For almost 25 years, I've seen notebooks from all corners of the world come through the doors of Araujo & Sobrinho. Many have passed through, few have stayed. The Traveler's Notebook stayed.
It didn't stay because it was the cheapest, nor because it had the most aggressive marketing campaign. It stayed because it's honest. A tanned leather cover, two elastic bands, an MD Japanese paper notebook, and a promise: it will age with you. And it delivers. After two years, the notebook takes on the shape of your life: coffee stains, ink marks, pocket creases. There's none other like yours.
This guide answers everything I'm asked in the shop week after week: what the Traveler's Notebook is, how it works, what distinguishes the Regular from the Passport, and which refills you should have from day one.
- What the Traveler's Notebook system is and how it works
- Regular vs Passport: which size is right for you
- The best refills to start with, by type of use
- Where to buy Traveler's Notebook in Portugal with guaranteed stock
What is the Traveler's Notebook?
The Traveler's Notebook is a Japanese writing system developed by TRAVELER'S COMPANY (formerly Midori), founded in Tokyo. Launched in 2004, it started with a deceptively simple idea: to create a notebook that would accompany the user for years and visually reflect that journey.
The system is based on three elements:
- The leather cover, made from untreated cow leather, without any synthetic finish. It lasts for decades.
- The elastic bands, two crossed elastic bands that hold the refills to the cover. Simple, reliable, replaceable.
- The refills, replaceable inner notebooks made with MD paper, a 64g Japanese paper developed for ink pens, pencils, and markers.
The Refill 001 lined, the most popular entry into the TN system.
The beauty of the system lies in its modularity. You can have two, three, or even four refills in the cover at the same time: one for daily journaling, another as a weekly planner, another for sketches. The notebook adapts to the user, not the other way around. It is this philosophy that explains why TRAVELER'S COMPANY now has such a loyal global community.
Regular vs Passport: which to choose?
This is, by far, the question I get asked the most. The answer depends essentially on lifestyle, and often, the correct answer is "both".
Traveler's Notebook Regular
The Traveler's Leather Notebook Regular (€64,00) measures 220 × 120 mm when closed, equivalent to an A5 pad folded in half. It fits in a jacket pocket or the inner pocket of a backpack, but not in a trouser pocket.
It's the right size for:
- Daily journaling with plenty of space to write
- Creative writing: short stories, poems, brainstorming
- Main use at a desk or cafe
- Those who write large letters or use watercolor in their notebooks
It's available in three leather colors: Olive, Camel, and Black, and each ages distinctly. The Camel develops a deep golden patina over the months. The Olive darkens to an intense mossy shade. The Black becomes increasingly soft and discreet.
Traveler's Notebook Passport
The Traveler's Leather Notebook Passport (€58,00) measures 134 × 98 mm, virtually the size of a passport, as the name suggests. It fits in any trouser or shirt pocket.
It's the right size for:
- Frequent travelers who want an always-accessible notebook
- EDC (everyday carry), the notebook that goes everywhere
- Quick notes, lists, fleeting thoughts
- Using alongside a Regular at home
Available in Olive, Camel, and Brown. The Brown Passport is one of the shop's favorites. It has a tobacco color that ages extraordinarily.
The refill system
The refills are the heart of the system, and this is where TRAVELER'S COMPANY distinguishes itself from the competition. It's not a notebook with replaceable pages; it's an ecosystem with over 20 different types of refills for each size, each designed for a specific function.
Essential refills for the TN Regular
The Refill 001 Lined (€6,00) is the entry point. Sixty-four pages of MD paper with 6.5 mm lines. For those who write daily, this is the first to run out, and that's exactly what should happen. When it runs out, you buy another one, the cover continues. That's the spirit of the system.
The Refill 002 Grid (€6,00) is a favorite among designers, sketchers, and those with uneven handwriting. The 6.5 mm grid guides without imposing and works equally well for text and quick sketches.
The Refill 019 Weekly and Grid Diary (€14,00) is the refill I recommend for anyone who wants to use their TN as a main planner. One page per week with a vertical grid, plus a grid section for free notes. No printed dates, so you can start whenever you want.
The Refill 008 Zipper Pocket (€11,00) is one of those accessories that everyone underestimates until they have it. It's not a notebook. It's a pocket integrated into the cover for receipts, train tickets, business cards, travel coins. For travelers, it becomes indispensable.
Essential refills for the TN Passport
The Passport Refill 001 Lined MD (€5,00) is the equivalent of the Regular 001 in Passport format. Sixty-four pages, MD paper, ideal for everyday notes. At €5.00 per refill, it's easy to always have a spare.
The Passport Refill 006 Monthly Planner (€11,00) is perfect for those who use the Passport as a pocket planner. Undated monthly view, starts whenever you want.
Personalization and leather aging
One of the reasons the Traveler's Notebook creates such loyal communities is its aging process. The untreated leather reacts to the warmth of your hands, the natural oils of your skin, moisture, and time of use. After six months, the cover starts to take on the shape of the pocket it lived in. After two years, there's none other like yours.
Some things you can do to personalize and care for the leather:
- Condition the leather: a thin layer of coconut oil or beeswax applied with a dry cloth nourishes the leather and accentuates the color. Use sparingly.
- Use regularly: the best treatment is simply to use the notebook every day. The leather comes alive with contact.
- Clips and external accessories: TRAVELER'S COMPANY sells clips and charms that can be added to the outer elastic of the cover. Many users add a pencil, a pen, or a commemorative charm from a trip.
- Avoid prolonged moisture: wet leather is not a disaster, but do not let it dry in direct sunlight. Dry at room temperature.
The Card Size 20th Anniversary Set Black (€120,00), a commemorative edition for the brand's 20th anniversary.
TRAVELER'S COMPANY regularly releases special editions and collaborations that attract collectors. The Card Size 20th Anniversary Set Black (€120,00) is a good example: an edition commemorating the brand's 20th anniversary with exclusive finishes and a complete set.
Featured products
Where to buy Traveler's Notebook in Portugal
Araujo & Sobrinho has the largest selection of Traveler's Notebook available in Portugal, online and in our store in the historic center of Porto, open since 1829. We have permanent stock of Regular and Passport covers, all basic line refills, and accessories.
Online orders shipped throughout mainland Portugal and the islands. Free shipping for orders over €100.
The entire TRAVELER'S COMPANY collection available now
View Full Collection →People Also Ask
What is the Traveler's Notebook?
A Japanese writing system by TRAVELER'S COMPANY: a handmade leather cover with replaceable MD premium paper refills. Fully modular, it combines lined notebooks, a planner, and accessories within the same cover.
What's the difference between Regular and Passport?
The Regular (220 × 120 mm) is larger, ideal for desk journaling. The Passport (134 × 98 mm) is passport-sized and fits in any pocket. Many users end up having both.
How many refills fit in the TN?
With the original elastic bands, two refills fit comfortably. With the Refill 011 Binder (€16,00), which adds an extra elastic band, it's possible to carry up to four refills in the same cover.
Is the Traveler's Notebook worth it?
For those who write regularly by hand, yes. The cover lasts for decades, the refill system is modular, and the Japanese MD paper has a quality that common pads don't achieve. An investment that pays off over many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Traveler's Notebook?
The Traveler's Notebook is a Japanese writing system from TRAVELER'S COMPANY, consisting of a handcrafted leather cover and replaceable refills (inner notebooks) made from premium MD paper. The system is modular: you can combine several refills (lined, grid, daily diary, planner) within the same cover, and fully customize the notebook according to your needs.
What is the difference between the Regular and the Passport?
The Regular (220 × 120 mm) is larger, ideal for journaling and desktop use. The Passport (134 × 98 mm) is passport-sized, fits in any pocket, and is the choice for frequent travelers or those who prefer to always have their notebook accessible. Many users end up with both: the Passport in their pocket during the day, the Regular at home for longer writing sessions.
How many refills fit in the Traveler's Notebook?
With the original elastic bands, two refills fit comfortably. By using Refill 011 (Binder, €16.00), which adds an additional elastic band to the cover structure, it is possible to carry up to four refills in the same cover simultaneously.
How to care for the Traveler's Notebook leather?
The Traveler's Notebook leather does not require special treatments. It ages naturally with daily use. If you wish to condition the leather, apply a small amount of coconut oil or beeswax with a dry cloth and allow it to absorb. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive humidity. The best treatment is simply to use the notebook every day.
Where to buy Traveler's Notebook in Portugal?
Araujo & Sobrinho has the largest selection of Traveler's Notebook in Portugal, available both online and at their physical store in Porto. Permanent stock of Regular and Passport covers, all basic line refills, and accessories. Free shipping from €100 for the entire country.
Is the Traveler's Notebook really worth it?
For those who regularly write by hand, it is one of the best stationery investments available. The leather cover lasts for decades, the refill system is modular, and the Japanese MD paper has a quality that common notebooks cannot match. After two years, the notebook will reflect your life: coffee stains, ink marks, pocket creases. There will be none exactly like yours.