Hey everyone!
I’m looking for recommendations on travel journal apps for creating and sharing entries. I want something that’s simple to use, not too expensive, and makes it easy to share my travel stories and photos with others.
I’ve seen a few options already, and here’s what I think so far:
Day One – I like the clean interface and the feature set, but it feels a bit overkill for what I want (and the subscription pricing is kinda high for me).
Journo – Seems fun and full-featured, but I found it a little clunky for quickly dumping memories on the go.
Journalfy – This one looks super simple and straightforward and more aligned to what I want… but it also feels newer, so I wasn’t sure how stable it is or what other people’s long-term experience with it has been.
Has anyone used these (or others) for travel journaling? What would you recommend if your priorities were simplicity, easy sharing, and affordability?
Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Utah via SF Bay Area
480 posts
I use Day One. I decided to buy it because I create an online journal and don’t want to lose them! I understand. Another $30-40 lifetime app commitment!
Do you have an IPhone? Apple has a journaling app “Journal” and it appears to be entirely free. It popped up on my devices after a couple of updates ago. It appears to have similar functionality to Day One, too. I haven’t used it but may give it a try on the next trip.
Posted by
northern CA
3299 posts
I'd like to hear about people's experiences with Apple Journal,
and if you want something a little more intense check out Essayist and the multifunctional Goodnotes.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9972 posts
Polarsteps is what I use. I’ve been using it since 2018 and remain very pleased. It is a free app. Where they make their money is the optional “publish this as a book” at the end of your trip. No obligation to so.
I can set who sees my posts and keep a running journal with photos as I go. Those authorized can comment and interact. It tracks my location through gps in real time. My family enjoys seeing where I am and the ability to check in on their schedule rather than receive a barrage of photos and emails like I used to do.
I can easy scroll through past trips and pull up specific sites or experiences.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
11219 posts
A very simple and free one is to use Google Apps, including Google Docs and Google Photos. I do that a lot, although I have a published blog, so I generally move everything into that, but it's really easy and straightforward and simple to access. Plus it's free.
Posted by
Seattle
78 posts
I’ve started using Apple journal. And loving it. I use with iPhone, iPad, and desktop. Through the cloud, all devices with app able to receive edits and updates. I use Apple Pencil as well, for handwriting and sketches. Journal allows photo posts, drawings, etc. If you want to incorporate info from other documents just copy and paste.
So far, quite impressed. And it’s free.
Posted by
🪻Southeastern US
2968 posts
Try Google Keep. It's free and simple.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1561 posts
I use Wanderlog for trip research and planning. I just updated it today and noticed that it has added a new journal feature where you can upload photos, map out your trip and make a record of what you did. I use the free version of Wanderlog. I took a quick look at the journal feature. It takes all of the places that I created in the itinerary and transfers them into a map in the journal. I could then click each stop or attraction and add photos and personal notes. Very easy to use.