If you’re deciding between an A5 or A6 journal for travel, you’re already past the inspiration stage. You’re asking a practical question: which size will you actually carry, and which one will you actually use once you’re on the road?
The answer isn’t universal. A5 and A6 both work for travel — but they work for very different travel styles. Choosing the wrong one usually doesn’t stop people from journalling altogether, but it does reduce how often they use it.
A5 vs A6 for travel: the real difference
The core trade-off is simple:
- A5 prioritizes writing comfort.
- A6 prioritizes portability and frequency of use.
Neither is “better” in isolation. The right choice depends on how you move, where you write, and what you expect your journal to do on the trip.
When A6 works better for travel
If you’re moving often throughout the day
A6 wins for constant movement. If your days involve walking, transit, tours, or frequent stops, A6 is easier to pull out without thinking about it. It fits naturally in slings, small daypacks, and compact travel bags.
If you write in short bursts
A6 works best when journalling happens in moments — a few lines on a train, quick reflections at lunch, notes before moving on. The smaller page lowers friction, which usually leads to more frequent use.
If daily carry matters more than writing comfort
Travellers who want their journal with them all day almost always lean A6. It’s less likely to be left behind in a hotel room because it never feels like extra weight.
When A5 works better for travel
If you sit down to write
A5 shines when writing happens at cafés, hotel desks, or evenings in one place. The larger page feels calmer and more natural for longer entries, reflections, or storytelling.
If journalling is a core part of the trip
If the trip itself is about reflection, writing, or memory-keeping, A5 often feels more satisfying. You can write without compressing thoughts or constantly turning pages.
If your bag can comfortably carry it
A5 only works if it fits your daily carry without annoyance. If your bag already feels full, A5 quickly becomes the item you debate bringing — and that debate usually ends with it staying behind.
What most travellers underestimate
The biggest mistake travellers make isn’t choosing the “wrong” size — it’s choosing based on how they imagine they’ll journal, not how they actually travel.
- If you imagine long nightly writing but usually collapse into bed, A6 is safer.
- If you imagine quick notes but actually enjoy sitting down to write, A5 may serve you better.
Be honest about your habits, not your intentions.
Carry reality: the deciding factor
If a journal doesn’t fit your smallest daily bag, it becomes optional. Optional items get used less.
This is why many travellers choose leather journal covers in A5 or A6 that can handle scuffs, movement, and insert changes without worrying about damage or bulk.
So which one should you choose?
- Choose A6 if: you move constantly, write in short bursts, and want your journal with you all day.
- Choose A5 if: you write seated, prefer longer entries, and have space to carry it comfortably.
If you’re still unsure, default to A6. Most travellers use a smaller journal more often — and consistency usually matters more than page size.
Pick the size that matches how you travel, and your journal will stop feeling like something you packed “just in case.”