Most travelers swear by their cameras to preserve memories. As a digital nomad, I do the opposite: I never pack a camera, but I never leave home without a pencil and sketchbook. After 134 dives and dozens of countries, I’ve learned that sketching my travels not only helps me remember moments more vividly but also sparks connections, encourages mindfulness, and lets me truly experience the places I visit.
The Unexpected Connections That Come With Sketching
Drawing on the road is more than a hobby—it’s a natural conversation starter. Whether in a city square or a remote mountain pass, pulling out a sketchbook attracts curiosity and opens doors. People pause to watch, offer advice, or simply say hello. On a cold afternoon in the hills above Cuenca, Ecuador, a stranger offered me a ride back to town in exchange for a portrait—a gesture that turned a potentially stressful night into a memory I cherish.
Art is its own language. In Vietnam, a 10-year-old restaurant worker joined me in sketching the jungled mountaintops. In Medellín and Amsterdam, urban sketcher meetups helped me find community and inspiration even as a solo traveler. A sketchbook can bridge language gaps and turn brief encounters into real exchanges.
Sketchbooks Capture More Than Just a Scene
Photographs freeze a single instant. Drawings, by contrast, record minutes—or hours—of observation. My sketches are layered with lived experience: the tremor from a minor earthquake, a coffee stain from an unexpected spill, even wobbly lines drawn after a scorpion sting in Guatemala. Every page becomes a diary entry, rich with context and sensation.
Unlike photo albums, travel sketchbooks encourage you to slow down and absorb your surroundings. They prompt you to pay attention—to the grandest cathedral and the quietest alley, to the old men playing chess in the park and the stray cats sunning themselves in the street. You notice more. You remember more.
You Don’t Have to Be an Artist—Just Be Present
Most people who see my drawings say, “I wish I could do that.” But you can. Sketching isn’t about talent or perfection; it’s about looking closely and enjoying the process. You don’t need formal training. I’ve never taken an art class myself. The goal isn’t to make perfect replicas—it’s to document how you see the world, in your own style.
Nothing in travel—or life—goes exactly as planned. And that’s what makes every page worth turning.
Start by drawing what you love, without worrying about technique. You’ll surprise yourself, and maybe others too.
Why You Should Pack a Sketchbook On Your Next Trip
- Sketchbooks are light, cheap, and never run out of batteries.
- Drawing turns fleeting moments into immersive memories.
- It’s a great way to meet locals and fellow travelers—even if you’re shy.
- You’ll learn to slow down and notice the world in greater detail.
- Every sketchbook becomes a one-of-a-kind travel diary—impossible to replicate with photos alone.
So next time you travel, leave the heavy camera behind and bring a pencil instead. You’ll come home with stories, not just snapshots.
