Travel Journaling Supplies to Carry While on the Go for Your Travel Journal

Travel journaling is not just about writing down where you went and what you did — it’s also about capturing the feel of the journey in your own unique voice and style.

Whether you’re hopping on a train to Mysore or flying off to a new country, a small, well-organized journaling kit can be a game changer.

I understand that when we have a collection of journaling supplies, it is only natural to get overwhelmed by the idea of ‘what should I carry?’ among the stacks of stickers, a rainbow of pens, endless washi tapes.

Imagine that all around your desk, looking at it and only getting confused- because you’re unable to make a choice.

If you don’t pack that particular pen, you might not be able to make a design, and that feels like a problem!

Trust me, I’ve been through this process. It’s not helpful at all.

The urge to bring everything ‘just in case’ is real, but when you’re traveling, space and practicality matter more than abundance.

Overpacking your journal kit can make it bulky, chaotic, and even discouraging to use.

Hence, I am keeping this article very crisp and bulleted for the purpose of solving this common dilemma.

It is aimed at helping you make smart decisions and reduce the packing stress.

This way, you’ll be able to focus on experiencing the journey and documenting it beautifully — without rummaging through a dozen unused supplies.

Table of Contents

Your On-the-Go Travel Journaling Kit: What to Pack Besides the Notebook

Here’s a practical, minimal yet creative list of journaling supplies to carry while you’re on the go, IN ADDITION TO PACKING YOUR NOTEBOOK:-

1. A Travel Pouch or Folder

Choose this based on the space you have in your luggage — it could be a small zip pouch or a compact folder. Make sure it fits neatly in your backpack or tote so you can reach for it whenever inspiration strikes.

2. Basic Pens

Always pack the essentials:

Black, blue, and red gel pens – perfect for writing entries, highlighting key details, and organizing notes.

3. Colored Pens (Match with Washi Tape)

Bring a couple of colored pens that complement the washi tapes you’re carrying. This ensures a coordinated aesthetic and makes your spread look clean yet creative.

4. Washi Tapes

Keep one or two rolls of washi tape. Choose neutral or travel-themed designs — something versatile. These can be used to:

Frame your notes
Stick tickets or polaroids
Add a pop of design to blank corners

5. Glue Stick

A must-have for sticking:

Brochures
Tickets
Maps
Dried flowers or local wrappers

Choose a small glue stick to save space and avoid mess.

6. Mini Scissors or Paper Cutter

Only if your luggage allows — keep a small pair of foldable or mini scissors (or a paper cutter) for on-the-go trimming of washi tape, paper cutouts, or stickers.

7. Stickers (Theme-Wise)

Apart from your travel journal stickers, carry:

“To-do” stickers
Days of the week
Arrows, stars, or bullet markers

Decorative ones like hearts, florals, or phrases
These are perfect for layout ideas or bullet journaling formats on travel pages.

8. Sticky Notes & Page Flags

Keep just one set of sticky notes (choose your favorite color or shape). Add page flags to mark important pages like:

Places visited
Expense tracker
Bucket lists

Tips for Packing Your Supplies

Don’t overpack: Your travel journal is for ease, not baggage.
Keep it light and functional.
Refill or restock only if you run out during the trip.

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Final Thought

Your travel journal kit doesn’t have to be extravagant — it just has to work for you. Think about what helps you record your story the best. The right journaling tools will not only keep you organized but also make your spreads more enjoyable to create.

I am attaching a downloadable and printable PDF file here for using as a checklist, though I recommend that you see this checklist and write it by your own hand in your travel journal: Travel Journal Supplies Checklist_

If you choose to take a printout, keep annotating this list as and when required!