If I have used travel-sized toiletries on a trip, I’ve found that items do not keep well after they are opened. I finish using them at home and replace them with new ones (except for refillable items). That way the travel kit is always fresh.

I also keep a silk knit tie on hand in case I get my regular tie dirty. They roll up easily and take up very little space.

I’d still press anything that was important to have a pressed look, but this will take care of 90% of my problems on the road.

Love the topics and advice on the art of manliness. Helpful and funny 99.5% of the time for this traveling bachlor. In saying that…what was up with the recent interview regarding Men’s Facial hygene and Cleansing interview?? I can’t beleve the “expert” facial dudes advise durning his interview and the lack of knowledge he posessed.. He ignored several possibilities for a quick fix. His advise on post shave breakout and irritation control was to “select a razor that works best for you” by knowing your skin type??. Incredible incite spa boy! Oh…Spa Boy, really appreciate the Aloe tip as well! However, I’m confused which magic Aloe is best. I think it might be the same lube my mother forced me to wear while playing outside as a child….Should I purchase the Aloe that comes in the plastic bottle with the Kuwalla Bear and You getting high in the cocanut tree? Or would you recommend a brand your spa carries for 50% more?

On a Positive note…. Hope this helps at least one of you players out there!

Ret. Player….. “always living vicariously through you”

For refillable toiletries, i got tired of busting the cheap travel-sized soap/shampoo bottles so I bought some mini-Nalgene bottles (find them at REI, less than a buck) and I carry one for shampoo/conditioner & body wash. I just refill them when I get home with whatever I have in my shower and it’s ready for the next trip.

For very packable casual shoes, Chuck Taylors or flip-flops are hard to beat. Another great brand is “Simple”, because they pack just as flat but tend to have more cushion.

I also shave blind in the shower. That’s when your facial hair is softest. Sometimes you can wipe down a glass tile to see your reflection, but if that’s not possible I use my finger to gauge where my sideburns end. Just line your finger up to your ear canal, then shave above/below or even with that line to keep your sideburns even…it’s crucial to check your work after the shower!

I must say too, especially in seeing the illustration accompanying this article of men flying in business attire – as once was the norm, even if one wasn’t flying on business, that the entrepreneur gentleman mentioned deserves derision for flying casually if he had a AM business presentation and his suits stowed in cargo. That’s just *asking* for the Luggage Gremlins to loose one’s bag. Showing up in what I would imagine to be an ill-fitting Wal-mart of Target suit, could have easily sent negative signals to the persons he had traveled far to impress.

In short, a traveling gentleman should be well-prepared, well-equipped and well-attired.