Discover the Joy of Travel Journaling

Are you tired of flashy social media posts that lack authenticity? Dive into the world of travel journaling! I recently embarked on this fulfilling journey, constructing a kit that combines the finest writing tools to capture the essence of my vanlife adventures for my kids and my future self.

Legacy of Memories

Reflecting on my father's typewritten memoir—a treasure I've cherished since his passing—makes me wish for the warmth of handwritten pages. His all-capped, engineer’s lettering, sprinkled with personal touches, always struck a chord with me. Imagine if those pages featured photographs of the unforgettable moments he wanted me to remember!

The Essential Journaling Kit

My carefully curated journaling kit revolves around three key components: a Pilot V7 pen, a gorgeous notebook from Traveler’s Company, and the ingenious Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 photo printer.

The Perfect Pen Choice

Selecting the pen was simple—strongly influenced by a friend's recommendation, I purchased a pack of four Pilot V7 pens for under $10. Easy writing without compromise!

Finding the Right Journal

Choosing the right journal was trickier and involved a few trial-and-error purchases. After disappointing attempts with cheap retailers, I discovered Traveler’s Company at a local office supply store. Their leather-bound travel journals are handcrafted with a rustic charm—made from genuine leather sourced in Thailand, paired with exquisite paper from Japan.

A Luxurious Travel Companion

I opted for the standard-sized Traveler’s notebook for $55, which includes a beautifully crafted cover, a blank notebook, a cotton bag, and spare rubber bands. I decided to forego the bag to let the cover age gracefully, reflecting my own experiences. I also picked up additional accessories—a pen clip, an extra notebook, connecting bands, and a transparent zipper case to hold memories like receipts and ticket stubs.

The Perfect Dimensions

With dimensions of 4.8(H) x 3.5(W) inches, the notebook remains compact yet functional—perfect for storing in my van while still allowing ample space to jot down daily entries, complete with mini-photos.

Snap and Print with Fujifilm!

The crown jewel of my kit, the $99 Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3, revolutionizes my journaling experience. Thanks to inspiration from Charles Liu’s YouTube channel, I print photos effortlessly alongside my writings. In just two minutes, I can select the perfect photo from my phone, print it wirelessly, and—voilà!—my memories come to life.

A Worthy Investment

All in all, this dream kit set me back about $216, but every dollar feels justifiably spent. Journaling has transformed from a chore to a cherished ritual, and I even find myself missing it once I'm back home. I know I've created a lasting solution that will yield a personal library of notebooks chronicling my earthly journey!