A little reminder today to those who are about to travel: If you put all of your focus completely on the destination itself, you risk overlooking the actual journey. Whether you’re taking a road trip into the mountains or flying half-way across the world to explore another country, be in the moment. Appreciate your journey for what it is. Pay attention to the details. And photograph them. They are just as much a part of the story.
I’ll share some examples of the kind of pictures to think about taking on your next adventure. These are from our recent trip to Finland and Estonia but remember — the ideas apply to your travels, no matter where you’re headed.
First of all, the packing. I would have loved to see how my parents packed back in the day. I gather & sort my outfits on our closet floor in preparation for packing. Details worth recording, don’t you think?
What kind of electronics, chargers, and the like do you pack for your travels?
What about any itineraries, passports, and other travel documentation? By the way, I picked up this snap-closure clear envelope at The Container Store (they’re so easy to find at Target and WalMart and just about anywhere) … and it was the most handy thing ever for our trip. It held our documents and passports but memorabilia along the way. For those of you who can’t stand loose papers, pamphlets, receipts, ticket stubs, etc. this is a really wonderful tool for traveling and keeping it all together.
And by the way, so is this skinny notebook. This is where I journaled brief notes from each day of our travels so I’d remember some details, the spelling of certain places, and other little things worth noting. I believe I picked it up at WalMart? Notice there is no thick binding, so that’s why it’s really terrific. Skinny and flat and I kept it in my handy-dandy clear envelope.
Think about how you get from here to there. Car, train, bus, plane … whatever and however. Like most of you, I have a favorite bag that goes right along with me. It’s right there beside me during the whole journey, my trusty travel companion. It deserves a picture. (PS – Yes, that’s my JoTotes bag. LOVE.)
What about ticket stubs and other memorabilia? Back in the day, I’d save that sort of stuff. Now I photograph it and toss the originals. That’s a personal choice but it works for us. Less stuff and yet, we still get a visual of those things.
And don’t forget about currency for those of you traveling out of the country. It’s something you use while you’re abroad. It’s unique to that corner of the world. So capture that. Again, this is part of the story.
I lay everything out too! And for our last trip I bought a pouch to put all of our receipts in and I kept that same notebook in it! I was keeping track of when we got where and other things about the trip since we were driving!
Great ideas! My husband and I are going on vacation in two days (sans kids!!) and these are some great tips for photos! thanks for sharing!
Two other tips:
1. I always pack along different sizes of ziplock bags. I have used them for everything and they take up no room if you don’t end up using come.
2. I email myself after each day with details from our trip. Then when I get home the memories are already there waiting for me!
This is SO true! Recently we went to Bulgaria for a couple of weeks. Had I not been drinking in the entire travel experience, I would have missed out on one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten in the most unlikely place – Frankfurt Airport!
You just never know what awaits!
Hi Becky!
Great post! Just got back from vacation, but of course did not think of taking photos of any of these things. Oh well, next time! I have a question that is a little off topic. How do you organize your electronics and cords? We have cords and gadgets everywhere….it is so frustrating! It is difficult to know what cord goes with what etc. Do you have an easy solution?
Thanks!
for many years now me and my daughter have traveled within nz and i alwasy get a photo of suitcases and all the clothes and stuff spread out ready to pack, and where we sleep at my firends and little things like that, its so cool to see you do it to Becky
I would have been too scared to pull out my big camera on a plane!
I know this question is unrelated to this post, but I am wondering if I can purchase just the page protectors from Project Life?
Sarah— the page protectors are not available YET. They may be at some time, but not right now
Becky (if you read these!), what brand are those jeans? They are adorable! I always look for unique stitching and back pockets!
What I hate about paperless tickets is just that there isn’t a cool ticket to put in the album. I have saved the print out but its not the same as a ticket. I guess I am old fashion.
Hi Becka!
I came to you via one of your followers, can’t remember who right now!
I love your pictures! I love the stories you tell, but one thing that jumped out at me was when you wrote:
“If you put all of your focus completely on the destination itself, you risk overlooking the actual journey. Whether you’re taking a road trip into the mountains or flying half-way across the world to explore another country, be in the moment. Appreciate your journey for what it is. Pay attention to the details. And photograph them. They are just as much a part of the story.”
I know you are speaking in the natural, but my blog speaks of this same thing but as in LIFE being a journey, and not to be in such a hurry to cross things off our list, but to enjoy every step of the along the way!
I will be following your blog, please come visit me when you can!
Great idea of photographing tickets and such…I have bags of it…very freeing. Gonna take snaps soon!
[...] how I was talking about those skinny notebooks in my travel photography post? They have some darling ones right now. Even in itty-bitty sizes. [...]
[...] {July 19} besides the destination itself [...]
We’re in the process of planning our trip to Germany and your travel suggestions are just awesome!
Thanks Becky!!