Decisions, decisions, decisions….
The new year often brings a sense of rejuvenation and excitement. It’s a perfect time to let go of the past and focus on the road ahead. As we get older, it becomes easier to dwell on lost opportunities and declining physical capabilities, but doing so can pull our attention backward instead of forward.
One way to stay oriented toward the future is by regularly reviewing the present. Daily and weekly reviews force us to look honestly at where we are, what worked, and what didn’t. From there, we can adjust our plans and move forward with intention.
Why a traveler’s notebook?
I’ve tried Day-Timers, Filofax, generic ring planners, and disc planners. I’ve experimented with bullet journals and digital apps such as MyLifeOrganized. Nothing has stuck.
Ring planners work, but the covers are far larger than the paper itself, and the rings quickly become annoying. They’re fine in a winter bag, but far less convenient in the summer when I’m wearing shorts. Digital apps are powerful, but the lack of RAS (Reticular Activating System) engagement and the constant digital noise eventually causes me to ignore them entirely.
As my kids grew out of childhood and organised sports, my personal planning needs began to diminish to the point where I no longer required an extensive planner. I thought a BUJO would be ideal. It almost was.
I initially tried a single notebook, but I have many long-term projects and wanted a separate notebook for them. Enter the traveler’s notebook. I liked the rustic, sustainable leather cover and the support for segregated inserts, but I didn’t care for the paper size. Then I discovered A6.
At 105 × 148 mm (4.1 × 5.8 in), it’s truly a game changer. It’s wider than personal size but not as tall, making it more portable and easy to fit into cargo pockets or a small messenger bag.
What was I looking for, and why this notebook?
I was looking for an A6 traveler’s notebook that could hold multiple inserts without bulging awkwardly. Also, I wanted something suitable for everyday carry, which meant pockets were important.
I came across the Newestor A6 Traveler’s Notebook sold by September Leather on Amazon for about $50 CAD. That was more than I initially wanted to spend, but I wasn’t ready to make my own or invest in a more expensive option. This was a test to see if I could finally get my act together. I pulled the trigger and waited.
For clarity, I’m not affiliated with September Leather, and I paid full price for this notebook.
I ordered the A6 but it is available in A5, A6, B6, Standard, and Passport sizes, so chances are, it’ll suit whatever floats your boat.
Pros
Apart from its rugged, understated aesthetic, there’s a lot to like about this cover:
- Supports four inserts, which was my primary requirement.
- Includes a built-in pen loop for a fountain pen (with a caveat below).
- Has nicely sewn leather pockets for cards, receipts, or cash.
- Lays Flat. This is really a pro and a con. It’s great for writing on a flat surface. The leather is soft with a natural, finish.
Cons
With all that going for it, it would be easy to think this notebook is perfect. Unfortunately, there are a few downsides:
- The pen loop leather is extremely thin, and I’m unsure how long it will last.
- The leather overall is quite thin at ~2.1mm. While the double-layered areas (pockets and spine) are fine, the single-layer sections feel too floppy for my taste as I commonly write on my leg.
- The leather dye has slightly transferred onto my paper, and it’s too early to tell whether this is temporary or a long-term issue.
How do I use it?
Many people buy blank inserts, start writing, and call it a day. Dotted pages are a good compromise, offering alignment without being visually overwhelming. I’m not one of those people.
I’m not an artistic person. As an engineer, I gravitate toward patterns and structure, so I design my own pages. I’ve done this for years with ring planners and continue to do so with this traveler’s notebook. I’ll be publishing a future article on designing and making your own inserts.
For now, it’s enough to say that I’m using four inserts:
- Projects: Used for long-term projects such as building a shed, paving the driveway, or buying a car.
- Calendar: A simple yearly calendar by month, along with a few future-log pages for events beyond the current year, aimed at reducing my dependence on my smartphone.
- Daily log: The core of my system, with sections for gratitude, daily goals, tasks, schedule, and general notes such as appointments or purchases.
- Health log: A dedicated insert for tracking step goals, blood pressure, rehab exercises, and general health observations.
I’ll be posting a more detailed breakdown of these inserts and how to create your own. It’s inexpensive, flexible, and surprisingly enjoyable.
Would I buy it again?
As someone new to traveler’s notebooks, it’s doing its job for now. That said, I prefer thicker, firmer leather, especially since I often write with the notebook resting on my leg.
This notebook will ,however, serve as a reference and a learning tool. In the future, I plan to design and build my own no-compromise traveler’s notebook.
Update Jan 31, 2026: My concern regarding the pen loop has been somewhat alleviated as I discovered I can simply leave my fountain cap inserting in the pen loop permanently. I simply remove the pen from the cap and start journaling.
I’ve added a 5th insert – a long form journal. Because I’m lazy, I don’t bother trimming my custom inserts to true A6. Technically, it’s 1/2 letter size. As such, adding the 5th insert is pushing the envelope as far as poking out is concerned. If I trim my inserts to true A6 width, it would fine.