How I Set Up My Traveler’s Notebooks – Passport Size

How do you set up your Traveler’s Notebook passport size? In this post, I’m sharing how I actually use mine in daily life—practical Traveler’s Notebook passport setup ideas based on what has worked for me, far beyond just decoration. From daily use to travel organization, these small notebooks are more useful than they look.

This is Part 2 of my Traveler’s Notebook series. If you missed it, check out Part 1 on regular-size setups, where I walk through how I use my larger notebooks for crafts, reading, and transcription.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new Traveler’s notebook passport setup ideas, I hope this gives you practical inspiration to make the most of the small but mighty passport size.

Notebook 1: Sticker Binder

This notebook is my go-to solution for organizing the stickers I use regularly. Instead of flipping through three large A5 sticker binders, I keep a compact version in my passport-size Traveler’s Notebook using a binder ring insert—an A8-sized binder ring held in place with an elastic band.

I cut blank sticker backing sheets to fit the ring and store loose stickers I want quick access to. I also cut pieces of clear plastic folder to make transparent pockets that hold small sticker sheets. One of my favorite additions is a mini accordion folder I made out of clear folders. It folds out like a tiny expanding file and makes it easy to categorize stickers by type.

Inside, I keep:

• Functional stickers: round, square, or label stickers I use for daily planning
• Sticky notes: various small designs I reach for often
• Fun and decorative stickers: for journaling or mood tracking

This little sticker notebook is a joy to flip through. It’s light, practical, and curated for daily use. Having it with me means I can decorate or plan on the go without digging through my full collection.

Notebook 2: Washi Tape Sampler

This notebook is dedicated entirely to washi tape organization. It uses the same binder ring setup as the sticker book—compact and flexible.

For each washi tape, I create a sampler by wrapping a strip of tape around a small piece of plastic sheet. These samplers are hole-punched and stored on the binder ring. I also attach cut pieces of clear folders with punched holes, which act as simple holders for swatches or tapes that don’t wrap easily.

This system helps me:

• Quickly see what washi tapes I have without unrolling full rolls
• Carry my most-used or seasonal tapes in one place
• Easily test combinations when journaling or decorating

I’ve written a full post about this setup before, which I’ll link here. It’s one of the most fun and functional Traveler’s Notebook customizations I’ve made.

Notebook 3: Travel Companion

This passport-size notebook stays on the shelf until it’s time to travel. But once I’m packing for a trip, it becomes one of the most useful tools I carry—keeping my travel essentials neat, accessible, and secure in a compact system. It’s a core part of my Traveler’s notebook passport setup, designed specifically for travel—with custom inserts to carry bills, cards, tickets, and even my passport.

Here’s how I set it up:

• Handmade wallet insert (fabric): This insert only holds foreign cash and cards. For example, when I traveled to Korea, I carried my Korean debit and credit cards plus local currency. I prefer to use cash when traveling—it makes it easier to control spending and stay mindful of exchange rates. Having a separate wallet insert helps me keep everything for that country in one place.
• PVC zip pocket insert: This is where I store loose coins and receipts. I tend to accumulate small change quickly, and this pocket keeps it from rolling around in my bag. I also keep receipts here—especially ones I want to review later, log for budgeting, or just save as part of the trip’s story.
• Thin clear folder pocket: I made this from a file folder and trimmed it down to create a non-bulky pocket that holds tickets—plane boarding passes, museum tickets, subway cards, or train stubs. I like seeing everything at a glance, and the clear material makes it easy to grab the right one when needed.
• Passport: I slide it into the back and hold it in place using an extra elastic band. It stays flat and secure, and I always know exactly where it is. No rummaging around at airport counters or security checks.

Altogether, this setup keeps everything I need for a trip in one slim, well-organized notebook: cash, cards, passport, coins, tickets, and receipts. It fits easily into my crossbody or personal item, and I never have to reach for a separate wallet or folder while I’m on the go.

After the trip, I usually remove the travel-specific inserts and store them away until the next adventure. Sometimes they’re reused, other times they serve as little time capsules filled with ticket stubs and receipts from the journey. Either way, this setup is something I’ve come to rely on every time I leave the country.

Common Questions About Traveler’s Notebooks Passport Size

Q: Is the passport size too small to be useful?

Not at all! The smaller size encourages more focused, bite-sized journaling. It’s great for people who feel overwhelmed by large blank pages. You can still be creative—you’re just working within smaller boundaries, which can actually help spark ideas.

I’ve found that the limitation of space pushes me to be more thoughtful with what I include. I don’t worry about writing a perfect paragraph—just a moment or two that matters.

Q: How many inserts can it hold comfortably?

I usually keep 2 inserts inside, but 3 works fine with extra elastic bands. More than that and the notebook starts to get bulky. If you’re using thicker inserts or layering accessories like plastic pockets, 2 may be best for long-term portability.

Some people rotate inserts seasonally—switching between themes or layouts depending on their needs. That way, you get variety without overstuffing your cover.

Q: Can it double as a wallet?

Yes—and many people use it that way. With a cardholder insert and zipper pouch, it can carry cards, cash, and even coins easily. Personally, I’ve tried it, but prefer to keep mine strictly for notes and journaling.

Still, if you’re into minimalist setups, this can be a fantastic all-in-one option. I’ve seen some users add small notebooks for expense tracking alongside wallet inserts—and honestly, I might give that a try on my next trip.

There are also wallet-style inserts that include zip compartments or magnetic closures, which make it feel more secure for everyday use.

Final Thoughts: Traveler’s Notebook Passport setup

The passport-size Traveler’s Notebook might be small, but it’s become one of the most versatile tools in my lineup. I love that each notebook plays a different role in my Traveler’s notebook passport setup: one helps me stay organized day to day, one gives me space to be spontaneous, and one is ready whenever I pack a suitcase.

Compared to the regular-size Traveler’s Notebooks I use, these smaller ones feel more personal and lower pressure. They’ve helped me build journaling habits that stick, even when I’m short on time.

I also appreciate how low-commitment they feel. If I mess up a page, there’s not much room to worry about it. That’s freeing. It makes the passport size great for experimentation.

If you’ve been unsure about how to use a smaller size, I hope this post gave you a few practical ideas. It’s a flexible, fun format that works well with all kinds of journaling and planning styles—especially if you’re experimenting with your own Traveler’s notebook passport setup!