15 Holiday Travel Essentials
The holidays are upon us, and we’re moving fast and furious through them, at that. If you haven’t taken care of your shopping for last-minute gifts, now is the time. If you need to wrap up that year-end report before you hit the road, well, now is also that time. But before you dash off in a tear, consider what you’re packing and what you’re wearing this holiday season — hence, our list of essentials for holiday travel.
These are some of the best gear picks regardless of the time of year, but to us, there’s added versatility needed for a busy holiday travel season — so, you’ll find a jacket packed with pockets for your everyday carry, not to mention a durable travel grooming kit and a sleek-yet-functional travel bag.
Packing the right gear for when you get to your destination (and ensuring you’ve got the right ensemble ready to go each night at your destination) is also critical, so we’ve packed our list of holiday travel essentials accordingly (pun intended). The best gear for holiday travel is made to help you take on a jam-packed season — the only thing we can’t get you is more time to prepare.
Relwen Quilted Tanker
Flying through TSA can be a hassle even if everything goes according to plan getting to the airport — long security lines spell doom for the traveler in a hurry. Ease your worries with a functional, easy-to-layer jacket that can hold your everyday carry essentials — it packs away for the flight, then wears well at your destination, too.
Billykirk x Flint and Tinder Toiletry Bag
The good folks at Flint and Tinder teamed up with Billykirk to make a remarkably tough toiletry bag that’ll handle your grooming essentials in style for long holiday travel days.
Jaybird Vista Wireless Earbuds
Tuck into your favorite podcast, throw on one of your favorite albums or wear these headphones for an early morning run on your next holiday trip — the right headphones are one of the more underrated travel essentials you can own.
AER Travel Duffel
If you’ve got your travel jacket and toiletry bag situated, well, you still need to take care of that most crucial ingredient when it comes time to get ready for holiday travel: That of your duffel bag. Luckily, the Aer Travel Duffel is sleek, stylish and highly functional.
Ursa Major All-Star Travel Kit
We’re taking a step-by-step approach to getting you ready for your big holiday trek — and in this case, you’re going to need the best grooming essentials packed within that trusty toiletry bag and travel duffel. Ursa Major’s All-Star Travel Kit is made for the guy on the go.
Wellen Organic Denim Shirt
You’ve got your travel essentials (or at least, the basics) down pat in terms of the handy, must-have duffel and durable jacket you’ll be bringing on the road — and once you get to your destination (or even if you wear it while en route), a denim shirt is one heck of a holiday style move. Easygoing enough to run errands around town, stylish enough to grab a pint after.
Proof 72-Hour Merino Long-Sleeve Tee
Especially when quick trips can turn into long days at the airport thanks to weather delays, comfort is key — as is simply feeling your best. The wonders of the Proof 72-Hour Merino Long-Sleeve Tee are just what you need in this case, as the fabric is breathable and anti-microbial.
Flint and Tinder 365 Pants
The key when looking for holiday travel essentials has got to be finding pieces that work both on the road and at your destination — as with the denim shirt shown above, these stylish, handsome five-pocket pants check all the right boxes.
Free Fly Flex Henley
Similar to the merino tee we discussed earlier, a classic men’s henley is a surefire, go-to layering move through the holiday season — this one from Free Fly offers comfort and polish, no matter how long your layover happens to be.
Rancourt & Co. Bennett Trainers
While the holidays can be a dressy affair, holiday travel is decidedly more laidback. The great thing about these American-made sneakers is that they can pull double-duty on the road and at your destination, hanging out with the in-laws.
Ridge Shockproof Card Case
Fumbling around with both your wallet and phone, either at the bar or in line for security at the airport, isn’t a smooth look — this tough, shockproof card case makes things a little easier and sleeker for travel days and urban exploration in equal measure.
Relwen Shag Fleece Zip Hoodie
Looking for a surprisingly stylish zip hoodie you can wear at the airport and also around the fire on Christmas morning? You’ve got yourself a winner.
Timex Navi Ocean Watch
As much as you’re going to want to relax and completely throw time out the window this season, there comes a time (pun intended) when you’ve got to look sharp and get some place in an orderly fashion. Don’t forget your gift for the host, and don’t travel without this durable Timex watch.
Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Going through security with less-than-optimal socks is never a good look (trust us, we’ve been there). So when considering the best men’s gear for holiday travel, look toward durable, dependable Darn Tough socks for at home and out on the road.
Flint and Tinder Heritage Boxer Briefs
The small details make the difference, and the best pair of boxer briefs can go a long way toward providing comfort and quality during a lengthy travel day. Flint and Tinder makes some of the best we’ve tried.
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