The ‘Wallet Crayon’ Trick: Why UK holidaymakers are being told to pack this 10p item for 2026 travel

January 26, 2026

Every traveller knows the feeling of frantic packing, shoving items into bags and praying you haven’t left anything behind. Then there’s that sinking feeling at the airport when you realise you can’t remember where your boarding pass is. The solution? Well, it’s not what you might think. This January, I discovered that a simple crayon can be the secret weapon I never knew I needed.

Highlights

  • 📝 Versatile writing tool: A crayon is always ready to go!
  • 🎨 Creative outlet: Captures moments in your travel journal.
  • 🛠️ Emergency fixes: A versatile tool for minor repairs.
  • 💸 Space saver: Keep your wallet neat and tidy.

It might sound quirky, but carrying a crayon resolves several travel problems I experienced. Forget functional pens that dry out or pencils that break—they’re not your friends when you’re darting through airport terminals. Instead, a crayon’s portability and resilience make it the perfect travel companion. Whether you’re jotting down memories, entertaining kids, or even fixing a scratch on your luggage, it’s the unsung hero of my travel kit.

Why Crayons Trumps Traditional Writing Tools

Let’s face it; pens and pencils can be unpredictable. I often find myself staring at a useless pen, wondering if I’ll ever get that ink flowing again. Crayons, however, write smoothly on a variety of surfaces, stand the test of time, and offer vibrant colour. When I need to scribble down an important note or capture a fleeting thought, reaching for my crayon has become second nature. No more smudging my hand because of ink; the bold strokes of a crayon are just as reliable, even in the hustle of check-in.

  • 🛅 No need for sharpening or replacing ink cartridges.
  • 🖍️ Writes well on almost any surface.
  • 🎲 Provides a tactile, fun writing experience.

Creating a Travel Journal with a Twist

Inspired by the simplicity of a crayon, I decided to build a travel journal during a recent trip. Armed with a small notebook and my colourful crayon, I documented my adventures each evening. It wasn’t just about capturing the destinations—I was immortalising the little moments, like sampling an amazing dish or meeting a unique local. With each page, I became an artist of my own narrative. This wasn’t just write-and-forget; it became a sensory experience, as scribbles and doodles filled the pages, illustrating memories that would otherwise fade.

Imagine flipping through pages filled with chaotic sketches, maybe of the Eiffel Tower or a scrappy cat lounging in an Italian square. Those drawings transport me back to those moments of joy and nostalgia. Plus, it keeps a distraction handy for kids mid-journey. We all know how restless they can get!

More Than Just Fun—The Emergency Use of Crayons

I learned quickly that a crayon isn’t merely an instrument for writing; it’s also an invaluable emergency tool. On one jaunt, I noticed a scuff mark on my suitcase—frustration surged. Then I remembered the broken black crayon in my bag. After heating the crayon to soften it, I carefully applied it to the scuff. Voilà! A temporary fix that saved the day. Instead of seeking a costly repair or finding an emergency store, all I needed was my trusty crayon.

  • 🧳 Hide a crayon in your wallet for quick fixes.
  • ✨ Use crayons to mark your path if you’re feeling lost.
  • ⛪ Create temporary decorations at places you visit with crayons.

Unlock Your Creativity with Crayons

More recently, I stumbled onto a trend where adventurers join crayon clubs online, sharing their colourful interpretations of their travels. They focus on creativity and catharsis while wandering. What an uplifting way to connect with fellow wanderers! It made me realise that travel isn’t only about seeing new places; it’s also about expressing oneself. Crayons provide an outlet for stress relief. Doodling has surprisingly become a great way to decompress after hectic sightseeing days.

Exploring the world with a palette of colours in my pocket allows for a dialogue between my experiences and my creative expression. It challenges the norm—I can write about what happens, but also create visual representations of what I see. Every trip now feels like a live exhibition!

Ready to Travel Smarter? Grab That Crayon!

So, the next time you head out on an adventure, remember to pack a crayon. You’ll be shocked at how frequently such a simple item can simplify your travel life. Not only will it keep your wallet tidy and your creativity flowing, but it also equips you to handle those little hiccups life throws your way. I assure you, keeping this versatile tool at hand is going to be a game-changer on your future travels. Grab that crayon and let your adventures unfold!