Top 10 - Tips For Traveling In Style

Most of us dread traveling. It's not the long plane ride to or from a relaxing vacation in Europe that gets us, though -- wash down some Ambien with a glass of wine and you'll have time to shake it off over brunch. It's those 36-hour work trips to Houston or Baltimore, in coach, that ruin your week and make you feel like you haven't slept in months. There are certain things you can't control: Leave at night and you risk flight delays; leave early in the morning and you lose hours of sleep getting to the airport. Unless you have money to burn, you're crammed into coach like poultry and, even in business class, the air and food quality are still poor. Everyone is using the filthy little bathroom and being treated like a helpless toddler. However, you can control the way you prepare and what you pack. The following are 10 tips for traveling in style, to help you get through those difficult 1 to 3 day trips looking and feeling good.

Tip 1: Wear a good watch

A watch is a staple in every man’s wardrobe, and having multiple options (they don’t have to be expensive) is even better. Anyone who travels often knows how disorienting it can be. A watch with multiple time zones or a world time feature makes the transition easier by tracking the local time at your destination and at home. You’ll also check in on friends and family without thinking twice about whether it’s too late to call. The Casio G-Shock is a budget option (around $100), but you can get serious style and movement under $500 with the TX World Time or spend a ton on GMT watches from Rolex, Patek Phillipe or any other top brand.

Tip 2: Zone out and tune in

Typically we don’t recommend shutting off the world with earbuds and your own soundtrack; as a traveler, you miss a lot by tuning out the sounds of your environment. The plane is a different story, though, where the ambient noise is stressful and inconsistent. Set up a playlist of your favorite tunes in advance, then get down with a pair of noise canceling headphones (the Bose QuietComfort3 is solid, if a bit expensive). An educated alternative to music is bringing a few copies of the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal along. You’ll get up-to-date on the news, which actually doesn’t change that much from day to day.

Tip 3: Stay warm

It’s the classic airplane situation: You board the plane exhausted, pass out and wake up two hours later shivering in a petite fleece blanket and resting on a hospital-issue pillow that looks and feels like a gauze Chiclet. Don’t do this anymore. Pack a classic wool throw by L.L. Bean, Filson or Pendleton. They’re fairly inexpensive; more importantly, you’ll be comfortable and your neighbor, the rube, will envy your foresight.

Tip 4: Bring a flask

Another way to stay warm is with coffee... or whisky. One of the most humiliating events in travel is when the flight attendant offers you a little cup of apple juice or viscous coffee -- just because you’re traveling like cattle doesn’t mean you can’t maintain some dignity. Bring a small flask to fill up with your favorite tipple after passing through security. You could also take a thermos to replenish with coffee on morning trips. These items take up minimal room in your luggage and make a big difference in your quality of living.

Tip 5: Carry one good bag

Owning a quality weekend bag is the first line of defense against extra baggage. Avoid small rolling luggage – it lacks style altogether, and a framed bag is really unnecessary if it’s just going in the overhead compartment. Check out brands like Sandstorm Kenya, Barbour and Filson, all of which make classic, durable weekend bags out of leather, canvas and waxed cotton. Stick with neutral colors: Unless you’re Kanye, the camo Louis Vuitton won’t look cool every day of the week.

Tip 6: Featherweight packing

The two most common mistakes in packing for a short trip are bringing too much and bringing the wrong things. In most cases, this is all the clothing you need: slim dark jeans (like the Levi’s Capital E or whatever brand is your favorite), a blazer (tweed is great for cooler months, black hides dirt well), two neutral dress shirts (one of which you’ll be wearing), a sweater, extra socks, and briefs. If you’re thinking, “I want to have options,” you’re just being indecisive about your wardrobe. Traveling in style means being able to move around unencumbered as much as it means wearing stylish clothes.

Tip 7: Wear the right shoes

Like to travel in your webbed Merrill’s? Flip-flops? It may be comfortable, but it’s Busch league travel. Instead, wear a pair of classic Oxfords, low profile boots or canvas plimsoll shoes that go with the rest of your wardrobe. This will allow you to leave shoes out of the luggage altogether or sub in a pair of running shoes so you can exercise. Pack two pair of shoes and you might be… high maintenance.

Tip 8: The Dopp kit

There are a lot of factors working against you, hygienically, on airplanes. From the water coming out of the sinks to your proximity to so many other people to the lack of clean air, the chance of becoming ill is heightened. Pack small versions of everything you use at home, especially moisturizer, eye drops (Naphcon A are great) and hand sanitizer – instead of Purell, use something natural like Burt’s Bees that won’t ruin your hands and smell like a hospital. And don’t forget a small towel so you can wash your face.

Tip 9: Maintain your health

As a traveler, your propensity to get sick isn’t just linked to hygiene; you’re also changing your diet and exercise regimen. Pack vitamins to keep your immune system on track and running shoes so you can still go for that morning jog. Ask the flight attendant for a full bottle of water, rather than having to beg for refills in that tiny plastic cup. They’ll happily give it to you and you won’t end weary and dried out like you usually do.

Tip 10: Never check luggage

Unless we’re talking about a two-week gambling retreat in Monte Carlo, this rule is never to be broken. Travel is frustrating and exhausting because of all the waiting -- for a cab, in traffic to the airport, for the plane, on the plane -- so do everything you can to maximize your time and avoid relying on the efficiency of others. Not to mention there’s a solid chance your checked bag will be delayed, damaged or burgled. It doesn’t take much to travel in style; in fact, if you plan well, it actually means packing less than you usually do for a short trip. Improving your quality of life on the trip will also improve your outlook and attitude toward your business along the way.