The holidays are here and we could probably all use a break after a long 2017. Whether you're jetting off on vacation with your significant other or heading back home to see the family, there's still one hurdle that many of us have to tackle before we get to the good stuff. And that's the actual traveling. Here are the essentials that every man should have on hand for his holiday journey.
A Better Dopp Kit
A high-tech version of a classic toiletries bag, this is made from water-resistant and antimicrobial fabric with leakproof zippers. It comes with five TSA-approved travel bottles, multiple compartments and loops to keep things organized and a reflective lining so you can actually see what's in there.
$48 by Mack Weldon
Stainless steel vacuum-insulated bottle, $25.95 / $15.95 by MIRA
Water Bottle
Stainless steel vacuum-insulated bottle, $25.95 / $15.95 by MIRA
Avoid airport price-hikes for drinks, sketchy airplane water and just general dehydration by bringing your own bottle through security empty, and then filling it up at a water fountain before boarding. We'd suggest this double-walled and leak-proof bottle over the flimsy collapsable options.
Natural hand sanitizer spray, $5.92 by CleanWell
Hand Sanitizer
Natural hand sanitizer spray, $5.92 by CleanWell
Traveling, especially during this time of year, means germs. Don't leave home without hand sanitizer. This is a favorite of the Valet. team when we travel because it's alcohol free, has a subtle citrus scent and the flat design of the bottle discreetly fits into the exterior pocket of any travel bag.
Five-piece packing cube set, $22.95 by TravelWise
A Smarter Way
to Pack
Five-piece packing cube set, $22.95 by TravelWise
The best way to pack as much as possible while keeping your suitcase organized. These lightweight nylon cubes will help you compress bulkier items. Efficiently roll up puffy jackets, thick sweaters or pants and tuck them into a compact cube. Use each cube for a different clothing type (sweaters, underwear, pants) and peek through the mesh top to quickly identify what's in each bag.
The Traveller Bundle, $70 by Native Union
Better Charging Cables
The Traveller Bundle, $70 by Native Union
Eliminate the unavoidable frustrations caused by carrying a single charging cable. This pair has a short cable (four-feet) and a long cable (ten-feet) so you never have to stretch for an outlet. Plus, they're each reinforced by a layer of DuPont Kevlar fibers—making them six times stronger than standard cables.
$200 / $119 by Audio-Technica
Quality Headphones
$200 / $119 by Audio-Technica
Consider it an investment in self-preservation. The difference between peaceful travel and hellish travel can likely be traced to how good your headphones are. A pair of quality noise-cancelling headphones make for the ultimate in-flight escape. One of the best reviewed and most affordable models on the market is by Audio-Technica. The QuietPoint active noise-cancelling technology reduces environmental noise by up to 95% and offers three modes of listening (aircraft, office and study).
Wipes
Real talk: A man should pack some wipes when he's on the road. They come in handy all the time. For your shoes, for your face and yeah, for your ass too. (Hotels aren't known for their quality toilet paper.) We don't need to talk about all the specifics, but trust us ... when you're stocked with these, you know you're gonna be alright.
Quick Wipes shoe cleaners, $3 for a 3-pack by Jason Markk; Tonic-infused face wipes, $24 for a 20-pack by Ursa Major; Flushable wipes, $8.99 for a 30-pack by Dude Wipes
Breeze Through Security
The key is eliminating time at the X-ray machine. Before you get into line, stash your phone, keys, watch and belt in a plastic bag in your carry-on (or in an exterior pocket). After showing your ID, place it back in your wallet and put it in the bag as well. Then all you have to do when you get to the conveyer belt is take off your shoes. Place your suitcase on the belt first, followed by your shoes, toiletries and computer. Your bag will come out first—making it easier to refill on the other side.