Sometimes travel writers ask me which is better for taking notes at the destination - a pen or a pencil? In the end, of course, it’s all down to personal preference. Having said that there are a few practical issues. If you are travelling by plane, bear in mind that your ballpoint pen might leak in a pressurised cabin. The same applies if it’s upside down in your pocket or backpack, so be careful of that. If you take a pencil remember that if you store it in a trouser pocket the tip of the lead might stab you in the thigh. So think about a pencil case or a cap. And you might want to take a pencil sharpener! In the end, whichever implement you use for your travel writing remember to keep taking copious notes on the ground - and to keep your notebook safe.