I love to travel! And when it’s gray and cold in the middle of winter, nothing warms me up faster than flipping through my old travel journals. There’s something so special about reliving those sunny, salty, serendipitous moments — but that means journaling while I’m on the go.

Whether you’re flying to a faraway city, road-tripping to a cozy cabin, or enjoying window views on a train ride, your stationery deserves a spot in your suitcase too. 🧳✨

Planning and journaling are part of my self-care. But with limited space (and unpredictable travel vibes), I’ve learned how to pack just enough to stay creative without needing a suitcase full of pens. (Though hey, no judgment if you do; I totally get it! 😄)

Let’s go over the essentials, some fun extras, packing tips, and — yes — a free printable checklist to make your trip journaling-ready! 🎉

1. 🖊️The Essentials
2. 🌟 The Fun Extras
3. 🎒 How To Pack Your Kit
4. 💡 Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Stationery Trip
5. 🚄✈️ Bonus: How to Journal on the Go
   1. ✈️ On a Plane
   2. 🚆 On a Train
   3. 🚗 On a Road Trip
6. 📥 Free Printable: Vacation Stationery Packing List!
7. 💭 Final Thoughts

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🖊️The Essentials

If you’re packing light, these are the must-haves I always bring:

1. ✍️ A favorite pen (or two) — one that won’t smudge or bleed through the page
2. 📓A small notebook, journal, or planner — travel size is your friend!
3. 🧷 A glue stick or mini tape roller — for adding ephemera or tickets
4. 🎀 Washi samples — just a few, wrapped around a card
5. ✂️Scissors — if allowed in your carry-on
6. 🌈 One or two highlighters or mildliners — for quick color coding or doodling
7. 💼 A pencil pouch — compact, cute, and keeps everything tidy

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🌟 The Fun Extras

Got room for a little more? These goodies add flair without taking up much space:

• 💌 Sticker flakes or a mini sticker sheets
• 🧾 A small ephemera pouch (tickets, labels, receipts, napkins…)
• 📐 A tiny ruler or journal stencil
• 🖍️ A small set of markers or colored pencils for a more artistic flair than highlighters
• 🎨 A mini watercolor set + brush pen (if you’re feeling artsy!)

You don’t need everything, just enough to make you smile when you open your journal.

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🎒 How To Pack Your Kit

Here are some tips on how I make it all fit and keep everything safe:

• Use a zippered pouch with compartments
• Wrap washi tape around a washi card or old gift card
• Store small bits (stickers, paper scraps) in a Ziploc or waterproof envelope
• Keep scissors + glue in a separate pouch (no stickiness surprises!)
• Bonus: keep a mini list inside your pouch so you don’t forget anything next time!

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💡 Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Stationery Trip

Here are a few little extras I’ve learned along the way that can make your journaling-on-the-go experience even more relaxing and fun:

• 🎨 Keep your color palette simple — 2-3 colors max! Cohesive, pretty, and saves space.
• 🧽 Pack a mini cloth or paper towel — smudges and glue mishaps happen.
• 📸 Snap a photo of your spread — helps you recreate layouts or remember what you packed.
• 📎 Binder clips = page tamers when journaling outside.
• 🗒️ Stick a post-it pad in your pouch for fast notes or on-the-go ideas.
• 📦 Use a mint tin or pill case for sticker flakes, washi snippets, or stamps.
• 🌙 Journal at night? Bring a clip-on light for cozy scribbles.
• 🧘‍♀️ Be kind to yourself — no pressure to journal every day. Even one sticker counts. 💖

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🚄✈️ Bonus: How to Journal on the Go

Whether you’re flying, taking a train, or riding shotgun on a road trip, it is possible to sneak in some journaling — even in tight spaces or shaky seats!

Here are a few travel-tested tips to make it easier:

✈️ On a Plane

• Use a smaller notebook that fits on the tray table.
• Avoid loose sticker flakes or ephemera unless they’re pre-sorted in a pouch (turbulence + tiny stickers = chaos 😅).
• A mechanical pencil or pen with a secure cap is best — pens that click can leak with pressure changes!
• If you’re not near a window, bring a clip-on light for better visibility.

🚆 On a Train

• You usually have more space and less turbulence — yay!
• Journal while sipping your coffee, people-watch and write, or sketch the scenery as it passes.
• Bring headphones and make a quick playlist to go with your journaling mood 🎧

🚗 On a Road Trip

• It’s bumpy, so stick to short notes or stickers while the car’s moving.
• Use stops (rest areas, cafes, etc.) to jot down longer thoughts or paste in mementos.
• Bring a clipboard or firm surface if you’re using a softcover journal.

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📥 Free Printable: Vacation Stationery Packing List!

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💭 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re journaling at the beach, on a rainy cabin morning, or while sipping iced tea on the train, having just a few of your favorite supplies can make your trip feel extra special. ☀️

What’s in your travel pouch? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your packing posts — I’d love to see what you bring!

💼 Until next time… stay creative (and hydrated)!