How to Create a Travel Glue Book (Junk Journal): A Complete Guide
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating your own—from supplies and techniques to fun prompts and creative spreads. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned scrapbooker, by the end you’ll be ready to start your own glue book journey.
Introduction
Do you ever return from a trip with a backpack full of tickets, maps, brochures, and random little souvenirs—only to stuff them in a drawer and forget about them?
If so, you’re not alone. Most travelers collect all kinds of “ephemera” on their journeys: boarding passes, metro cards, receipts, postcards, pressed flowers, even candy wrappers. Each one is a tiny time capsule of where you’ve been and what you experienced.
But instead of letting these treasures gather dust, you can transform them into something beautiful and deeply personal: a travel glue book, also known as a travel junk journal.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating your own—from supplies and techniques to fun prompts and creative spreads. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned scrapbooker, by the end you’ll be ready to start your own glue book journey.
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Supplies You'll Need to Start
The beauty of a glue book is that you don't need a fancy art supply store to get started. Here are some essentials:
1. The Journal or Base
- Blank notebook (dot grid, lined, or plain)
- Sketchbook with thicker pages for collage
- Handmade journal created from folded papers
- Upcycled books (old novels, travel guides, thrift store finds)
Choose something you're comfortable with—small sizes are portable for travelling, while larger ones give you more space to play.
2. Adhesives
- Glue stick (acid-free for longevity)
- Double-sided tape
- Glue dots for 3D objects
- Washi tape (decorative and removable)
Tip: Always pack a glue stick in your travel bag—it's mess-free and perfect for journaling on the go.
3. Writing Tools
- Black fineliner pens
- Coloured pens or markers
- Fountain pen (if you love that old-world travel aesthetic)
- White gel pen for dark papers
4. Ephemera & Decorative Elements
- Tickets, receipts, brochures, maps
- Postcards and photographs
- Wrapping paper, candy wrappers, packaging
- Stamps and postmarks
- Pressed flowers or leaves
- Stickers, labels, washi tape
- Scrapbook paper or old magazine clippings
5. Extras (Optional but Fun!)
What is a Travel Glue Book?
A travel glue book—sometimes called a junk journal—is a creative and deeply personal way to capture your adventures. Instead of letting tickets, postcards, or scraps pile up, you can collect them in one handmade journal. The result is part diary, part scrapbook, and part art project.
Each page becomes a little story in itself: a collage of maps, receipts, photos, and notes that preserve not just where you went, but how you felt along the way.
Browse vintage and nature-themed junk journal kits and supplies on Amazon
SHOP: Travel-Themed Junk Journal Kit
SHOP: Curated Travel Supplies
Why Make a Travel Glue Book?
Travel moves quickly—memories blur once you’re back home. A glue book gives you a way to slow down, reflect, and preserve the small fragments of your journey that might otherwise fade away.
- Preserve memories – Keep tickets, maps, and scraps safe in one place.
- Creative outlet – Collage, decorate, and experiment freely.
- Mindful travel – Journaling helps you notice and savor details.
- Personal storytelling – Capture your own perspective, not just photos.
- Budget-friendly – Use what you collect along the way.
- Unique souvenirs – End up with something priceless and personal.
How to Start Your Glue Book
You don’t need expensive supplies to begin. Start with a notebook and some glue, then let your creativity do the rest. Here’s a simple framework:
- Choose your journal – A small one for on-the-go, or a larger one to assemble later.
- Collect scraps – Menus, tickets, wrappers, and postcards all work.
- Create spreads – Organize by day, location, or theme.
- Glue and layer – Start with bigger items, add smaller ones on top.
- Add writing – Note little stories, quotes, or feelings of the day.
- Decorate – Stickers, washi tape, doodles, and even watercolor washes add flair.
Creative Page Ideas
Creative Page Ideas
- Map spread – Highlight your travel route.
- Food diary – Glue menus or receipts and jot tasting notes.
- Color palette – Build a spread from one inspiring color.
- Day in the life – Capture one full day, from breakfast receipt to train ticket.
- Weather log – Sketch little suns, raindrops, or snowflakes.
- Pocket page – Tape in an envelope for extra keepsakes.
Tips for Journaling on the Go
- Choose a small A5 notebook for easy packing.
- Bring only basics: glue stick, pen, and washi tape.
- Spend 10 minutes each night adding scraps and notes.
- Don’t aim for perfection—focus on capturing the memory.
- Use what’s available: brochures, wrappers, or torn paper.
Scrapbook V Gluebook
Scrapbooks are neat, polished, and carefully curated. Glue books are looser, more spontaneous, and celebrate imperfection. Think of a scrapbook as a polished album, while a glue book is a raw, creative diary of your travels.
Long-Term Benefits
- A unique souvenir – Your story in your own hands.
- A creative habit – Build mindfulness and imagination.
- A conversation piece – Friends will love flipping through.
- Stress relief – Collaging and writing calm the mind.
- A record of details – Years later, the small things will matter most.
FAQs
Do I need to be artistic?
Not at all. These journals are about storytelling, not art skills. Simple pages filled with memories look amazing.
What size is best?
A5 or smaller for portability; larger journals work if you want to include lots of photos.
During or after the trip?
Both are great. Doing it during captures details in the moment, while after lets you reflect and design more deliberately.
Can I make it digital?
Yes, but the tactile feel of paper and glue is something digital tools can’t quite replace.
Conclusion
A travel glue book is more than a craft—it’s a way of experiencing your journey more deeply. By collecting scraps and pairing them with stories, you create a living time capsule that captures both the big highlights and the quiet little moments.
Remember: there are no rules. Use what you have, lean into imperfection, and focus on memories over perfection. At the end of your trip, you’ll return not just with souvenirs, but with a personal storybook you’ll cherish forever.
Happy journaling, and safe travels!