How To Create A Book For Vacation

Vacations are often seen as an escape—a break from work, deadlines, and responsibilities. But what if we told you that a vacation can also be the perfect opportunity to create something lasting, meaningful, and creative—like a book? Whether you’re a writer with a passion project or someone looking to preserve travel memories in a unique way, this guide will show you how to create a book for vacation—from concept to completion.

Let’s dive into a journey that merges wanderlust with wordcraft.

1. Define the Purpose of Your Book

Before you start packing your laptop and notebooks, ask yourself: What kind of book do I want to create? Your answer will shape your writing goals and process during your trip.

Possible Book Types:

• Travel Memoir: Document your travel experience in real-time.
• Photography Book: Pair your travel photography with brief narratives.
• Fiction Inspired by Travel: Create a fictional story set in or inspired by the place you’re visiting.
• Vacation Journal Book: A creative hybrid of diary entries, sketches, thoughts, and reflections.
• Kids’ Travel Book: A fun, illustrated story for children about your travel experiences.

Tip:

Make sure your goal aligns with your destination and available time. Writing a novel on a weekend trip might not be practical—but outlining it could be!

2. Choose the Right Tools

You’re not confined to just pen and paper (unless that’s your preference!). Today’s tech makes it easier than ever to write on the go.

Digital Tools:

• Google Docs (offline mode): Write and edit anywhere.
• Scrivener App: Great for structured book writing.
• Evernote: Take quick notes, voice memos, and save photos.
• Canva or Book Creator: Ideal for visual books or photobooks.

Physical Tools:

• Travel-size notebooks or journals
• Compact sketchbooks
• Portable typewriter (if you’re feeling vintage)

3. Plan Before You Fly

Preparation is half the battle. Spend a few hours creating a skeleton or outline before your trip begins.

What to Do:

• Create Chapter Titles or Themes: Even placeholders will help guide you.
• Sketch Characters or Settings: If you’re writing fiction.
• Make a Shot List: For photography or photo-essay books.
• Create a Writing Schedule: One hour in the morning or late at night can make a difference.

Travel Tip:

Download everything you need offline—especially if you’ll be in remote areas without internet.

4. Use the Power of the Place

One of the greatest joys of writing on vacation is the inspiration that new environments offer.

Tap Into:

• Sights: Describe local landscapes, cityscapes, or landmarks.
• Sounds: Record local music, street chatter, or ocean waves.
• People: Observe and (respectfully) draw inspiration from fellow travelers and locals.
• Culture & Cuisine: Integrate flavors, traditions, or festivals into your storytelling.

Real-World Example:

Author Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love was written during her travels across Italy, India, and Indonesia. Her vivid descriptions and personal reflections connected readers worldwide.

5. Write Little, But Often

You don’t need to write for five hours a day. After all, it’s your vacation—not a boot camp. But consistency is key.

Ideal Daily Goals:

• 300–500 words per day
• One journal entry
• One photo caption with commentary
• 10-minute sketch or poem

Even if it seems small, these snippets add up. By the end of your trip, you’ll have a sizable foundation for your book.

6. Mix Media and Memories

Creating a multimedia book or hybrid experience makes your vacation book more engaging and personal.

Combine:

• Photos + Captions: Turn your book into a visual diary.
• Sketches + Notes: Draw scenes, local foods, or people you meet.
• Maps + Markers: Highlight your travel route.
• Souvenirs: Add scanned ticket stubs, boarding passes, or postcards (for digital or printed books).

Best Platforms for This:

• Blurb
• BookWright
• Shutterfly (for print photobooks)
• Notion (for digital interactive books)

7. Don’t Aim for Perfection

The goal isn’t to publish a best-seller during your vacation—unless that’s your dream—but to capture and create authentically.

Embrace:

• Messy notes
• Imperfect grammar
• Tangents and rabbit holes
• Daily emotions—joy, boredom, awe, exhaustion

Later, you can refine. For now, focus on flow.

8. Involve Travel Companions

Traveling with family or friends? Involve them in the creation of your book.

Ideas:

• Let kids contribute drawings or captions.
• Ask each person to write a small section or reflection.
• Conduct “mini interviews” about the day.
• Create a group poem or story.

This makes the book more memorable and meaningful.

9. Edit and Format After the Trip

Once you’re back, carve out dedicated time to polish and package your book.

Editing Steps:

• Organize your notes or files by date, theme, or chapter.
• Add titles, transitions, and context where needed.
• Spellcheck and grammar review.
• Use AI tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor.

Design & Layout:

• Use free templates from Canva, Reedsy, or Blurb.
• Decide whether you want a print book, eBook, or blog series.

You can even split the content:

• A private keepsake version
• A polished public version for Amazon KDP or your blog

10. Publish or Preserve

You’ve created something beautiful—now what?

Publishing Options:

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Self-publish as an eBook or paperback.
• Blurb or Lulu: Ideal for visual or art/photo books.
• Etsy: Sell your travel journals or templates.
• Blog: Share your book in a serialized format.

Or Just Preserve:

• Create a keepsake copy for yourself or loved ones.
• Bind your journal at a local print shop.
• Save it as a PDF or slideshow.

BONUS: Sample Book Ideas by Destination

Destination	Book Idea
Paris	A romantic short story set in Montmartre
Bali	A spiritual travel journal with sketches
New York	A photo essay on street art and culture
Tokyo	A children’s story about a ninja on vacation
Dubai	A futuristic fiction novella inspired by the skyline

Final Thoughts: Let Your Book Be a Souvenir

Creating a book on or for vacation is not just about writing—it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and memories in a way photos alone can’t. Whether it’s a private memoir, a gift for friends, or a published title, your book becomes a souvenir of the soul, crafted by you and shaped by the world around you.

So the next time you pack your bags, don’t forget your creativity. Let your vacation write its own story—through you.

FAQs

Q1. Do I need to be a professional writer to create a vacation book?
A: Not at all! Vacation books are about expression, not perfection. Anyone can create one, regardless of skill level.

Q2. What’s the best format for a beginner?
A: A journal-style format with photos and reflections is ideal. It’s easy, flexible, and meaningful.

Q3. Can I monetize my vacation book?
A: Yes! Many travel memoirs and photo books sell well. Start by self-publishing on Amazon or sharing excerpts on a blog or Instagram.

Q4. How do I stay motivated to write while relaxing?
A: Keep goals small and enjoyable. Write in cafes, on the beach, or during travel downtime.

Q5. Can I make a book with kids while on vacation?
A: Absolutely! Create a travel scrapbook or a storybook where your child is the main character. It’s fun and educational.