Men’s Travel Essentials in 2024

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Your girlfriend just told you she wants a quick weekend getaway, and suitcases will definitely have to be checked in.

The text you just got says your parents want you to fly out to see them in Santa Barbara and for a big family reunion— you just have to come!

The company just approved your business meeting halfway across the world— business trips rarely have time for sight-seeing, but the dinners sure sound fancy.

But there’s questions you have. There’s those little tid-bits of stress that just get to us inevitably during the packing process.

Because it happens to the best of us here at The Highest Fashion, we got you covered.

Let’s tackle those burning questions about men’s style and travel — the two luxuries that we can all stand, at least once in a while, to go out and afford.

“Can You Bring Cologne on a Plane?” — And Other Airport Questions Men Want to Ask But Don’t

Sebastian Maniscalco, comedian and humanity’s observation troubadour said it right: “It’s a scam.”

Going to the airport can be one of the most unnecessarily anxiety-infused experiences of your life and we’re not exaggerating — just check out Maniscalco’s video for some comedic relief when imagining these scenarios:

So, unless you have your own private jet, taking an airplane means taking a swig of the airport life and here are the answers to the questions you’ll probably wish you googled when you’re standing there trying to take two pounds out of your bag— or watching security throw away your cologne.

All answers below are condensed from tsa.gov.

1. Can I bring cologne on an airplane?

For checked bags, you are allowed to bring as much cologne as you want. For carry-on bags, however, your cologne bottle has to be less than 100 ml (3.4 oz).

2. Can I bring regular size deodorant on a plane?

If you’re deodorant is a stick, you can bring it in your carry-on no sweat—literally!

If you plan to bring any spray, gel, liquid, roll-on or paste deodorants, be sure they are less than 3.4 oz.

3. Carry-on weight limit in Kg

The international carry-on bag limit is 40 pounds or 18.1437 Kg. So, pack smart!

4. How much does it cost to check in a bag?

The cost of checking a bag in all depends on the airline and can be up to $200.

5. What does duty-free mean?

You might hear from people that they prefer to wait to buy souvenirs until they land or after they check in past security because those products will be duty-free. This essentially means you don’t have to pay the tax or value-added sales because the airport understands you’ll be taking this item out of the country.

Often, people buy chocolate, perfume or alcohol duty-free.

6. Can you take food on a plane in hand luggage?

You cannot bring food or water past the security checkpoint at the airport if it’s larger than 3.4 oz. Solid food items, however, that are packaged can be taken through.

Most individuals opt to just buy food and water after that checkpoint to avoid any hassle.

7. What to pack in carry-on bag for flight

Often, travelers bring the following list of items on the plane to make the flight more pleasurable:

  • Personal headphones
  • Neck pillow
  • Sweatshirt
  • Gum
  • Books
  • Sleeping mask
  • Snacks
  • Chargers
  • Wipes

8. What not to wear at airport security

Some airport security can catch metal items that others don’t — so, sometimes, it all depends. Rule of thumb, however, says that the following items should be avoided wearing at the airport:

  • Belts
  • Buckles
  • Jewelry
  • Loose change
  • Piercings
  • Watches
  • Tie clips
  • Zippers

Let’s Talk a Men’s Fashion Minimalist Travel Wardrobe  — Fashion Essentials for Travel

More often than not, when you tell your boys you’re going away on vacation or you’re travelling to another side of the world, they aren’t going to turn to you and say:

“Oh, well be sure to grab that turtleneck black sweater you have in case the hotel cranks up that air conditioning!”

The Highest Fashion also will place some money on the table and bet that they aren’t going to tell you to be sure to pack at least several more pairs of boxers and socks that you thought… you know… just in case!

So, we hope you let us be that buddy who let’s you know what every man should have in his suitcase when travelling.

Lightweight Men’s Sweaters

It doesn’t matter if you’re going to Iceland or Mexico, a light sweater is always in order.

Whether paired over a white cotton shirt or served as the first layer, this sweater will be your saving grace when the wind picks up at night near the ocean, there’s a chill in the hotel room, you brought too warm of a coat to wear a sweatshirt underneath — the list goes on.

Oversized Men’s Sweatshirts

Right at the start, you’re going to want to sport an oversized sweatshirt at the airport on the way to your destination and on the way bac.

Because the plane never feels as comfortable as you feel it should be given the price of the ticket, your sweatshirt will have to serve as both your pillow and blanket.

Take a look of this oversized hoodie from Hanes.

Nice Pair of Jeans

Even if you’re staying at Air B&B’s and plan to walk the boardwalk all weekend in your bathing suit, there might be a spontaneous dinner where you wished you brought a nicer pair of slacks, jeans or trousers.

Or even if you’re going to work meetings all day, there might be a random night or weekend where the group will want to go out for drinks or sight-see. Don’t be that guy in a suit when he doesn’t have to be.

Best Sneakers for Walking All Day

You never know when you’ll need some comfortable shoes — whether it be a bus ride to a themed park, spending all day walking in plazas and squares or taking a nature route through the countryside.

Don’t bring a pair you would hate getting dirty though — sometimes, vacations can leave a mark on your shoes to take home.

Ultimate Travel Shirt

It might be tempting to pack those free t-shirts you got from that one networking event or those shirts with your college logo, but when on vacation, it’s nice to look back at photos where you know you look spiff.

Modern, soft tees with artistic logos are usually the best way to go for relaxing, casual days when you travel. Not only are they loose enough for comfort but also, they make you look like you care, even if you don’t. 

If you sweat a lot during your trips, this must be your choice.

Windbreaker Jacket for Rain

If you’re going somewhere that isn’t near the equator, it truly is advised to bring some sort of windbreaker so that you’re not catching a cold on your vacation.

Especially if you plan to be walking at night, or there is a chance of rainy weather, heed the warning now: bring the windbreaker and enjoy your days sun-filled and not, no fuss, no muss.

Men’s Suede Ankle Boots

If you’re heading on over to Europe to walk those cobblestone streets or if you’re at a resort you plan to eat a few fancy dinners at, there’s no going wrong with some suede loafers or ankle boots.

These shoes can swing both as casual or formal depending on your actual outfit— and that versatility is key when it comes to packing. Talk about efficient!

Swimming Shorts

This might sound like a no-brainer but there are plenty of guys out there who refuse to swim and therefore refuse to bring swimming trunks. Others think they are going somewhere cold with no pools, so why bother?

Well, what if your hotel has a Jacuzzi? What if you and someone special decide to go for a dip somewhere? What if you might not realize where you’re going has a water attraction?

The list of questions goes on, so don’t let us say we told you so.

Just bring the shorts!

Black long-sleeve

Knowing the importance of utilizing one kind of shirt for many occasions when travelling is a god-sent gift. The Highest Fashion is here to make your life easier by telling you to simply pack a black long-sleeve.

There, we said it! This long sleeve can pair well with dinner slacks, or for a day out on the town or even as a pajama shirt. Whatever you need it for, the shirt is there to provide.

Men’s Jean Jacket

A simple, understated yet practical tag-along, a jean jacket can make any outfit pop when you’re going out on the town in a new city. An easy on and off procedure gives the item points as well— you don’t want to constantly be pulling a sweatshirt over your head.

Jean jackets also have many pockets which is something to consider when travelling. If you find you have a lot of different keepsakes, coins, wallet, keys for the rental car… this jacket just might be handier than a bag.

What All Men Should Know About Travelling With Luggage

Now that the clothing essentials are out of the way, let’s talk luggage. After all, the clothes are important but they should be able to travel in style too!

Before we dive in, let The Highest Fashion give you some background advice, as there are both pros and cons to checked luggage and carry-ons and those can be easily simplified in the following:

  • Checked luggage can be heavier than a carry-on and you don’t have to take it around the whole airport.
  • Carry-ons help you skip the wait (and weight) of checked luggage and have less of a chance of getting misplaced.

No matter how you choose to approach transporting your things across the country or the world, here are some helpful examples of the style-savvy yet practical luggage you can sport to the airport:

Medium-sized Backpack for Travel

For your personal bag, these medium-sized backpacks with straps for protection and sturdiness are key.

Side pockets for water bottles and many compartments for chargers, deodorant, extra sweater, laptop, book, maps, or even some snacks can make your travel experience less stressful and much more efficient.

Cross-body Bag

This kind of bag you can stow away in your actual luggage until you need it for sight-seeing, tours or hiking.

Cross-shoulder bags or over-the-body bags allow you to know where all your essentials are at all times — pick-pocketers be gone!

Business Trip Brief Case

Let us be brief — your brief case can say a lot about you and is an essential part of your first impression at any business trip where you meet new clients.

Don’t be afraid to splurge a little in order to get the deals, the meals and the steals when it comes to business trips!

Travel Duffel Bags

Duffel bags are a must-have for travel — they are quick, handy, resourceful and light (if you pack right).

On-the-go and easy to shove in the back of the car, duffel bags are nothing but productive for fast travelers who go from city to city, those who never stay in the same hotel or anyone who hates the hassle of large, bulky suitcases.

Compact Suitcase

Some guys do prefer to have their belongings travel on wheels — after all, that’s most often how we travel too. If that’s the case, then be sure to invest in a compact suitcase that won’t cause any more trouble or stress when running through the airport or lugging it upstairs (some European hotels don’t have elevators).

Moreover, a smaller suitcase can sometimes be considered a carry-on bag which will lessen your travel expenses and time looking for it on the conveyer belt when you land.

Pro tip: get a suitcase that has a distinct look or feature so that you can easily spot it at baggage claim and avoid any stolen incidents or awkwardness when you pick up someone else’s neutral-looking back by mistake.

Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @thehighestfashioncom with your vacation photos and let us know your travel in style experience.