top of page

5 TOP WAYS TO USE A TRAVELER’S NOTEBOOK

Shea Alexander

I discovered the traveler’s notebook at a trade show. Always on the lookout for the perfect planner, I couldn’t pass up the booth of the professional organizer. And, of course, the natural leather jumped off the table at me. After years as my constant companion, I’ve discovered five ways to use my traveler’s notebook. Let me share them with you here. The Traveler’s Notebook for Travelers The traveler’s notebook earned its name from folks that wanted to record their travels. The typical TN will hold four inserts, which could be used for four different destinations. Or, you could have one insert for your current journey, and use the rest of the space for other useful inserts. If you want to use your TN for traveling, consider an insert with lined pages to record your experiences. If you plan to collect ephemera (paper mementos from places you visit) or save photographs in your notebook, make sure your insert has acid-free paper. Paper that doesn’t bleed the ink from your favorite pen is a must, as well. After all, who wants to waste creative energy trying to conceal ink splotches on the back of the page. A nice addition to your traveling insert is information for reference, like a time-zone map or measurement conversions. Of course, the perfect place for that information would be the inside cover. The Traveler’s Notebook for Artists An artist never knows when inspiration will strike. Driving through the countryside, you may feel compelled to capture the pastoral scene before you. Or in the city, the homeless person huddled in a doorway may evoke a sense of feeling you don’t want to lose. No matter where you go, your traveler’s notebook makes the perfect artist’s on-the-go notebook. Having the perfect insert for capturing those moments is important. After all, who wants to sketch all that emotion on the back of a receipt retrieved from your wallet? When choosing an artist quality insert for your TN, first consider the paper. You want something that receives all mediums you may use—pen and ink, pastels, or watercolors. And as we mentioned above, you want something acid-free that will not degrade over time. Also, consider the size. “On-the-go” means it’s easy to carry, will fit in your bag or knapsack, and is lightweight. The Traveler’s Notebook for Engineers Makers sketch things all the time. Don’t lose all the little slips of paper that show 15 different ways to attach the main pulley to the machine. Capture them all in a traveler’s notebook insert. Since a traveler’s notebook holds several inserts, you can have one for each project you’re working on. Choose an insert with gridded paper to help you draw things to scale. Also, look for premium paper that will not bleed when you use your favorite pen or marker. At Alexander Brothers, we include facts for easy reference on the inside covers of our Invent insert. Can’t remember how to calculate the volume of a sphere or the average velocity of a given speed? We’ve got you covered. The Traveler’s Notebook as a Planner If you feel the need to plan everything, use a calendar insert in your traveler’s notebook. Put it in the front of the TN so it’s easy to get to. A quick online search finds monthly and weekly spreads. A week on the left with a blank page on the right. Dated or open so you can start at any time. There are many options to choose from. The Traveler’s Notebook as a Catch-All Finally, stop scribbling notes and lists on the back of receipts or napkins. Keep a blank insert in your TN to catch all those things. Grocery lists, kids’ clothing sizes, podcast notes, or anything you want to jot down quickly can go in your blank insert. For this use, look for an economical option. After all, no need to save your grocery lists for posterity, right? So, utility grade paper is okay here. Staples can replace the cotton stitched binding. And, forgoing that hand-painted cover for plain kraft paper makes this insert more affordable. Now you can see how a traveler’s notebook is the ideal place for everything in your life. From keeping track of your time to keeping track of your thoughts, a TN beats a phone app any day.


116 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Found these guys at a local fall fair in the Valley. I talked with Shea and he helped me select this gorgeous cedar slab for my wine bar project. Excellent selection to choose from, reasonable wood and labor prices, and Shea advised me on an oil selection as well! Super knowledgeable guy and a pleasure to work with.

Alexander Brothers Leather Work Custom Furniture Blacksmith Shop

We were gifted a table for our daughter made by the Alexander Brothers, and it exceeded our expectations. It is beautiful, solid and well made. They thoughtfully incorporated our measurements, design style, wood choice, etc. but added their own personal touch with the chairs with rounded backs and the variation in wood color. They’ve been responsive to questions and our daughter loves it!

Alexander Brothers Custom Furniture Woodworking Blacksmith Leather Work

Their lumber is amazing. I drive 3-hours round trip just for their walnut and cherry blanks. I’ve also purchased a few live edge boards for other projects. Their inventory is very high quality which makes my pieces even more special.

Alexander Brothers Custom Furniture Woodworking Blacksmith Shop Leather Work

Had a small custom bathroom alcove shelves cover door made to my specs. Hardware and hung as soon as we got home. Success. These agreeable young men have a fine little metal smithy, leather, wood mill and finishing business going on. We see them fairs, shows, and in stores all around Northern Virginia. Good communication and connection.

Alexander Brothers Custom Furniture Woodworking Blacksmith Shop Timberville VA

Amazing, absolutely amazing, is the only way I can describe the level of craftsmanship and professional acumen and service. Shea quickly and brilliantly understood my vision for new displays for my expanding business. He then made it all come to life, and perfectly customized! I have appreciated fine craftsmanship all my life, and have never been more satisfied. If you can dream it Alexander Brothers can craft it!

Alexander Brothers Leather Work Custom Furniture Woodworking Timberville VA
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Alexander Brothers Payment Methods

© 2023 by Alexander Brothers. Built by Legacy Media

bottom of page