets. On each subsequent trip I find myself noting more about where I stay, what things cost, what the currency exchange was, and mostly, my impressions of the people, their customs -- things that set them apart from those of us living the U.S. I relive these trips periodically. I wouldn't think of traveling without a journal now.

Diane

Years ago I traveled with a friend who kept a journal of our trip to Hong Kong. When we returned she typed it up and gave me a copy. I was delighted. I've kept a travel journal ever since. I also buy a small book with lined sheets. On each subsequent trip I find myself noting more about where I stay, what things cost, what the currency exchange was, and mostly, my impressions of the people, their customs -- things that set them apart from those of us living the U.S. I relive these trips periodically. I wouldn't think of traveling without a journal now.

Valerie

David and Carol, I did read your "magnificant journey" on your website some time ago and really enjoyed it and was hoping to hear your advice. I have always recorded daily on my travels things such as what museum I visted, what we ate, people we ran into and had conversations with and the overall description of the people and such. I really enjoy hearing everyone's advice on what else to include that would make it more interesting reading especially to an outsider( someone other than myself). Thanks everyone.

Don and Linda

Hi Valerie, <BR> <BR>You wrote: "I really enjoy hearing everyone's advice on what else to include that would make it more interesting reading especially to an outsider( someone other than myself)". <BR> <BR>You must write your impressions and not worry about how your writings are perceived. We've had readers complain that there's too much emphasis on food in our travelogues while others write to express their delight with that aspect of our writing. You can't please everybody and neither should you try. <BR> <BR>We invite you to visit our web site TheTravelzine.com, http://www.thetravelzine.com. <BR> <BR>

cp

I usually keep a travel journal, but find that I just can't write in it everyday. (Somehow the last few days of any trip never make it into the journal). <BR>One thing that I've learned to do is pack my journal in a large (gallon size) ziplock bag. As I go I drop restaurant receipts, museum entrance stubs, metro tickets and other like items into the bag. This helps my memory on the next day if I want to record how much something costs. <BR> <BR>If it's daily writing you want, (I'm going to assume you aren't travelling solo) use the time the other person is in the shower to fill your journal pages.

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Nutella

I carry my journal with me at all times and write whenever the mood strikes - on trains, sitting in a piazza, etc. When I make a new friend I "assign" the next page to them - sometimes they write their name and address, but others have written inspirational messages or have drawn pictures for me. I grab business cards from my hotels and restaurants and staple them into the book. My journals are so personal, I would never dream of sharing them on the internet. But they are the best souvenier I bring home from every journey.

Alice The Magyar

I am a member of Don and Linda's <BR>thetravelzine.com. I enjoy it so very much! Do yourself a favor and go look at their site. So much information and a wonderful place to find help on all types of travel, and, or, to ask questions and get information on most any type of travel too. Alice<BR>

Andrea

I was very impressed with my travel companion's journal. She brought along a glue stick and small scissors (oops, may have to buy a small one after the flight) and would include the best parts of hotel and restaurant brochures, museum guides, ticket stubs, postcards, and what not besides her impressions and report of each day. It was the calming end of the busy days. It added such a nice element.

elaine

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