How to Capture Vacation Memories Without Living on Your Phone

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When I returned from our last trip to Disneyland, I realized that most of my memories were locked in a camera roll; and even worse, I couldn’t fully recall the small, magical moments that made the trip special. I realized that the real magic wasn’t the perfect story clips of me stepping onto and laughing on a ride (though those that follow me on Instagram have always loved those); it was the waiting in line Heads Up games, mid-ride laughs, people-watching, and snack detours. The real memories happen offscreen. So I created a better way to remember vacations – WITHOUT being glued to my phone. Here’s how you can truly live your trip and still come home with stories worth sharing.

Why You Don’t Need 500 Photos

Photos are great, but when you’re busy documenting, you often miss the best moments – the shared laughter on a roller coaster, or the feeling you get when the fireworks start and your favorite song comes on. And those are the memories that stick. A few meaningful snapshots and intentional reflections can bring your vacation back to life in a personal and powerful way.

Another thing to consider is using a camera vs. your phone. That way you’re not tempted to check all the apps when you pulled it out just to take a photo. We’re already having to have it out for reservations, theme part lightning lanes, google maps etc. so any less reason to pull out the phone the better. I carry and use a Canon G7X if I want a camera without the bulk of my full Canon 5d DSLR.

Step 1: Be Present First, Capture Later

Choose one intentional photo per day – like a group selfie, sunset shot, even your feet up while you’re taking the final rest of the night.
Assign a designated photographer each day so others can simply enjoy knowing there will be some photos of the day.
Use official ride or park photographers (PhotoPass, ride photos) to capture expressive moments.

Step 2: Write It All Down When You Get Home

Memory fades fast, but writing it down brings it back instantly. Soon after returning (or mid-flight home), fill out prompts that help you relive the day with your family. Have everyone fill it out or have someone interview each member of the family to write it down.

Theme Park Prompts (Disney/Universal):

Favorite Ride
Scariest Ride
Favorite Snack or Meal
Most Magical Moment
Funniest Thing That Happened
Who Conquered a Fear?
Most Annoying Part
One Thing You’d Do Again
What Surprised You Most
Favorite Souvenir (or souvenir you’re glad you didn’t get)

These get to the heart of the trip, why something mattered and how it made you feel.

Step 3: Collect Memories Without Hundreds of Photos

Keep memorabilia: maps, tickets, receipts (even if there aren’t paper versions, you can screenshot and print out) for scrapbooking.
Jot down quotes from kids or family members; these are the inside jokes you don’t want to forget.
Use official photos or borrow from friends to fill gaps.
Create a handwritten or illustrated memory page instead of a photo-heavy layout.

Step 4: Share or Scrapbook Your Top Memories

Make a “Top 10 Memories” Instagram carousel: combine one prompt per slide with a photo or graphic.
Scrapbook one-page spreads per prompt; with photo, text, illustrations, stickers, etc. (let me know if you want to see some inspo!)

If you aren’t sure if you’re into scrapbooking in that way – check out my free mini printable Disney themed travel notebooks to start!

Step 5: Turn This Into a Vacation Tradition

I’ve created two printable prompt sheets: one tailored for theme parks, another for any type of trip (from beach weekends to Europe adventures). Fill them out as a family and look back on the unexpected moments years later.

These are sized to fit a traveler’s notebooktraveler’s notebook but will work for any type of scrapbook!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to document every second of your vacation. A handful of intentional photos, combined with heartfelt reflections, can bring those memories back just as vividly.

Ready to try it?
Download the free Theme Park Memory Prompt Printable now. Heading on a different type of adventure? Grab the General Travel Memory Prompt Printable, too!