So, this review is less about the notebook, than the listing. For the record Customer Service reached out in a timely manner, but the answer is less than satisfactory:We've seen this a few times, especially on the blue cases. They are particularly dark and when viewed indoors they can sometimes look black; I would take it outside or under some brighter lighting to see if it looks any bluer in person. I don't think this is a black case because the elastic band on your example is blue; that's one of the ways we can tell them apart when they are in the cellophane at the office. I understand this is not under Goulet's control. However, this is not actually a blue cover. It looks identical to the black listing (save a blue elastic band). I love the idea of the notebook & I'll keep it, but I'm really not pleased with the bluest blue being used in the listing pictures. If that's the ideal, then this one shouldn't have been sent from the manufacturer. If this much variance is acceptable from Travelers, then there should be more than a note colours may vary.

I finally got my Travelers Notebooks and all the trimmings. I love it. It's that personal stamp imprint I can add to make it feel better than all the rest.

This notebook helped me to get back in to fountain pens after awhile away. It's a pleasure to write on, and the paper that comes with it is very smooth and pleasant to write on.

Best sketchbook I've ever had.

I love the quality of the leather and the color is beautiful. I love the versatility it has.

I never used a paper calendar or planner. Never thought I needed it. I saw people getting a lot of use out of Traveler's notebooks and wanted to give it a shot. Soon after I was buying inserts and new bands and hunting for a charm. I've got brass binder clips all over mine now too. I love this planner. I keep a monthly calendar, a weekly calendar, and a lined notebook in mine. I never thought I'd use a paper planner as much as I do now. Totally depend on it.

Well made notebook. I like having the option of using inserts with different weights of paper.

I purchased this to serve as a work planner and notebook and was able to comfortably fit in three notebooks, a weekly planner, and a zipper pocket. It works quite well for my purpose. My only complaint is that I'm not convinced it's actually blue--it looks black inside and out. The cord is navy but if the leather is, I just have to hope that it lightens with time.

Easily fits in my bag

Stylish, minimalist, classic. I didn't know what putting pen to paper was meant to truly feel like until I owned the traveler's notebook. Beautiful design and quality materials, easily stored for on-the-go notes and anecdotes.

Such a simple and ingenious system. The leather cover is lovely and will gain character with age. You probably need to use a clip to hold pages open for easy writing. It's easy to mix and match field note books for a variety of uses. I'm wondering why it took me so long to purchase this. I have not found the long dry time with my inks, which are predominantly Pilot inks.

These fillers are great, I bought a second one! They are great for filling your pen, no leaks and so easy to carry. Can't recommend highly enough.

I love this. I carry it around with me everywhere in my laptop bag. The blue in particular is a fun color that is a little bit of fun but still serious.

A great system for an art/planning/organizational journal! Regular size fits well into handbags, small one goes with me everywhere. Insert booklets: Efficient & flexible, more lightweight than a bound book, love the way I can customize! Love the pockets and pouches. The blue is darker than the photos, but I knew that from reviews & prefer it. A rich navy, perfect leather. Have seen some more expensive knock-offs, I prefer these originals. Customer service terrific, as always, & fast delivery. Thanks!!

After received this and getting to put it together, the customizability and organizational options make this a lot of fun! I've spent more time putting it all together than actually getting to write in it. The cord in the back doesn't feel too bothersome, nor does the elastic connector at the top. While it doesn't lay perfectly flat, I'm thinking this is more for getting the essentials and memories recorded than for super neat handwriting. Mine contains 2 notebooks, a Kraft-style file folder I made myself, and the zipper pocket insert. This is probably my threshold. After seeing people use 3 notebooks+, I now think that may be too thick. Other reviews speak to the leather quality so I wont cover that here!My only qualm is that the Midori paper that comes with the notebook is not my favorite. I think I will buy goulet inserts on here in the future. The paper handles fountain pens pretty well, but is not as enjoyable to write on. It seems drier with more tooth compared to something like TR or Rhodia. P.S. I did not get an unbearable smell of leather like others have posted. While there is a smell nonetheless, I have to put it pretty close to my face to catch a whiff of anything!

I've had this for over a year now, and it is absolutely wonderful. The leather is soft and almost suede like at first, but over time will develop gorgeous depth from oils in your hand and general wear. It does darken as most leather does over time. If you try to rub a stain off be warned that the dye will come up a little, nothing major though. Goulet did an amazing job packaging the item, and it arrived safely and quickly. Overall so pleased that I finally decided to get this. I've kept a journal for over 25 years, and glad I found a system that I can use over and over again.

Pleasant writing in this notebook as the pen glides along the page. The leather covering is buttery soft and smells of divine leather.

I love my Travelers Notebook Cover in beautiful dark blue leather. I received it in no time at all (around a week or less) in Hawaii and it was carefully and thoughtfully packaged with a personalized note from the packaging team. Few companies are putting as much personal care into their products and Goulet Pen Co should be lauded for it.

I like it. Have not used as much as I should, but the size is good, and it holds a lot of paper.

The leather is amazing and has a velvety feel to it. I ha e noticed that the blue dye on it comes off a little bit, so be careful if it gets wet at all. The travelers notebook that came with it holds ink wonderfully and I haven't had any issues with it. After waiting years to get a notebook system in this style, I'm so glad that I finally went for it.

I decided to get the Regular size as I have the passport one and it wasn't really suited for me. This one is perfect and I love the leather cover. I also enjoy that it can be personalized with different inserts and one can add a penholder or charm to the outside band. I'm a big fan of the Traveler's Notebook and I use it everyday. I plan on sticking to this brand for many more years to come.

I'm a creative type and not the most organized person so daily planners and calendars are not my thing, but necessary. This travelor's notebook let's me customize the journal as not only a creative outlet but calendar and notebook as well so I can write down anything and everything and enjoy doing it. Now, it is expensive... and even more depending on what fillers you buy for it, but it's worth it.

I'm really loving this traveler's notebook so far. I already owned a black one that I use as a planner at work, but I'd be coveting the blue version for a while. It's an unusual shade--it almost has a teal undertone in a certain light. It's already acquired some scuff marks from being carried to and fro in my bag, but that just adds to its character. The leather has an almost suede feel and is disposed to staying put (when you close it, it stays closed and doesn't flop open, even if it's slightly full of inserts).Speaking of... I've not quite filled it to bursting, but it's a near thing. I have three of the regular notebooks, the clear zip-lock/card slot insert, and a kraft folder. I think if I attempted to put anything else in, it would hang outside the cover (which is not something I want, but it could be done is what I'm saying).

A really appealing item of which I have several. Whether one buys the regular or passport size they are a pleasure to own and use.