Top 5 Essential Gear for the Modern Traveling Man
As a lifestyle blogger, planning my upcoming holiday is both an exciting adventure and a chance to share some invaluable travel tips with my readers. In just ten days, I’ll be embarking on a two-week holiday to the stunning south of France. Starting from my home in Bristol, I’ll be driving all the way to the picturesque Pyrenees, covering a significant distance across beautiful landscapes.
A journey of this magnitude requires not only thorough planning but also the right gear to ensure comfort, efficiency, and a touch of style. From navigating long stretches of road to enjoying the scenic beauty and local culture upon arrival, having the right essentials can make all the difference.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my top five essential gear for men on the go. These items are carefully selected to enhance your travel experience, whether you’re embarking on a long drive like mine or simply enjoying your holiday to the fullest. From practical tech gadgets that keep you connected and entertained, to stylish yet functional clothing and travel bags that can handle all your essentials, I’ve got you covered.
Stay tuned as I delve into the must-have items that will not only make your journey smoother but also add a touch of sophistication to your travel repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or preparing for your first big trip, these recommendations will help you travel smart and stay prepared. Let’s get ready to hit the road with confidence and style!
1. Comfortable Clothing for Long Drives
When preparing for a long journey, comfort is paramount, and that starts with the clothes you wear. For my upcoming drive from Bristol to the south of France, I am relying on the unparalleled comfort and style of Western Rise clothing. This brand specializes in creating travel-ready attire for men, ensuring you stay comfortable and look great, no matter the distance.
A standout piece in their collection is the Evolution Shorts. These shorts are incredibly comfortable, crafted from a soft fabric that offers just the right amount of stretch. This ensures ease of movement, which is crucial during long hours on the road. The length is perfectly tailored to sit just above the knee, providing a modern and stylish look without sacrificing comfort. I personally favor the navy color, which adds a touch of sophistication to any travel outfit.
Pair these shorts with the white X Cotton Tee from Western Rise, and you have a basic yet highly functional outfit ideal for long drives. The X Cotton Tee is designed with the same travel-centric philosophy, offering a lightweight, breathable fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable. This combination not only looks effortlessly stylish but also ensures that you remain comfortable throughout your journey, from start to finish.
By choosing the right clothing, you can significantly enhance your travel experience. Western Rise’s Evolution Shorts and X Tee are perfect examples of how travel-friendly clothing can make a big difference, keeping you comfortable and ready for any adventure that comes your way.
2. Essential Tech Gear for Global Travel
When traveling internationally, especially with a large family, having the right charging equipment is crucial. In the UK, our plugs differ from those in the rest of Europe, making a versatile charger indispensable. For my trip to the Pyrenees, I've chosen the Tessan Universal Charger, a must-have for any global traveler.
This charger is incredibly convenient, offering multiple plug options for the US, UK, and Europe, all in one compact power brick. It features two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, allowing you to charge up to five devices simultaneously, including smartphones, tablets, earphones, and more. The USB-C ports provide fast charging at up to 3A, ensuring your devices power up quickly.
The Tessan charger is not only versatile but also designed for safety, with double fuses and integrated security shutters to protect against electrical surges. Its compact size makes it easy to pack and carry, fitting neatly into your luggage without taking up much space. Weighing only 4.9 ounces, it’s lightweight and ideal for travel.
Whether you’re at an airport, hotel, or dormitory, this all-in-one adapter keeps you connected and powered up, no matter where your adventures take you. It’s a reliable companion for any traveler, making it easier to manage your electronic devices on the go.
3. Reliable Travel Bags
For any travel adventure, a reliable backpack is essential, and my choice is the Myth 28L by STM Goods. This backpack is not only incredibly durable but also spacious enough to accommodate all your travel essentials, including a laptop, camera, iPad, and more.
The Myth 28L is crafted from high-quality polyester with a water-repellent exterior, ensuring your belongings stay dry. Its SlingTech™ protection cradles your laptop, safeguarding it against drops and bumps. The CableReady™ system simplifies cable management, allowing you to charge devices on the go. Comfort is a priority with its air channel back panel and pillow-soft shoulder straps, making it perfect for long days of travel or hiking.
With numerous compartments and pockets, the Myth 28L keeps you organized and ready for any adventure. It's not just a backpack; it's a versatile, tech-savvy companion designed to meet the needs of modern travelers.
4. High-Quality Earbuds for Music Lovers
Listening to music is an essential part of my holidays. Whether I’m lounging by the pool or relaxing on the terrace with a book, great sound quality is a must. For my long trip, I’m bringing along my favorite earbuds: the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2.
These earbuds offer exceptional sound quality with a dual-driver setup, featuring a Knowles balanced armature driver and a 10mm dynamic driver. This combination delivers a rich, immersive audio experience with a strong, impactful bass that music enthusiasts will appreciate. The NeoBuds Pro 2 also include various sound modes, including spatial audio, which enhances the listening experience by providing a more expansive soundstage.
Comfort is another standout feature of the NeoBuds Pro 2. They come with seven different sizes of ear tips, ensuring a perfect fit for any ear shape, which is crucial for long listening sessions. The earbuds are also designed with advanced noise-canceling technology, featuring multiple settings to suit different environments, making them perfect for both travel and daily use.
The battery life is great as well, offering up to 5.5 hours of playback with noise cancellation on, and up to 16.5 hours with the charging case. They also support fast charging, giving you two hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.
For those using iPhones, the NeoBuds Pro 2 support high-quality AAC codecs, ensuring great sound quality. Android users can enjoy even higher resolution audio through LDAC, provided their device and streaming service support it
If you’re looking for a high-quality, stylish alternative to AirPods, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are an excellent choice for your travels.
5. Must-Have Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the south of France where summer temperatures average around 30-33 degrees. My go-to water bottle for this trip is the Stanley IceFlow. This bottle stands out for its excellent build quality, capable of keeping your water cool for extended periods.
The Stanley IceFlow features a double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours. It comes with a built-in straw for easy sipping and is completely leak-resistant, making it perfect for travel. The bottle is made from BPA-free stainless steel, ensuring both safety and durability. Its stylish design and functional features make it an essential travel companion, helping you stay refreshed and hydrated throughout your journey.
Conclusion
With less than 10 days until my holiday to the South of France, excitement is building, and proper preparation is key. Traveling by car from Bristol to the Pyrenees means having the right gear is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. From comfortable clothing and essential tech gear to a reliable backpack, top-notch earbuds, and a must-have water bottle, these items ensure that every aspect of the journey is covered. With these travel essentials, you can stay comfortable, connected, and hydrated, ready to make the most of your adventure. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey!
Jerome
This where I am going: Foix in the South of France. Beautiful area by the river Ariege. To find out more follow me on Instagram @dapperandgroomed
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