6 must-have travel items for men

Whether you’re travelling on business or on holiday, packing a suitcase is a real headache. So that you don’t have to search for shops on your first day abroad, we’ve put together a list of men’s essentials to pack when travelling.

For many men, packing a travel bag is a real headache. There’s always one important item missing. That’s why we present you with the 6 must-have items that absolutely must find a place in your suitcase.

1.1 Documents 

The first thing you can’t go on a trip without is your documents. Have your identity card, passport and tickets ready. It is recommended that you keep all your business documents in one place, either in a binder or an elasticated pouch. Even though today’s smartphones can turn into a guardian angel and guide you everywhere, we still recommend that you take a traditional paper travel guide with a city map and the necessary numbers with you. This way, in case of battery failure or unexpected problems you will be safe. 

1.2 First aid kit

Illness and injury can happen anywhere and to anyone! So you should have the following products in your travel kit: doliprane, nose drops, disinfectants and bandages. If you are taking special medication, don’t forget your prescriptions so that you don’t have problems with security at the airport. 

1.3 Beard care

A beard care travel kit is very important. It is best to buy kits with products that are approved by airports. These are products of less than 100ml. Your shaving kit should contain a razor, cream, shaving cream or gel, aftershave balm, shaving brush, beard brush and beard trimmer.

1.4 Razor or mini lint remover for fabrics and clothing

Your favourite jumper or shirt may be covered in lint and pilling from contact with other clothes and objects in the suitcase. This is why you may need a lint-free razor or mini epilator. A hand-held lint remover can give them a new lease on life. Incredibly quick and easy to use, it removes hair from old clothes, leaving them looking new, soft and clean. This accessory effectively removes dirt from all textiles without damaging them. It will help you take care of your look while travelling. Here are some models of lint-free shavers that are perfect to take with you when you travel. 

1.5 High-tech equipment

Here it all depends on personal preference. Some people take one mobile phone, others a dozen items.

Optimal list of things to take on the road:

• Mobile phone;
• MP3 player.
• A laptop, if you can’t imagine your life without it.
• USB stick, external hard drive.
• International adapter for abroad 
• If you are travelling in your own vehicle, a satellite navigation system will be useful.
• Camera or camcorder.
• This can easily be replaced by a mobile phone with a good camera. If you don’t have one, take a camera to take good pictures.

Put your equipment in a separate bag. Don’t forget the charger for each one. If you fly, take your bag with you.

1.6 Protective equipment

It is important to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun, insects, allergies and skin reactions to salt water. The following list can help you:

• sun cream and suntan lotion
• sunglasses;
• mosquito repellent and bite gel;
• anti-allergy medication;
• umbrella 

How to pack your suitcase 

Divide your belongings into two parts: what you will take with you (hand luggage) and what you will put in your luggage.

Hand luggage should include: money, documents, equipment (phone, camera, laptop, etc.), essential medicines, personal care products, a notebook and a pen. If you are flying, your hand luggage should not contain any sharp or liquid objects.

Your suitcase should never be filled to the limit. Firstly, you will have to pay the overweight fee (most airlines allow up to 20kg of luggage). Secondly, you will not feel comfortable searching for your luggage or retrieving it at the request of the customs officer. Thirdly, you won’t have enough room for souvenir gifts and other purchases.

Pack all liquids in waterproof bags. Clothing, shoes and other contents should be stored evenly. Most suitcases have a special pocket for underwear. 

At the bottom of the suitcase, put what you are going to take out last. Put a folding bag on top, it can be used to carry some of your things if you are overweight and can then be used for beach trips or shopping.

There are always last minute items like house keys, phone, food for the road. Mark them separately on your list so you don’t forget them. Protect your suitcase from dirt and mechanical damage by wrapping it with cling film or a suitcase cover that will make it more visible on the luggage belt.

Take a list of the items you have packed with you, this will help you not to forget anything on the way home.

What not to pack when travelling 

You want to take things that are important to you but not very useful. To keep your suitcase straight and uncluttered, you should leave out items that won’t be useful during your trip. 

There is no room in your suitcase for such items:

• A hairdryer. Every hotel has one, so there’s no need to bring one from home. For solo trips, have your hair cut so it doesn’t need to be styled.
• Books. They are heavy and take up a lot of space. If you like to read, an e-book will come in handy. Download some works on your mobile phone at home.
• Jewellery. Wear the bare minimum: a chain, a few rings. It is best to leave bracelets at home, especially if you are going to the sea. You can easily lose them in the water. Taking gold watches with precious stones on your travels is not a good idea. 
• Travelling iron. Take items that do not wrinkle. If it is too wrinkled, spray it with water and hang it on a rope. You can also ask for an iron at the hotel reception. But you don’t need an iron when travelling.
• Scissors, wire cutters, corkscrews, screwdrivers and other sharp objects. The only exception is a small folding knife.