How To Maintain Your Grooming Routine While Travelling

Festive-season travel hits hard every year. One minute you’re wrapping up meetings, the next you’re rushing through terminals, jumping time zones, and trying to look sharp for family gatherings, nights out, and the random reunion you forgot was happening. But here’s the thing: we’ve seen too many guys let their grooming slide the moment they pack a suitcase. And trust us, that’s when you need your routine the most.

Travel doesn’t have to mess with your style. With the right moves, the right tools, and a little preparation, you can keep your skin hydrated, your beard shaped, and your fade looking fresh from take-off to final touchdown. Our team has your back with practical, no-nonsense tips based on real, modern barbershop experience. Because sharp grooming should never go on a holiday.

Hit the Road With a Solid Game Plan

When you’re packing up for a week away, you don’t need a full bathroom cabinet. You just need the right gear. This is where men’s travel essentials come into play. If it doesn’t work for you on your journey, it stays at home.

Here’s what we always recommend our clients should keep in their carry-on:

• A compact face wash
• Travel-size moisturiser
• Beard oil or balm (if you’re rocking facial hair)
• A small comb or travel brush
• A dependable hair cream or matte paste
• Travel-size cologne
• Clippers only if absolutely needed (we’ll explain why later)

These are the men’s travel grooming basics. Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just the essentials that keep you looking like the guy who knows what he’s doing. Even after a red-eye flight.

Keep Your Skin in Check on the Move

No way around it: flying dries you out. Cabin air has less humidity than a desert, and your skin takes most of the hit. That tight, dull look? That comes from dehydration.

That’s why our team always recommends that you:

• Drink more water than you think you need. Your skin will show the difference.
• Use moisturiser before and after the flight. A light, clean formula works best.
• Avoid washing your face with hotel bar soap. It destroys your skin barrier. Always pack your own cleanser.

If you’re the guy who already has a routine, stick to it. Travel isn’t the time to experiment with new products that might irritate your skin.

Protect Your Fade While You’re Away

Whether you’re travelling home to see family or heading to a winter getaway, your haircut needs to stay tight. We see this all the time: guys assume their fade will magically hold through two weeks of airports, late nights, and holiday chaos. It won’t.

If your trip is longer than a week, book a fresh cut before you fly. You can book a slot with us at Chaps & Co right here. 

Once you’re on the move, here’s how to keep your fade sharp:

• Wear a cap or beanie. Take it off as soon as you’re indoors. Heat and friction mess with your fade.
• Use a tiny amount of matte paste to control volume.
• If you’re dealing with winter air, apply a light moisturiser to avoid dryness around the edges.

A clean fade shows discipline. Even when you’re travelling, maintain your usual standards.

Keep That Beard Looking Neat

We’ve seen too many beards go rogue on holiday trips. They grow out unevenly, the neckline creeps up, or the dryness gets out of hand because guys forget to pack beard care.

Here’s the play:

• Keep your neckline clean every 2–3 days.
• Apply beard oil after your shower, especially in cold weather.
• Brush or comb daily to keep your beard’s shape.

Cold climates? Your beard will dry out faster. Warm climates? Sweat and humidity will make it harder to manage. The fix is simple: keep your beard oil or balm in your bag and use it regularly.

Travel Grooming Hacks We Swear By

These are the small, practical moves that make a big difference on the road:

• Keep a small grooming pouch in your backpack so you’re not always digging through your luggage.
• If you’re going somewhere cold, moisturise twice a day.
• If you’re heading somewhere sunny, use sunscreen. Your skin will thank you.
• Never rely on hotel hair products unless you like unreliable outcomes.
• Before long trips, tell your barber exactly where you’re going. We adjust cuts and beard trims depending on climate, hair texture, and expected styling conditions.

We’ve been doing this long enough to know what works. And more importantly, what doesn’t.

Make the Barbershop Your First and Last Stop

Here’s the thing most guys don’t realise: your pre-travel grooming routine sets the tone for your entire trip. A sharp cut, a proper beard trim, and clean skin make your whole travel experience smoother. You look good, you feel good, and you carry yourself differently.

If you’re flying out this festive season, plan ahead and grab a slot at one of our shops. You can check the nearest location here.

We’ve taken care of thousands of guys heading out for the holidays. Trust the process.

FAQs

Can I travel with a grooming kit?

Yes. Most grooming tools are allowed, but sharp items need to go in checked luggage. Keep liquids under travel-size limits and pack your daily grooming must-haves in a small pouch so you’re always ready on the go.

What are the travel essentials for men?

Keep it simple: face wash, moisturiser, beard oil, hair product, cologne, and a small comb. These are the men’s travel essentials we recommend to every guy who wants to stay sharp on the road.

How do I maintain my beard while travelling?

Stick to the basics. Oil, neckline cleanup, and a quick brush. Beards get wild fast when you’re changing climates, so keep yours under control with consistent care.

How can I keep my hair looking good while I’m away?

Moisture is your friend. Apply a small amount of matte paste or cream, avoid hat hair when possible, and rinse out sweat or product buildup at the end of the day.

How do I keep my skin hydrated when flying?

Hydrate before and after the flight, moisturise twice, and keep your skincare simple. Travel dries your skin out faster than you think, so consistency matters.

Book Your Festive Hair Appointment

Travelling doesn’t mean dropping your standards. Our barbers keep your fade sharp, your beard shaped, and your grooming routine dialed in. Wherever the festive season takes you. Book before you fly and start the trip looking clean, confident, and ready for anything.