When you first set out on your travels across Europe, you might just be excited to get out the door and go. There are plenty of gorgeous countries throughout the continent, each with their own history, culture and attractions.
But have you thought about how you’re going to memorialize your trip? This is something you’ll want to consider before you go, as it can be easy to forget to document your experiences when you’re caught up in the moment. Here are a few tips to help you document your travels through Europe:
Bring a Camera
This is a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. A good camera will help you capture all the amazing sights you’ll see on your trip. But don’t just rely on your camera’s built-in memory – bring along extra memory cards and batteries, too.
Some of the most photogenic spots in Europe include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Venetian canals in Venice, the Matterhorn in Switzerland, and the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. But no matter where you go, make sure to snap some photos.
But after taking photos, you should try to edit them, too. This might include cropping out unwanted people or objects, adjusting the brightness or contrast, or adding a filter. Editing software that allows you to remove background from image free of charge is a great tool as is automatically color correcting.
Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Write in a Journal
A journal is a great way to document your thoughts and experiences as you travel. You can write about the places you visit, the people you meet, and the things you see and do. A journal can also be a great place to jot down ideas for future blog posts or articles about your trip.
This can be a major step in your trip-planning process. You’ll want to make sure you have enough time to write in your journal each day, so you might want to set aside some time each evening to do this. Alternatively, you can bring along a small notebook that you can write in whenever you have a spare moment.
Collect Souvenirs
Souvenirs are a great way to remember your trip, and they can also be fun to collect. Look for unique items that represent the places you visit, such as keychains, magnets, postcards, and t-shirts.
You can also pick up some more unusual souvenirs, like a piece of jewelry or a piece of art. Just make sure you’re not spending too much money on souvenirs, as they should be a fun addition to your trip, not a financial burden.
If you’re not a fan of shopping, you can still collect souvenirs. For example, you might want to pick up a handful of leaves from each country’s national park or take a photo of yourself with a landmark in the background.
Stay in Touch with People you Meet
One of the best things about travel is the people you meet along the way. Whether you meet someone on a tour, in a hostel, or just out and about, exchange contact information so you can stay in touch.
You can also connect with people on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Hashtags are a great way to find photos and videos from specific places, so you can follow along with the experiences of other travelers.
Once you get home from your trip, make sure to share your photos and stories with your friends and family. You can also blog about your experiences, or post them on social media.
If you have a lot of photos and videos, you might want to create a travel album or video montage. This is a great way to relive your trip, and it’s also a nice way to share your experiences with others.
Cover photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash