Traveling with Phidon: How I Use My Traveler’s Notebook
When I was planning for my 6 week trip to Italy this summer, I knew I wanted to always have a pen and notebook at hand wherever I went. I typically have a variety of notebooks and sketchbooks with me at home, and can grab whichever one I need for the task at hand - but who knows what I would need, and when I would need it when I’m traveling.
With a bit of digging around in the Phidon backrooms, the choice was obvious; I would finally get myself a Traveler’s Notebook Starter Kit! I am a huge fan of this notebook system by Traveler’s Company and always recommend it for anyone looking for a durable, versatile, and customizable everyday carry notebook. So, I was very excited to have a good reason to get my hands on one and start making it my own.
If you aren’t familiar with Traveler’s Company, how their notebook systems work, or want to know more about its history, I wrote about everything you need to know in a previous blog post: Traveler's Notebook, The Ultra-Lightweight and Customizable Travel Journal
Why I Choose A Traveler’s Notebook for Travel
Well, travel is in the name so it is no surprise this notebook system was well suited for my needs. For my trip, I had a short criteria for picking my everyday carry notebook.
Size. I knew I wasn’t going to be bringing a large bag around with me at every moment, so I wanted a notebook that would fit in my smallest crossbody bag for the lighter days out and about. The Passport size of the Traveler’s Notebook is just a touch smaller than a typical A6, and although I packed 3 inserts into my notebook, it’s still compact. It fits perfectly in my bag with my phone, coin purse, card holder, and my favourite TWSBI Eco.
Variety. I usually have a dedicated notebook for everything, and at home I keep my different notebooks together in my Roterfaden. Akin to the Roterfaden system, the Traveler’s Notebook has a large variety of inserts and paper so I can mix and match which ones I want on hand! Keep reading and I will walk you through my choice of inserts for my trip.
Longevity. I can be a little fast and loose when it comes to my belongings (my very cracked phone screen is proof) and if I am going to be keeping this notebook on hand with me everyday while traveling, it has to be able to last me the whole trip! The two huge pros of the Traveler’s Notebook are the beautiful leather cover that protects and keeps everything in, and the easily replaceable inserts - I have 3 in my notebook and 2 extras just in case I run through them all! The deep brown leather cover I have for my Passport size notebook not only can take a beating, but the genuine leather wears quite beautifully. Each scratch, fold, and mark adds to the character, and definitely looks well traveled (pun intended). Definitely won’t have to be worrying about finishing up a notebook, or having it fall apart on me.
How I Customize and Use My Traveler’s Notebook
Inserts
I had three main activities I wanted to keep separate in my notebook, and thankfully the Traveler’s Company has inserts and paper that match each! The first is sketching on the go, I know there will be days I won’t have my full size sketchbook on me - and I don’t want that to keep me from drawing the sites when the moment hits me. So far my Sketch Paper insert has caught my little abstract doodles, or quick sketches of cute storefronts and church roof tops!
The second is a notebook for general notes, thoughts, or anything I need to just get some words down on a page. I considered the lined and grid inserts to keep my writing organized - however went with a Lightweight paper insert. Although blank, the super thin pages give me more pages without bulking up my notebook. This has been useful for inspiration that hits me for my thesis, or simply keeping track of my spending (yikes!).
Lastly, I knew I wanted a planner to keep my day trips and flights organized in one place. The Free Dairy Weekly insert is day free, I can write in whatever dates I need or use it, and it really helps that it's incorporated within my overall Travelers Notebook.
I chose three inserts, it felt like the sweet spot of utility and bulk - but with the Connecting Rubber Bands, I really have the option to carry more or less depending on the day!
Accessories & Cover
The Traveler’s Notebooks have been well known to be customized, there are many creative people under the Instagram tag #TravelersNotebook that really shows off the range and personal touches you can add! Personally, I have kept mine simple and hope to add more to it as I bring it around (the world!) with me.
I included the B-Side & Rarities Cotton Zipper Case in a lovely mustard, to complement the brown leather cover. This zipper case is perfect for keeping all my little bits of paper I have collected. Many are just receipts of restaurant bills I haven’t split yet, some museum tickets from the Vatican and Uffizi Gallery in Florence, but mostly it is where I keep my stamps for all the postcards I have yet to send! Paired with the leather Pen Holder that typically holds my Kaweco Sport or Twsbi Eco, I have everything in one place (besides my wallet).
My favourite addition to my whole Traveler’s kit is the Brass Clip. When I have taken a break from the heat to sit in the shade, whether steps on a fountain or in a cafe patio, I love to have the clip to hold my pages back while I write or sketch.
Lastly, my own personal touch so far, is a small charm of a ram (I am an Aries!) that broke off a necklace I once wore in childhood. I hold onto everything it seems, and it is nice that this little sentimental piece gets a new lease on life attached to the elastic around my notebook.
Traveling with my traveler’s has been functional, fun, and is helping me hold all the memories I am making. But, this Traveler’s Notebook was special to begin with as the cover was gifted to me from the very lovely Mano. A big thank you for such a perfect gift! I am happy to give her leather Traveler’s another trip around the world, and bring it right back home to Phidon.
Happy travels, wherever you’re going!
-Meghan (pictured on the left, in front of Trevi Fountain on a hot and sunny day)