Why It’s a Good Idea to Put a Crayon in Your Wallet when you travel

When it comes to travel essentials, a pencil may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this humble coloring tool can prove surprisingly useful during your adventures.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, if you put a pencil in your wallet, it can be of unexpected use.

Options for Using a Pencil While Traveling

Using a pencil while traveling can be a practical and versatile option. Here are a few ways to make the most of a pencil while traveling.

A pencil is great for writing down travel itineraries, capturing memorable moments in a travel journal, or taking quick notes about interesting sights, local recommendations, or contact information.

Don’t forget to put a pencil sharpener and eraser along with your pencil so you have everything you need for a hassle-free experience. Because of its simplicity and practicality, the pencil can prove to be a valuable companion in all your travels.

Multi-Purpose Tool

Crayons are much more versatile than they may seem at first glance. The classification table divides them into different types, each with unique benefits. From waxy textures to bright colors, crayons can serve a variety of purposes during your travels.

Crayon Classification	Description
Wax-based crayons	Traditional crayons are made of wax. They provide smooth coloring and vibrant colors. They are the most common type of crayons  available.
Oil-based crayons	These crayons are made with an oil-based binder, which gives them a creamy textureand allows for easy blending. They are ideal for creating smooth gradients and subtle shading.
Watercolor crayons	These crayons have a water-soluble formula that allows you to create watercolor-like effects. Simply add water to your artwork to transform the crayon marks into beautiful washes of color.
Gel crayons	Gel crayons have a unique gel-like texturethat glides smoothly on paper. They offer vibrant colors and work well on both light and dark surfaces. They are also known for their durability and resistance to breakage.
Twistable crayons	Twistable crayons come in a plastic barrethat can be twisted to expose more crayonswithout the need for sharpening. They are |convenient for travel and have a retractable design that eliminates the messiness of traditional crayons.

Do you need to mark your belongings or leave a quick note for a fellow traveler? Crayons can be used for temporary markings on various surfaces. They can also come in handy for impromptu art projects or as emergency candles when there is a shortage of electricity.

Cultural Icebreaker

One of the joys of travel is learning about different cultures and interacting with people from all over the world. Carrying a pencil can serve as a cultural icebreaker, especially when interacting with locals or children in other countries.

Offering a pencil to a curious child can break the language barrier, build rapport, and leave a lasting positive impression. Creating together can create wonderful memories and open doors to unique experiences that might otherwise remain hidden:

• Drawing and Sketching: One of the most obvious uses of the pencil as an icebreaker is drawing or sketching. Whether you’re sitting in the park, waiting for a train, or relaxing at a coffee shop, get out a pencil and a small sketch pad or notebook. Start drawing something that catches your eye, whether it’s a landmark, a nearby object, or even a portrait;
• Offer a pencil: If you have spare pencils in your bag, you can make a friendly gesture and offer them to the person in need. Perhaps you notice a fellow traveler trying to fill out a form, or a child in the waiting area looking for something to do. By offering a pencil, you will not only provide practical help but also create an opportunity for conversation. It’s a simple act of kindness that can spark connections and open doors to cultural exchange;
• A game of Primer or Charades: Primer and Charades are popular games in which you have to draw or picture words or phrases without words. Carrying a pencil allows you to start a game of Primer or Charades with fellow travelers or locals;
• Language Learning: If you are in a foreign country and are trying to learn the local language, a pencil can be a valuable tool for practicing communication. Carry a pocket-sized notebook and ask locals to teach you simple words or phrases by writing them down. In return, you can write down words or phrases in your native language. 

You can also initiate collaborative art projects by asking fellow travelers or locals to contribute a drawing or group artwork. Start a sketch and invite others to add their touches or ideas. This inclusive and creative activity encourages interaction, stimulates imagination, and provides a platform for self-expression.

Stress Relief and Mindfulness

Travel can be exciting, but sometimes it can also be overwhelming. A simple pencil can be an amazing outlet for relieving stress and developing thinking while traveling. Engaging in coloring, whether in a coloring book or on a piece of paper, can help:

• Relax the mind;
• Reduce anxiety;
• Promote a sense of calm.

It is a therapeutic and creative way to relax after a long day of research, allowing you to recharge your energy and be present in the present moment.

Emergency Aid

Contingencies can arise when traveling, and being prepared for them is extremely important. Wax chalk can be used in an unexpected way as an emergency aid. In the case of a broken zipper on a backpack, rubbing the crayon along the prongs can serve as a temporary lubricant, allowing the zipper to open and close smoothly.

Also, in the event of a small scratch or cut, the crayon’s waxy substance can be used as a temporary protective layer until proper medical attention is obtained.

In emergency situations, the crayon can be surprisingly versatile and serve as a valuable tool. Here’s how you can use the crayon as an emergency tool when traveling:

• Temporary Fix: If the zipper on your backpack or luggage breaks, a pencil can help. Swipe the graphite tip over the teeth of the zipper to create a temporary lubricant. This will help you smoothly open and close the zipper until you have a chance to repair or replace it;
• Homemade splint: In the case of a small fracture or sprain, a pencil can be used to create a homemade splint. Place the pencil next to the injured area and secure it with a bandage or any available cloth. This can provide some stability and immobilization until proper medical attention is given;
• Stop the bleeding: If you have a small cut or scrape and need to stop the bleeding, an eraser on the end of a pencil may be helpful. Gently press the eraser against the wound to apply pressure and stop the bleeding until you can clean and bandage the wound properly;
• Writing Emergency Messages: In situations where you need to leave an emergency message or mark your presence, a pencil can be a useful tool. Write important information or a message on any available surface, such as paper, cardboard, or even a wall. Pencil marks tend to be more durable than pen ink, making them a reliable choice for leaving temporary messages;
• Lighting a fire: In survival situations, a pencil can be used to start a fire. Sharpen one end of the pencil to expose graphite, which can serve as a conductor of electricity. Use the graphite tip to create friction with a suitable material, such as dry leaves or sawdust, and create sparks to start a fire;
• Emergency Whistle: In some cases, a pencil can be used as an emergency whistle. Remove the eraser and use a knife or sharp object to make a small hole in the tip of the pencil. Blow forcefully through the hole to produce a high-pitched sound that will help attract attention and signal help in emergencies;
• By including a pencil in your travel kit, you can have a versatile tool to help you in unexpected situations, providing a temporary fix for the situation and potentially increasing your chances of dealing effectively with emergencies before help arrives.

But it’s important to note that these emergency pencil ways are meant to be a temporary fix and should not be a substitute for proper medical care or professional help. For serious injuries or emergencies, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Unique Souvenirs

Although photos capture the essence of your travel memories, sometimes they can seem impersonal. Using crayons to create original drawings or sketches can add a unique touch to your travel journal or postcards.

Leave your artistic mark on the places you’ve visited by conveying their essence through your own creative interpretation. Not only will these personalized keepsakes become treasured memories, but they will also spark conversation when you talk about your travels with friends and family.

Using a pencil as a unique keepsake while traveling can be a creative and meaningful way to capture memories and share a piece of your journey with others. Here’s how you can use a pencil as a unique souvenir:

• Custom Engraving: Pencils have a smooth surface that can easily be engraved or with a personal message. Consider engraving the name of a city or landmark, the date of your visit, or a special message on the pencil. This will give the pencil a personality and turn it into a cherished keepsake;
• Hand-drawn artwork: Use a pencil as a medium for hand-drawn artwork. Capture a picturesque landscape, a famous landmark, or a memorable moment from your travels. You can frame the artwork or make postcards of it, allowing you to share your unique vision with friends and family;
• Collaborative Sketching: Chat with fellow travelers or locals by suggesting they sketch together using a pencil. Start a drawing and ask others to add their touches or ideas. Such a collaborative drawing will not only create a special memory but also serve as a symbol of connection and cultural exchange;
• Pencil rubbings: Many historical sites, monuments and architectural structures have intricate details engraved or embossed on their surfaces. Create pencil rubbings by placing a sheet of paper on a textured surface and gently swiping a pencil across it. This technique allows you to capture small details and textures, preserving them as unique keepsakes;
• Personalized bookmarks: Pencils can be turned into personalized bookmarks by attaching decorative elements such as ribbons, beads, or key chains to them. Personalize the pencil by adding your name, a quote from a trip, or a meaningful symbol. It will serve as a practical and personal keepsake, reminding you of your travels every time you use it;
• Diaries and scrapbooks: Use pencils to take notes, sketch and highlight important moments in a journal or travel scrapbook. Write down memories, sketch or add colorful accents to your pages. Pencil notes will serve as a unique reflection of your travel experiences;
• Giving and Sharing: Pencils are thoughtful and easy gifts to exchange with fellow travelers, locals, or newfound friends while traveling. Choose pencils that reflect the culture, heritage, or iconic symbols of the places you are visiting. Sharing pencils strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories of the people you meet on your travels.

Remember to protect and preserve your souvenir pencils by storing them in protective cases or pouches to prevent damage and keep them in good condition for years to come.

By using pencils in your travels, you not only create unique and personal souvenirs, but you also engage in artistic expression and establish a deeper connection with the places you visit.

Conclusion

As you head off on your next adventure, consider adding a pencil to your list of travel essentials. This small and inconspicuous item may surprise you with its versatility and unexpected usefulness. From a multi-purpose tool to a cultural icebreaker and stress reliever, the pencil has untapped potential.

What’s more, it can come to your rescue in emergencies and even be a unique way to create personalized keepsakes. So next time you pack your suitcases, don’t forget to put crayons in your wallet – get ready to unleash your creativity and discover a world of possibilities while traveling.