A simple ballpoint pen is one of the most vital, yet most frequently forgotten, items for international travel. As soon as you are handed the customs or immigration forms on the plane, get yours completed straight away. You will rarely find a flight attendant with spare pens, and your fellow passengers will quickly clamour for the one you have.
Filling out forms for yourself and your family immediately upon receiving them prevents last-minute stress. Having this done before landing ensures you can quickly proceed through customs lines without having to scramble for a writing instrument or a stable surface, giving you a huge head start.
