Pen Care & Travel: Safely Carrying Your Precious Writing Instruments When You Move or Fly

Why Pen Care Matters — Especially on the Move

Writing instruments—especially fountain pens, rollerballs and luxury ball-pens—are more than tools. They’re expressions of taste, achievement and craftsmanship. When you’re travelling, relocating, or simply moving between meetings, the risks to your pens increase: pressure changes, jostling, temperature swings, ink-leaks, cap loosening, or worst-case, a cracked cap or nib.
So making smart choices, both in storage at home and carrying them when you travel, can drastically extend the life of your pens and preserve their value and performance.

Travelling with a pen collection—or even a single prized instrument—demands more than just throwing it in your bag. Think of it as transporting a fine watch or piece of jewellery: the same level of care applies. 

What to Look For in a Travel / Storage Solution

Before we examine specific products, let’s cover the criteria for what makes a high-quality pen holder or roll suitable for travel and safe storage:

• Rigid structure or protective shell: To avoid physical damage to nibs, caps and clips.
• Individual compartments or sleeves: To prevent pens rubbing against each other.
• Secure closures: Zippers, snaps or flaps that keep pens from falling out mid-journey.
• Material quality: Leather, fine fabric, moulded cases, proper stitching—premium materials last and look good.
• Portability: Slim enough for carry-on or briefcase, or for daily use.
• Travel-friendly features: Consider whether you’ll take one pen vs. a collection; whether you need a roll, a shell case, or desk display.
• Ventilation / protective liner: For fountain pens, ink-leak risks and pressure changes matter (e.g., at altitude).
• Brand / authenticity: Especially important with luxury pens; using branded accessories often enhances value and aesthetics.

With these in mind, let’s explore the standout pen-storage and travel accessories you’ll find at Makoba.

 

 Standout Pen Storage & Travel Accessories at Makoba

Whether you’re carrying a single cherished Montblanc Meisterstück or a curated collection of Esterbrook, Pelikan, and Leonardo pens, Makoba’s pen-storage range offers a protective, elegant home for every piece. Each case or holder is a fusion of craftsmanship, durability, and design — built for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Here are the standout products available at Makoba, each designed with unique personalities and use-cases in mind:

Esterbrook Pen Storage & Carry Range

• Esterbrook 12 Pen Holder – British Tan / Dandelion BlueFor collectors who love colour and structure. These elegant cases store twelve pens securely in individual compartments with a soft inner lining. Perfect for displaying or travelling with a dozen favourites. Also available in 1, 3 and 6 Pen Holder capacities.
• Esterbrook Pen Roll
  A versatile soft roll-up option for on-the-go writers. Made from premium canvas and leather trim, it wraps your pens safely without adding bulk — ideal for daily commutes or creative journeys.

Elan Pen Holders & Cases

• Elan Leather 6 Pen Holder
  Sleek and minimal, this case offers individual slots for six pens, perfect for frequent travellers who prefer structure with style.
• Elan Leather 12 Pen Holder
  A step up in capacity and sophistication — this is for collectors who carry more. The rich leather finish provides a premium look with superb protection.
• Elan Foam 12 Pen Holder
  Precision-cut foam slots cradle each pen securely, preventing any movement or friction — a practical option for serious collectors who fly frequently.

Arista Leatherite Collection

• Arista Leatherite 3 Pen Holder
  Compact and travel-ready. Keeps three pens snugly in separate slots — ideal for professionals who rotate a few daily pens.
• Arista Leatherite 6 Pen Holder
  Combines durability with refinement, offering secure elastic slots and a soft interior lining.
• Arista Leatherite 12 Pen Holder
  A sturdy mid-capacity case that protects your pens whether you’re moving between offices or crossing time zones.
• Arista Leatherite 38 Pen Holder
  For the serious collector. This elegant, large-capacity case offers organized storage for nearly forty pens — truly a showcase piece for your study or office.

Scrikss & Pelikan Premium Holders

• Scrikss Walnut Wood 24 Pen Holder
  A luxurious wooden pen case crafted in polished walnut. Perfect for collectors who appreciate the warmth of fine wood and want their pens displayed as art pieces.
• Pelikan Leather 1 Pen Holder
  A refined leather sleeve for a single Pelikan, Montblanc, or Esterbrook — because even one pen deserves premium care.
• Pelikan Leather 3 Pen Holder
  Designed for travelling executives who carry multiple pens — understated, elegant, and practical.
• Pelikan Collectors Box for 24 Pens
  The ultimate display and protection solution from Pelikan. Crafted to perfection, it’s an heirloom-grade case that holds and showcases your entire writing arsenal.

Leonardo & S.T. Dupont

• Leonardo Leather 1 Pen Sleeve
  Italian craftsmanship at its best. Slim, supple leather hugs your Leonardo Momento Zero or any fine pen, making it perfect for pocket carry.
• S.T. Dupont Rigid Leather 2 Pen Holder
  Precision-stitched and lined with soft suede, this rigid case holds two pens with unmatched luxury — a favourite among collectors of Dupont, Montblanc and Caran d’Ache.

Lapis Bard, Mukul Goyal & myPAPERCLIP

• Lapis Bard Ducorium Moulded 2 Pen Case
  A structured leather case for two fine pens — elegant, business-ready, and compact.
• Mukul Goyal ID Pen Stand (Chrome)
  More than storage — it’s a statement desk accessory that keeps your pen poised and visible.
• myPAPERCLIP Large Metal Tray
  A minimalist desktop tray that brings a touch of industrial chic to your workspace. Perfect for holding your daily carry pens and stationery.

Esterbrook & Makoba Essentials

• Esterbrook 2 Go Cup  – a clever portable pen cup that merges fun, functionality and heritage.
• Makoba Felt Stationery Pouch, Grey – an easy, lightweight pouch for casual storage or short travel.

Travel Tips & Pen Care Best Practices

Now let’s add practical advice to make your travel with pens safe and seamless — written in the voice of someone who cares deeply about quality and details.

Tip 1 – Cap, Seal, and Check

Before you travel or move your pens: ensure the cap is tightly secured, the clip is fastened, and there isn’t excess ink in the section. For fountain pens – especially piston-fillers – reduce the ink level slightly if you’re going up in altitude (air pressure can force ink out!).
Also carry a small blotter or paper tissue in case there’s a minor leak — better safe than ruining your briefcase or other pens.

Tip 2 – Use the Right Case for the Right Journey

If you’re travelling light (just one or two pens) choose a compact hard case like the Lapis Bard Ducorium 2-Pen Case. If you're carrying multiple pens for work/travel, opt for a 6/12-pen holder like the Esterbrook 12 Pen Holder. For daily carry, a slim pen roll or pouch is fine.

Tip 3 – Separate Storage from Other Items

Avoid placing your pens alongside loose items like keys, phones, chargers. Even minor movement can scratch the cap or body, loosen a nib or cause ink stains. Use a dedicated compartment in your travel bag, or place the pen case in a padded section.

Tip 4 – Temperature and Humidity Awareness

Pens don’t like extremes. High heat can cause ink to expand and leak, low temperature might cause slow flow or irregular nib behaviour. If you’re flying, keep your pen case in your carry-on (not checked-in) so you control the environment.

Tip 5 – Desk Storage at Home

When you’re not travelling, don’t simply stack pens in a drawer. Use a proper holder either on your desk or shelf. For display + safety, something like the Esterbrook 12 Pen Holder lets you admire your collection and keep them upright, secure and spaced. This helps ensure longevity and performance.

Tip 6 – Regular Maintenance

Rotation helps: if you carry one pen for travel constantly, give it rest, clean the nib, check the filling mechanism, and change ink periodically. Leather or fabric cases should be kept clean and dry — dust and moisture can degrade materials and, indirectly, affect your pen.

Why Makoba’s Pen-Storage Collection Stands Out

When you purchase your pen holder or pen roll from Makoba, you’re getting more than just a container. You’re getting curated quality, brand authenticity, and service that understands the luxury pen world.

Our selection spans premium brands, ensuring you match the aesthetic and build-quality of your pens. And of course, carrying your pens in a sub-standard pouch undermines the luxury and care that your writing instruments deserve.

Final Thoughts — Your Pens Travelling With You

In a world where digital dominates, fine pens remain tactile statements of craft, identity and presence. When you’re travelling or moving, one mis-step in storage can cost you a nib, a cap, or even a pen’s value. Use the right accessories — a secure pen roll when commuting, a moulded case when flying, and a display holder at home. Match the accessory to the scenario and treat your pens with the respect they deserve.

From the single-favorite pen you carry to your full collection, you deserve peace of mind. Start with selecting the right travel case from Makoba’s premium pen-storage range, and your pens will accompany you beautifully — across flights, cities, meetings, and lifetime stories.

🖋️ Explore Makoba’s Pen Storage Collection: Pen Storage at Makoba