Keep a Daily or Travel Journal

A journal is a personal written record of experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Daily journals capture everyday moments; travel journals focus on places visited and adventures. Both use a first-person voice and descriptive language to bring the experience alive.

Features of a Journal Entry

• Date and location: always record when and where the entry was written.
• Opening line: set the scene immediately — "Today was unlike any other day...".
• Personal voice: write in first person (I, we, my) — share your honest reactions.
• Descriptive details: use the five senses to make the writing vivid.
• Reflection: end with a thought, feeling, or question about the experience.

Using the Five Senses

• Sight: "The market stalls blazed with color — scarlet tomatoes, golden squash."
• Sound: "Traders called out prices above the roar of passing motorbikes."
• Smell: "A warm wave of spices hit me the moment I stepped inside."
• Touch: "The cobblestones were uneven under my feet."
• Taste: "The mango was so sweet it made my eyes water."

Travel Journal Tips

• Write while details are fresh — the longer you wait, the more you forget.
• Include surprising or unexpected moments, not just the highlights.
• Ask "What did I notice that a tourist guide would not mention?"