13 Unexpected Things to Add to Your Travel Journal

---

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of traveling, then you probably love finding ways to capture all those unforgettable experiences. One of my favorite tools for doing that? A travel journal. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your journaling game, here are 13 unexpected (and totally fun) things to include in your travel journal that go beyond the usual notes and photos.

1. ✨ Ready to upgrade your travel journaling game? Start your next adventure with the Ihagenda Digital Planner—designed for wanderlusters who want to capture every moment beautifully!

1. Ticket Stubs
   From concerts and museums to tours and shows, ticket stubs are small but mighty memory holders. Tuck them into your pages or glue them down—they’re a great visual of the places you’ve explored.
2. Plane, Train, or Bus Tickets
   Your travel route tells a story too. Save those boarding passes and fare slips to track how you moved from place to place. A tape runner works great to stick them down neatly.
3. Postcards
   Pick up postcards along the way—some for sending, others for keeping. They’re perfect for filling pages with colorful scenes or adding written reflections on the back.
4. Business Cards
   Found a charming café? A helpful tour guide? A handmade shop you loved? Snag their business cards and add them in. They’re great references and visual touches in your journal.
5. Coffee Sleeves
   For the caffeine lovers out there—coffee sleeves can be surprisingly unique! Many local spots have fun designs or city-specific branding, and they’re easy to trim and paste.
6. Foreign Coins
   Don’t know what to do with the spare change at the end of your trip? Add a coin or two to your journal. It’s a tangible piece of the place and a cool addition to your travel story.
7. Local Food & Drink
   Food is such a big part of travel. Jot down what you ate and how it tasted. Was it something you’d never tried before? Include clean wrappers, tea tags, or napkins from local spots for a sensory keepsake.
8. Stamps
   Postage stamps are tiny pieces of art. Save the ones from postcards you send or collect them from shops. They’re colorful, cultural, and a fun addition to any journal spread.
9. Photos You Print
   While digital memories are great, printing a few favorite photos can make your journal come alive. A small selfie at a scenic overlook or a candid shot at a night market—whatever brings the moment back.
10. People You Meet
    Some of the most meaningful parts of travel are the people you connect with. Take notes about a kind stranger, a new friend, or a guide who made your trip unforgettable.
11. Sights, Sounds, and Smells
    Close your eyes and soak it all in: the scent of street food, the rustle of leaves, the sound of temple bells or distant waves. These are the kinds of details that fade over time—but they truly bring a place to life when written down.
12. Daily Reflections
    Try writing at the end of each day. Even a short summary helps you hold on to fresh details and emotions. Plus, it becomes a mini diary of your day-to-day adventure.
13. Doodles, Lists, or Collages
    Let your creativity flow! Draw a sketch of a street you walked, make a list of things you loved, or collage with brochures and washi tape. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—just have fun.

---

🎒 Want to make the most of your journaling?
👉 Download the Printable Travel Journal Prompts & Checklist Here

Final Thoughts:
Your travel journal is your personal time capsule. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just heartfelt. Add what makes sense to you, and let your memories guide your pages.

What unexpected things do you love to include in your travel journal? Let me know in the comments!

✨ Ready to plan with purpose? Shop the LH Agenda Planners & Diaries Collection and empower every page of your journey. ➡️ [planners-diaries/reflih]