The true phenomenon of the Traveler’s Notebook (TN) from the Japanese brand Traveler’s Company lies in its simplicity: it is a piece of raw, vegetable-tanned leather, an elastic band, and unlimited freedom inside. There are no built-in rings or rigid frames here. Over time, the cover gets scratched, darkens, and ages with you, becoming a unique record of your daily life - because leather is a unique material, each one ages differently, which ensures you will recognize your notebook in a pile of others - I guarantee it!

If you want to enter this system without being overwhelmed by accessories, here is a specific guide on how to start without going crazy or getting discouraged.

Step 1: Choose a format

To begin, you only need to make one strategic decision regarding size; you have two to choose from:

• Regular: The cover dimensions are approx. 22 × 12 cm (inserts are 21 × 11 cm). An elongated format, similar to an A4 sheet folded in three. Ideal if the TN is to lie on a desk, serve for weekly planning, scrapbooking, pasting in tickets (a flight ticket fits perfectly inside), or writing long entries with a fountain pen.

• Passport: Dimensions similar to a passport (inserts are approx. 12.4 × 8.9 cm). Fits in a jacket pocket or a fanny pack. Great as a wallet, a quick notebook for grocery lists, a pocket sketchbook, or a travel diary.

Step 2: What to buy to start? A basic set

You don't need the entire assortment of extras. Just 3 items are enough for the system to work optimally:

• Starter Kit: In the box, you receive a leather cover (in your chosen color: Black, Brown, Camel, or Blue), a cotton dust bag, a spare elastic band in a different shade, and one blank insert (003 regular or PS) made of excellent Japanese MD paper.

• 1–2 additional inserts: The standard set allows you to comfortably bind two or three inserts right away. Choose what suits how you will use it, e.g.:

  • Dotted insert (regular 026, PS 014) or grid (002 regular or PS) – best for planning and Bullet Journaling.

  • Lined insert (001 regular or PS) or with kraft paper (regular 014, PS 009) – for a classic diary and notes.

  • Calendar insert (here you can choose between dated ones or so-called perpetual ones where you fill in the dates yourself) – if you want to replace a traditional calendar.

• Connecting bands (Insert 021 or 011 in PS size): An essential accessory if you want to carry more than one insert in the cover. They allow you to bind the spines of two notebooks together and slip them under the main elastic band without stretching the leather.

Step 3: Add-ons worth considering later

Once you get a feel for the notebook's layout, you can expand it with functional accessories:

• Plastic zipper pocket (008 or 004 in PS size): On one side, a zipper pocket (for coins, washi tapes, paperclips), on the other, slots for cards and tickets. Or a slightly more expensive canvas version available only in partner stores; you will find it at Escribo.

• Pen holder (016): A metal clip with a leather loop that slides onto the back cover, thanks to which your favorite fountain pen is always at hand.

• Brass clip 030 (logo or airplane): A heavy, stable clip that keeps pages flat while writing at a café table or on a train.

How to start using a TN without "blank page" paralysis?

The most common mistake is trying to create a perfect work of art from the very first page. The Traveler’s Notebook leather is meant to catch a patina, and the paper is meant to accept thoughts as they are.

Divide the notebook by function: dedicate one insert to task planning, another to free notes or morning pages, and carry what usually gets lost in your bag in the pockets. The system is supposed to work for you, not the other way around. Don't stress if the first layout doesn't suit you; that's the biggest advantage of the Traveler's Notebook - you can modify it endlessly and change it as your needs change.

Personally, I believe it's not worth buying too many inserts and accessories at the very beginning - it's better to start with less and feel what you are missing or what works best!