The Art of Journal Writing Thanks to the movie Titanic, travelers in great numbers are keeping journals these days. The art of journal writing has become a way to share travel adventures with family and friends, or simply to keep the memories alive. Here are some basic thoughts to help you get started. Remember, the real benefit of a travel journal comes later when the trip has ended and the reading begins. Keeping a travel journal is like taking photographs while on your trip, it's best to make the commitment before the trip begins. Buy a journal beforehand: If you want to add a little excitement to the venture, buy a travel journal ­ there are lovely ones available at stores that sell stationery. If you don't want to invest in a journal, a small notebook will do. Many people say that spiral-type journals or notebooks are the easiest to work with in tight places like trains or airplanes. One journal per journey: This method allows you to keep your journals organized by event, location and year. For people who travel frequently, it is not unusual to maintain multiple journals and file them with other trip memorabilia. Begin before: Take a couple of minutes to write a short introduction in your journal before leaving home. Perhaps you might want to discuss the inspiration for your trip, who's going, what you hope to do, and other tidbits that involve the pre-trip experience. You can make this elaborate or very simple, but eventually you'll settle into a specific style that works for you. While the trip Is underway: Everyone is different, but most people find that writing in a journal once a day is sufficient. Dating each entry usually keeps the process on a cohesive track. Some people are more apt to jot down thoughts about feelings, while others chronicle tangible facts and events. In truth, most journals will be a mishmash of both. If you have trouble getting the words down, try answering who, what, where, and when, of your day's excursions. Be Consistent: Of all the elements that go into journal writing, consistency is the most important­even if you only jot down one line per day. Some journal writers find that consistency is best served when they make entries every Wednesday or every night at 9 p.m. You decide what consistency means, and strike a bargain with yourself to be consistent. Have fun: If you falter on your journal keeping, you're not alone ­ this is a common problem. Pick up your pen, and write about the fun you're having keeping your very first travel journal. (This article is reprinted from Postcards Magazine.)