Call us: (910) 742-5324
Call us: (910) 742-5324
By now, we know traveling solo as a woman over 50 has a special magic. There’s freedom in following your curiosity, power in moving at your own pace, and joy in discovering unknown places on your terms. Yet in each day’s adventure, it’s far too easy to let meaningful moments slip away. I’ve found that keeping a travel journal isn’t just about remembering the sights but about understanding yourself and the world with each page. In this article, I’ll share how to start a travel journal, why keeping one can transform your experience, along with practical steps to make it part of your journey.
Now granted, I am a travel writer, so keeping a travel journal is a part of my work, but I did this long before I started this second career. I actually keep several journals. Each one serves a creative purpose.
A travel journal is more than just a place to jot down what you’ve seen or where you’ve eaten. For me, it’s become a companion and a mirror. When traveling solo, especially over 50, I’ve noticed that experiences settle in deeper. I reflect more, crave richer connections, and delight in little breakthroughs. Writing in my travel journal helps me hold on to these feelings and see the growth that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone.
Documenting my travels gives me a reason to pause and savor details I might otherwise overlook. I capture the way sunlight hits an old stone wall, a local phrase that made me smile, or a meal that changed my mind about a whole cuisine. Recording these stories builds a patchwork of memories to revisit when I’m home. It’s like bottling up a piece of each journey for the days when I need inspiration or comfort
Beyond memory, the act of writing boosts my confidence and independence. Each trip brings its own mix of challenge and reward. A travel journal charts that landscape, highlighting victories (like mastering the subway) and lessons learned. It lets me spot patterns in my choices and reminds me I can rely on myself, no matter the destination.
Solo travel opens doors for new cultures and perspectives. By writing about my encounters, I connect more deeply with people and places. I notice what moves me and what I question. Journaling helps me process cultural surprises and record those first impressions that fade so quickly.
Keeping a travel journal empowers me to shape my solo adventures with intention. It doesn’t just document where I’ve been, but it shapes who I become with every trip.
Starting a travel journal isn’t complicated, but a small, thoughtful nudge can establish it as a habit. When I travel, I want my journal to feel inviting, not like homework. Here’s my process for getting started and making each entry count:
First, I pick a beautiful journal that feels right in my hands. Some women love a classic notebook with thick paper and a sturdy cover. I lean towards more than one journal, something small for on-site notes that slip into my bag, but still feel special, and a larger one for reflecting and getting deeper. Others prefer digital apps to capture their thoughts quickly. There’s no wrong choice, as long as it encourages you to write.
As for what to write, I keep it simple but honest. Early in my trip, I note my intentions and what I hope to feel or learn. Each day, I jot down highlights: a view that took my breath away, a kind stranger, or a brave choice I made. If I feel stuck, I prompt myself with questions like “What surprised me today?” or “What felt new or challenging?” On tough days, my journal is a safe space to vent, so that worries don’t cloud tomorrow’s possibilities.
Time is always tight on the road, but I make journaling a small ritual usually with coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at night. Even ten minutes is enough. It’s less about volume and more about showing up for myself.
To add color, some people sketch simple scenes or glue in ticket stubs, postcards, or pressed flowers. I also keep a separate “junk journal” (I am a journal geek, having journals I write in and others for postcards, ect.) where I do this and I tuck in photos, then describe what I felt when I took them. These additions make my travel journals come alive, helping me re-visit not just the events but the emotions tied to them.
Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. I remind myself there are no rules and no wrong words. Some entries are a few sentences, some pages long. The goal is not to impress, but to remember.
If you want your journal to be a creative outlet, try mixing lists with stories. Write about the best meals, funniest mistakes, or things you want to do differently next time. As a solo woman over 50, you have a lifetime of perspective. Let that come through. Your travel journal is yours alone.
Looking back at my travel journals, I see much more than a scrapbook of past trips. I see evidence of courage, growth, and joy. I remember rainy afternoons when writing helped me feel less alone, and proud moments that remind me I can do hard things at any age. Keeping a travel journal as a solo woman over 50 is both practical and deeply personal. It captures fleeting details, strengthens confidence, and lets you savor every step of the journey. If you have a trip on the horizon, pick up a notebook, pack a favorite pen, and start. The greatest souvenirs may just be the memories and wisdom you write along the way.
Who are our Sisters? Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We may be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, We’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs, and the magic of Sisterhood.
