While men’s packing is always viewed as messy and scarce, as a gentleman, you should be able to customize your luggage according to the occasion, the duration of the trip, and the time of the year. Indeed, no one said traveling and being classy are impossible to achieve simultaneously.
However, we are aware that wearing a suit every day while still dealing with jet lag can be difficult to manage. After all, you must be in your best shape, which can mean giving up some things in favor of the most practical ones. Still, you can pack light and follow the same style you usually wear, so let’s dive into the gentleman’s advice for traveling.
Choose the digital way when possible
Packing light means filling your suitcase with mostly the necessities: toiletries, clothes and shoes, as well as accessories. But you will also need some documents, for which additional space is needed. However, if you’re doing a bit of research and are up to the latest digital updates, you should be able to minimize the amount of papers you need to cross the country with their digital alternatives.
Some countries accept digital IDs for you to encrypt them on your mobile phone. A digital visa is mostly accepted around the world, as well as insurance and plane tickets. But there’s one thing you can digitalize and have it better than local purchases: a phone sim. The alternative is an eSIM and can offer you superior network coverage, especially for countries that struggle to provide it. For example, in the UK, while internet services are cheap, performance and download speed are slow, so you could check out Holafly Travel’s eSIM for the UK to get internet connection only for the number of days of your stay and receive better rates. Moreover, the eSIM is digital so you only have to install it on your mobile, without having to purchase a physical one.
Pick only comfortable shoes
When you pack light, it would be ideal to have a maximum of two pairs of shoes, both of which are the most comfortable. Since you will be on your feet at the airport or while you’re checking into your hotel, make sure you wear the right pair of shoes. This means choosing a product with proper arch, cushioning and breathability, as well as a lightweight design that fits you adequately.
Of course, you should know about the nature of your trip. For business casual activities, get a pair of loafers (as well as penny loafers) for easy access at security and stylish outfits at meetings. For the casual part, such as when you’re going to the gym, for a light run, or at the grocery store, choose running shoes that have a thick sole and a raised heel for maximum comfort. For a trip strictly for relaxation, consider a pair of walking sandals that will feel like walking barefoot when you break them in.
Wear simple yet impactful clothes
Recommending what type of clothes you should wear while traveling is a bit complex. But we can narrow it down a bit so you can understand the pattern. It’s ideal to focus on products made from natural fibers (except for gym clothes, which might be best made from polyester), because they will make you feel more comfortable. You don’t risk developing any rashes, and such pieces are usually moisture-wicking, making them perfect for summer trips.
Make cotton shirts a staple in your wardrobe as well, and choose sturdy materials for pants (denim, wool blend, and cotton are recommended), but consider linen for most clothes during the summer, as it’s the most breathable. When it comes to colours, use the tones that go well when combined together, such as navy blue, black, different shades of beige, and maroon as well. White also goes great in every outfit, but stains can be more difficult to get out, so you either are more careful during the trip when wearing it or are wearing it scarcely.
Get an elegant travel bag
Being organized when traveling is the most important, and packing light allows you to carry one bag that will fit everything. And if you’re not a fan of the backpack, we recommend looking for high-quality luggage bags and holdalls that will maintain your elegant look. You may consider a leather trolley luggage, or a hard-shell checked one for more things to carry.
But the bag remains the most stylish option, whether it’s a duffel bag or a holdall one. Classic options include those made of grained leather, woven leather, or calfskin, as they upgrade any outfit to that of a gentleman. For those who are more bold in their outfits, a tartan travel bag will impress anyone with its unique design.
Bring only the most necessary toiletries
According to most airport security guidelines, you should only bring sample-size toiletries that don’t exceed a specific quantity. And this is great advice to follow because we overpack in most cases and tend to bring unnecessary things just due to the fear of needing them. But regardless of your stay, you could purchase what you need during your stay and still come back empty-handed.
The goal is to have all your medication (if you follow any specific treatment), a toothbrush and toothpaste, and the basic self-care products. In most cases, you will find shampoo or shower gel at your accommodation, but you should get this checked before leaving your country. Still, sometimes less is more, and if you follow this recommendation, we assure you that your travel bag will be slim.
Final considerations
Being stylish seems to clash with the idea of having a small traveling bag, but this is far from the truth. You can look good and not stress about the luggage by filling it with as little documentation as necessary and switching to digital documents when possible. Get one or two pairs of comfortable shoes and make sure the clothing matches the temperatures and is made of natural fibers. Finally, get an elegant travel bag that will still fit your necessities, including the small-sized toiletries.
