When it comes to traveling, we often find ourselves faced with unexpected situations and challenges that can easily ruin our experience. However, there is one simple yet effective trick that can save the day – putting a crayon in your wallet. Yes, you read that right! This may sound strange, but trust us, it’s a travel hack worth trying. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should consider carrying a crayon in your wallet while traveling.
1. Emergency Communication
Imagine finding yourself in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language and need immediate help. Writing down key phrases or important information with a crayon and a piece of paper can bridge the communication gap and assist you in seeking assistance.
2. Marking Maps and Guides
While exploring new places, maps and guides become your best friends. By carrying a crayon, you can easily mark points of interest, highlight routes, or make important notes directly on these resources. It’s a convenient way to ensure you don’t miss out on any hidden gems.
3. Unique Souvenir
Traveling is all about creating memories and collecting souvenirs. A crayon can serve as a unique and inexpensive keepsake. You can use it to create colorful imprints of landmarks or even have locals sign their names or write personalized messages on postcards with it.
4. Emergency Repairs
Unexpectedly, your favorite pair of sunglasses breaks or a button pops off your shirt. In such situations, a crayon can come to your rescue. By melting the crayon wax slightly, you can use it as a temporary adhesive or thread substitute until you find a proper solution.
5. Child-Friendly Distraction
Traveling with kids can be challenging, especially during long journeys. A crayon can save the day by keeping children entertained. With a simple piece of paper, they can draw, color, and let their imaginations run wild, making the journey much more enjoyable for everyone.
6. Emergency Candle
Imagine being stranded in a remote location without electricity during the night. By lighting up one end of a crayon, you can create a small emergency candle that provides a comforting source of light until help arrives or power is restored.
7. Marking Luggage
In crowded airports or busy hotels, it’s easy to lose track of your luggage. By using a brightly colored crayon, you can mark your bags with unique symbols or initials, making them easily recognizable and reducing the chances of someone mistakenly taking your belongings.
8. Creative Travel Journal
Keeping a travel journal is a fantastic way to document your adventures. By carrying a crayon, you can add artistic touches to your journal entries. Use it to create colorful sketches, highlight important memories, or simply bring your written words to life.
9. Emergency Lip Balm
Traveling to different climates can sometimes take a toll on your lips. In case you forget your lip balm, a crayon can be used as a temporary substitute. Its waxy texture can help protect your lips from drying out and becoming uncomfortable.
10. Handy Bookmark
For all the bookworms out there, carrying a crayon can serve as a makeshift bookmark. Whether you’re reading a guidebook, a novel, or a travel magazine, a crayon can securely mark the page you left off, ensuring you never lose your place.
11. Impromptu Game Piece
During long layovers or delays, boredom can quickly set in. With a crayon, you can invent simple games or use it as a game piece. From tic-tac-toe to hangman, a crayon can turn a dull moment into a fun-filled activity.
12. Quick Shoe Shine
Appearances matter, even while traveling. A crayon can be used as a quick shoe shine tool. Its waxy substance can help remove scuffs and provide a temporary shine until you have access to proper shoe polishing equipment.
13. Emergency Sewing Kit
When a button falls off or a small tear appears in your clothing, a crayon can come to your rescue once again. By unraveling the crayon’s paper casing, you can expose the wax and use it as a thread to make temporary repairs.
14. Emergency Whistle
Should you find yourself in a dangerous situation or need to attract attention, a crayon can be used as an emergency whistle. By blowing across the end of the crayon, you can produce a loud and distinct sound that can help alert others to your presence.
15. Stress Reliever
Traveling, despite its joys, can sometimes be stressful. A crayon can serve as a stress reliever. Simply doodling or coloring can help relax your mind and distract you from any travel-related anxieties, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey.
16. Emergency Waterproofing
While many modern gadgets claim to be water-resistant, unexpected downpours or accidental spills can still cause damage. By rubbing a crayon along the seams or edges of a non-waterproof bag or electronic device, you can create a temporary barrier against moisture.
17. Instant Hair Accessory
Long-haired travelers, rejoice! A crayon can easily double as a hair accessory. Whether you need to quickly tie your hair up or secure a loose braid, a crayon can be used as a makeshift hair elastic, saving you from any bad hair days.
18. Emergency Earplug
When staying in noisy accommodations or during loud flights, a peaceful night’s sleep may seem impossible. By gently molding a small piece of crayon wax, you can create a makeshift earplug that helps block out unwanted noise, ensuring a restful sleep.
19. Emergency Fire Starter
If you ever find yourself in a survival situation, a crayon can come in handy as an emergency fire starter. By using the crayon’s wax as a fuel source, you can ignite it with a spark or flame, providing a small but crucial source of warmth and light.
20. Emergency ID Bracelet
In case of an accident or medical emergency, having identification information readily available is essential. By writing your name, emergency contact details, or any important medical information on your wrist using a crayon, you can create a temporary ID bracelet.
21. Instant Highlighter
When studying or researching during your travels, highlighting important sections can be incredibly helpful. A crayon can be used as an instant highlighter, allowing you to emphasize key points or passages in books, brochures, or printed documents.
22. Emergency Sunburn Relief
Spending too much time in the sun without proper protection can lead to painful sunburns. If you forget your after-sun lotion, a crayon can provide temporary relief. Its waxy texture can soothe the skin and alleviate discomfort until you can find suitable sunburn treatment.
23. Emergency Watercolor Set
If you enjoy painting or want to explore your artistic side while traveling, a crayon can be turned into an emergency watercolor set. Simply dip the crayon tip in water and use it to create beautiful watercolor-like effects on paper or any other suitable surface.
24. Instant Shoelace Repair
Broken shoelaces can be a nuisance, especially while exploring new destinations on foot. By unraveling a crayon’s wax and using it as a temporary shoelace, you can quickly fix the problem and continue your adventures without any interruption.
25. Emergency Money Holder
While it’s always recommended to keep your money safe in a wallet or money belt, a crayon can serve as an emergency hiding place for a small amount of cash. Simply remove the paper casing and carefully hollow out a section to conceal your money.
26. Emergency Fishing Float
If you find yourself in a location with accessible water bodies and limited fishing equipment, a crayon can be used as an emergency fishing float. Its buoyant properties can help keep your bait afloat, increasing your chances of catching a fish.
27. Instant Fly Swatter
Encountering pesky flies or other insects can quickly become annoying. With a crayon in hand, you can easily swat away those unwanted visitors. Its sturdy yet flexible structure makes it an effective and convenient fly swatter alternative.
28. Emergency Nail Filing
Broken or uneven nails can be bothersome, especially while traveling. A crayon can be used as an emergency nail file. Its smooth wax texture can help shape and smooth rough edges, ensuring your nails look presentable in any situation.
29. Emergency Nose Plug
In case you find yourself in a location with unpleasant smells or during a smelly bus or train journey, a crayon can be used as an emergency nose plug. By rubbing a small amount of wax under your nose, you can help block out those unwanted odors.
30. Creative Gift Wrap Embellishment
When buying souvenirs or gifts for loved ones, adding a personal touch to the wrapping can make it even more special. A crayon can be used to customize gift wrap by adding colorful designs, names, or messages, enhancing the overall presentation.
Conclusion
As we have explored, a simple crayon can be a versatile and invaluable tool while traveling. From emergency communication and repairs to creative uses and stress relief, this small addition to your wallet can make a big difference. So, the next time you embark on a journey, don’t forget to slip a crayon into your wallet – you never know when it might come to your rescue!