By staying in our comfort zone, we are merely depriving ourselves from experiencing life. When we go on a vacation, we see new places, we meet new people, we learn new things and most of all we get to reconnect with our inner self and we are given the chance to look back at our life and re-evaluate our perspectives.

Simply because vacations are very rare, we would want to hold the memory as close as possible to our hearts. Most of us would take pictures and videos but aside from that there's also another way and that is to make a travel journal. Here's how.

1. Prepare. Keep in mind that your travel journal is yours, therefore; you are free to do whatever you want to do with it. You can get creative and artistic to your heart's content. Before your scheduled date of departure it is important that you prepare the things you need to create your journal. These items are the following:

*pen - you need it because you will have to write something

*blank book - this is where you write or post your pictures; make sure that it is blank so you will have enough space to write on

*colored pens or pencils - of course you wouldn't want your journal to be monotonous; by using these colored pens you will surely bring it to life; you can use this to draw images or caricatures or draw borders or anything you desire

*scissors and glue - this is in case you have to cut and paste some pictures

*envelope and pouch - this is where you will store all your journal materials

*camera - do not forget this because you will surely want to take a lot of pictures while on vacation.

2. Entries. You can start writing while you are still on the plane. Do not worry about what to write; just simply write whatever you want. It can be about how you feel or what you saw or you can also describe the place you visited. Do not limit yourself. Again, the journal is yours it is up to you how to fill it up. Of course do not forget to date the entries since this will help you remember the experience better.

3. Memorabilia. When you visit places collect as much memorabilia as you can. It can be a ticket, receipt or it can even be a food wrapper. When you are staying at the hotel you can collect business cards, menus and other items that will help you remember your trip better. It will also make your journal come to life.

4. Pictures. Do not ever forget this. Snap as many pictures as you want. Do not limit yourself. These pictures are memories frozen in time. Keep in mind that you might not be able to go back to that very same place so might as well keep the memory alive.

After your trip you can paste everything onto the journal. It is also important that you put dates on the pictures and memorabilia so you will know which page you will have to paste it on. A travel journal is a great travel accessory and a good way to keep your vacation experience alive.