The Best Travel Essentials for Men

By Matthew Stevens

If you guys know me well enough, you’ll know that I’m not only the Instagram “husband & designated +1” to the queen of luxury travel @lindsaysilb, but that I too travel for my job…a lot! My work has taken me around the world on trips ranging from a few days up to two weeks, which means I’m well-versed in the art of curating the best travel essentials for men. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a long flight or short haul, my list of accessories and luggage is sure to get you from point A to point B in luxury and style. Below, I’ve included my top-rated carry-on, the best dopp kit for travel, my favorite weekender bag, and more. I even went ahead and matched them for you so your partner will be impressed.

Travel Essentials for Men

The Weekender Bag

1. T. Anthony Canvas & Leather Weekender Bag in Grey Canvas & Black Leather What I love about this weekender bag: I’ve had my T. Anthony Weekender Bag for years and first and foremost it ages beautifully. The leather has broken in nicely, the canvas has held up perfectly, and all the zippers still work! The grey canvas & black leather color combination pairs well with my choice of carry-on below and will never go out of style. If you don’t love the grey, you I’d recommend the black canvas & brown leather option. You’ll be pleased for years to come, whether you use this weekender bag alone or sit it atop of your carry-on.

The Carry-On

2. Rimowa Essential Cabin Case in Matte BlackWhat I love about this carry-on: It’s no secret that Rimowa is the gold standard when it comes to luggage. To me, spending a little extra to own the best quality carry-on on the market is a steal, especially when it’s a product you’re going to use nearly every time you travel. The luggage itself is made from a polycarbonate material, meaning it’s going to hold its shape better over time compared to other materials like aluminum. In my opinion, the matte black color looks more rich than the glossy alternatives, and pairs better with the grey canvas & black leather weekender bag. (Pro Tip: Don’t forget that if you’re an Amex Platinum cardholder, you can apply your $50 bi-annual credit toward your purchase at Saks.)

MORE: The Best Carry-On Luggage for Frequent Travelers

The Short Trip Checked Bag

3. Tumi Tegra-Lite Max Medium Trip Expandable Packing Case in Black Grey What I love about this checked bag: No one loves checking a bag for obvious reasons (like added time at check-in and fear of loss or theft) but if you must, I would suggest buying the Medium Trip Expandable Packing Case from Tumi in Black Grey. The hardcase is made from polypropylene, making it lightweight and extremely durable. I’ve seen baggage handlers literally suplex (WWE style) my luggage before, but their might is no match for this suitcase. And if the bag does get scratched, the color will hide the marks well. Tumi is typically known for their useful and accessible compartments, both of which you will find inside and outside of this luggage. The black & grey color will match the duffle, carry-on, and travel kit perfectly.

Dopp Kit for Men

4. Tumi Alpha 3 Split Dopp Kit for Men What I love about this travel kit: Most importantly, this travel kit holds every travel size item I may need on the road. It’s also organized into compartments so items are easy to find. The quality of Tumi products is always top notch, and the fabric is made with an antibacterial material to keep your items from growing mold or mildew. TSA or the equivalent agencies abroad shouldn’t make you take your items out of the kit since there’s a clear zipper compartment.

MORE: How to Redeem Credit Card Points for Free Travel

Men’s Travel Toiletry Kits

If you’re looking for a few good men’s skincare and grooming items to fill your travel kit, I suggest picking up one or more of these collections from some of my favorite brands:

5. Aesop Arrival 4pc Travel Kit for Men