Rick Steves Enjoys Collecting This Simple Keepsake During His Travels

Before you even head out on a trip, you may already know what you want to bring back. Whether it's a figurine of your favorite statue in Rome, a hand-woven scarf from Paris, or a watch from Switzerland, many people have a wishlist of souvenirs and even bring an extra suitcase for the things they plan to purchase. However, there is one keepsake that won't take up much room and can bring you more joy than any magnet or trinket, and that's a journal for your travel memories.

Journaling is something travel pro Rick Steves is passionate about. On his website, he says, "When I travel, I make it a habit to collect only one thing: memories. The most treasured keepsake of any trip I take is the journal I bring home, filled with descriptions and observations of the people I've met, the places I've seen, and the experiences I've had." Steves has shared tips in the past for souvenir shopping without extra baggage, which are great if you're purchasing gifts. However, nothing could be more meaningful than the memories you've collected along the way. 

The guidebook author has been journaling since his first trip to Europe at 14 years old, long before he became a travel expert, and he still does it to this day. He says that he has a set routine with his journaling, something that makes it easy to stay consistent. Steves starts writing on the plane, where he gives himself an idea of what he's looking to get out of the trip, and he then writes a wrap-up on the way home. During the actual trip, he allows himself a bit of time before bed every night so he can record his thoughts and experiences. There are a lot of ways to journal, though, and the practice can make your trip even more memorable.

You may think that journaling isn't worth your precious vacation time. However, our memories filter certain details out, and writing them down can help us remember. Rick Steves shares, "Without capturing your thoughts on paper (or on your laptop or tablet), the lessons of travel are like shooting stars you just missed...and butterflies you thought you saw. Collecting intimate details on the road, and then distilling them into your journal, sharpens your ability to observe and creates a keepsake you'll always cherish." 

You don't, however, have to write down everything, from what you ate to how much your museum tickets cost, nor do you have to "give a chronological account of your journey," Steves notes. He recommends leaving out the things that didn't excite you and the minutia of each day. Instead, he says to jot down the things that stuck out to you about a place and how you responded to them. He adds, "Throw in sketches, mementos, little paper souvenirs like maps and old tickets — anything that takes you back to that moment." It's worth bringing a manila envelope to save items you might want to include.

He reminds us to be observant and remain in the present moment. What was the scenery like? Was there someone who stuck out in a crowd? Did a place make you feel nostalgic for a time you've never lived in? What did you hear? What was the scent in your nostrils? Did you learn a new word in another language? Another thing to record is the conversations you've had with the people you've met. After all, Steves says it's really meeting the people who live in the place you're visiting that makes a good traveler.

On his website, Rick Steves also revealed the type of journal he likes. He says he prefers a minimalist design that is stiff enough to write on if you don't have a table, using black ink or a mechanical pencil. While he recommends a bound book rather than a spiral one, which can fall apart, it's really what speaks to your soul and what might compel you to write. If, for instance, a notebook with a cute kitten on the front is your jam, get it. You may also want something slim and lightweight, as Steves always recommends avoiding checking a bag. You can make a travel journal purchase your pre-trip ritual, and pick one up as a souvenir, which you then use on your next trip. 

Your journal doesn't even have to be in a notebook if the thought of holding a pen makes your hand ache. There is no reason you can't write on a tablet or laptop. Alternatively, you can record yourself with audio or video on your phone. We're not talking about the snippets you record for social media — these recordings can be just for you. You can even record audio bites on an app on your phone and write things down later, before you go to bed. Maybe morning journaling with breakfast is best for you, or finding a quiet moment in a park, a cafe, or a coffee shop is better. No matter how you do it, journaling can keep your travel memories fresh in your mind long after you return home.