Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it often comes with its fair share of challenges and unexpected situations. One simple yet effective solution to tackle some of these obstacles is by putting a crayon in your wallet. Yes, you read that right – a crayon! In this article, we will explore the reasons why carrying a crayon in your wallet while traveling can be incredibly beneficial.
1. Emergency Identification
Imagine finding yourself in a foreign country, where language barriers and unfamiliarity make it difficult to communicate crucial information. By placing a crayon in your wallet, you can jot down your name, address, and emergency contact details on any available surface, ensuring that you have a simple and effective form of identification in case of an emergency.
2. Quick Note-Taking
While exploring new places, you may come across recommendations for local attractions or hidden gems. Having a crayon in your wallet allows you to jot down these valuable insights on any piece of paper or even on your hand if necessary. This way, you won’t miss out on any memorable experiences that locals suggest.
3. Entertaining Kids
If you’re traveling with children, you know how essential it is to keep them entertained during long journeys. A crayon can be a lifesaver in such situations. It enables you to draw and play simple games like tic-tac-toe or hangman, ensuring that your little ones remain occupied and engaged throughout the trip.
4. Budgeting Tool
Traveling often involves managing various expenses. With a crayon, you can easily divide your wallet into sections dedicated to different currencies or types of expenses. This simple organizational hack helps you keep track of your spending and prevents any confusion or mix-ups.
5. Emergency Candle
In unforeseen circumstances, such as a power outage or getting stranded in the dark, a crayon can serve as an emergency candle. By lighting one end of the crayon, you’ll have a small, portable light source that can provide comfort and help you navigate your surroundings safely.
6. Repair Marker
During your travels, you might come across situations where your clothes or belongings get stained or marked. A crayon, with its waxy texture and various colors, can be used as a makeshift repair marker. It allows you to cover up small blemishes and maintain the overall appearance of your items.
7. Souvenir for Children
If you’re traveling to a destination where you’ll interact with local children or visit schools, bringing along crayons can be a fantastic gesture. You can distribute them as small gifts or souvenirs, instantly brightening up a child’s day and fostering positive connections with the local community.
8. Creative Outlet
Traveling often inspires creativity and a sense of adventure. Having a crayon in your wallet allows you to express yourself artistically whenever inspiration strikes. Whether it’s doodling in your travel journal or creating vibrant sketches, a crayon can be your portable art kit.
9. Impromptu Bookmark
Reading is a popular pastime during long flights or train journeys. If you find yourself without a bookmark, a crayon can come to the rescue. Its shape and size make it an ideal placeholder, ensuring you never lose your page.
10. Mosquito Bite Relief
Traveling to tropical destinations often means dealing with pesky mosquito bites. Surprisingly, rubbing a crayon on the affected area can provide temporary relief from itching and soothe the skin. It acts as a protective barrier and helps reduce inflammation.
11. Sunburn Soother
Spending time under the sun can sometimes lead to painful sunburns. In such situations, a white crayon can be used to cool and calm the affected skin. Applying the crayon gently on the sunburn helps alleviate discomfort and provides a temporary shield from further sun exposure.
12. Emergency Air Freshener
Long journeys or shared accommodation can often result in unpleasant odors. To combat this, a crayon can act as an emergency air freshener. Simply rub the crayon on a piece of fabric or paper and place it discreetly in your surroundings for a subtle and pleasant fragrance.
13. Emergency Sewing Kit
When you’re on the road, you might encounter unexpected clothing mishaps like loose buttons or small tears. A crayon can double up as an emergency sewing kit by using its waxy texture to secure buttons or mend minor clothing damages temporarily.
14. Insect Deterrent
Some crayons have fragrances that insects find repellent. By rubbing the crayon on your clothes or exposed skin, you can create a barrier that deters bugs, mosquitoes, and other unwanted pests. It’s a simple and natural way to protect yourself from annoying bites.
15. Instant Artistic Expression
Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, a crayon can facilitate impromptu artistic expression. You can leave small drawings or inspirational messages for fellow travelers to discover in hostels, cafes, or public spaces, spreading joy and creativity along your journey.
16. Problem-Solver for Sticky Zippers
Struggling with a stuck zipper on your bag or clothing can be frustrating. Luckily, a crayon can act as a makeshift lubricant. By rubbing the crayon along the zipper teeth, you can enhance its smoothness and ease the opening and closing process.
17. Reminder Tool
While traveling, you may come across important details or ideas that you need to remember later. By jotting down these reminders on a piece of paper or even on your hand using a crayon, you ensure that you won’t forget any significant moments or thoughts during your journey.
18. Makeshift Candle Holder
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to light a candle but don’t have a proper holder, a crayon can be a great alternative. By sticking the candle into the softened wax of the crayon, you create a makeshift candle holder that provides stability and prevents any wax from dripping onto surfaces.
19. Simple Puzzle Solver
Traveling often involves encountering various puzzles and brain teasers. A crayon can serve as a useful tool to solve these challenges. By shading or marking certain areas, you can easily keep track of your progress and find solutions more efficiently.
20. Nature Exploration
While exploring natural landscapes, you might stumble upon beautiful flowers or leaves that you want to preserve as a memento. By using a crayon and a piece of paper, you can create rubbings of these natural wonders, capturing their intricate details and bringing them home as unique souvenirs.
21. Quick Fix for Loose Screws
During your travels, you might encounter loose screws in various places, such as your sunglasses or camera. With a crayon, you can tighten these screws by rubbing the waxy texture on them. This simple hack ensures that your belongings remain intact and functional.
22. Emergency Rainy Day Activity
Unpredictable weather conditions can sometimes confine you indoors. In such situations, a crayon can save the day by providing entertainment for hours. Grab a coloring book or print out coloring pages from the internet and let your imagination run wild.
23. DIY Lip Balm
Traveling to different climates can often lead to dry or chapped lips. In an emergency, you can create a simple lip balm using a crayon. Melt the crayon slightly and mix it with a natural moisturizer like coconut oil, creating a nourishing balm to keep your lips soft and hydrated.
24. Conversation Starter
Having a colorful crayon in your wallet can spark interesting conversations with fellow travelers or locals. It can become a unique icebreaker, allowing you to share stories about your travels, art, or even childhood memories. You’ll be surprised how a simple crayon can trigger meaningful interactions.
25. Improvised Clothesline Clip
When you need to dry your clothes but lack clothespins or clips, a crayon can come to the rescue. Its shape allows you to secure wet garments on a clothesline or hanger, ensuring they stay in place until they dry completely.
26. Emergency Earplug Mold
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial while traveling, especially in noisy environments. In case you forget to pack earplugs, you can create an emergency mold using a softened crayon. Simply shape a small piece of crayon into a mold that fits your ear, providing some much-needed peace and quiet.
27. Alternative Candle Wax
Suppose you come across a unique candle or a decorative container without a wick. By melting a crayon and pouring the liquid wax into the container, you can create an alternative candle that adds a touch of coziness and warmth to your accommodation.
28. Emergency Shoe Shine
Traveling often involves attending business meetings or formal events. If you find yourself with scuffed or dull shoes, a crayon can be used as a temporary shoe shine. By rubbing the crayon on the affected areas and then buffing with a soft cloth, your shoes will look presentable in no time.
29. DIY Highlighter
If you need to highlight important sections in a book or document but don’t have a highlighter handy, a yellow crayon can work as a great alternative. Its vibrant color allows you to emphasize essential information and make studying or reviewing materials more efficient.
30. Multi-Purpose Travel Companion
Overall, carrying a crayon in your wallet while traveling proves to be an invaluable and versatile tool. From emergency identification to creative expression, from makeshift repair marker to entertainment for kids, a simple crayon offers endless possibilities and solutions. So, don’t underestimate the power of this small, colorful companion on your next adventure!
Conclusion
As you embark on your next travel adventure, don’t forget to include a crayon in your wallet. Its compact size, versatility, and ability to solve various travel-related challenges make it an essential item to have. Whether you need emergency identification, a quick entertainment option, or a creative outlet, the humble crayon will surely come to your rescue. So, pack your bags, grab your crayon, and get ready for an exciting journey filled with colorful experiences!