Moleskine/organizing your itinerary and notes

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

I recently was pointed in the direction of the "Moleskine" series of notebooks, some of which are for organizing trips to specific cities. Here is the link on Amazon for the one for Paris (which people seem to swear by, and I have ordered but not yet received): www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Books-City-Notebook-Paris/dp/B000NBIYC2/ref=sr_1_42/104-8623535-2774328?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1182896087&sr=8-42.

Based on the notes on Amazon, it already includes some maps, etc., as well as many pages for your own notes. It also is fairly small, so should fit easily into a purse/pocket. If anyone else has tried it, I would be interested in hearing your impressions.

[greyghost1]

I bought it because of all the pos. comments on TA but when I received it I found I couldn't give up my Le Petit parisien L'Indisoensable. I also didn't care for the categories that were laid out. I always carry my own moleskine which I set up as I like. But it is cute, in a way. I used the little stickies in my own planner, which was nice.

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

So did you get a blank book to organize? It had sounded like the inclusion of maps etc. would be helpful, but I take it you did not really find that to be the case?

[annettecinca]

Becky, I think I remember that Phread got one of these last year--maybe she will jump in here and tell us how it's worked out. I've thought about getting one of these as well and would like to hear a few opinions. I always travel with a blank Moleskine and a glue stick and use it as a travel journal (I glue in business cards, ticket stubs, etc. and write down my day's activities so I don't forget everything before getting home). So the size and general idea of the guidebook appeals to me but I'm not quite sold on it yet. Especially the part of having to get used to a different map!

[goldenmama]

I think I'm out of time to order another book! I'm making myself something similar, though. I have a journal that I have been putting all of our itinerary, vital bits of info from the guide books, etc. into. It will fit in the bag that I will carry with me. Hopefully it will work!

[phread]

I love my Moleskin guide and carry it with me daily. The maps are only somewhat helpful and would not be good if you really need help getting around, but they cover the center of the city very well.
I especially like the clear post-its for mapping out my days and Creating my own titles for the various indexed sections. For example, I have one for day trips, favorite restaurants, specialty shops, and (not for visitors, I know) medical support. I also have a list of restaurants I've always wanted to try/neighborhoods I've wanted to visit but have never made it to, just in case I find myself at loose ends.

[mez]

I've got one but I haven't written in it yet - I'm still trying to decide what I want to name my sections - lol.

Mez

[trechic]

I bought myself a Moleskine guide from MOJO.com in the UK, if anyone is interested. I love it! I have made sections for the different arrondisements - so if I am in a certain area - at a glance I can see the different restaurant choices - markets - etc...

[goldenmama]

???Speaking of maps: will I be able to find more detailed city street maps once I get to Paris? I have one that is ok, but many of the streets (especially for some of the shops) aren't on it.

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Golden, you should have no problem finding the folded laminated maps of Paris, which always worked fine for us (and because they are laminated, they don't disintegrate!).

Guess I'll have to go ahead and get the Moleskine! I had flagged it in Amazon and it's in my "cart," but had not yet made a final decision whether to get it, based on the varying opinions of it. But, it gets enough positive votes that I think I'll give it a shot. Thanks all for chiming in.

[goldenmama]

;D ;D ;D

I am so excited! I just realized that you can mapquest Europe! I was just able to sit here and get directions and maps between all of those little out of the way shops I want to find! Yahoo!

[felschurch]

Do try Mappy.com too for pics of the buildings and the capability to "wander" down the street and "see" the other buildings.

[Jody]

I had never realized that mappy had the picture feature unti a week or so ago. It was easy to use and very helpful

I hate the new formatting on Pages Jaune

[annettecinca]

I don't like the new Pages Jaunes either, Demarias! I will have to try out Mappy.

[susanb]

I have 2 moleskin books, 1 is a Paris one, 1 is a little larger lined. Practice writing first in the lined one but I still have no idea where to start. I've got it narrowed down to A for arrondissments. Draw a little map of the e. and then write a little note about their nickname etc. Thats the easy part. I want to put in the passages, Apartments and some hotels, taxi numbers, boat numbers and so far, thats it........the easy stuff!! Its a start. My propblem is that I'm so neat, mistakes are not allowed...my shorts get all twisted in a knot no matter how hard I try to be a big girl. s

[Laura NY (aoi33)]

From Design Milk this morning:

Engrave your moleskine notebooks with your own artwork, available from Engrave, who can also do this to your laptop:

www.engraveyourbook.com

[annettecinca]

Ooooh, very cool!

[cybee]

Yes, that is a totally awesome idea (re customizing a moleskine!)! I have bookmarked it for future gift idea....maybe for my daughter who enjoys/uses moleskines! (shhh...don't tell her this though! ). Aoi33, thank you for directing us to that e-site!

[greyghost1]

I wish I could send the blank ones I already own to get some of that done! Great site. Thanks.

[susanb]

I have never seen anything like that. Please tell me how it works.
sb