Plan the Getaway: How to Use Your Notebook For Vacation Planning

There’s something about planning a vacation that brings excitement long before you even pack a bag. From dreaming up destinations to curating your itinerary, travel planning is an experience in itself, and using a notebook or planner makes it even more exciting.

Digital tools can help you book flights and track reservations, but pen and paper are unmatched when it comes to organizing your trip with intention. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, here’s how pen and paper can be a trusted travel companion—before, during, and even after the trip.

Why Plan on Paper?

Writing down your plans forces you to be intentional about your goals. It helps you organize details, brainstorm freely, and focus without distractions (meaning less notifications and dings fighting for your attention). Plus, you’re not just planning a trip—you’re creating a keepsake of the journey.

How to Use Your Notebook or Planner for Vacation Planning

1. Create a Travel Wishlist: Use the first few pages of your notebook to dream. Jot down dream destinations, experiences you want to try, foods you must eat, or even places you’d like to revisit. This is your vacation bucket list to inspire the rest of your planning session.
2. Budget: It’s time to map out a basic budget. Write down your ideal costs for flights, stays, meals, activities, and transportation. You can even create a pre-trip checklist for booking and admin.
3. Packing List + Prep: List out everything you’ll bring, such as outfits, a good vacation read, point + shoot cameras, and other essentials. If you have any pre-trip needs like like renewing your passport or pausing your mail, make sure to take note of those dates. A planner is perfect for setting reminders and deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Itinerary Pages: Dedicate a section to your daily itinerary. Include times, locations, confirmation numbers, and reservation details. It’ll be satisfying to check off your list on a well-planned day, and to access everything in once place even with spotty wifi or internet connections.
5. Lists, Lists, Lists: Once you’ve settled on your destination, use your notebook to make note of restaurants to try, souvenirs to bring back, people on your gift list, and sights to see. Use color coding or highlighters (we love fan-favorite dual-tipped Mildliners) to keep things clear and easy to reference.
6. Travel Journal Moments: Leave space to jot down favorite memories each day—what you ate, where you wandered, or any exciting or peaceful moments. This is where your travel notebook becomes a keepsake. We recommend our Mini Linen Jotters as a perfect on-the-go companion for memory keeping.

Ready to plan your next getaway?

Your vacation doesn’t start when you take off, it starts when you begin dreaming up the possibilities with your handy notebook and pen in hand. A dedicated travel notebook helps you plan with purpose, capture moments, and preserve memories. Explore our collection of notebooks and planners to join your next adventure—from the first idea to the final journal entry.