How to Start a Traveler's Notebook

How to Start a Traveler’s Notebook for a Cozy Life on the Go

If you’ve ever dreamed of keeping a beautiful, personalized journal that moves with you through life—capturing memories, ideas, and quiet moments along the way—then a Traveler’s Notebook might be your new favorite cozy companion.

Originally created by Traveler’s Company in Japan, the Traveler’s Notebook system is beloved for its tactile beauty, flexibility, and simplicity. Whether you’re writing, sketching, planning, or collecting bits of your everyday life, this system is easy to customize—and even easier to fall in love with. Other companies like Paper Republic (my notebook of choice) and Louise Carmen have since come up with their own designs so you have variety when deciding exactly what you want.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to start your own cozy journaling setup, from the essentials to small details that make a big difference.

1. Traveler’s Notebook Cover

The cover is the heart of your setup—and the first thing you’ll fall in love with. Most traditional TN covers are made from high-quality leather that softens and gains character over time. Every scuff and scratch tells a story.

You can choose from different sizes:

• Regular Size – great for planning, writing, and traveling

• Passport Size – compact and perfect for on-the-go journaling

• Grand Voyager Pocket - Paper Republic's small size, slightly larger than a typical passport size and also pricier. I chose this one because of its compact size, but ability hold a larger variety of inserts. This brand also has larger versions for those that prefer to use larger notebooks. Just note that the XL size is a bit smaller than a typical A5 notebook so the fit might be off.

• Louise Carmen Pocket - the priciest of the options listed. Comes in a trifold for those that prefer more security and has more customization options. This brand also includes more variety for sizes.

2. Notebook Inserts

Inserts are the paper notebooks that slide inside your cover with elastic bands. You can have one for journaling, one for to-do lists, one for sketches, and even one for scrapbooking or gratitude logs.

Insert types include:

• Lined, grid, dot grid (my preferred option), or blank

• Monthly/weekly planners

• Watercolor paper

• Travel or trip logs

Cozy Pick:

• Dot Grid Inserts for bullet journaling - These standard size inserts are ideal for the Traveler's Company standard size. They also have passport size inserts.

• Monthly Planner Inserts to stay organized - These standard size inserts are perfect for organization. These also come in the passport size.

• Field notes - These are why I chose the Pocket Grand Voyager for my traveler's notebook. These fit easily in this size and I love the various cover choices like these National Park covers. Note that these notebooks do not fit in the Traveler's Company passport size notebooks unless they are cut down.

3. Pens & Writing Tools

The right pen can transform journaling from a chore into a ritual. Fountain pens offer a soothing writing experience and encourage you to slow down and savor the act of putting words to paper.

Consider having a few pen options:

• A fountain pen for elegant journaling

• A gel pen for fast notes

• A mechanical pencil for sketching

Cozy Pick:

• Pilot Kakuno – beginner-friendly and smooth. These are the best extra fine point fountain pens that I have found that are affordable and great for entry-level. Another option would be the Kaweco Sport, though these are not quite as fine as the Pilot but come in more variety of colors to match your aesthetic.

• Uniball One gel pens – minimalist, reliable, and comfortable for everyday use. These are known for their extra black ink and come in a variety of thickness levels. I love them for their 0.38 ultra micro tip.

4. Washi Tape & Stickers

Decorating your pages is one of the most joyful parts of using a TN. Washi tape adds color and texture, while stickers help you express your personality or mark special memories.

Choose tapes and stickers that reflect your vibe:

• Florals for spring

• Earth tones for autumn

• Travel-themed for vacations

• Cozy-themed for every day

Cozy Pick:

• Vintage Washi Tape Set – warm tones and old-world charm. This set has a variety of options to help match your preferred aesthetic.

What Is a Traveler’s Notebook?

At its core, a Traveler’s Notebook (often called a TN) is a customizable journal system that uses elastic bands to hold multiple paper inserts inside a leather or faux leather cover.

But in practice? It's a cozy, creative sanctuary you can carry with you—part planner, part journal, part memory keeper.

Each notebook becomes a space for slow living, whether you’re sipping coffee in a sun-drenched corner, reflecting during a quiet evening, or jotting down thoughts on the go. You get to decide what your TN becomes. That’s the magic.

What You’ll Need to Start Your Cozy Traveler’s Notebook

Ready to create your own? Here's a breakdown of what you'll need, plus some personal favorites to help make your setup feel extra cozy:

5. Zipper Pouch or Pocket Insert

A clear zipper pouch or kraft paper folder can store tiny treasures like ticket stubs, pressed leaves, receipts, or even your favorite tea bag for journaling breaks on the road.

This not only adds practicality to your TN—it also turns it into a tiny archive of your life.

Cozy Pick:

• Canvas Zipper Pocket Insert – keeps everything organized and easily accessible. This one comes in both sizes and the passport size fits perfectly in my pocket Grand Voyager as well.

Cozy Journaling Tips to Make It Your Own

Your Traveler’s Notebook should feel like a comforting ritual. Here are a few ideas to bring in more cozy:

• Create a journaling corner: Add a soft blanket, a candle, and gentle music. Make journaling a treat you look forward to.

• Use a favorite mug: Pair journaling time with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for an extra-sensory moment.

• Add personal touches: Include photos, dried flowers, old stamps, or notes to yourself. Make it feel like home.

• Go analog: Leave your phone in another room and immerse yourself fully in pen and paper.

Why a Traveler’s Notebook Is Perfect for Cozy Living

In a world that’s always rushing, your TN becomes a way to slow down and live more intentionally. It encourages mindfulness, reflection, creativity, and even a little adventure.

Whether you use it as a gratitude journal, a planner, a travel diary, or simply a quiet space for your thoughts—it’s there for you. It’s cozy. It’s comforting. It’s yours.

Starting a Traveler’s Notebook isn’t just about organizing your life. It’s about enjoying it more. From the tactile feel of the leather to the calming flow of ink on paper, every detail is an invitation to be present.

You don’t need to be artistic. You don’t need to be a writer. All you need is the desire to slow down and enjoy the little things—one page at a time.

P.S. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting cozy living 💛