HOW TO CREATE A TRAVEL JOURNAL YOU WILL TREASURE: TIPS FOR WRITING WHILE ON THE ROAD

Travel produces some of the most remarkable experiences of our lives. But while the experiences seem unforgettable, the reality is that these once-vivid memories will fade over time.

"Chronicling the daily adventures, quiet reflections and serendipitous discoveries in a travel journal is the simplest way to catch hold of the best, worst and unexpected occurrences of travel," says Pam Bauer, founder and designer of destination:unknown journals for travel.

Whether you are a travel newbie or a seasoned voyager, Bauer offers tips to keep your travel writing fresh, engaging and fun:

> Before you go, make sure the journal you select is one that you like. This may not seem important - you may think that any journal will do. But a journal that pleases you is a journal that you want to write in, that invites you to put pen to paper, especially on days when travel is hectic and demanding.

> A travel journal doesn't have to only be about where you go each day. As you are traveling, try to stop for a moment, look around and ask yourself some questions about what's happening right here, right now. What are the details of daily life going on around you? Recording observations and anecdotes will add variety and depth to your travel journal.

> With a busy itinerary, it can be a challenge for your journal entries to keep pace with your travels. Try to write something every day, or at least every other day, so you can capture your thoughts while they are fresh. Your journal will be richer if you keep up with it.

> Save the small mementos you pick up along the way. These souvenirs - boarding passes, ticket stubs, receipts, business cards, labels, stamps, wrappers, foreign currency, etc - will enhance your written memories by providing a tangible connection back to your travels.

> For all the great travel experiences we enjoy, there are days when things go wrong. Write about these experiences too, for they are just as memorable. While obviously not the highlight of a trip, they are part of your unique travel story, and often are as much fun to reminisce about as the ones that go right.

"Regardless of how much you write, you won't regret keeping a travel journal," continues Bauer. "Upon returning home, you will be able to relive your favorite travel experiences just by opening your journal."

For additional travel writing suggestions, please visit www.destinationunknownjournals.com.

About destination:unknown journals for travel
Based in Massachusetts, destination:unknown journals offers a distinctive line of handmade journals designed especially for travel. Available in two handy sizes, the journals combine a smart look with useful, travel-friendly features to encourage writing while on the move.