There’s nothing quite like flipping through a journal filled with travel memories like ticket stubs, scribbled notes, and of course, my personal favorite, tiny printed photos! Whether you're a junk journal junkie or a Wanderlust Passport superfan, a portable printer is the ultimate requirement for taking your adventures from your camera roll into your journal

These compact devices allow you to print your favorite travel snapshots instantly, adding a personal touch to your journal pages and enhancing your storytelling. In this post, we delve into the world of portable printers, highlighting the best options available to elevate your travel journaling experience. Discover how these innovative tools can transform your cherished memories into vivid, keepsake narratives. For more information on portable printers, check out our in-depth review.

Why Portable Printers Are a Must for Travel Journaling

Let’s be real. Your camera roll is full of dreamy shots from your trip, but how often do they actually make it off your phone? Or more importantly, how often are you going back and scrolling through your camera roll? 

Portable printers are revolutionizing the way we document our travels and create lasting memories. Let's explore how these compact devices can elevate your journaling experience and help you craft stunning visual narratives.

Perfect Printers for Junk Journalers

Portable printers are my number one tool next to pens for giving my blank journals life. They are game-changers for travel enthusiasts who love to document their adventures. These compact devices allow you to print photos on the go, adding a personal touch to your journals.

When it comes to crafting memories, the right printer can make all the difference. Portable printers designed for travel journaling offer unique features that cater to creative enthusiasts. Here we will be talking about my two favorites that I am personally using.

The Canon Selphy

Look for printers with high-quality photo output, like the Canon Selphy, which produces vibrant, long-lasting prints. These printers often use special paper that's resistant to fading, ensuring your memories stay vivid for years to come.

With a Canon Selphy, you can print everything from full-page photos to tiny wallet-sized prints for your journal. This flexibility allows you to create diverse and visually interesting layouts.

The print quality of Canon Selphy is exceptional, with vibrant colors and sharp details that make your travel memories pop. Plus, their dye-sublimation technology ensures prints that are water-resistant and long-lasting.

The one linked is a great deal. I purchased this exact set with all the extra film, and over a year later, and 3 full passports, I still haven't used all of the film!  I find that the price on Amazon can fluctuate, but for a set with the printer, and the extra packs of film, if the price is $290 or below, that's a great price.  You can always add it to your cart and keep it there and see if the price goes down!

The Instax Portable Printer

Instax printers have gained a cult following among junk journal enthusiasts, and for good reason. These compact devices offer a unique blend of nostalgia and modern convenience.

The instant, polaroid-style prints from Instax printers add a vintage charm to your junk journal pages. Their small size makes them perfect for tucking into pockets or attaching with washi tape. I also love the bulk that it adds to the journal itself.

Instax printers are also incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to print and edit directly from your smartphone. 

The one Iinked here is a great option. If you see the printer by itself for less than $90, or a bundle with the film for less than $125, that's a good deal and I'd snag it. With tariffs and such, the price can fluctuate on Amazon so just like the Selphy, when you see it in this price point, snag it!

 

Creative Ideas to Make Your Journal Pages Pop

Need a little inspo for what to do with all those mini photos? We got you:

🧳 Make a collage that tells the story of a day or destination.

✍️ Use a print as a background and write right over it.

📖 Create mini flip-books of a moment 

🌸 Mix photos with ephemera—ticket stubs, doodles, dried flowers—for that perfect scrapbooky feel.

📱 Add QR codes that link to videos, playlists, or voice memos from your trip. Interactive journaling? Yes please.

Ready to turn your phone pics into page-worthy keepsakes? Check out our YouTube video review where we break down the pros and cons of the Canon Selphy and Instax printers IRL.

Whether you're planning your next big trip or reliving a favorite one, a portable printer is your passport to more meaningful, creative travel journaling.