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6 Best Areas (By a Local!)

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Aerial view of a bustling cityscape featuring the prominent Saint Sava Temple, illuminated buildings, and streets with light trails at night.Aerial view of a bustling cityscape featuring the prominent Saint Sava Temple, illuminated buildings, and streets with light trails at night.

Getting ready to visit Belgrade, Serbia? How great, welcome to my home country and our vibrant capital! I’m a Serbian local and have spent months in Belgrade for work, studies, and leisure. So I know exactly where to stay in Belgrade for the best experience.

In this ultimate guide on the best areas to stay in Belgrade, I pinpoint the 6 top places to stay for a memorable trip! I also cherry-picked top-rated hotels in each area and divided them by budget so you can easily book your favorite!

Old Town is the best area to stay in Belgrade for first-timers, since it’s the heart of the city where the most attractions are.

Before we start, I highly recommend you book your hotel in Belgrade as soon as possible to take advantage of the best deals!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Book the best hotels in Belgrade’s Old Town and get the adventure started now:

budget hotel


Vila Terazije

Best affordable accommodation in the center

I made this map to help you visualize the best areas to stay in Belgrade: 

1. Old Town (Stari Grad) – where to stay in Belgrade, Serbia, for the first time

A vibrant pedestrian street in Belgrade, Knez Mihailova, bustling with people and lined with historic buildings and green treesA vibrant pedestrian street in Belgrade, Knez Mihailova, bustling with people and lined with historic buildings and green trees

Old Town is the very core of Belgrade. We call it Stari Grad in Serbian (literally meaning Old City) because this is one of the oldest parts of our capital. Together with Savski Venac and Vracar (read more about them below), Old Town is part of the greater City Center.

Whenever I have guests coming over, I take them to see attractions in this part of the city. The Kalemegdan Fortress and its Victor Monument (map) are the symbol of Belgrade and given their uphill location at the confluence of two rivers (Danube and Sava), they make the most beautiful place for catching the sunset in town!

The most popular pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova (map), connects Kalemegdan with Terazije on one side and Republic Square on another, both being popular tourist hotspots.

This lovely street is lined with quirky cafés, shops, bookstores, institutions, and street musicians, and it’s alive 24/7!

A spacious square in Belgrade with the National Museum and the historic statue of Prince Mihailo on horsebackA spacious square in Belgrade with the National Museum and the historic statue of Prince Mihailo on horseback

Old Town is also the very center of Belgrade nightlife! Make sure you visit a kafana (traditional Serbian restaurant serving local dishes and playing live Serbian music) in Skadarlija to experience what is, for me, the absolute best way to party. The best kafanas here are Tri Šešira (map) and Dva Jelena (map)! I’ve been to both and had a blast every time!

In short, whether you’re into sightseeing, culture, shopping, nightlife, or history, you’ll find it all in Stari Grad! The area abounds with accommodation, but I just wanted to tell you to be careful and not book too close to Skadarska Street (Skadarlija), especially if you’re visiting in the summer. It can get too noisy at night! I learned this the hard way…

PRO TIP: Get a Belgrade Card for free entrance to the city’s museums, discounts, and freebies at restaurants!

Luxury hotel

This 5-star hotel is adjacent to Knez Mihailo Street, situated in the very Center of the Old Town. It has a lovely indoor pool, a spa and wellness center, 2 on-site restaurants, and a gym. I love the modern and minimalist room décor, too, and would definitely recommend staying here if you want to splurge!

Other accommodation options in Stari Grad

Mid-Range

This 4-star hotel has a central location and super clean rooms with wooden furnishings, plus a hearty breakfast

Budget

A lovely hostel with a great location featuring dorms and private rooms, ideal for single travelers and couples

Airbnb

Cozy and modern penthouse ideal for couples looking to stay near the hottest nightlife spots

Things to do in Stari Grad

2. Terazije – an urban place to stay in Belgrade, Serbia

Facade of Hotel Moskva in Belgrade, an example of Art Nouveau architecture with its ornate green and white exterior and distinctive green roofFacade of Hotel Moskva in Belgrade, an example of Art Nouveau architecture with its ornate green and white exterior and distinctive green roof

As I already mentioned, Terazije is part of the City Center that begins just as you walk to the end of Knez Mihailo Street toward Terazije Square (map). It offers a mix of very urban vibes, but it’s also a great place for business travelers and those seeking luxury.

Terazije’s central attraction is the stunning Hotel Moskva (map), an old hotel with beautiful architecture that is more like an institution. They have a lovely restaurant on the ground floor with live piano music and delicious food. Sometimes, when I want to spoil myself, I’ll get some desserts and coffee there before or after visiting the Old Town.

You can really feel the big city vibe as you walk down Terazije Street, which is one of the commercial hubs of Belgrade. The vicinity of business and government buildings also means you’ll see more people in suits. In fact, if you’re attending a conference in Belgrade, chances are, it’ll be nearby!

Terazije Square is filled with authentic shops, so if you’re into shopping outside of Knez Mihailova Street, you can have a blast here! Plus, you’ll be just steps away from the beautiful Tasmajdan Park and the St. Mark Orthodox Church (map), both of which are some of the favorite places in Belgrade for locals.

Luxury hotel

This stunning hotel is probably my favorite place in all of Belgrade! Traditional room décor paired with top-class service, a spa and wellness center, and a fabulous daily breakfast make this hotel every traveler’s dream! After all, you’ll be staying in a hotel that’s also an iconic landmark!

Other accommodation options in Terazije

Mid-Range

Here’s yet another iconic hotel and building, but at a more reasonable price, just a few steps from Hotel Moskva

Budget

A top-rated budget stay in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for couples and small families

Airbnb

This brand-new, modern apartment has surreal sunset views and a homey vibe, with a minimum stay of 5 nights

Things to do in Terazije

  • Join a culinary tour of Belgrade
  • Check out the Royal Palace of the Obrenovic dynasty (map)
  • Take a selfie at the iconic Terazije Fountain (map)
  • Have a fun time at the Museum of Illusions
  • Go beer tasting at Samo Pivo (map)
  • Visit the Zeleni Venac market (map) for fresh, local produce & people-watching
  • Walk to the nearby Nikola Pasic Square (map) and see Serbian government buildings

3. Vracar – where to stay in Belgrade for families

The Saint Sava Church in Belgrade illuminated at night, featuring grand architecture with water fountains in the foreground reflecting the structureThe Saint Sava Church in Belgrade illuminated at night, featuring grand architecture with water fountains in the foreground reflecting the structure

Vračar (pronounced as Varchar, can also be written Vracar) is one of my favorite Belgrade neighborhoods! It’s nestled in the City Center, so it’s close to all the hustle and bustle of the capital, and yet it’s so peaceful and quiet!

The district is some 2.5 km (1.5 miles) away from the Old Town, and an easy stroll to Vracar takes around 40 minutes. I love walking the picturesque route from Kalemegdan to Saint Sava Temple (map), one of the largest Christian Orthodox temples in the world – located in the heart of Vracar!

Now is the perfect time for a short history lesson (sorry, but it’s really interesting!). Saint Sava was a 12th-century member of a Serbian royal family, and he brought Christian Orthodoxy to Serbia. Today, he’s regarded as one of the holiest and most respected saints in the country. The Ottomans, who ruled over Serbia for almost 500 years, burned St. Sava’s remains at a hill in Vracar in 1594 as a punishment to Serbs for rebelling against them. On that very spot now lies the glorious St. Sava Temple with impressive frescoes and a surreal crypt!

PRO TIP: Saint Sava Temple has an observatory at the top where you can enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the whole city! Don’t miss it! Just talk to the temple staff, and they’ll arrange a guide to take you there for a fee (around $10).

The cityscape of Belgrade during sunset, capturing the warm glow of the setting sun against the urban backdrop and busy streetsThe cityscape of Belgrade during sunset, capturing the warm glow of the setting sun against the urban backdrop and busy streets

Other than important historical moments, Vracar also has many lovely parks where the kids can play, and it’s also known as the gastronomy hub of Belgrade. You’ll find local bakeries serving delicious cheese pastry called burek, which we love to eat for breakfast! I recommend pairing burek with some yogurt (they sell it in all bakeries) – there’s nothing I love to eat more to start the day!

Apart from St. Sava Temple, a must-visit attraction in Vracar is the Nikola Tesla Museum. There are plans for this museum to be moved to a bigger building elsewhere, but for now, you can enjoy learning about the life and work of one of the world’s most important scientists in its old location in Vracar!

Luxury hotel

A 4-star hotel in the heart of the district with spacious family suites, complimentary (and delicious, according to reviews) breakfast, 2 on-site restaurants, and a spa and wellness center!

Other accommodation options in Vračar

Mid-Range

Beautiful rooms with wooden walls, on-site parking, and an excellent breakfast included in the price

Budget

One of Belgrade’s signature hostels with quadruple rooms ideal for families, adjacent to shops and restaurants

Airbnb

An upscale apartment for 4 guests with a mix of modern and vintage elements, easily accessible on foot

Things to do in Vračar

  • Visit the crypt and observatory of the Saint Sava Temple
  • Go on a full-day sightseeing of Belgrade’s top attractions
  • Experiment with Nikola Tesla’s inventions by yourself in his museum
  • Try moussaka (eggplant & meat dish) or prebranac (bean stew) in local eateries

4. Savski Venac – the trendiest place to stay in Belgrade

Belgrade’s modern cityscape with a mix of old and new architecture, including residential and commercial buildings under a cloudy sky.Belgrade’s modern cityscape with a mix of old and new architecture, including residential and commercial buildings under a cloudy sky.

Savski Venac is a large municipality in Belgrade, with plenty of popular districts like Savamala, Belgrade Waterfront, Autokomanda, Dedinje (the richest district of Belgrade with celebrity villas), and others.

The area starts South of Terazije, and the parts I recommend staying in include Savamala and Belgrade Waterfront (map), which are closer to the City Center (a 20-minute walk from it).

Savamala is where I usually stay in Belgrade. This is where the Central Bus Station (map) is, the main point of arrival for buses from across Serbia. Savski Venac also has an excellent bus connection with all other parts of the city, so it’s ideal to stay here without a car.

In Serbia, we mostly use buses to get from one city to another (other than cars, of course), so staying close to the Central Bus Station is a good idea if you plan to explore other cities in the country. Since I always catch a bus to get to Belgrade, it makes sense why Savamala is my first choice for accommodation.

Recently, the Belgrade Waterfront area here has seen a multi-million dollar renovation project with new luxury residential blocks, shopping malls, and restaurants rising at every corner.

You’ll now also find a beautiful promenade by the river with lovely sights of the opposite bank of the Sava River, with plenty of cafés from which you can soak in the views. Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one place here, as I’ve been to a bunch of them, and they’re all stunning! You must try coffee at Cafeteria BW (map) and sushi at Buddha Bar (map)!

TRANSPORT TIP: Taxis in Serbia are known for scamming tourists, especially if you catch one near the Central Bus Station. The only way to make sure you won’t get scammed is to order a taxi ride via phone call. I usually call Pink Taxi (+381 11 6355000 is their number), they’re reliable and let you pay with a credit card. Most of the taxi apps have really poor ratings, so I don’t recommend them.

Luxury hotel

This 4-star hotel has an upscale indoor swimming pool, a lovely spa, and a delicious complimentary breakfast. They recently renovated the reception desk and continuously work on upgrading their services, which makes them one of the most reputable Belgrade hotels! The hotel is also pet-friendly.

Other accommodation options in Savski Venac

Mid-Range

This centrally-located hotel has free breakfast, modern rooms, and a fabulous breakfast

Budget

One of my favorite budget places to stay in Belgrade, with free parking and clean rooms

Airbnb

Your home away from home in Belgrade Waterfront with the cutest décor and a perfect rating score on Airbnb

Things to do in Savski Venac

5. Novi Beograd – where to stay in Belgrade like a local

Aerial view of a cityscape with a river running through the middle, high-rise buildings on one side, greenery, houses, and a tall structure with a clock on the other side under a clear sky.Aerial view of a cityscape with a river running through the middle, high-rise buildings on one side, greenery, houses, and a tall structure with a clock on the other side under a clear sky.

Novi Beograd (New Belgrade in English) is a large area located across the Sava River from Old Town, and it was planned with a typical socialist architecture in mind that was popular during the times of Yugoslavia. Novi Beograd mostly consists of residential buildings, large open spaces and boulevards, business centers, and some important landmarks.

Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Bosnia, and Montenegro were part of a single country, Yugoslavia, until 1991. Today, you can see neighborhoods like Novi Beograd in cities across these countries.

If you want to experience authentic local life while still being close to tourist attractions, Novi Beograd is a perfect spot. Given the distance from Old Town (a 10-20-minute ride) and the wide boulevards that run through it, it makes sense to stay here with a car. There are also plenty of public transportation options that connect Novi Beograd to Stari Grad.

Points of interest here include the iconic UŠĆE Shopping Center (map) and the floating bars and restaurants along the Sava River known as splavovi. Also, the Museum of Contemporary Art is located here!

I always recommend Novi Beograd to everyone who wants to explore brutalist architecture since this is where you’ll find most of them! In fact, I pinpoint the best photo spots in my article on things to do in Belgrade, and most of them are in Novi Beograd! Check out activity number 14 in this article to see their locations!

CULTURAL TIP: Serbs are super hospitable toward foreigners. A simple Hvala (Thank you) or Dobar dan (Good day) goes a long way! I even know of stories where foreigners got drinks for free just because they could say a few words in Serbian!

Luxury hotel

One of Belgrade’s most popular hotels, Hyatt is a perfect place to stay for business travelers and vacationers who want to spoil themselves. The 5-star hotel has a luxurious spa, an inviting restaurant, an indoor pool, and fabulous rooms with super nice views.

Other accommodation options in Novi Beograd

Mid-Range

Excellent value for money near the river, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the water

Airbnb

A luxury penthouse with panoramic views of the city, ideal for longer stays, suitable for couples and families

Things to do in Novi Beograd

  • Take a vintage car tour through Yugoslavian history
  • Hang out in floating restaurants like Keops (map) and Gabbiano (map)
  • Stroll in the Park Usce (map) and then cross Branko Bridge to the City Center
  • Explore the architecture of the Genex Tower (map) and the Palace of Serbia (map)
  • Go shopping in the Usce Shopping Center

6. Zemun – the most charming place to stay in Belgrade

Scenic view from Zemun, Belgrade, overlooking red-roofed houses with the Church of St. Nicholas and the confluence of the River Danube in the backgroundScenic view from Zemun, Belgrade, overlooking red-roofed houses with the Church of St. Nicholas and the confluence of the River Danube in the background

Zemun is the area furthest from Old Town, it’s basically considered a town of its own. It’s very close to Novi Beograd and 10 km (6.2 miles) away from Old Town. You can drive or use public transport to get here. A bus ride takes around 35 minutes, while the drive takes around 20.

Zemun is known as a bohemian and romantic spot with cobblestone streets and unique architecture. The architecture here was actually influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which ruled over Northern Serbia for hundreds of years.

I wholeheartedly recommend Zemun to couples since it’s so romantic, but also filled with tons of opportunities for spending time in nature. Zemunski Kej (map) is a long promenade along the Danube River and is a signature spot of Zemun!

Another popular landmark here is the Gardoš Tower (map), also known as the Millennium Tower. It was built by Austro-Hungarians in 1896 to celebrate the 1,000-year anniversary of the settlement of Hungarians in the area. Today, you can climb the tower and appreciate the lovely panoramic views of the Belgrade Fortress.

PRO TIP: In Zemun, you’ll find the most unique ice cream shop in Serbia. Poslasticarnica sa Stavom (map) serves ice cream with flavors like white wine, brandy, cheese, plum, lavender, and even ajvar (a Balkan condiment made of sweet bell peppers). Best of all is that they are all handmade and contain zero chemicals or additives! A must-try for ice cream lovers!

Luxury hotel

One of the most luxurious stays in Belgrade where you can enjoy a spa in your own room! There’s also a wellness center, free parking, an on-site bar, and many other upscale amenities. Past guests say that attention to detail in this place is exceptional!

Other accommodation options in Zemun

Mid-Range

This 4-star hotel has bright rooms, a cozy seating area, and tasty breakfast, making it a great spot for families

Budget

Stay near the iconic landmark and enjoy spectacular views of the river and Belgrade

Airbnb

My type of stay with compact rooms, colorful décor, and a cozy terrace where you can have breakfast

Things to do in Zemun

FAQs about where to stay in Belgrade

Scenic view of Belgrade's skyline at sunset with the silhouette of St. Michael's Cathedral standing above the city, and the Sava River bustling with boat trafficScenic view of Belgrade's skyline at sunset with the silhouette of St. Michael's Cathedral standing above the city, and the Sava River bustling with boat traffic

📅 How many days in Belgrade is enough?

2-3 days is ideal for exploring Belgrade’s top sights and getting a taste of the local culture. I recommend up to 5 days if you want to include day trips, go museum hopping, and get to know Belgrade in more detail.

✅ Is Belgrade safe?

Yes! Belgrade is safe for tourists. The little crime that exists in the city isn’t targeted at tourists, and the city is known for being welcoming to visitors of all nationalities.

🇷🇸 What is the best part of Belgrade to stay in?

Old Town (Stari Grad in Serbian) is the best place to stay in Belgrade, especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a short visit. It’s the heart of the city and where most of the attractions and the best nightlife are.

💯 How is Belgrade for tourists?

Amazing! Belgrade (and Serbs, in general) are known for being super hospitable to tourists. People show genuine interest in foreigners, and they usually speak English. The Serbian capital is also super walkable and has street signs in English.

🚶‍♀️ Is Belgrade a walkable city?

Yes! Belgrade has plenty of walkable surfaces, large sidewalks, and giant parks, and it is moderately hilly in some neighborhoods. The best attractions, restaurants, and hotels are all within walking distance from each other.

💶 Is Belgrade expensive for tourists?

Not really. Although the prices in Belgrade keep rising, they’re still lower on average compared to Western Europe and the U.S. For comparison’s sake, consumer prices in Belgrade are 23.8% lower than in Rome.

🌸 Which month is best to visit Belgrade?

April to June, September, and October are the best months to visit Belgrade. Although May can be rainy, it’s still the most pleasant time because it’s not too hot yet. The weather is mostly dry and warm in the spring and fall months. 

Making the most out of your stay in Belgrade

The writer of the post with her partner poses at twilight with a vibrant sunset over the Belgrade skyline and river, with the city's lights beginning to twinkleThe writer of the post with her partner poses at twilight with a vibrant sunset over the Belgrade skyline and river, with the city's lights beginning to twinkle

That’s about it, my dear traveler! I hope I helped you decide where to stay in Belgrade and how to spend your time in the city! I loved being your virtual guide, and I hope you’ll have a pleasant time!

In case you’re still indecisive about the best hotel for you, these are my favorites:

  • Hotel Moskva – a hotel with a story that’s also elegant and centrally located
  • Hotel Balkan – I’ve been dreaming of staying in this charming hotel since childhood as there is one really famous song about it (YouTube link) that everyone in Serbia knows

Regardless of where you stay, remember to book your stay in Belgrade in advance! The best deals sell out really fast in Serbia’s bustling capital!

Finally, feel free to drop me a comment if you have any questions or want more recommendations for your upcoming stay in Belgrade or Serbia!

Enjoy Belgrade,

Darija


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40+ Creative Travel Journal Prompts (Beginner-Friendly)

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A person sits outdoors on a grassy field, writing in a notebook. A backpack is placed beside them. They are surrounded by dry, tall grass and the sky appears overcast.A person sits outdoors on a grassy field, writing in a notebook. A backpack is placed beside them. They are surrounded by dry, tall grass and the sky appears overcast.

Hello dear adventurer, and welcome to your new favorite inspiration page for travel journal prompts! I started journaling a few years ago during my trip to Antalya, Turkey, and it has absolutely transformed the way I process my travels.

I’m happy to share my 45 favorite travel prompts that you can use right away (and even copy-paste if you keep a journal on your screen)!

To make things easier to find, I sorted all the prompts into time segments for before, during, and after your trip. And since I’m a big fan of listicles (and I believe you may be one, too) I also added a small section with my best listicle travel prompts!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are my top 3 favorite travel journal prompts that usually give me so much to write about:

  • What attraction or landmark am I most excited to see and why?
  • What fun facts did I learn about my destination today?
  • Did the trip live up to my expectations?

Best travel journal prompts for reflections

Person planning a trip with a notebook that says "Let's Travel," a passport, travel tickets, a camera, and a computer keyboard on a wooden desk. Other items include nail polish, and a glass with a yellow drink.Person planning a trip with a notebook that says "Let's Travel," a passport, travel tickets, a camera, and a computer keyboard on a wooden desk. Other items include nail polish, and a glass with a yellow drink.

In this section, I group my favorite travel journal prompts in the text format. You can use them as they are for reflective writing, or they can serve as a base for you to create stories.

For example, for the “What is something I noticed after I got here?” prompt, you can simply answer in one or 2 sentences, like “Women cover their heads a lot here,” or you can make a story out of it where you describe the differences that struck you more in detail, compare them to things at home, jot down how those differences made you feel, write your guesses for why those things are different, etc.

Personal preference: I always go with the 2nd option because I dream of one day writing a book about my experiences with different cultures around the world and use my travel journal as a base. Also, taking time to write about things in detail somehow deepens the whole experience.

Alright, so now that you know how to use the prompts, let’s get started with them:

Before the trip

A person sits with a cup of coffee, a hat, and travel accessories on a wooden surface with a world map laid out in front.A person sits with a cup of coffee, a hat, and travel accessories on a wooden surface with a world map laid out in front.

Getting ready for a trip can be just as fun as being there! I love the adrenaline rush after buying the tickets and starting to visualize what my vacation would look like.

Here are some travel journal prompts for an even better time planning your trip:

  1. Why did I choose this destination?
  2. What are my expectations from this trip?
  3. What will preparation for this trip look like?
  4. What are my goals and intentions for this trip?
  5. What new activities or foods do I want to try?
  6. What is my bucket list for this city/region?
  7. What cultural aspects of the destination do I want to explore in more detail?
  8. What are my must-have items for the trip?
  9. What gadgets can I use for the trip?
  10. What’s the weather forecast like and do I need to buy new clothes to match it?
  11. What attraction or landmark am I most excited to see and why?
  12. What is my travel companion most excited about? (If you’re traveling with someone)
  13. What do my daydreams about the destination look like?
  14. What are my biggest fears or concerns about this destination?
  15. What about the concerns of leaving home?
  16. How can this trip help me grow personally?

During the trip

A person walks down a narrow cobblestone street with a blue suitcase, wearing a green jacket, jeans, tan boots, a brown backpack, and a beige hat. Stone buildings line both sides of the street.A person walks down a narrow cobblestone street with a blue suitcase, wearing a green jacket, jeans, tan boots, a brown backpack, and a beige hat. Stone buildings line both sides of the street.

One of the greatest perks of travel journals is boosting your memory (more on this later). When you’re out and about every day for a week, a looot of things happen, and there’s no way to remember everything in detail. That’s where these travel journal prompts jump in!

  1. What were my first impressions of this place after I landed?
  2. What did I learn today?
  3. What fun conversations did I have today, and with whom?
  4. What is something I noticed after I got here?
  5. What new foods did I try today?
  6. Who are the new people I met today?
  7. Did anything unexpected happen today?
  8. How did I feel today, emotionally and physically?
  9. What did I do that made me proud of myself?
  10. How many steps did I walk today?
  11. What was the highlight of the day?
  12. What is the most beautiful photo I took today?
  13. What was the low part of my day?
  14. What would I do differently tomorrow?
  15. What is something I want to do again?

PRO TIP: Make your travel journal more engaging and inspirational by adding travel quotes! We have a separate article where we reveal the 51 best travel quotes, so check it out here!

After the trip

A woman sits on a bed writing in a notebook, with an open suitcase and a laptop beside her.A woman sits on a bed writing in a notebook, with an open suitcase and a laptop beside her.

The lowest part of any trip must be heading to the airport for your flight back home. I’d say the amount of sadness is proportional to the level of excitement when you’re just starting the trip and heading to the airport to fly to your destination.

But I found that travel journaling after the trip prolongs the good feels as you get to reflect on your trip, jot down some more memories, and ultimately go back to what you wrote anytime.

  1. Would I go back to this place?
  2. What did I enjoy most about the trip?
  3. What will I miss the most?
  4. What is the most valuable thing I learned from this trip?
  5. How did my perception of this culture or its people change after the trip?
  6. What did I discover about myself during this trip?
  7. What were the challenges you had during this trip and how did you overcome them?
  8. What was the best meal I had?
  9. What was the most beautiful view I encountered on the trip?
  10. What advice can I give to future travelers to this place?
  11. How do I feel now that I’m home?
  12. Did the trip live up to my expectations? 
  13. How did the initial travel itinerary work out?
  14. What are (if any) my future travel plans based on this experience?

Best travel prompts for list making

Open suitcase packed with clothes and a travel checklist notebook. A hat and sunglasses are placed beside the suitcase on a wooden surface.Open suitcase packed with clothes and a travel checklist notebook. A hat and sunglasses are placed beside the suitcase on a wooden surface.

Now, while the prompts above are great for creative writing, I also wanted to give you some more prompts you can use for listicles.

Before the trip

Most of the listicle travel prompts I like are actually part of the planning process:

  • Movies/songs/books about the destination
  • List of cities/places to visit
  • Meals to try
  • Things to do
  • Accommodation to stay in
  • Road trip songs (check out this article for inspo)
  • Tours to take

During or after the trip

You can also use these listicles that can be filled both during and after the trip:

  • Things you bought
  • Meals you had
  • New phrases of the local language you learned
  • People you met (and their contact details)
  • New facts you learned about the destination
  • Favorite photos from the trip
  • Top 5 favorite moments
  • Top culture shock moments

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How to keep a travel journal: my 5 favorite tips

A person writing in a journal on a desk with a map of Europe, glasses, a phone, and a vintage cameraA person writing in a journal on a desk with a map of Europe, glasses, a phone, and a vintage camera

I didn’t want to let you go before sharing a few final tips to make your travel journaling more engaging and creative!

I found the process of journaling rather boring in the beginning. Then I discovered that I could let my imagination dictate pretty much every detail of the process, and now I can’t wait to write in my travel journal!

Here are my 5 favorite tips for a smoother travel journaling experience:

1. Make it visual

Hands decorating a travel scrapbook with photos and decorative tape.Hands decorating a travel scrapbook with photos and decorative tape.

Adding visual elements to your travel journal will make it more personal and informative. Think gluing memorabilia or ticket stubs, sketching what you see (buildings, foods, people), or just adding a small photo you took.

You can also use stickers, stencils, washi tapes, stamps, and pretty much everything else you’d use for a bullet journal to help you decorate!

PRO TIP: Consider an instant camera or a portable printer that can print tiny photos to fit your travel journal! Yulia has the HP Sprocket and swears by it!

2. Engage all 5 senses

A person in a long, green dress stands in front of an intricately decorated, arched building entrance with colorful tiles.A person in a long, green dress stands in front of an intricately decorated, arched building entrance with colorful tiles.

This tip is super fun to do, especially for those exotic travels to other parts of the world where everything, including the air, is different.

For example, I live in Tel Aviv and have recently traveled to Uzbekistan where temperatures were around 35 degrees (same as in Israel). In Tel Aviv the air is super humid because of the sea, making you sweat immediately. In Uzbekistan (which is a doubly landlocked country), the air is really dry, and you can walk around feeling hot, but you won’t sweat nearly as much.

In Tel Aviv, 35°C (95°F) feels like a Turkish bath, while in Uzbekistan, it’s more like a sauna. 

This is an example sentence from my travel journal that captures the details that are not obvious until you actually visit the place and feel basic things like the air and temperature!

Not to mention the sounds on the streets, the taste of the food (the very same ingredients can taste differently in another country), or the colors of buildings. You’ll suddenly have plenty of things to write about when you think about engaging all your senses!

3. Write right away

A person writing in a journal while standing outdoors with a bridge in the background.A person writing in a journal while standing outdoors with a bridge in the background.

Try to write in your travel journal while the memories are still fresh. The main reason for this is that excitement levels are much higher then, and you can capture how you felt more vividly if you do it right away.

For example, I described some moments of my Uzbekistan journey as they happened and then wrote about some retrospectively a week after arrival with much fewer details. The difference in writing style and emotional engagement is just incomparable!

4. Use travel journal-friendly tools

A woman in a hat and striped shirt holds a smartphone and looks around while standing outside near a fountain and large buildings.A woman in a hat and striped shirt holds a smartphone and looks around while standing outside near a fountain and large buildings.

Sometimes, you may want to write in your travel journal but lack the time to sit back and add it all nicely. Or you may need extra help planning your trip and documenting every part of the process.

Luckily, there are tons of useful (and completely free!) apps you can use to help you out!

  • Voice recorder apps (pre-installed in most phones) can help you document thoughts or moments. They’ll save your voice recordings as audio files you can listen to later and transfer them into a text format.
  • Digital note-taking apps, like Notion, where you can make notes while on your journey and then access them on any device.
  • Travel itinerary apps, like Wanderlog, where you can add all your travel documents, booking reservations, plane or train tickets, and create a customized itinerary on a map.
  • Automatic journey trackers, like Polarsteps, that’ll track your itinerary automatically and add photos at places where you’ve taken them.
  • Online cloud storage, like Google Drive, where you can keep photos, videos, and just about anything related to your trip that you can access from every device.

NOTE: Amazon is packed with beginner-friendly travel journals with prompts, dedicated spaces for photos, and fun prints. This Travel Journal for Women and this Clever Fox Journal are my favorites. I do like to have more freedom in my travel journal to organize things the way I want, but if you prefer more guidance, then definitely consider buying one of these!

5. Make rank listicles

A person is planning a trip, writing in a notebook with travel items such as a map, camera, toy airplane, compass, and jar labeled "Travel" on the table.A person is planning a trip, writing in a notebook with travel items such as a map, camera, toy airplane, compass, and jar labeled

Here’s just another fun activity I really like to do. You can make your listicles more interesting by ranking the things in a specific order (best to worst, top 5 lists, etc).

For example, you can make a simple listicle about all the dishes you tried on your vacation. But you can also sort that listicle from your most to least favorite dish or even in order that you tried them.

The same can apply to accommodation, trip highlights, restaurants, interactions with people, and pretty much any other listicle you include in your journal.

Final thoughts on travel journal prompts

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a sun hat and a summer dress, sits on a stone wall with her arms outstretched, overlooking a medieval stone tower and fortress set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a riverA woman with long blonde hair, wearing a sun hat and a summer dress, sits on a stone wall with her arms outstretched, overlooking a medieval stone tower and fortress set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a river

Keeping a travel journal is a special way to preserve memories, get creative, and reflect on your experiences on the road. Whether you choose a digital or handwritten journal, you’ll be processing your adventures on a much deeper level!

Hopefully, the prompts I shared above gave you inspiration to get started!

Do you have any other ideas or advice for fellow journal keepers? Share them in the comments below, we’d love to read them!

For more inspiration for your trip, check out our 51 best travel quotes article here or see any of the related posts below!

Enjoy journaling,

Darija


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Jamaica reopens for business after Hurricane Beryl

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Hurricane Beryl bypassed Jamaica without major damage, allowing tourism to quickly resume. Airports are reopening, and the island welcomed over two million visitors in early 2024, showcasing its resilience and readiness to host tourists.

KINGSTON – Jamaica’s reputation for resilience continues as Hurricane Beryl moved past on July 3. Hotels and resorts in Jamaica were well-prepared as staff and guests remained safe during the storm.

  • Jamaica’s airports and cruise ports have announced plans for re-opening:
  • Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay is currently scheduled to re-open at 6:00 p.m. today, July 4.
  • Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston is currently scheduled to re-open at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, July 5.
  • The Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) in Ocho Rios is currently open.
  • Jamaica’s Cruise Ports (Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth) are currently open.

Visitors are advised to contact their travel advisor and airline provider for updates before arriving at the airports.

“Jamaica is open for business and, once again, the resilience of the Jamaican people is on full display,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “We are grateful that there has been no wide-scale impact to our general tourism infrastructure and our tourism industry is fully operational. Our message to our partners and visitors is Jamaica is ready for you, so come back to the destination you love.”

Donovan White, Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board, encouraged tourism industry partners across the world to spread the word that Jamaica is open. “We are ready, willing, and more than able to welcome our guests back to our beautiful island,” said Director White.

Jamaica has welcomed more than two million visitors thus far in 2024, more than ever reported during the period of January to May, further solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading island travel destinations.


Theodore Koumelis

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.





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