How I Use My Traveler’s Notebook: Setup Ideas Inside

How do you set up your Traveler’s Notebook? There’s no single answer—and that’s what makes it so fun. If you’re searching for some Traveler’s Notebook setup ideas, I’m sharing how I currently use two of my regular-size notebooks to organize everything from craft projects to reading reflections.

I own four regular-size and three passport-size Traveler’s Notebooks. Two of each are in active use, and one passport notebook is reserved for travel. This post is the first in a potential series that walks through my collection and how I’ve set them up in ways that work for me.

Whether you use a passport or regular size, I hope these Traveler’s Notebook setup ideas give you inspiration to create a system that feels personal and satisfying.

Just getting started? You might also like my Traveler’s Notebook Care Guide and DIY Traveler’s Notebook Accessories post, where I share how to protect your covers and personalize your system with creative add-ons.

In a world full of digital tools and apps, there’s something grounding about flipping through a physical notebook filled with your own thoughts, drawings, and records. Traveler’s Notebooks are customizable, durable, and built to evolve with you—whether you’re documenting memories, crafting, or reflecting.

My Traveler’s Notebook Setup Ideas

What I love most about Traveler’s Notebooks is how modular and personal they are. I don’t need to force myself into one system—I can set up each insert based on what I want to explore. Here’s how I’ve organized the two regular-size notebooks I currently use.

Notebook 1: For Creativity

This notebook brings me the most joy—it’s a space where I document my creative hobbies and collect little bits of inspiration.

Gashapon Leaflet Collection

You know those little leaflets (also called Daishi) tucked inside capsule toys? I glue or tape them directly into one of the inserts. It might sound simple, but flipping through them makes me genuinely happy. The colors, the memories, the designs—it’s like my own miniature art collection. It doesn’t serve a purpose beyond joy, and I think that’s enough.

Craft Journal for Projects

This insert holds everything related to small creative projects that aren’t knitting (I use Notion and GoodNotes for my knitting journal). I use it to document process, test ideas, and store techniques I might want to revisit.

Some examples:

• Bead bracelet patterns
• How I made my sticker book from scratch
• A7 ring binder measurements and construction
• Mistakes I want to avoid next time

For each project, I include photos, sketches, detailed measurements, materials used, and step-by-step notes. I’ve found that this journal helps me reduce decision fatigue the next time I want to make something similar.

Here’s a quick example:

When I made my A7 ring binder using leather and elastic, I documented everything—cutting measurements, hole spacing, tools I used, how I secured the rings, and what I’d change next time. The next time I want to make one (or explain it to someone else), I don’t have to start from scratch.

Having these entries in a physical journal helps me stay in touch with the projects more than just storing notes in a digital folder. Flipping through the pages reminds me of things I’d forgotten or sparks ideas for future versions.

Previously Included: Pen Drawing Book

I used to keep a pen drawing insert in this notebook as well—something compact for quick sketches during travel. I don’t draw regularly, but I enjoyed taking a few minutes to sketch scenery or buildings on trips. Recently, I decided to retire that insert to simplify things, but I still treasure the pages I filled. It was a reminder that you don’t need to be perfect to enjoy documenting creatively.

Notebook 2: For Reflection

This second regular-size notebook is more reflective. It pairs well with quiet mornings or evenings when I want to slow down and connect with what I’ve read.

Reading Journal (Paper Version)

I also keep a digital reading journal in Notion—where I track my book count, manage upcoming book club meetings, organize wishlists, and schedule upcoming reads. But this physical reading journal is something else entirely.

Here, I:

• Paste in the book cover photo
• Write the title, author, and my rating
• Reflect freely on what I felt and thought

There are no formatting rules. Some entries are just a few lines, others flow across pages. I might reflect on how a character made me feel, how the author surprised me, or even what the book reminded me of in my own life.

Writing by hand makes the experience feel more meaningful. I revisit these reflections when recommending books to friends or looking back on a particularly impactful story. It also helps me process books more deeply, compared to when I used to just rate them and move on.

Transcription Notebook (Book Excerpts)

One insert is dedicated to transcribing my favorite parts from books I’ve read. I don’t copy entire chapters—just passages that stood out, made me pause, or carried emotional or intellectual weight.

These can be a sentence, a few paragraphs, or even a block of dialogue. I try not to overthink it—I just copy what I liked and leave space if I want to write a note later. This has become a quiet, almost meditative habit.

It also gives me a chance to use my fountain pens, which I enjoy but don’t use as often since switching to a more structured planner system. Transcribing this way slows me down and lets me spend a bit more time with the book in a tactile way. Even if I never reread the full quote, writing it out once is enough to internalize it a little more.

How I Keep It All Together

Both notebooks stay relatively slim with just two inserts each. I keep it light on purpose so they’re easy to carry. A PVC cover-on-cover protects the leather, and each insert is secured using the standard elastic system.

Grid inserts are my go-to—they offer just enough structure for notes and sketches without getting in the way. Most of the time, I stick to the official Traveler’s Company notebooks because the paper quality is excellent. They handle fountain pens, tape, glue, and even layering with washi without a problem.

For daily use, I limit myself to two inserts per cover. When I need more space temporarily, I use jump bands to add inserts without overstuffing the setup. My go-to pens are either fountain pens or gel pens that dry quickly. I sometimes pair the setup with a pencil board or card holder insert, but avoid bulk so I always have a clean writing surface.

Why Use a Traveler’s Notebook When You Already Have Digital Tools?

That’s a question I often ask myself—and the answer always comes down to this: they do different things.

• My digital systems (Notion, GoodNotes) are structured, searchable, and efficient.
• My Traveler’s Notebooks are personal, tactile, and calming.

They complement each other. I use Notion to track, and I use my Traveler’s Notebook to feel.

There’s also something satisfying about having a record that isn’t behind a screen. These notebooks age with you. The slight warping from glue, the faded ink from your old pen, the indentation from paperclips—they all carry a bit of memory.

Common Questions About Traveler’s Notebook Setups

Here are a few questions I often see—or ask myself—when it comes to Traveler’s Notebook setup ideas:

Is it okay to mix creative and functional journals in one Traveler’s Notebook?

Yes! I combine my craft tracking and reading reflection in one setup. It’s all about what you need and enjoy. There’s no right or wrong combination.

How many inserts can a Traveler’s Notebook hold comfortably?

I find that 2–3 inserts are the sweet spot for daily use. You can expand this by using connecting bands, but overstuffing can make writing less comfortable.

What if I already use Notion—should I still keep a physical journal?

Definitely. I use Notion for structure and scheduling. My Traveler’s Notebook is where I create, reflect, and slow down. The two systems support each other.

Final Thoughts

Everyone’s Traveler’s Notebook setup is different, and that’s the beauty of it. For me, it’s not about maximizing productivity—it’s about creating spaces that reflect what I care about. One notebook holds a collection of colorful gashapon leaflets and project notes. Another captures what I’ve read and what moved me. Both help me slow down and be more present.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new Traveler’s Notebook setup ideas, I hope this gave you a few sparks of inspiration.

What’s Next

In Part 2, I’ll go over how I use my passport-size Traveler’s Notebooks—including one I take with me when I travel.