Making memories is one of the best perks of traveling. Instead of looking back on your life and thinking about all of the times that you went into work or sat in front of the TV, you can think about the times that you went on adventures around the world. While having these memories are fantastic, sometimes they can fade and having a more tangible way to remember them will come in handy. If you are planning on traveling, here are a few ways that will help you really capture your journey.
Take Video
OK, while not everyone is handy with a camera or even comfortable being in front of one, having live video of your trip can be endlessly valuable. This wasn't apparent to me until I started watching some of my family's home movies from when I was a kid. The videos capture things that I didn't have memory of and it was nice to see what my life was like when I was little. The same goes for travel; hearing the excitement in your voice, seeing the clothes you wore and having a distinct visual of where you were will help you relive your experiences in the future.
Invest in a Quality Camera
I've been traveling for years and throughout that time, I have had disposable cameras, cheap digital cameras, and cell phone photos. As of recently, my travel partner spent a good chunk of change on a quality camera and I couldn't be more grateful. Having high quality photos that he took the time to edit and host online has made looking back on my photos much more enjoyable. Plus, now that we are back home, we have printed many of them out and put them in frames, making great decorations for our new house.
Keep a Journal
While it doesn't have to be an actual paper journal, you should still find ways to write down your thoughts and feelings during your travels. Use a phone app, a computer program or video to document your thoughts and stories while on the road. This will help you understand your mental state and where you were at in life during different parts of your journey.
Get an Action Camera
Many of my best travel moments happened in places where it just wasn't practical to bring a camera. Bathing elephants in Thailand, kayaking around New Zealand and canyoning in Vietnam were all experiences that I wanted to remember and couldn't have captured if it weren't for my Gopro. Get a camera that is waterproof or durable and start taking it on your more adventurous excursions.
Travel With Others
I am a huge fan of solo travel. Honestly, it's one of my favorite things in the world. However, sharing your travel experiences with others helps you remember them even more. When you have someone who experienced the same thing as you, they will always be there to talk about it, reminisce and relive it through conversation together.