School may be starting up soon and before you know it the leaves will be changing and we’ll be breaking out the jackets and scarves. To make the most of any "obligatory" end-of-summer trips, consider writing a travelogue. (We were actually inspired by New York mom Jenna Helwig who ventured to Vail, Colorado and wrote about it for New York Family). The writing process will keep your mind stimulated (as discovered in our summer brain drain feature), your creative muscles active, and allow for some alone time to reflect on the season about to pass. Once it’s complete, you’ll have a keepsake to remind you of those sunny and adventurous days.  

Dave Fox, travel writer and author of Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals (and still have time to enjoy your trip!) and Andy Hayes, owner of Sharing Travel Experiences magazine, offered us some tips on how to write a remarkable travel journal, and why they can be so fulfilling.

“The thing about travel is it’s a moment in life where everything’s a little different and in those moments you can learn things about yourself you won’t learn in your home environment,” says Fox, who points out how helpful travelogueing can be for understanding personal growth.

Plus, Fox adds that the more you’re thinking about what’s happening throughout the day and what you’ll write down, the more aware of your surroundings you’ll be, which will make for a more enriching and rewarding vacation.

Fox, who has been keeping travel journals for his entire life, stresses the importance of getting kids involved. “I journaled fanatically [as a child],” he remembers. “I go back and look at them as an adult and it’s created a verbal road map of my life. It’s fascinating to look at who I was at 10, 15, 19 and see how I evolved as a person, without those journals I wouldn’t have those insights.”

Fox suggests getting the whole family involved by keeping one journal for everyone and passing it off each day, that way you’ll be able to see the trip from all different perspectives. If you have young kids, make sure to keep the creative juices flowing by letting them add stickers, draw pictures or add mementos, like a seashell for instance, that way they’ll stay interested and feel involved.

“A travel journal ensures those precious memories can be carried forward, in a place you can reflect upon regularly… Travel journals can be a family keepsake,” says Hayes.

A few more tips from Hayes and Fox:

• Journaling is great for worried or easily distressed travelers. According to Hayes, “A journal gives you a travel ritual—a guiding light, a rock to cling to and a place to share what you feel you can’t share elsewhere.”

• Find a time of day to journal, says Fox. “That time of day is different for different people… One of the techniques is to connect it with another event in your day such as brushing your teeth or showering.

• Create a rewards system: “Every day you write you get some kind of reward, might be dessert with dinner or whatever makes you happy,” says Fox.

• Get outside! “Instead of doing it in a hotel room, go sit somewhere and have a coffee or a soda outside, that way there is still life going on around you, instead of being stuck in a foreign hotel room.”

And for those of you who don't already have your end-of-summer travel plans in place, here are some suggestions for family getaways while staying local.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

Just make your way down the LIRR for a day trip to Montauk on the tip of Long Island. The real point of interest is the lighthouse. Authorized in 1792, it’s the oldest one in New York State and remains active today. When you’re done taking in the magnificent view from the top, you can head into the lighthouse museum, located in the 1860 Keepers’ house, for photographs and historical info about the building's long history.

New Paltz

Just 85 miles from the city you’ll find little New Paltz, NY, a college town home to SUNY: New Paltz and a cultural epicenter. The city is home to the oldest residential road in the entire country, and homes from the 17th and 18th centuries make you feel like your walking through history. Between May and October, your fam can take a tour of many of the 300-year-old houses, including the Jean Hasbrouck House (built in 1692) the Dubois Fort (built in 1705) and the graveyard and French Church (built in 1717). Many of the furnishings are still intact as well as keepsakes from original owners. The visit will be eye-opening and educational for both kids and adults. Plus, the city is home to many small cafes, restaurants and shops to make your stay a true escape from city-life.

North Fork of Suffolk County

Head out of the city and in two hours you’ll find yourself on the North Fork of Long Island. Summer weekends mean live music, scenic beaches, fresh fruit stands and wine tastings. The town offers something for everyone, including vineyards with plenty of rolling acres to sit down and have a picnic lunch paired with a homemade wine (and juice for the kids), or a day boating and fishing in the Long Island Sound.

Fire Island

You don’t need to travel far to escape the hectic island of Manhattan for an isle of an entirely different kind. Visit Fire Island, just ten-miles off the coast of Long Island, and you’ll find 101 miles of pristine coastline. Sailing is the main event on Fire Island, with an annual regatta and numerous club teams, but any boating, swimming or water fun is easy to be had. Go clamming, play a few tennis matches or learn to surf. The remote and eco-friendly island will relax and refresh to for the start of the school year in Manhattan.

Bear Mountain State Park

We just can't get enough of Bear Mountain State Park. On the west bank of the Hudson River you’ll find a natural oasis in Bear Mountain. The park has everything from a play field, picnic tables, lake and river fishing, a swimming pool, hiking, biking and even a zoo! With so many options, every member of the family can find their own way to beat the summer heat and relax a little with nature. For kids, it’s a good opportunity to tear them away from organized sports, clubs, television and video games for a little free time and fun.

And for those of you looking to take a mini road trip:

Atlantic City, NJ

Atlantic City isn’t all about casinos and risqué shows, in fact it’s been a family favorite for Manhattanites for decades. The Boardwalk, filled with hotels, resorts, and shops is one of the most exciting strips you’ll find on the east coast. Take the Boardwalk Walking Tour and learn about the rich history of AC, from why the boardwalk was built to the factory where James’ Salt Water Taffy is made. Don’t miss a trip to visit Lucy The Elephant—the 119-year old elephant-shaped building. The kids will be enamored by this beach-front favorite’s massive size as they explore the souvenir shop and the sandwich shop attached.

Philadelphia, PA

Expand your kid’s cultural and historical horizons by visiting Philadelphia—and do it all while catching a Phillie’s baseball game, going to a world-class zoo and eating a really good cheesesteak. Philadelphia—home of the infamous cracked Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center—is jam-packed with historical lessons and attractions. But for kids who won’t last an entire vacation on historical landmarks, try the Smith Kids Play Place (Playground and Mansion) or the Please Touch Museum for unique and interactive fun.

Cape May, NJ

In just under three hours [barring shore traffic of course] you can make your way down to Cape May, NJ. A family-friendly town at the southernmost tip of the state, Cape May is picturesque with charming homes, horse-drawn carriages and dinner theatres. Take a trip to the lighthouse, rent bikes and tour the town on cycles, play some mini-golf or relax on the quiet beaches with the family. If your staying the night, there are a mix of beautiful and recently renovated hotels as well as rental homes and small motels and inns.

Lenox, Massachusetts

In Berkshire County, be sure to take a trip to Hancock Shaker Village, where kids can experience farm life by going on a round barn tour, meet farm animals and watch a turbine demo. Your Thomas the Tank Engine-lover might just enjoy a trip to Berkshire Scenic Railroad Museum where you can take in exhibits and even go on a train ride. Finally, take a nature hike through the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary—be sure to point out the tree branch “lodges” built by the extensive beaver population!

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

For a taste of the old-summer life, visit Old Orchard Beach, Maine. The stretches of unusually sandy beaches, the festivals, amusement rides and mini-golf will throw you back to your own childhood and be a perfect respite for the whole family. Enjoy lobster dinners (or if you’re feeling more adventurous, go on a lobster boat tour!), rent a kayak and enjoy the seven-mile stretch of sand. For a more structured day, take a trip to Funtown/Splashtown USA, a water park and amusement park recently voted one of the cleanest in the country!