The Traveler’s Notebook (TN) is not a notebook — it’s a system. A leather cover, elastic bands, and interchangeable refill inserts combine to create a modular journal that adapts to your exact needs. No two Traveler’s Notebooks are alike, because every owner customizes theirs differently. That’s the entire point.
We’ve been using and customizing our Traveler’s Notebook for over three years. What started as a simple journal setup has evolved into a carefully curated system with specific inserts for different purposes. For our initial setup guide, see our Traveler’s Notebook setup guide. This article goes deeper into customization — how to make your TN truly yours.
The Cover: Where Personalization Starts
Leather Patina
The standard Traveler’s Company cover is vegetable-tanned cow leather that develops a rich patina with use. The color deepens, the surface develops unique marks and creases, and the leather softens to a perfect hand-feel. This aging process is intentional — each cover tells the story of its owner’s journeys.
Accelerate patina naturally by:
- Using the notebook daily (body oils from your hands darken the leather)
- Carrying it in your back pocket (friction develops surface character)
- Exposing it to moderate sunlight (UV darkens vegetable-tanned leather gradually)
- Not using leather conditioner frequently (occasional conditioning is fine, but over-conditioning slows patina)
Brass Hardware
The TN’s closure and spine hardware are solid brass that develops the same patina as Midori Brass products. The brass and leather age in harmony, creating a cohesive vintage aesthetic over time.
Cover Charms and Accessories
Attach metal charms, beads, or trinkets to the elastic closure band. The Traveler’s Company sells official charms (airplane, star, compass), and many third-party makers offer custom charms on Etsy and craft markets.
Popular charm additions:
- Travel-themed charms (compass, globe, airplane)
- Seasonal charms (changed quarterly to match your current theme)
- Sentimental pieces (a charm from a significant trip or event)
- Functional clips (small binder clips double as page markers and decorative accents)
Refill Insert Setup
The heart of TN customization is choosing which inserts to carry. The standard cover holds 2-3 refill inserts comfortably (4 maximum with an extra elastic band).
Our Recommended 3-Insert Setup
Insert 1: Monthly Calendar/Planner The official Traveler’s Company monthly refill provides 14 months of calendar pages in a slim insert. Use it for appointment scheduling and event tracking. Write appointments with a fine-tip Pilot Juice Up 0.4mm for precise text in small calendar spaces.
Insert 2: Daily Journal/Notebook A blank or lined refill for daily journaling, sketching, and free-form writing. This is your creative space — no structure, no rules. We use the blank MD paper refill for its superior writing feel. For refill recommendations, see our dedicated guide.
Insert 3: Reference/Lists A grid refill for lists, addresses, project notes, and reference information that stays relevant long-term. When this insert fills up, archive it and start a new one — the old insert becomes a time capsule of that period’s concerns and projects.
Alternative Setups
The Artist Setup:
- Insert 1: Watercolor paper refill (for painting and mixed media)
- Insert 2: Sketch paper refill (for drawing)
- Insert 3: Kraft paper refill (for collaging and ephemera)
The Traveler Setup:
- Insert 1: Monthly calendar (trip planning)
- Insert 2: Blank journal (daily travel diary)
- Insert 3: Kraft paper (ticket stubs, receipts, maps)
- Zipper pouch: Foreign currency, stamps, cards
The Productivity Setup:
- Insert 1: Weekly planner refill
- Insert 2: Lined notebook (meeting notes)
- Insert 3: Grid notebook (project planning)
Elastic Band Configuration
The stock TN comes with one elastic band that holds two inserts (one on each side of the band). To add a third insert, you need a second elastic band.
Adding Extra Elastic Bands
The Traveler’s Company sells elastic cord refills specifically designed for the TN. Thread the new cord through the spine loops, creating an additional insert-holding point. With two elastic bands, you can hold three inserts comfortably or four inserts tightly.
Elastic Band Alternatives
Some TN users replace the standard elastic cord with:
- Leather cord — More durable, develops patina, different aesthetic
- Colored elastic — Adds personality and helps identify specific inserts
- Paracord — Extremely durable for rough-use setups
Functional Accessories
Zipper Pocket Insert
A clear or fabric zipper pocket that fits inside the TN cover alongside your notebook inserts. Use it for:
- Business cards
- Stamps and postage
- Loose sticky notes
- Emergency cash
- SD cards, USB drives
- Prescription information
Card File Insert
A slim insert with card pockets for storing business cards, loyalty cards, or transit passes. Particularly useful for travelers.
Kraft Paper Envelope Insert
A simple kraft paper envelope insert for storing loose items — ticket stubs, receipts, postcards, pressed flowers, and other ephemera you want to preserve with your journal entries.
Pen Loop / Pen Clip
The TN doesn’t include a built-in pen holder. Options:
- Brass pen clip from Traveler’s Company — clips to the cover edge
- Elastic pen loop — wraps around the cover and holds one pen
- DIY leather pen sleeve — attach to the inside cover with adhesive or stitching
We use the brass clip with a Zebra Sarasa Clip — the pen’s built-in clip fits the TN clip perfectly.
Decorative Customization
Sticker Decoration
Apply stickers to insert covers for seasonal themes or personal expression. The kraft paper insert covers accept stickers well. Avoid stickers on the leather cover itself — they can leave residue that affects patina.
Washi Tape
Use washi tape inside your inserts for page decoration, and on insert covers for identification. Color-coded washi tape on insert spines makes it easy to find the right insert when your TN is closed: blue for journal, green for lists, yellow for calendar.
Stamps and Ink
Date stamps and decorative rubber stamps add character to TN pages. Stamp on the kraft paper inserts for a vintage, travel-journal aesthetic. Pair with an inkpad that coordinates with your journal’s color scheme.
Painting and Mixed Media
The TN format (specifically the watercolor paper refill) supports light watercolor painting, ink washes, and mixed media. The portability of the TN makes it an excellent plein air sketching tool — paint on location, let it dry, close the cover, and carry on.
Maintaining Your TN
Leather Care
- Monthly: Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and surface oils
- Quarterly: Apply a small amount of leather conditioner (beeswax-based recommended) and buff with a cloth
- Annually: Evaluate the leather condition. If it’s drying or cracking, increase conditioning frequency
Elastic Replacement
Elastic cords stretch over 12-18 months of regular use. When they lose tension and inserts slip, replace with fresh elastic. The replacement process takes 5 minutes.
Insert Archiving
When a journal insert fills up, label the spine with the date range and archive it on a shelf. Over years, your archived inserts become a personal library. Some TN users display their archived inserts in a dedicated box or bookshelf section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inserts can I fit in a regular-size TN?
Comfortably: 2-3 inserts with appropriate elastic bands. Maximum: 4 thin inserts (tight fit). More than 3 inserts makes the TN bulky and harder to write in. We recommend 3 as the sweet spot.
Should I get the regular or passport size?
Regular size (approximately 8.5 x 4.5 inches) is standard for journaling and planning. Passport size (approximately 5 x 3.5 inches) is for pocket carry and brief notes. If this is your primary journal, get regular. If it’s a pocket supplement to a desk planner, get passport.
How does the TN compare to a Hobonichi planner?
The Hobonichi vs. Traveler’s Notebook comparison comes down to structure vs. flexibility. Hobonichi provides pre-printed daily/weekly/monthly formats. The TN provides blank canvases you configure yourself. Structured planners prefer Hobonichi. Creative journalers prefer the TN.
Is the official Traveler’s Company TN worth the premium?
The official TN (~$50-60) uses high-quality vegetable-tanned leather that ages beautifully. Cheaper alternatives ($15-25) often use lower-quality leather or synthetic materials that don’t develop the same patina. If you plan to use the TN for years, the official version is worth the investment.
Can I use any brand’s refill inserts?
Any insert that matches the TN dimensions works. The official Traveler’s Company refills are excellent, but many third-party makers produce compatible inserts with unique paper types, layouts, and specialties. Experimentation is encouraged — it’s the TN philosophy.