For any travel involving an airplane – I prefer to travel with carry on luggage.
Checking in a bag is too much hassle.
Forget waiting at the baggage carousel at the end of a flight – I would rather pack smart and travel light.
I covered the clothing essentials in Part 1 of How To Pack Your Travel Bag Light.
In this article – you will see a list of grooming essentials and what goes into my dopp kit.
But first – let’s start with some guidelines for packing these items:
TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN PACKING GROOMING ESSENTIALS:
- Is there anything you can reduce? If there are any items that not necessary – leave them behind.
- Recycle and refill small containers. You can purchase a travel tube or use empty containers to carry liquid products.
- Pack multi-purpose grooming items. A shaving soap, for instance, can be used as a bar of soap for the face and body.
- Ask the front desk at hotels for bathroom essentials you forgot to pack. Hold on to the sample size grooming kits available at hotels for future travels.
- Shop for the basics at your destination. I won’t pack an item in my bag if it can be purchased for less at my travel destination.
- Don’t carry clippers: Cut your nails and trim your nose, ear and eyebrow hair before you begin your journey.
- The 3-1-1 TSA Rule For Carrying Liquids On Board: Passengers are allowed to carry liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container.
Ready for the grooming essentials that are packed in my travel bag?
Click here to watch the video Packing Grooming Essentials For Lightweight Travel on Youtube.
Watch the video Grooming Tips For Light Traveling on Youtube. Click here.
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DOPP KIT
The Skyroll dopp kit is rather large. It is perfect for longer travel periods but I prefer using the dopp kit included with the Genius pack Carry On Spinner.
My favorite is from Blue Claw.
Save the larger ones for travel by car. For traveling light – I use the smallest dopp kit at hand.
These are the items stored in my travel dopp kit:
- Deodorant: This is probably the bulkiest item in my dopp kit. A roll-on deodorant is preferable for your under arms. Sprays are bulkier and won’t pass the limited allowance.
- Teeth: The Dazzlepro teeth whitening system is useful when I have a speaking engagement. Outside of my travel – I use this teeth whitening product once in 3 months.
- Toothbrush: A battery-operated or electric toothbrush will take up too much space. Opt for a regular, slim handle toothbrush.
I carry mine on the outside of my travel bag – for easy access during long flights or if a quick brush is required after a meal.
- Toothpaste: The free toothpaste available in hotel rooms will suffice. Collect a few of these tubes – usually 0.85 ounces in weight – for future travel.
The maximum you can carry on a flight is a 3.4 ounces tube. I have yet to be stopped for carrying a larger tube of toothpaste. If it is removed from my luggage – it won’t really affect me. Toothpaste is available pretty much anywhere in the world and most hotels will stock these in the room anyway. - Pack of gum: To keep my mouth fresh. I’ll keep this somewhere accessible – on the outside of my suitcase.
- Travel floss: A small-size dental floss kit acquired from my dentist.
- Sewing kit: When traveling with few items of clothing – a sewing kit is a necessary for emergency fixes.
- Q tips: Pick out a few from your box at home and place them in a zip-lock bag. Or you can ask your hotel for a vanity kit.
- Lip balm: Choose one made of all natural ingredients and preferably in the smallest size available.
- Wet wipes: Deodarizing wipes for those surprise spills or if you need to freshen up on the move.I use Niche Deodarizing wipes for men.
SHOES:
- Neutral Polish Cream: A neutral polish works for brown or black shoes.
- Shoe Brush: A horsehair brush and a soft cloth ensures my shoes are spotless and shining.
- Shoe Horn: I carry a small shoe horn – an accessory included with each purchase of shoes from the Paul Evans shoe store.
- Extra shoe laces because you never know when the current set might snag and break.
SHAVE:
- Shaving blades are not allowed on board an aircraft. Cartridge razors or electronic shavers are fine. I carry the Philips Norelco series 9000 electric shaver.
- SHAVE CREAM: Collect samples from hotels. Or carry a shaving soap like the Blades Grim Shaving Soap or travel size shave cream along with a shaving brush.
CREAMS & LOTIONS
Moisturizers are not required for warmer climates or during the summer.
- The TAUN Facial Repair Formula moisturizer is my preferred choice for travel. The contents of the glass container are best transferred to a smaller plastic tube.
MEDICATION:
Painkillers are helpful in alleviating an unexpected headache. Remember to take any prescription medication with you but be aware of the exceptions allowed by the TSA and be ready with your prescription if you are stopped at the security check.
Want a full guide to men’s skincare?
Click Here To Download This FREE 58-Page eBook – The Ultimate Guide To Men’s Skincare
HAIR
- Styling Products: Transfer the contents of a bigger bottle into a small travel size container. I fill an old plastic tube with a week’s supply of American Crew gel.
My friend Aaron Marino’s Pete & Pedro hair products are perfect for daily use. The paste, putty and clay are packaged in a 2 ounces container.
- Shampoo: Most hotels will stock this in the bathroom. This is one item I don’t bother carrying in my bag.
- Comb: The Chicago Hair Comb is minimalist and perfect for a quick hair fix on the go.
Grooming and personal products are available pretty much anywhere you travel. The basics are easily accessible.
If you forget something – just ask your cab driver to stop at a supermarket on your way to the hotel. The staff at hotels are more than willing to help if ask nicely.
The grooming requirements of a man are simple – the essentials will fit into a small dopp kit.
Do you know that there are 7 common grooming mistakes among men? Click here to read the article.
Want a full guide to men’s skincare?
Click Here To Download This FREE 58-Page eBook – The Ultimate Guide To Men’s Skincare