Toiletries, travel kit, ditty bag, overnight stuff, whatever you call it — guys can’t not have it. When we’re traveling, it’s probably the most important thing. For the ladies, there’s a whole myriad of items that they need in their purses; for guys, this is about as close as we get to that.
So what happens when the day inevitably comes when you get to your destination, plop open your bag, and realize that you forgot your entire toiletries bag at home? Well, the short of it is that you’re in trouble. You may at some point have time to go get what you need to temporarily “replenish the supply” so to speak, but it’s probably going to be overpriced, not your favorite brand, and you won’t have time to do it before your early meeting.
Guess that “complimentary” razor and toothbrush from the hotel concierge will have to do.
Now we know that this by and large is something you can’t always avoid. When you travel and you forget your toiletries, you forget your toiletries. It’s as simple as that. But here’s the deal: for the myriad of other times you may forget to bring a spare toothbrush, deodorant, or razor, we’ve got the right tools for you. So listen up.
The Proper Travel Kit
Let’s start with the basics: what makes an adequate travel kit for men. What the essential toiletries that you need to get by? Deodorant, a toothbrush, and a razor with good clear shaving gel — those are the basics. Beyond that we’re getting into “luxury” territory, but there are still some things we’re missing that will help you look your best.
The point is, we need to focus on how to get by on the day-to-day basics. When you forget your toiletries bag, you can’t just go out and re-purchase everything that you stuff in your ditty bag. You need to be smart about what you need and how you’re going to use it.
Use shampoo as showel gel or showel gel as shampoo.
The Backup Bag
This may seem silly, but it needs to be said: the best deodorant for women is not the best deodorant for men. Guys, don’t think you can get up the next morning and get away with stealing a few swipes and calling it good. You need to have your own emergency backup kit ready and waiting for you.
Now, there are a couple of ways to properly execute the backup bag: the first is to stock them at your “known locations,” that is: one for when you go home to see your folks, one at your buddies, and one in your car. The second is to utilize your big jacket pockets and always keep a spare when you’re going out.
We don’t have purses. We don’t get that luxury. So we have to use the tools we have.
So men, wherever you may find yourself, always know that you can have the proper toiletries with you. It just takes a little planning ahead.