Pragmatic and nostalgic in the same time - how to keep track of your travel budget and memories

Today, we're delving into the art of documenting your travels, a practice that allows you to preserve cherished memories, relive unforgettable moments, and share your adventures with loved ones. From keeping a diary of your budget to creating digital or physical albums, there are numerous ways to capture the essence of your journeys. Join me as we explore the various methods and discover how documenting your travels can enrich your travel experiences. Find the ones that speak to you:

Keeping a Travel Diary

One of the most traditional and personal ways to document your travels is by keeping a travel diary. While, I love the idea of keeping a diary like this, this is not something I have done before. Let’s say that since I discovered technology, I prefer keeping all my notes in a digital manner. But I am sure this is something that some of you love to do. And I envy you for that. As you embark on your journey, a diary can become a faithful companion, capturing the details and emotions of each day. Not only does it serve as a repository for your thoughts, but it also allows you to reflect on your experiences long after you've returned home.

Start by noting down the places you visit, the people you meet, and the adventures you embark on. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells that define each destination. Additionally, consider dedicating a section to your budget. Record all your expenses, from accommodation and transportation to meals and souvenirs. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it will also provide valuable insights for future trips.

You can find travel specific diary or you can create your own.
Here are some travel diaries that I find to be amazing:

• minimalist, simple & budget friendly - pack of 8 diaries for around USD 17 - found it on amazon.com

• leather, refillable diary and planner - includes card holders and can be refilled - another great deal: you get 4 for around USD 22 - also on amazon.com

• my favourite one: it comes with predefined pages, in a really cool colour, a sage green - is has dedicated places for photos and all info related to your travel - it comes with a higher price of around USD 30 on, you guessed it, amazon.com

• and a similar one, but in a dusty pink colour, is this travel planner that includes almost everything you would like to remember and plan when it comes to travelling - it comes at a cost of around USD 30 and you can find it here.

Embracing Digital Memories

In this digital age, capturing memories has become more convenient than ever. One popular method is creating digital photo albums, such as Google Photos, to chronicle your journey visually. As you explore new landscapes and immerse yourself in different cultures, snap photos of breathtaking views, vibrant street scenes, and candid moments. Don't forget to include yourself and your travel companions in these snapshots!

Once you've curated a collection of photos, you can organize them into albums, creating a visual narrative of your travels. Add captions and descriptions to provide context and evoke the emotions you felt at each location. Sharing these albums with loved ones allows them to feel connected to your adventures and provides an opportunity to reminisce together.

What I always do is start my travel by creating the dedicated Google Photos album. Right from the start. As the travel progresses, I just add photos on the go - I found that to be the easiest way to have a dedicated album for each of my travels. If the holiday ends and I have to do this afetrwards, I will never do it.

Advantages to creating Google Photos albums on the go:

• you are sure to have a complete photo album at the end of your travel

• you can share it with your friends or family and they can check it daily for udates

• you will get the funny, the quirky, the perfect, the not-so-perfect photos in there, the real image of your travel. if you curate it after the trip is done, you will for sure keep the ones that seem to be the perfect ones

• whenever you want you can order a photo album using this feature that Google Photos has - either you keep it or gift it. It is truely an easy way to decide on what photos to include

• you can easily go back to each album and relive the trip or just share tips and tricks with your friends by browsing your photos.

Preserving Memories with Printed Albums

In a digital world, there's still something special about holding tangible memories in your hands. While I love to keep track of my travels in a digital manner, I love photo albums. Printed photo albums are a beautiful way to preserve your travel experiences and create a physical keepsake. Select your favorite photos and arrange them chronologically or thematically. Add captions, anecdotes, and souvenirs like postcards or ticket stubs to enhance the storytelling.

Creating printed albums not only serves as a personal memento but also enables you to share your adventures with others in a more tangible way. Display them on your coffee table or share them during gatherings, inviting loved ones to immerse themselves in your travel tales.

Some of the photo albums that I love are these:

• a photo memory book that is highly customizable

• this beautiful kraft paper scrap album that I think it would also make a great gift

• a simple self adhesive photo album.

  I would for sure go for a kraft customizable scrap album. It allows my creative self to explore a little bit.

Whether you opt for words or photos, digital or printed albums, it's essential to preserve your travel experiences in some form. After all, none of us remain young forever! As I crossed the milestone of 40 years old, I realized that some of my memories had begun to fade. However, a simple glance at an object or a photograph had a remarkable way of bringing them back to life.