How to keep a journal of your vacation or weekend trip -- on the road or later on

Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: 10-30 minutes to begin

1. Before you leave, find a new journal -- or start a new section in your regular journal. Decide whether a new book's for this trip or for your all your travels.
2. In a plastic or manila envelope, collect brochures or plans you've made.
3. Paste or write your itinerary into your journal.
4. If you prefer to acquire the journal on the trip, just pack a small notebook, with your favorite pen and the large envelope, in plastic bags.
5. Include in your packing a small glue stick and small versions of any other art supplies you use frequently -- a hole punch, a few colored pencils, rubber stamps.
6. Keep your journal or notebook handy. Write if you have a layover or a free hour.
7. Take notes (brief but decipherable) on days when your schedule is full.
8. Collect train tickets, programs, and any other flat memorabilia for your journal.
9. Buy postcards. Make notes on the back.
10. Take photos. Don't forget to photograph your room, tent, and luggage as well as your companions and the plaza.
    

1. Notice what makes daily life different -- for you or for the locals -- in this new place.
2. Try writing an entry in the local language or vernacular. Eavesdrop.