Travel Gear

Classic Pens That Belong In Every Travel Bag

Whether it’s just to jot down some quick notes or you’re writing some in-flight poetry, this is an underrated, must-have item.

Even if just for filling out your customs forms, you should always travel with a pen. | Shutterstock

By Islands Staff Oct. 22, 2020

The utility of a pen is certainly understated. Sure, you could write down a note in your phone, but then it's likely to just get lost in the bevy of other notes and apps you have. A pen allows you to write down anything on a whim's notice, whether it's a love letter or a simple reminder.

Cross X Series Graphite Gray Selectip Rollerball Pen — Your travel bag should be filled with necessities for every trip, and that doesn't always mean digital gear. | Cross

A good pen can be the difference between beautiful handwriting and chicken scratch.

Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen, Stainless Steel with Chrome Trim, Medium Point Blue Ink, Gift Box — Just try not to click it too much. That might annoy the person in the next seat. | Parker

Good travel pens are ones that have good grip. When in a bumpy car ride or if your plane's experiencing turbulence, it's best to have a pen that you know you won't lose hold of.

Fisher Space Pen Bullet Pen - 400 Series - Matte Black w/ Clip - Gift Boxed — When you spend a lot of time on airplanes, you might as well think like an astronaut. | Fisher Space

Some pens writing ends have a certain angle while others are free of that and allow you to write at any angle. Find a pen that lets you use it at any angle so that less than ideal environments won't interfere with your ability to write.

Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Black Metal Clicker Pen - Black Ink (No. 97) — Spare your digital devices from water and stick with old faithful. | Rite in the Rain

When you're out and about, it's good to have a pen that can withstand the elements.

True Utility Stainless Steel Pen Keychain: This Cool Keychain is Engineered to be the Smallest pocket pen, Coolest Keychain Accessories, and the most useful dad gadgets ever seen - TelePen TU246, Silver, One-Size — Save space in your bag by combining items. | True Utility

No matter where you go, you'll always have a pen with you, if it's attached to your keys.