Seeing as how you are a beginner, and considering the fact you are going to be travelling, you should start small. Do a small album, perhaps an 8x10, with maybe only about 20 pp. The most important thing to remember when scrapbooking is to buy acid-free materials, including the album.

Things to include in your album for your trip: Photos of your home, your family, your friends, your pet if you have one, your leisure activities, special places in your life, interesting places around where you live, what makes your town and/or country unique etc. Hope this gives you some ideas. Once you get going on it, I bet the ideas will just start rolling.

If you are really stuck as to where to start, I would suggest picking up a copy of Creating Keepsakes magazine, or Memory Makers magazine. This will give you hints, tips, and basic info, as well as layout ideas.

In order to keep from getting bogged down, remember the KIS rule--Keep It Simple!

good luck and have lots of fun!

Hi Mimi,

Seeing that you're pressed for time, I'd pick up a scrapbooking kit. QVC offers a few of them along with the Archival Mist (it's a spray you use on memorabillia that's acidic so it doesn't turn yellow over time and discolor your photos.) It might come in handy over in Japan, too, if they're not big into scrapbooking. I'd also get a personal paper trimmer (wide enough for a 12" sized paper). The blade glides along the guide. This is one of my fave purchases, giving a clean edge. Good luck!