I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded (Travel Journal for Women and Men, Travel Journal for Kids, Travel Journal with Prompts)

I bought both the I Was Here and En Route journals from Kate Pocrass. I wasn't clear on the distinctions until I had them both in hand, so I wanted to outline them. Both are well-made, colorful, and fun. But they serve different needs, and would be fits for different kinds of travelers. I WAS HERE is a guided journal. There are 21 blank pages for notes in the back, but the bulk of the journal is guided observation. There's a small "Before You Go" section to record lists, recommendations, and addresses for postcards. The "Journeys" section makes up most of the book, and it's full of suggestions for more fully observing and interacting with where you are. Activities include: photograph typographic specimens from store signs, license plates, and street names; for one day, shoot all photos from hip height; buy a mundane kitchen accessory that you'll use daily at home; order two things at a restaurant: what looks best, and what looks most different; look for "districts" in town that focus on utilitarian objects (the fabric district); sit on a corner for an hour and record what people are saying, doing, wearing; ask people to draw you a map; ask people for their favorite recipe; take rubbings of city textures (currency, subway tile, sewer grate); etc. There are seven itinerary pages and seven neighborhood pages: each with space to include things to do and see. There are spots to record 11 restaurants: what you ordered, yum/yuck, and other thoughts. The final "Notes" section has lined, gridded, and blank pages (21 total) and there's a small pocket in the back of the book. There are reference pages of illustrated measurements, common words in several languages, clothing sizes, etc. EN ROUTE is a more traditional journal. There are 13 pages of checklists at the beginning (to research; to do; morning of; etc.). There are half-pages for dated diary entries (12 sections with room for a date, and weather icons to circle, and a half-page for notes). The bulk of the book is mostly blank/lined/gridded pages. Nearly every page has some travel-themed illustration. There are a few full-page illustrations interspersed (international teas, snacks on a stick, a collection of flowers). Most of the illustrations appear in both books. The reference pages (common words, measurements, sizes) are mostly the same between the two books. There's a small pocket in the back as well.

Journal has more then just lines, it provides a way to plan your trip, ideas on exploring the area, how to journal by date and/or location and just random "take a look around and describe the moment" pages. It has a page for you to write name/address of friends/family so you can mail postcards. Blank pages in back that I use to paste pictures to it. A bonus, inside the back page has a pocket that I use for tickets, receipts, etc... just small mementoes. I have bought and used for several vacations and highly recommend it!!!

This is great little book for exploring wherever you are and wherever you're going It has spots for jotting notes and reviews, places to see, restaurants, travel plans, to pack lists, etc, but what I love the most is that it also has some fine ideas and suggestions of how to look at things or ways to experiment with your surroundings. Very creative, practical and inspirational. See life through new eyes. I highly recommend for just about any travel because it inspires to experience things from new and fun points of view as well as having room for what you might expect of a travel journal. There are prompts and cool illustrations. A fun book to enjoy, easy to pop in a bag and take with you.

I bought this out of curiosity. My husband and I have recently moved to a new part of the country, and we're planning to explore the local sights. I thought this colorful journal might be fun to record our adventures, and I was right. It's artsy. It naturally sparks a sense of eagerness to explore wherever you are. Even better, the journaling suggestions are also ideas for places to visit, and things to notice. In part, it's a way to plan your next trip. That was a surprise. I love things like the page of color swatches, with a facing page to record the first time you see each color during your trip. If you're traveling, especially internationally, there are two full-color pages that show what the metro (public transportation) signs look like in each area. I'd use those pages like a scavenger hunt, checking off each sign as I saw it. (It also has metro signs from places in the USA, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and so on.) A few pages are just travel tips, but each of them usually has a lot of blank space on the page/s. That gives you extra room to jot notes about places you went, where you ate, where you shopped, what the weather was like, and so on. Whether you're indulging in luxury travel or enjoying a "staycation," I recommend this journal. Get one for each person traveling with you. They'll thank you, I'm sure. Order yours well before you plan to use it. If you're like me, this journal will help you look for - and choose - more meaningful and interesting sights to see and places to explore. It's just the right size, and will comfortably fit in most tote bags, backpacks, book bags, and purses.

I wish I would have seen these childrens journals 12 yrs ago, this one and the ticket stub journal and the book about me (which i fill out for my children), i saved a lot of things since child born but not everything, not nearly, and shes been to many concerrts i know she won't remember just neat for her to see that she went on a ticket stub - airline stubs, etc. Great soft cover journal for children even teens, a really good gift idea for people who travel. It makes journaling easier for the whole family.

Returning this because it wasn't what I expected. I want a prompted journal that asks where I went, where I stayed, and what I saw, did, and ate, but this asked very very specific things. It's very cute and fun, I just know I wouldn't fill out most of these pages.

This journal helps those who need inspiration for their journal entries. Very creative and similar to thinking like a travel journalist. Will fit in midsized purse. As long as my forearm as wide as my palm (8.5" x 4.5") Love the elastic band to hold it closed. Good for most destinations. You will enjoy reading your entries once you return home because of the fun conversation starters this book provides. Divided into sections/topics, not the standard journal of pages for journal entries. Not an idea on top of page then below a lined page to journal. More like notebook sections of interest. I added small sticky tabs to find sections I think I will want to flip open to when I see something interesting.

I got one as gift. Since I have purchased 2 as gifts. The questions or prompts make me see things I would not see if this journal w was sent part of my gear I travel with.