As a longtime traveler, I developed a desire to create something with my hands during my travels. It comes from the sights, the foods, and that general sense of inspiration you get when you travel abroad. While taking photos is great, the crafter in me needed to do more.

So if you're wondering what other activities you can do on vacation or what creative endeavours you can take during your trip, here's my list of cottagecore-coded hobbies and activities to start whenever you travel.

Hand-draw your Itinerary

Whether you make a list or a calendar, writing your itinerary down and drawing on it is a great start. While there are many benefits to a digital travel planner, there's just something about seeing it on paper that makes it feel more real.

If you like keeping mementos of your vacation as I do, this is a great addition next to your photo memories. It's always great to remember exactly what places you've been and the general dates.

I like the calendar layout with some added design elements. For example, I'm traveling in autumn soon, so I added fall leaves and branch vines to this itinerary above. I also plan to add stickers I find during my trip to finish it off and make it more unique.

To protect it, I'd keep it in a folder or a sheet protector.

It's also nice to whip out when you're traveling with people who aren't "Type A" travelers and keep asking what we're doing that day. 😄

Wonder What To Do With All That Packaging and Bags From Shopping Abroad?

Collect it all! Any paper materials with a cool design, like attraction flyers, souvenir boxes, and branded paper shopping bags, can become collage art, scrapbook decorative pieces, gift wrap, or gift bags.

For example, the above cutout of a souvenir box was part of a cookie box from Gyeongju, South Korea. I've kept it as art I hang on my desk. I also plan to frame my Hobbiton map brochure.

Start a Travel Scrapbook

A traveling scrapbook is a classic travel hobby, and there's so much material to use. Using your flight stubs, souvenir postcards, stickers, and the merch packaging from the activity above all work.

It's also a good option if you want to document more moments from your trip, since it gives you far more space than a one-page itinerary.

Flower Pressing

Foraging for flowers is such a cottagecore-coded activity. It's even better abroad, where you have a better chance of seeing flowers you can't find back home.

I'd use pressed flowers in a craft project, like resin jewelry, laminate them to make a bookmark, or add to plant art like this easy moss art project.

One caution: I'm not sure about the legality of bringing them through customs in some countries. Check the rules for both your home country and where you’re exporting from before you try this.

Start a Souvenir Collection

As long as there is a Starbucks location in your destination city, they will most likely have a custom city Starbucks mug, a great souvenir to bring home!

Pick a category for your collection before you go abroad. It's great for trinket lovers, and it turns into a bit of a scavenger hunt as you look for the perfect piece to add. For souvenir ideas, check out my article on the best collectible souvenirs.

Take Polaroid Pictures

I love the retro look of Polaroid pictures; it gives it a nice feel too compared to photo prints. I especially like customizing mine with either stylized Polaroid film, colored markers, or stickers.

One way to use them as decor is by taking one Polaroid per day of your trip and lining them up like a calendar. Frame it, and you get a cute snapshot of the whole trip and wall art in one go.

Get a Sketchbook

If you paint or draw, you've probably already thought of doing this on vacation. It's a great way to improve your skills or to start as a beginner.

A small sketchbook also works well as one of your plane activities when the flight feels long. These mini watercolor sets and sketchbooks are easy to carry and ready whenever inspiration hits.

Pretend to go House Hunting

I started doing this pretty early during my first trips abroad. I always look out for quaint neighborhoods I could imagine myself living in, just in case I ever end up doing it. Then I would pin the spot on Google Maps or write it down.

I also look out for real estate offices nearby, the ones that plaster flyers of every available rental or sale in the window. It really feeds the fantasy of potentially moving there. Besides learning what it would cost to live there, it's fun to see what kinds of homes are out there.

As a general travel tip, save the places you loved so you know where to go if you ever visit again.

Get The Most Out Of Your Travels

I hope something on this list makes you excited to try something new on your next trip. Finding a hobby doesn't have to happen at home. Travel gives me inspiration and, with it, motivation for my creative projects.

As a procrastinator, I see a trip as the perfect catalyst to finally focus on my hobbies. It's also another great way to get the most out of your travel life.