How I’m Using My Traveler’s Notebook
Now that I’ve been in my Traveler’s Notebook for a good two-and-a-bit months, I thought I’d share an update on how I’m using the system for my needs right now. You’ll probably already know that, previously, I’ve been a bullet journal sort of person since 2018. The totally freestyle system really appealed to me while I was balancing a freelance business, blog and busy personal life (ah, to be in my twenties!). The system meant I could combine several notebook purposes and use the Ryder Carroll bullet system to keep track of multiple to-do lists and notes and thoughts and stuff.
Years on, however, I began to realise that I no longer needed that system and that constantly setting up similar set-ups was becoming more of a hindrance to my weeks. That’s not to say that bullet journalling is a chore – my setups only took me five minutes or so to create – it’s just that my organisation needs had evolved. It was time for change.
The Traveler’s Notebook mindset
Traveler’s Company was founded in Japan in 2006. Their mission was to provide travellers with the perfect system to accompany their adventures. They’re known for simple notebook covers and an infinitely interchangeable range of slim notebooks that can be slipped in and attached as needed.
With that in mind, I originally bought my starter kit in 2016 while visiting Japan with my siblings. Back then, I’d planned to travel far and wide, using my notebook as a journal and scrapbook combo. Of course, instead, I ended up founding my own business and largely staying put as I built a copywriting studio and then we all navigated a global pandemic. My Traveler’s Notebook laid dormant and empty in my desk drawer, forever saved for the perfect moment since it was so precious (and expensive).
In May 2025, ahead of another trip to Japan, I decided to finally set my Traveler’s Notebook system up once and for all. My organisation needs had shifted: I now have a traditional 9-5 job, blog for fun rather than part-business, and travel often.
My setup
I have the Traveler’s Notebook in the black leather regular size. This is a great size for me as I write plenty and prefer a larger page. There’s also a passport size. I of course bought my book from the flagship store in Tokyo, but now top up my supplies at UK-based small biz Miso Paper – all the product links in this post link to them and are not affiliate links.
Inside, I have four notebooks attached with the Traveler’s Notebook connecting bands. It’s surprisingly easy to connect and update your system! For instance, while travelling, I can remove my weekly notebook to reduce the size and weight, since I won’t be keeping track of daily appointments and to-do lists.
The 017 Free Diary (Monthly) is my first notebook. Here I map out my monthly plans, including birthdays, appointments, important work events, and other personal plans, and this book is largely for function. I love seeing my plans at a glance, so I know when to reserve ‘downtime days’ for myself.
Next, I keep a 018 Weekly Free (Vertical) notebook. Here I also note down my weekly plans, and also make daily to-do lists and notes. I’d already started keeping my work notes separately, so this feels like a good enough amount of space for my needs now.
Then, I have a 026 Dot Grid book. I can’t shake a great dot grid notebook! While I’d sort of stopped using collections and such in my bujo, you can’t deny that a dot grid is just lovely. I use this notebook for everything extra, including travel packing lists, noting down travel agendas/itineraries, personal lists (I have one with all my solo date ideas!), sketching out DIY ideas for the house, jotting down wedding vendors to enquire after…
Finally, I also keep a 003 Blank book. Originally, I wanted to use this for scrapbooking, but I often paste everyday ephemera in my long-form journal now. Instead, I used this to collect eki stamps in South Korea and Japan, and now it stays in my rotation as a lovely souvenir of our most memorable trip yet.
How I use my Traveler’s Notebook
My Traveler’s Notebook has been a wonderful companion for the past two months. It’s truly a great size to carry in my work bag, handbag, carry-on, and I already love seeing it patina over time, becoming storied with each trip. I largely use it to stay organised with work, my everyday needs and whilst travelling, saving my journalling for a separate notebook. The notebook paper is simply glorious to write on: my MUJI 0.38 glides across the page and leaves a faint ghost (which I personally adore).
What’s next?
I’d like to add a clear pocket to my setup in the coming months. I collect a lot of ephemera from my daily travels, and it’d be nice to store them somewhere properly before I come home and work out where each is going. For now, thought, this four-notebook system is perfect for this stage of my life.
