It's been scientifically proven that regular journaling reduces stress and manages anxiety, so you should really look at it as an essential part of your at-home wellness routine. That’s why we've rounded up the best and most stylish travel journals the pages of which every jet-setter would happily fill with stories of gourmet meals at sunset, descriptions of wild adventures in far-flung locales, and interesting encounters in foreign lands.
Heritage stationery companies such as the British Smythson or the Italian Moleskin offer superb options—modern and sophisticated journals bound in fine leather. There are also a lot of travel journals that will please any vintage-loving individual with their wraparound design and pages made from cream-hued recycled paper.
Keep scrolling for a selection of stylish travel journals that will have you writing in no time.
Smythson Off the Beaten Track Travel Journal
This English-made travel journal by Smythson is the epitome of style. It is bound in grosgrain leather that will hold up well with time as you add more and more adventures to your journal. Inside, the pale blue pages are lined and the journal features sections for itineraries, packing lists, and maps among others. To top it all off, the gilt-edged pages make for a sophisticated finishing touch.
To buy: $245; smythson.com
Moleskine Travel Journal
Those of you already planning your next trips will find this journal really inspiring and useful. Unlike most journals, this one is structured so you can record both your expectations for a journey and the reality of it after your return. It is packed with useful tips and tools. You may find filling out the Wish List section especially comforting right now. It also has plenty of blank pages (it has 400 pages in total) and an expandable pocket on the back cover that will come in handy if you like to keep museum tickets, photos, or any other mementos from your trips.
To buy: $45; bloomingdales.com
Leatherology Spiral Wrap Journal
We just love the unlined leather cover of this journal. It has a rich color that will only get better with time as the leather develops a beautiful patina. The vintage wraparound design is an added bonus and perfect to tuck a pen or a pencil into. The journal has 130 lined perforated pages that can be refilled. There's also a hidden pocket on the inside where you can store tickets or receipts. Make it yours by opting to monogram it with your initials.
To buy: $95; leatherology.com
Graphic Image World Travel Journal
This beautiful leather journal will help you document family vacations and solo trips alike. There's plenty of space (320 pages) where you can detail every single impression or thought you had along the way. There is also plenty of useful information included in it such as international codes, world weather, maps (76 pages of them) and distances. The cream-hued pages have gilt edges that pair perfectly with the rich brown color of the leather cover.
To buy: $85; neimanmarcus.com
Orvis Personalized Leather Journal
Customers rave about the quality of this travel journal calling it a “real keepsake” and describing the leather as “soft as butter.” The travel journal is hand-crafted in a small town in Tennessee by the artisans of a company called Col. Littleton that as partnered with Orvis. Every journal comes with a story card describing the inspiration behind it. This one is bound in soft leather in a beautiful amber honey hue and features a leather strap closure. The journal consists of 130 blank pages made from recycled paper that can be removed and replaced with a new insert. The journal conveniently comes with a number 2 lead pencil.
To buy: $150; orvis.com
Montblanc Fine Stationery Notebook #146 Montblanc Bonheur Weekend Edition
This special edition notebook immediately made us think about the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera thanks to its Marinière-inspired cover crafted from fine Italian Saffiano leather. The notebook has 192 pages watermarked with the Montblanc logo and measures approximately 6 x 8 inches so you can take it with you next time you hit the road and document all of your adventures.
To buy: $82; montblanc.com
Mark & Graham World Travel Journal
This World Travel Journal will inspire you to look back on your past adventures or start planning new ones. It has 320 pages and measures 6 x 4.5-inches which makes it incredibly travel-friendly. It is bound in a bold orange full-grain leather cover that can be monogrammed in gold foil for a personal touch.
To buy: $70; markandgraham.com