Midori Traveler's Notebook

Dear Readers,

It's already the end of the year.  Where did this year go???  Are you ready for the New Year?  I have been preparing my planners for 2019.  I started using a planner when I was a university student.  Mainly to remember appointments and due assignments.  Even now in the age of smart phones, it seems superfluous to use a paper journal when you can set up your cell phone to remind yourself of any events with a day countdown and notification alarms.

But I still use a planner because I like the very action of having to write down my life events and the tactile feeling of paper is just something that electronic devices cannot replace.  Just like reading an actual paper book instead of an e-reader, I prefer holding a book in my hand and flipping the pages. 

I used only one type of planner until now: a ring binder that allowed me to add categories and paper as I wish.  But a ring binder was cumbersome, heavy and the rings in the middle were in the way when I had to write.  I went through a few brands but I never really found "planner peace" because something was always missing or not quite the way I wanted.

Then I found out about Midori Traveler's Notebooks, nowadays re-branded as  "Traveler's Notebook" or "TN".  It was a simple system: a leather slip cover with elastic bands that can hold slim paper booklets.  Once the booklet is completed, you can easily archive it and replace it with a new one.  The booklets can take many forms: ruled, grid, or blank. You can add a business card holder, zippered pouch to hold stickers or stamps, a pen holder, etc.

At first, I doubted such a system would work for me because it seems so simple and the price was about $50 USD for the leather slipcover alone!  Each inserts was about $8 USD and more.  It added up quickly but I found a cheaper version at Michael's Craft Store and there are many nice choices on Etsy as well.

I added my own paper to cover the TN inserts

TN with inserts

I glued an envelope inside the cover page

Traveler's Notebook by Recollections

I found a charm to add on the cover

Some move covered booklets

Traveler's Notebook VS Recollections Notebook

Both planners are about the same size and use the same principle but you definitely get what you pay for.  The Traveler's Notebook is much nicer and the inserts are lighter.  But if you don't like to use real leather, the Recollections planner is a good alternative.

There are many tutorial in blogs, and videos about how to use this planner  and it's really fun to discover new ways of organizing so I hope you'll give it a try if you want to find a system that would work better for you.

I have been using this planner each day which is really an amazing feat for my lazy self so this system works for me.  I will share the inside of my planner in another post.  I am trying to blog more often but it will all depend on my health and my family too.

Do you use a planner? Is there a planner that you prefer?


Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. I was not paid or received gifts to write this or mention any stores or website. You may find a better store in your area.