Midori Travelers Notebook For Productivity: My 9-Year Journey and How I Use It Today
If you’ve ever been curious about the Midori travelers notebook and how it holds up over time, you’re in the right place. I’ve been using this notebook system for nine years now, and I want to share what’s worked, what’s changed, and how I’m using it today to stay productive, creative, and organized.
It’s been quite the ride since I first picked up my Midori Travelers notebook back in 2015. I even made a video about it in 2016, and since then, I’ve gotten a bunch of questions from viewers asking if I still use it, how I use it now, and what my setup looks like. So, I figured it was time for a proper update.
The Early Days: Starting Simple
When I first got my Midori Travelers notebook, I started with something pretty straightforward—a blank traveler notebook and one of their standard inserts. Back then, I preferred the dotted grid inserts because they offered a nice balance between structure and freedom. I used it for journaling and jotting down daily tasks, but honestly, I didn’t have a solid system or go-to setup at that time.
Over time, I experimented with different approaches. I dipped into bullet journaling, borrowing bits and pieces that suited me—like using daily pages, morning pages (which are basically brain dumps), and other simple layouts. What I eventually landed on is a pretty clean setup: dedicating one full page per day for my tasks and notes, then leaving the facing page completely blank.
Why One Page a Day and a Blank Face?
Here’s the idea: on the daily page, I write the date at the top, list out my main tasks, goals, and any quick notes. The facing page? That’s my playground for brainstorming, random thoughts, sketches, or anything that pops up while I’m out and about. It’s a simple, flexible way to keep my day organized without feeling cramped.
This setup works because it balances structure with freedom. The task page keeps me focused, while the blank page encourages creativity and reflection. Sometimes, those blank pages end up being the most valuable part of the notebook.
Rediscovering Old Notebooks: Tackling the Stack
Now, here’s where things got interesting a few months ago. I realized I had this stack of partially used notebooks—some only with 10 pages used, others mostly finished but never fully put to work. I’m a notebook lover, so I kept buying and trying new ones, but many ended up half-used or abandoned.
I decided it was time to put those notebooks back into action. Instead of letting them gather dust or recycling them, I started using them as daily journals. For example, I have a large format journal that I’m using the same way—one page for tasks, one page blank for notes.
This was a great move because it helped me clear the backlog and figure out what I liked and didn’t like about different sizes and formats. Plus, it gave those notebooks a second life instead of sitting unused.
Settling on My Favorite Size: Why I’m Back to the Midori Travelers Notebook
After cycling through various notebooks, I’m leaning back toward the classic Midori Travelers notebook size—the regular Travelers Notebook, not the smaller passport version. It’s just the right size for me. Here’s why:
- Portability: It fits nicely in my backpack or another bag without being bulky.
- Writing space: My handwriting isn’t tiny, so I need space to write comfortably.
- Multiple inserts: I like being able to carry more than one insert at a time, which the Travelers Notebook handles perfectly.
Right now, I’m using two inserts: a blank insert (no dots, no grids—just plain paper) for my daily pages, and some custom inserts I made myself. More on these in a second.
Custom Inserts for Creativity on the Road
One of the cooler things about the Midori system is its flexibility. Besides daily tasks and notes, I’ve started using it for some drawing and watercolor painting when I’m traveling. Instead of lugging around a big sketchbook, I make my own inserts using larger watercolor pages that I sew together.
This way, if I’m on a trip for a week, I can carry just a few pages of watercolor paper with me in the notebook and sketch or paint on the go without the bulk. It’s a neat way to keep creative without compromising portability.
As time goes on, this might evolve. If I start doing watercolor more often, I might switch to carrying a dedicated notebook for art. But for now, this hybrid approach works really well.
How I Organize My Notebook: Borrowing from Bullet Journaling
One of the best habits I picked up from bullet journaling is keeping an index page at the front of my notebook. I number every page—both front and back—and jot down key ideas or important notes in the index.
Why is this helpful? Because after filling a notebook, I put it on my shelf but can still find things quickly. For example, if I had an idea for an AI robotic dog newspaper delivery service (yes, really!), I can look in the index, see it’s on page 25, and flip right to it. This saves time when you want to revisit ideas or plans.
This might sound like extra work, but it’s a habit that pays off big time. It makes your notebook more than just a collection of pages—it becomes an easy-to-navigate resource.
Keeping It Simple and Functional
Other than the index and daily page setup, I keep things pretty low-key. I write the date at the top, list the most important tasks for the day, and use bullet points to track progress. When a task is done, I cross it off. Simple and effective.
One of the reasons this works for me is because it’s low friction. I don’t spend time decorating or making it fancy. I just get the essentials down and move on. This is key—if your system takes more time to maintain than to use, it’s going to be hard to keep up.
Also, having a physical notebook with me means I’m not always glued to my phone or computer. If I’m at a doctor’s appointment or somewhere I can’t use my phone, I can still check my tasks and notes. It’s a nice way to disconnect a bit and stay productive.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: Size and Style Matter
One of the biggest takeaways from my journey is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people love tiny EDC (everyday carry) notebooks that fit in their pocket. I tried the passport size but found it cramped for my handwriting and didn’t suit my style.
It’s personal. The key is to experiment with different sizes and formats to see what feels right. Larger notebooks offer more space but can be bulky. Smaller ones are portable but might limit your writing and creativity.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you find your sweet spot:
- Think about where you’ll carry your notebook most often (pocket, bag, desk).
- Consider your handwriting size—do you need more room?
- Decide if you want multiple inserts or just one notebook.
- Try different paper types (dotted, blank, grid) to see what sparks your flow.
- Don’t be afraid to switch it up if your current setup isn’t working.
Wrapping It Up: Why I Still Recommend the Midori Travelers Notebook
After nine years, I’m still using the Midori Travelers notebook because it’s flexible and adapts to my changing needs. Whether it’s daily task management, creative sketching, or journaling, it’s a system that grows with you.
If you’re thinking about trying one, my best advice is to keep it simple, experiment, and find what works for your lifestyle. Don’t stress about perfection. It’s your notebook—make it useful and enjoyable.
If you’re already using a Midori Travelers notebook, I’d love to hear how you’re using yours and what your favorite setups are. Drop a comment or reach out. Sharing what works for you might just help someone else find their groove.
So, that’s my 9-year update on the Midori travelers notebook. Still a solid tool in my productivity toolbox, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
