En Route: A Journal

I bought both the I Was Here and En Route journals from Kate Pocrass. I wasn't clear on the distinctions until I had them both in hand, so I wanted to outline them. Both are well-made, colorful, and fun. But they serve different needs, and would be fits for different kinds of travelers. I WAS HERE is a guided journal. There are 21 blank pages for notes in the back, but the bulk of the journal is guided observation. There's a small "Before You Go" section to record lists, recommendations, and addresses for postcards. The "Journeys" section makes up most of the book, and it's full of suggestions for more fully observing and interacting with where you are. Activities include: photograph typographic specimens from store signs, license plates, and street names; for one day, shoot all photos from hip height; buy a mundane kitchen accessory that you'll use daily at home; order two things at a restaurant: what looks best, and what looks most different; look for "districts" in town that focus on utilitarian objects (the fabric district); sit on a corner for an hour and record what people are saying, doing, wearing; ask people to draw you a map; ask people for their favorite recipe; take rubbings of city textures (currency, subway tile, sewer grate); etc. There are seven itinerary pages and seven neighborhood pages: each with space to include things to do and see. There are spots to record 11 restaurants: what you ordered, yum/yuck, and other thoughts. The final "Notes" section has lined, gridded, and blank pages (21 total) and there's a small pocket in the back of the book. There are reference pages of illustrated measurements, common words in several languages, clothing sizes, etc. EN ROUTE is a more traditional journal. There are 13 pages of checklists at the beginning (to research; to do; morning of; etc.). There are half-pages for dated diary entries (12 sections with room for a date, and weather icons to circle, and a half-page for notes). The bulk of the book is mostly blank/lined/gridded pages. Nearly every page has some travel-themed illustration. There are a few full-page illustrations interspersed (international teas, snacks on a stick, a collection of flowers). Most of the illustrations appear in both books. The reference pages (common words, measurements, sizes) are mostly the same between the two books. There's a small pocket in the back as well.

Exactly what I wanted in a travel journal. The first section is a place for bulleted lists (I didn't really use this section but I wish I would have for packing, places to visit, things to buy before the trip etc). There is a place for "daily entries" which I really liked, and was ultimately why I bought this journal. My only complaint with that was that there were only 12 days worth of spaces and I used it for a two week trip but I just continued onto the next blank page so no big deal. Lots of blank pages for gluing tickets/memories when you get home, and the cutest little illustrations throughout the whole journal. I really loved this journal and will definitely order again for upcoming trips!!!

I bought this for my 15 yr old niece before she left for a 5 week trip to Sweden. It's a great compact size, fits nicely in a tote or backpack. The illustrations are beautiful--modern and a bit quirky. My niece was pretty excited about it and started filling in some key details before leaving for the trip. Cons: There are a couple useless pages. For example, there's a taxi log that's about 2 pages (I think.) I'm not sure what this is for - is it for remembering your taxi rides?? A reminder to expense the taxi trips? The journal is targeted to personal or leisure travel and not business travel so I'm not sure. And for many cities and trips taxis are not part of the travel experience. I remember a couple pages like this that weren't universal enough to fit all kinds of trips. Overall the journal is beautiful. Nice paper, easy to carry, beautifully illustrated, nice colors, lots of space to write. Some blank pages, some lined pages, some grid pages.

It’s different to your usual, with art and it’s also educational. Bought one years ago and bought another one again. It’s small (only bad thing) but it’s awesome to take on trips.

I will be taking a road trip in a few weeks and wanted a travel journal that would help me create a more purposeful travel experience. I was looking for something guided, but not crazy, out-there ideas (I am not asking a stranger what their favorite recipe is!). I chose this one, not sure what to expect. Full disclosure: I have not used this journal so all I can do is report what is in it and how I plan to use it. Description: The En Route travel journal is small (5x7) with limited writing space on some pages, which may be difficult for those who write large. It has a semi-hard cover and lies flat, which should make writing easier. The inside cover has places for information and the limited space is very apparent here. The first several pages are guided for trip planning, in checklist style, followed by several other unguided pages that can be used for other types of lists. The rest of the journal is mostly free-style. There are some pages that can be dated for notes on a specific day. There are ruled-lined pages, grid-pages, and blank pages. There are travel illustrations throughout. In the back, there is some travel information, mostly for international travel. A small pocket on the back cover can be used to keep ticket stubs (or small souvenirs). There is a band that will wrap around the journal to keep it closed. How I will use it: I plan to create my own journal prompts (looking at Pinterest to get ideas) and will buy some inexpensive travel stickers to create decorations. I will also use it like a scrapbook and glue mementos to some of the pages. Rating: Three stars based on: Size – a little small. I think I will have trouble writing in it. Prompts – Would have liked to see some general prompts along with free-space. Durability – Of course I can’t really rate this until I use it but the cover feels durable. Suggested usage – I think a page with suggested usage might be a nice addition

I bought this journal for a friend who will be traveling far in the next year - I wanted to get her a gift that she could take with her and use on her journey. This journal is truly beautiful, very colorful with a variety of cute illustrations. It's small enough to slip into a carry-on without issue, but large enough to merit its price. The quality of the paper is great, and the journal itself, with its color and pictures, will inspire wanderlust in any owner.

There's so many different ways to use this. Lists for every aspect of your trip, before, during, and after. Pocket in the back fits your passport plus space for any other small mementos, and the elastic band keeps it in place. Really lovely graphics, tons of pages to compile all your thoughts, memories, and details.

I purchased this as a gift, but will have to get another one for myself, because it is SO GREAT! There is such a variety of topics and organized ways to record information and experiences. And above all, the illustrations and tidbits of information throughout are what really sell this journal. As many others have mentioned, the pictures and illustrations are just adorable and pretty, and vibrant. I would highly recommend this to anyone searching for a way to record memories or information about their travels, be they near or far.

Pretty journal. Every page has a different illustration. Really satisfied with the design

Very good product

Ich habe dieses Travel Journal in einem Buchladen am anderen Ende der Welt gefunden und da es dort den doppelten Preis hatte, mir dann hier gekauft. Es hat viele schöne Anregungen, was man so auf einer Reise niederschreiben könnte und wird auf der nächsten bestimmt mein Begleiter sein.

love it ! cute and small enough to carry while travelling

I loved the design of this jounal, I am using it to writte down my trips. I didn't want a journal with useless written pages or instructions, this one has plenty of space for those who just want to writte in beautiful pages. I was expecting it a bit bigger (it is smaller than A5) and I would add some more pages, this one has 144 pages whilst others have 160 or even more. I would buy another trip journal from the same collection with other designs in their pages to keep notes of my future trips.