Rey BelenThough I use my laptop and smartphone a lot, there is still something about writing that makes things clearer and better for me. The act of writing itself creates an extra layer of learning and relearning my thoughts. Whether they are ideas for work, random thoughts, travel inspirations or personal insights, putting things into paper materializes the objects of my imagination.
That’s why when Viviamo Inc., the maker of p0pular Belle De Jour journals, sent me an email to try their new specialty travel planners this year, I never hesitated to give my home address to receive my 2018 journals.
I was given two of BDJ’s newest journals, the 2018 Navi Journal and the personalized 2018 Quest Journal. The two BDJ planners are two good travel essentials. Each having its unique characteristics that I like.
BDJ 2018 Quest Journal
Between the two, the Quest Journal is a slimmer yet a bit longer planner. Its 4.8×8.7 in slim form factor gives convenience to easily slide it inside a travel bag.
The Quest Journal has a leather cover packing two different notepads: dotted and ruled. The two different pad types give flexibility on the variation of notes to jot down on the journal, while the leather cover gives decent protection for the pads.
What’s good about the Quest Journal is that it has a zippered vinyl pouch suitable for securing small documents, receipts, photos and probably small notable items you picked up or worth remembering during the trip. Each notebook is composed of 80 pages, which can be refilled later on.
Quest Journal is available in 7 colors: Talc Pink, Cool Taupe, Teal, Ocean, Stone, Plum and Sangria. I chose the teal color.
I have my nickname printed in gold over the teal leather cover for personalization. You can do this as well on your very own Customized Quest Journal for only Php 560 order online via the BDJ website for a little more cost and number of days to be delivered. The customized planner takes 3 more business days before shipping out compared to the pre-designed BDJ planners.
Online Price (BDJ Store)
- 2018 Quest Journal Php 480
- 2018 Customized Quest Journal Php 560
BDJ 2018 Navi Journal
The 2018 Navi Journal is a different travel planner “beast.” It is an eye-candy, travel-inspiring journal from BDJ.
Personally, I have an instant affinity for the Navi Journal. One look, and it got me. The map-designed matte laminate leather hard cover quickly got my adventure juices pumped up to write down my travel plans and goals this 2018.
I love how the pages of the Navi Journal, making me feel really inspired to take a leap to seek outdoor adventures. More than the designs, the special pages like the foreword, manifesto, bucket list, things to do, travel checklist and guides inspire me more to set my eyes on the prize – the wonderful unique experience of having adventures.
I find the special pages really worth having. Kudos to the people at Viviamo for adding these. Making it not just a regular journal.
Each month features a destination worth seeing and brief about the place. The Navi Journal has 176 colored pages designed in different ways to motivate planning in different ways:
- monthly, tiled calendar for plan summary
- weekly horizontal planner
- grid notepad
Aside from the design and functionality, the Navi Journal comes with a pocket not just for small documents, but also loaded with Php 20,000 worth of discount coupons for brands – which are good finds before, during and after each trips – like food, activities and travel items all for a planner over 500 pesos.
Online Price (BDJ Store)
2018 Navi Journal Php 598
2018 Customized Navi Journal Php 678
For online purchases, it normally takes 2-3 business days for Metro Manila and 5-7 business days for Provincial before any order to be delivered.
As for the personalized journals, just add 3 business days to the delivery time.
FINAL TAKE
Both Quest Journal and Navi Journal are great travel companion planners. It is a matter of personal taste.
The Quest Journal is a simple, compact yet dependable all-around planner right to do the job on trips. While the Navi Journal is a more travel-centered planner that can both document your plans and inspire you to travel.
You can never go wrong between the two. All I can say is that be creative and enthusiastic planning and fulfilling your 2018.
Rey Belen
