How To Create A Junk Journal While Traveling

Table with elements for scrapbooking handcraft. Tools for decoration, handmade album, scissors, paint, glue, colored pencils, scotch, thread.

The concept of “junk journaling” has taken over social media; the humble hobby doesn’t necessarily require artistic skill to get right but rather relies on the colors and patterns found in “junk,” items like unused napkins or concert tickets.

“I travel alone most of the time, so small souvenirs feel like travel friends,” explained Fiona Spinks, travel expert, solo adventurer, and founder of Following Fiona. “A torn ticket or a café napkin brings a rush of memories the moment I touch it. That is why I keep a junk journal on every trip.”

If you’ve been considering making a junk journal while traveling — or are looking for unique souvenirs that you can DIY — here’s how Sprinks suggested those new to journaling should start working on their own junk journal:

Start with a cheap notebook

Sprinks suggested beginning with a notebook that does not scare you over investing in something pricey. “A cheap spiral book works because it opens flat, but any notebook you like is fine,” she said. “When the book feels casual, you will not worry about making it neat, and you will keep adding to it.”

Stock a tiny pencil case

“Carry a tiny pencil case. I use a glue stick, little scissors, one roll of tape, two pens and sometimes a pocket-sized watercolor set,” explained Sprinks. “Fewer tools mean less weight and no excuse to leave them behind. If the kit is always with you, you will use it there and then instead of waiting until later.”

Be on the lookout for free scraps

Sprinks suggested getting into the habit of picking up free scraps all day. “Receipts, bus tickets, sugar packets and small maps cost nothing and lie flat,” she said. “These bits show the real life of a place better than a shop postcard and slip straight into your book.”

Dedicate a few minutes each night to journaling

“Each night, give yourself five quiet minutes. Sit on the bed, stick in the day’s scraps and write one quick note beside each piece,” said Sprinks. “The short note locks the feeling in place while it is still fresh and never feels like homework, so you will keep the habit.”

Add local color in simple ways

“Press a small flower between tissues, rub a pencil over a street name to make a print or dab a tiny spot of local spice on the page and cover it with tape,” Sprinks suggested. “These touches wake up smell and sound when you open the book later.”

Leave intentional gaps

Sprinks also suggested leaving a few intentional gaps. “When you get home you can print a photo and slide it beside the coffee receipt from that same morning,” she said. “The mix of words, scraps and pictures builds a full story without extra work.”

Create pockets for additional souvenirs

“Make pockets for odd shapes,” suggested Sprink. “Cut an envelope from a magazine page, tape it inside and drop in sand, confetti or a hotel key card. A pocket keeps thick items safe and lets the spine of the book stay in one piece.”

Mistakes only add to it

Sprinks also urged travelers not to worry about mistakes. “A glue smear or a coffee ring just shows that the book has been on the road with you,” she explained. “Those marks add life and invite the next layer of memory, so keep going.”

Don’t forget to look back

When the trip ends, Sprinks suggested always reading the journal out loud. “The words you wrote on noisy buses and in quiet hostels pull the journey back in full color,” she explained. “Years later these pages still surprise me with little details I had forgotten, and I am always glad I took those five minutes each night.”

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