hot air balloons in cappadocia

How to Keep a Travel Journal That Tells a Story


“Travelling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta.

For some, the magic of travel isn’t only about the places visited but also about the stories you bring back. However, it’s easy to forget the finer details of these stories, so it’s a good idea to keep a travel journal. Documenting your travel experiences ensures those fleeting moments become lasting memories.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a travel journey that tells a captivating story. From capturing authentic moments to weaving a narrative and enhancing it with photography, these tips will help you craft a narrative that resonates for years to come. Get ready to transform your travels into stories worth sharing!

WRITE IT DOWN!
horse culture in mongolia

How to Capture Culture in Photographs

If you ask me what my favorite genre of photography is, I don’t even have to think about the answer. Adventure photography is one of the most exciting and connective ways to capture the world. It broadens both global and personal horizons, brings unlikely people together, and creates the opportunity for extraordinary memories and experiences to emerge.

But I can tell you, there’s so much more to adventure and travel photography than catching a flight and snapping some pictures. It’s a specialty that requires strong intuition, deference, trust, and respect for the people and cultures that you encounter along the way.

It’s extremely important to remain aware of a country’s traditions, practices, and forms of communication to truly capture its essence in an authentic and appropriate way.

Without a sensitive and respectful approach to cultural and travel photography, your cultural appreciation can turn into cultural appropriation – an outcome that won’t serve you or the beautiful people and places you capture throughout your travels.

So, next time you plan a travel photography adventure, keep my tips in your back pocket to ensure you take more memorable, authentic, and culturally appreciative photos.

POINT AND CLICK!

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Having been on the Big Island for four days now, I finally set foot in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, one of the biggest reasons for me visiting the Big Island. Though I researched the park before coming to make sure it was accessible due to the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano that damaged countless homes, I still wasn’t sure what to expect.

I learned 90% of the park is open, though a few popular places such as the Jagger Museum and the Thurston Lava tube are still closed due to instability. I was also surprised to learn that the lava flow was mostly northeast of the park in Leilani Estates.

In addition, the eruption drained the lava from the collapsed Pu’u ‘O’o Crater, so hiking at night to see the lava glow wasn’t an option. Though slightly disappointed by this, it made the logistics of when and where to go a lot easier!

LET’S GO

Kona and It’s Southern Coast

Kona

For my third day and final day in Kona, not quite long enough, I strolled the downtown and then headed south along the Kona Coast. The downtown is basically one street that travels about a mile along the coast. It is complete with old Royal Palaces, churches, cafes, shops and a few unappealing, tiny beaches.

LET’S GO

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park

The Goblin Valley State Park is located 48 miles southwest of Green River off of Highway 24 in Utah in a remote area.  Though a little out of the way, it is worth visiting. Especially for photographing the annular eclipse this weekend.

EXPLORE!

Top Things to Do Near Page, Arizona

Top Things to Do Around Page, Arizona

Page, Arizona was founded in 1957 as a housing community for workers and their families during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.  After the dam’s completion in 1960, it became the gateway to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell.  Water enthusiasts boat on the lake and raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. In addition to water sports, there many things to do for visitors to Page, Arizona. Continue reading “Top Things to Do Near Page, Arizona” →

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour

Touring Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is a popular attraction about 5 miles outside of Page, Arizona.  The V shaped canyon, meaning it is wider at the top than the bottom, is famous for its rock shapes.  Though not as popular as Upper Antelope Canyon, known for the light rays that filter in the canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon is still a special place to visit.  In addition, in certain winter months, like November, the famous light rays don’t make it into Upper Antelope Canyon, making Lower Antelope Canyon an excellent alternative.

EXPLORE MORE!

The Grand Canyon’s North Rim in November

Why to Visit the Grand Canyon’s North Rim in November

Is the Grand Canyon’s North Rim Open in November?

In November, the Grand Canyon’s North Rim turns to Day Use Only.  As such, the lodge and campgrounds inside the park are closed.  In addition, services are unavailable.  The only thing open is the gift shop at the lodge.  While this may sound unappealing to many vacationers, for those who wish to enjoy nature without the crowds, November is a great time to visit the North Rim.

While the park as well as most of the limited merchants have closed down their services, the road remains open until November 30th or until it snows, whichever comes first.  Along the way, there are two gas stations whose pumps operate, a lodge, and a RV Park that cater to the few who venture to the relatively remote area. Continue reading “The Grand Canyon’s North Rim in November” →