WWhen it comes to packing guides, there’s usually no shortage of tips for the ladies—but us blokes are often left to figure it out on our own. Over the years, as I’ve travelled more frequently, I realised just how important it is to have a solid travel toiletry kit that works for me. It wasn’t something I nailed from the start—in fact, it took a fair bit of trial and error to really get it dialled in.
I’m the kind of guy who tends to overthink these things (in a good way!), so I started taking note of what worked while I was on the road. What items did I use every day? What did I wish I had but didn’t bring? And which things ended up just taking up space in my bag for no good reason? Slowly but surely, I refined my setup into something that’s simple, reliable, and covers all the essentials without going overboard.
So, if you’re looking to put together your own kit—or want to improve the one you’ve already got—this guide is a great place to start. These are the core items I always take with me, and they’ve made a big difference to how I feel on the road. Everyone’s kit will look a little different depending on personal preferences and where you’re going, but the basics here are a rock-solid foundation for any trip.
Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify
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Great toiletry bag
For a long time, I struggled with finding enough space in the bathroom when we were away—especially when you’re sharing with someone who travels with an arsenal of skincare and haircare gear. It felt like every bench space was instantly claimed, leaving me with nowhere to set up my own stuff. That all changed when I finally invested in a proper toiletry bag.
Now, I can’t recommend a good one enough. Mine’s hangable, tough, and has enough compartments to keep everything neat—plus it claims its own bit of real estate wherever we stay. Whether we’re in a hotel or camping out somewhere remote, I know I’ve got a go-to space that’s just mine. Look for something that’s water-resistant, easy to clean in case of spills, and has enough zippered sections to separate your gear. Bonus points if you can hang it up—game changer. It’s one of those simple things that makes life on the road so much easier, and honestly, I don’t know how I travelled without it.
Shaving Kit
A decent shaving kit is something I didn’t prioritise at first, and I definitely paid the price—nicks, irritation, or being stuck without the right gear on the road. These days, I always travel with a reliable electric shaver. It’s compact, cuts down on waste, and makes grooming quick and easy, even if I don’t have access to a decent mirror or running water.
Electric men’s shavers are especially handy when you’re in a rush or bouncing between locations, and they take a lot of the hassle out of staying tidy. I’ve also found they’re far better for my skin—less irritation, less mess, and no need to hunt down shaving cream or fill up a sink just to freshen up. If you’re still using disposables, switching to a good-quality rechargeable shaver from brands like Philips is a game-changer. It’s more eco-friendly, saves you money in the long run, and adds a bit of luxury to your grooming routine.
Face Kit
Keeping your skin in good condition while you’re travelling is something I’ve really come to appreciate over time. Planes, long drives, sun exposure, and hotel air-con can absolutely wreck your skin if you’re not taking care of it. I’ve now got a simple but effective skincare routine I always pack with me—nothing fancy, just stuff that works.
At a minimum, I bring a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser with SPF. It helps me feel fresh and look less like I’ve just rolled off a 12-hour flight. I really rate Sukin’s range for men—they’ve got all-natural products that feel great and don’t take up much space in your bag. Their scrub is especially good after long travel days. I’ve even added things like rosehip oil and a decent lip balm to my routine (yes, even though they’re not “marketed” for men)—because dry, flaky skin and chapped lips on holiday? No thanks. It’s about feeling good and taking care of yourself, and these days I make it a non-negotiable part of my kit.
Fang Kit
Dental hygiene is one of those things you don’t want to mess around with on the road. There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere incredible and realising you forgot toothpaste, or worse—having to rely on the weird, tiny toothbrush a hotel provides. I’ve switched to bamboo toothbrushes because they’re lightweight, eco-friendly, and just easier to pack.
Alongside that, I’ve moved to a natural toothpaste that doesn’t have all the extra chemicals. It still gives me that clean, fresh feeling without the overload. For flights, I scoop a bit into a reusable mini jar to save space and avoid the whole liquid limit hassle. I also throw in some floss and a mini bottle of mouthwash, just to round things out. It’s a small routine, but it goes a long way—there’s nothing quite like brushing your teeth properly after a long-haul flight to make you feel human again.
Smell-good Kit
Let’s be honest—staying fresh while you’re travelling is non-negotiable, especially if you’re moving through different climates or crammed into shared transport. I ditched aerosol sprays ages ago and switched to a solid or roll-on deodorant, mainly because they’re way easier to travel with. No liquid issues at airport security, and no risk of it getting binned at the gate.
Natural deodorants are also worth trying. I’ve found some great ones that actually work and don’t contain any of the usual nasties. I also started carrying a solid cologne—it’s compact, mess-free, and way less risky than packing a glass bottle of your favourite scent. Smelling good on the go doesn’t take much effort, and these little swaps have made it so much easier to keep up that routine, no matter where I am.
Beard Kit
If you’ve got a beard—or even if you’re just thinking of growing one—keeping it looking tidy while travelling is essential. It’s easy to let it go wild on the road, but a few simple tools can make a huge difference. For me, beard oil is a must. It keeps things soft, helps prevent that itchy feeling, and gives your beard a healthy look instead of looking like you’ve just come out of the wilderness.
I also pack a small wooden beard comb, which takes up no space and helps keep things neat. If I’ve got extra room, I’ll throw in a small beard balm too—especially handy in humid destinations when the frizz kicks in. I use a gentle shampoo and conditioner on my beard in the shower—usually something soothing like oatmeal-based products—and that keeps it clean without drying it out. It’s low maintenance, but makes a big difference in how I feel and look in photos too.
Eyecare Kit
This one’s often overlooked, but trust me—your eyes will thank you. I started using eye drops when travelling, and they’ve become a must-have. Dry airplane cabins, dusty cities, and long hours looking at screens or scenery can leave your eyes feeling tired and scratchy. A few drops make a world of difference.
On top of that, I’ve started using a lightweight eye cream, morning and night. It sounds like a small thing, but it really helps with puffiness, dark circles, and that general worn-out look after long flights or bad sleep. It’s a quick step that pays off, and once you get used to it, it’s just part of the routine—kind of like brushing your teeth or putting on sunscreen.
This post is sponsored by Philips however, all advice and insight remain objective and genuine. Thanks, Philips for sponsoring this post and allowing us to keep doing what we love!
This post is sponsored by Philips however, all advice and insight remain objective and genuine. Thanks, Philips for sponsoring this post and allowing us to keep doing what we love!
This post is sponsored by Philips however, all advice and insight remain objective and genuine. T
hanks, Philips for sponsoring this post and allowing us to keep doing what we love!