The difference between a travel diary and a travel article is that a travel article is written with a specific purpose. The article has an objective and a narrative arc. It is edited repeatedly, and it is written for a particular audience. Whereas, a travel diary is written however the writer wants. It is their personal journal where they can write about whatever they want. While there might be a point to the story, they are not required to paint a picture to their audience, to have a narrative arc, or convey clear information, etc.