How to Buy a Travel Journal
Evaluate the travel journal's size., Eyeball the journal's format., Open the journal wide and rifle through the pages., Examine the journal's cover material and what the pages are made of., Open and shut the clasp on the journal--if it has a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Evaluate the travel journal's size.
It should be small enough to carry with you unobtrusively, but not so tiny that writing in it or reading it is difficult.
If you're going to be traveling for a long time, odds are that you're going to be living in one or two pairs of pants and carrying one pack or purse with you constantly.
Check to make sure any journals you're considering will either fit in your pants pocket or in your pack/purse, so you always have the journal ready to hand. -
Step 2: Eyeball the journal's format.
Most journals will have evenly ruled pages, but if you plan to include sketches or keepsakes from your trip--such as local newspaper clippings, ticket stubs, postcards or receipts--you might prefer a journal with completely blank pages. , The binding should be sturdy and all the pages secure.
If the journal is ring-bound the rings should be large enough to let you turn the pages easily, and strong enough not to deform from being repeatedly packed, unpacked and handled. , Leather is both attractive and sturdy as a cover material.
Fabric-covered covers are reasonably sturdy and attractive.
Plastic covers might be less attractive but stand up very well to abuse.
Purchasing a journal with acid-free pages will help preserve your travel memories for longer.
You can also purchase waterproof or water-resistant travel journals, if you're concerned about ruining your journal in wet conditions. ,, The best travel journals will come with a built-in pen holder. -
Step 3: Open the journal wide and rifle through the pages.
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Step 4: Examine the journal's cover material and what the pages are made of.
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Step 5: Open and shut the clasp on the journal--if it has a clasp--several times to make sure the mechanism is easy to operate and secure enough to hold the journal closed
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Step 6: even if you shake it vigorously.
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Step 7: Look for a way to slip a pen or pencil into the journal.
Detailed Guide
It should be small enough to carry with you unobtrusively, but not so tiny that writing in it or reading it is difficult.
If you're going to be traveling for a long time, odds are that you're going to be living in one or two pairs of pants and carrying one pack or purse with you constantly.
Check to make sure any journals you're considering will either fit in your pants pocket or in your pack/purse, so you always have the journal ready to hand.
Most journals will have evenly ruled pages, but if you plan to include sketches or keepsakes from your trip--such as local newspaper clippings, ticket stubs, postcards or receipts--you might prefer a journal with completely blank pages. , The binding should be sturdy and all the pages secure.
If the journal is ring-bound the rings should be large enough to let you turn the pages easily, and strong enough not to deform from being repeatedly packed, unpacked and handled. , Leather is both attractive and sturdy as a cover material.
Fabric-covered covers are reasonably sturdy and attractive.
Plastic covers might be less attractive but stand up very well to abuse.
Purchasing a journal with acid-free pages will help preserve your travel memories for longer.
You can also purchase waterproof or water-resistant travel journals, if you're concerned about ruining your journal in wet conditions. ,, The best travel journals will come with a built-in pen holder.
About the Author
Nancy Reynolds
Enthusiastic about teaching lifestyle techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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