Why You Should Put a Crayon in Your Wallet When Traveling: Tips and Tricks

When it comes to traveling, there are certain items that you always want to have with you, like your passport, credit cards, and cash. But have you ever considered putting a crayon in your wallet? It may sound unusual, but there are actually some good reasons why you should consider doing it. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of putting a crayon in your wallet when traveling, and how you can use it to your advantage.

What is the reason behind putting a crayon in your wallet when traveling?

When it comes to traveling, we all want to be prepared for any situation that might arise. Whether it's a lost credit card, a power outage, or just the need for some entertainment, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. And that's where the humble crayon comes in. There are a few reasons why putting a crayon in your wallet when traveling can be helpful:

Preventing credit card damage and loss: When you're traveling, your credit cards are some of your most valuable possessions. If they become damaged or lost, it can be a major inconvenience or even a financial disaster. A bent or damaged credit card might not work properly when swiped, or it could be rejected entirely. And if you lose a credit card while traveling, you might have a difficult time getting a replacement or dealing with fraudulent charges. By placing a crayon between your credit cards, you can help prevent them from bending or getting damaged while in your wallet. The crayon provides a buffer that keeps the cards separated and protects them from wear and tear. Additionally, if you have multiple credit cards, the crayon can help you keep them organized and easily accessible. You can even color-code the crayons to match the different types of cards (e.g. green for debit, blue for credit).
Emergency light source: When you're traveling, there's always a chance that you might find yourself in a dark or dimly lit environment. Whether it's a power outage, a camping trip, or simply a poorly lit hotel room, having a source of light can be essential for safety and convenience. And while you might not want to carry a bulky flashlight or lantern with you, a simple crayon can provide a surprising amount of light. To use a crayon as a light source, simply light the tip with a lighter or match. The wax will start to melt and burn like a candle, providing a small but steady flame. This can be useful for navigating dark rooms or paths, reading maps or books, or simply creating a cozy atmosphere.
Marking items: When you're traveling, it's important to keep track of your belongings and prevent them from getting lost or mixed up with others. Whether it's a suitcase, a backpack, or a piece of gear, marking your items can help you identify them quickly and easily. And while you could use a permanent marker or a luggage tag, a crayon provides a simple and versatile alternative. Crayons are waterproof and can be used to write your name, phone number, or other identifying information directly on your belongings. The wax adheres well to most surfaces, and can even be used on wet or damp materials. And unlike markers, which can bleed or fade over time, crayons provide a long-lasting and durable mark that won't rub off easily.
Fun for kids: When you're traveling with kids, keeping them entertained and engaged can be a major challenge. Long flights, car rides, and waiting periods can all lead to boredom and restlessness, which can make the trip more difficult for everyone. And while you could pack a bag full of toys and games, a simple crayon can provide endless hours of fun and creativity. Kids can use crayons to draw pictures, play games, or even make rubbings of interesting textures. And because crayons are small and lightweight, they're easy to pack and carry with you wherever you go. You can even encourage your kids to use the crayons to document their travels by drawing pictures of the places they visit or the things they see.
Color-coding currency: When traveling to a foreign country, it can be difficult to keep track of the different denominations of currency, especially if they all look similar. This is particularly true in countries where bills have similar colors and designs, or when dealing with unfamiliar coins. By carrying a few different colored crayons, you can color-code your bills based on their value. For example, you could use a red crayon for high-value bills, a green crayon for mid-range bills, and a yellow crayon for lower-value bills. This can make it easier to quickly identify the right bills when making purchases, especially in busy or crowded environments. Additionally, by marking your bills with a crayon, you can deter potential thieves who may be less likely to steal currency that is clearly marked as being easily identifiable.
Emergency repair tool: In addition to its other uses, a crayon can also serve as a makeshift repair tool in a pinch. For example, if your zipper gets stuck or your shoe lace breaks, you can use the wax from a crayon to lubricate the mechanism or tie a temporary knot. This can be especially helpful if you're in a remote location or don't have access to other tools or supplies. Additionally, because crayons are small and lightweight, they can easily be carried in a pocket or bag, making them a convenient addition to your travel toolkit.
Keeping insects away: Some types of insects, such as ants and earwigs, are known to be repelled by the scent of crayons. By placing a few crayons in your luggage or around your sleeping area, you may be able to deter these pests and prevent them from invading your space. This can be especially useful when camping or staying in rustic accommodations where insects may be more prevalent. Additionally, because crayons are non-toxic and easy to use, they are a safer alternative to chemical insect repellents and can be used around food or children without worry.

There are many different reasons why you might want to carry a crayon with you when traveling. Whether you're looking to protect your credit cards, mark your belongings, entertain your kids, or even repel insects, a simple crayon can be a surprisingly versatile tool. So next time you're packing for a trip, consider adding a few crayons to your essentials - you never know when they might come in handy!

Benefits of putting a crayon in your wallet when traveling

There are several benefits to putting a crayon in your wallet when traveling:

Easy and cheap to do: One of the biggest benefits of using a crayon as a travel tool is that it is incredibly easy and cheap to do. Crayons are readily available at most dollar stores, toy stores, and art supply stores, and they are often sold in bulk or as part of a larger set. This means that you can purchase a variety of colors and sizes for just a few dollars, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, because crayons are small and lightweight, they don't take up much space in your luggage or wallet, which means you can easily bring them along on your travels without adding much extra weight.
Lightweight and space-saving: Another advantage of using a crayon as a travel tool is that it is lightweight and space-saving. When traveling, every ounce of weight and inch of space counts, and packing efficiently can be a challenge. By using a crayon, you can eliminate the need to carry additional tools or supplies that may be heavier or bulkier. For example, if you were to carry a separate light source, marker, or insect repellent, it would likely take up more space in your luggage or wallet than a single crayon. This means that you can travel more efficiently and comfortably by using a versatile and compact tool like a crayon.
Multifunctional tool: Perhaps the biggest benefit of putting a crayon in your wallet when traveling is that it is a multifunctional tool that can be used in a variety of ways. As we discussed earlier, a crayon can be used to protect credit cards, mark items, provide emergency light, and even entertain children. However, as we also mentioned earlier, a crayon can be used in other ways as well. For example, you could use a crayon to write notes or directions on a piece of paper, or to create makeshift labels for your luggage or belongings. You could also use a crayon to create rubbings of interesting textures or designs that you encounter during your travels, or to sketch quick drawings or maps of places you visit. Because crayons are so versatile, they can be used in countless ways to enhance your travel experience.

The benefits of using a crayon as a travel tool are many and varied. By being resourceful and thinking outside the box, you can turn a simple and inexpensive item like a crayon into a valuable asset that can help you navigate your travels more easily and enjoyably.+

How to use a crayon when traveling

Now that you know why you should put a crayon in your wallet when traveling, let's look at some of the ways you can use it:

Protecting credit cards: One of the most important uses for a crayon when traveling is to protect your credit cards from damage. To do this, simply remove the paper wrapping from the crayon and slide it into the slot where you normally keep your credit card. The crayon will act as a buffer between your credit card and the other cards in your wallet, preventing scratches, scuffs, or other types of damage. Additionally, if you accidentally leave your wallet in the sun or in a hot car, the crayon can help to insulate your credit card and prevent it from warping or melting.
Marking luggage: Another great use for a crayon when traveling is to mark your luggage or other items with your name or identifying information. This can be especially helpful if you are traveling in a large group or if you have a lot of bags to keep track of. Simply use the crayon to write your name, phone number, or other identifying details on the outside of your luggage or other items. Because crayons are waterproof and smudge-proof, your markings will remain visible even if your luggage gets wet or dirty.
As an emergency light source: If you find yourself in a situation where you need a light source but don't have access to one, a crayon can serve as an emergency light source. Simply break off the tip of the crayon and light it with a lighter or matches. The wax in the crayon will burn slowly and brightly, providing enough light to read a map or guidebook or to find your way in the dark.
As a fun activity for kids: Finally, if you are traveling with children, a crayon can be a fun and engaging activity for them to enjoy. Pack a few crayons and some coloring sheets or a notebook, and let your kids use their creativity to make art or write stories about their travels. You could also encourage them to use the crayons to create rubbings of interesting textures or designs that they find during your travels. This can be a great way to keep your kids entertained and engaged during long flights, car rides, or downtime in your travels.

There are many different ways that you can use a crayon when traveling, and the versatility of this simple tool makes it a valuable addition to your travel kit. Whether you need to protect your credit cards, mark your luggage, create an emergency light source, or entertain your kids, a crayon can come in handy in a variety of situations.

IV. Why Not Pens?

Pen

While crayons have many benefits for travelers, you may be wondering why not simply use a pen instead? While pens do have some advantages, such as being more precise for writing and drawing, there are also several reasons why crayons may be a better choice for travel.

Firstly, pens can easily leak or break, which can cause a mess in your bag or damage to other items. This can be particularly problematic if you're carrying expensive electronics or other delicate items. Crayons, on the other hand, are less likely to leak or break, and can be easily cleaned up if they do.

Secondly, pens may not be as versatile as crayons for certain tasks. For example, pens may not be as effective at marking items or creating bright and colorful designs. Crayons, on the other hand, are specifically designed for coloring and marking, and can provide a wider range of colors and textures than pens.

Finally, pens can be more expensive and harder to replace than crayons, especially if you're traveling to a foreign country where pens may not be readily available or may have different ink types. Crayons, on the other hand, are widely available and inexpensive, which makes them a convenient and practical choice for travel.

While pens certainly have their place in a traveler's toolkit, it's worth considering the benefits of crayons as well, especially if you're looking for a lightweight, versatile, and inexpensive tool for marking, coloring, and protecting your items while on the go.

Conclusion

Putting a crayon in your wallet when traveling may seem like an unusual idea, but it can actually be a very useful and practical tool to have on hand. From protecting your credit cards to providing an emergency light source, marking your luggage, or entertaining your kids, a crayon is a versatile and multifunctional tool that can make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

In addition to being easy and cheap to acquire, crayons are lightweight and space-saving, which makes them a great addition to your travel kit. And with so many different uses, a single crayon can serve multiple purposes, making it a valuable and efficient tool for any traveler.

So, the next time you're packing for a trip, consider adding a crayon to your list of essentials. Not only will it be a useful tool to have on hand, but it can also add an element of fun and creativity to your travels. So go ahead and give it a try - you might just be surprised at how much you end up using and appreciating this simple yet versatile tool.