12 packing essentials on every business traveler’s list

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Everyone has the packing essentials they never travel without , but the list can look a little different for business travelers, who tend to take shorter, more frequent trips and must juggle packed schedules once they touch down at their destination. 

Business travelers need to stay organized, connected, comfortable, and well-rested as they shuffle between time zones. Anything that helps achieve this balance makes for a happier — and more effective — businessperson, so before you send your most trusted employee off to the international office, make sure she has these products and services packed. 

There are the obvious options, like a reliable, expandable carry-on suitcase and a portable battery pack , but also consider smart and innovative additions like work shoes you can actually walk a whole day in and a notebook that saves all your meeting scribbles to the cloud. 

Here are 12 things that should be on every business traveler's packing list. 

Wireless earbuds.

business man travelling

Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds, $109.90, available at Amazon

While over-ear wireless headphones offer better sound quality, earbuds are better suited for travel when you have limited bag space. The battery life of these earbuds is five hours (15 hours with the charging case) and once you're off the plane, you can make clear phone calls because they're optimized with four-microphone technology. They're also Alexa-, Siri-, and Google Assistant-compatible. For an affordable, under-$100 option, check out these  SoundCore wireless earbuds from Anker .

A foldable Bluetooth keyboard

business man travelling

Jelly Comb Pocket Size Portable Bluetooth Keyboard, $29.99, available at Amazon

If you're not packing your laptop but want to get some work done, this foldable keyboard that can connect to your tablet or phone will let you do so without taking up as much space. It's light and sturdy, but a drawback to its portability is that the key positions are squeezed together, so typing might not be as seamless of a process as usual. Still, the convenience might be worth the compromise . 

A battery pack

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Jackery Bolt 6000 mAh Power Bank with Built-in Lightning Cable, $26.99, available at Amazon

It's always a good idea to have a battery pack on hand when you travel, and this doesn't change when you travel for business. While there are many battery packs on the market to choose from, our pick is Jackery's because its built-in cable charges your phone twice as fast as the original charger, and it's neither so small that it can only charge your device once nor so bulky that it weighs you down. 

Performance workwear that never wrinkles

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Shop the Men's Kinetic Collection starting at $145 at Ministry of Supply here

Shop the women's kinetic collection starting at $125 at ministry of supply here.

Instead of worrying about how you're going to pack your best suit without damaging it, simply get one that always stays wrinkle-free . Ministry of Supply's stretchy, comfortable, and water-resistant suits and dresses prove that you can have it all, without paying more than you would for normal workwear. The styles are sleek and classic, so you'll always be prepared for meetings, coffee chats, and lunches. 

A fast pass through airport security

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Enroll in a two-month free trial of CLEAR here using code "INSIDER"

Seasoned business travelers will already have TSA Pre-Check to help them breeze through the nightmare that is airport security, but another security service that's worth adding on if you want to save even more time is CLEAR. The CLEAR lane at the terminal verifies your identity with a biometric screening (a fingerprint or eye scan) so you can skip the part of the line where the TSA officer checks your ID. 

An expandable carry-on bag

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Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 Carry-On Expandable Spinner Suitcase, $246.28, available at Amazon

You want a carry-on bag that will comfortably fit your clothes, last through countless trips, and is easy to maneuver. Travelpro's suitcases are a flight crew staple because of their organized compartments, durable nylon exterior, and signature MagnaTrac technology that keeps the bags rolling in one straight line. This one also comes with a removable garment bag. 

A travel pillow

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Trtl Pillow, $25.49, available at Amazon

Business travel means putting your body through its paces and realizing quality sleep is a precious commodity that shouldn't be taken for granted. Recover and recharge in the plane or bus with the Trtl travel pillow , which will keep your neck supported for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. It might look a little strange, but it's soft and comfortable, not to mention easy to store. 

A travel wallet

business man travelling

Bellroy Travel Wallet, $119, available at Amazon

Checking in to your hotel or flight becomes much less stressful when you're not fumbling for your documents and you know exactly where they are. This wallet organizes everything you need as you travel between offices and airports: your passport, boarding pass, bills, cards, and IDs. It even comes with a small pen so you'll always be prepared to sign documents or fill out forms. 

A good unlimited data plan

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Join T-Mobile ONE here

T-Mobile's unlimited plan is the best of the major carriers because you get 50 GB of 4G LTE data and unlimited talk and text. You still get unlimited 2G data and text in more than 200 countries, so you never have to deal with hotspots and new SIM cards and can start connecting with people immediately. Select flights will also offer free Wi-Fi for T-Mobile customers. 

Comfortable work shoes

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Shop Wolf & Shepherd dress shoes starting at $229 here

For men, Wolf & Shepherd makes beautiful Italian leather dress shoes that you can actually run in — the founder confirmed this claim by wearing them during the 2018 Running of the Bulls in Spain. They feature sheepskin lining, plush memory foam insoles, and an "HDeva" heel that absorbs the shock of heel strikes. They're pricey but worth the comfort and you'll find yourself wearing them for any work occasion, travel-related or not. 

Day Glove, $115, available at Everlane

For women, the Everlane Day Glove is the flat that truly fits like a glove . These simple, rounded leather flats come in a variety of versatile colors and can transition seamlessly from office to dinner. With a back pull tab, small side vents, and a cushioned insole, they're just as functional as they are stylish.  

A small smart notebook

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Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook, Executive Size, $29.97, available at Amazon

Rocketbook combines the convenience and satisfying feeling of physical note-taking with the organization and eco-friendliness of digital note-taking . After you write in the pages with the included pen, you can send your notes to your cloud service of choice, then wipe the pages clean and use them all over again. You'll never lose notes in the shuffle of traveling with this smart notebook. 

Hand sanitizer

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Purell 1 oz. 8-Pack Travel-Sized Jelly Wrap Bottles, $9.51, available at Amazon

Germs abound in the airplane and hotel room, and you'll be shaking a lot of hands. Keep yourself and others healthy with a quick rub of hand sanitizer. Purell's one-ounce bottles are discreet and fit conveniently in your bag. 

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The ultimate guide to traveling for work: 35 best tips for business travelers

Before you travel…, 1. check your company’s business travel policy, 2. stick to carry-on bags only, 3. keep your essentials packed and ready to go in your suitcase, 4. keep your essentials handy when on the road, 5. pack both business attire and casual clothes, 6. keep security checks in mind when you pack, 7. make comfort a priority, 8. sign up for rewards programs, 9. make sure you charge your electronic devices, 10. fly non-stop, 11. make use of airport lounges, 12. use a suit bag, 13. bring a power bank, 14. bring your (travel size) toiletries, 15. pack healthy snacks, 16. choose your plane seat wisely, 17. do your research on foreign business etiquette, 18. download helpful apps, 19. bring a power adapter, 20. check in beforehand, during your business trip…, 21. choose water, skip alcohol, 22. if you have a meeting shortly after landing and need to be fresh, try drinking coffee two hours before the meeting, 23. layover tip: take the time to connect, 24. stretch, 25. adapt to meal times as soon as possible, 26. beat jet lag with exercise, 27. don’t be tempted to sleep as soon as you arrive, 28. try to stick to your most important daily routines, 29. take pictures of all your receipts, 30. store your receipts properly, 31. use a firewall when using public internet, 32. there are alternatives to working in your hotel room, after your business trip…, 33. don’t forget to report your expenses, 34. send thank you emails, 35. leave reviews, did you find this article useful.

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The Better Man's Guide to Business Travel

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Pack Quickly

If you travel frequently, there are a few helpful things to keep on-hand for any last-minute trips. For example, you should have a fully stocked dopp kit separate from your everyday essentials at home. Be sure to fill it with products like a to-go toothbrush and toothpaste, razors and shaving cream, moisturizer, and Just for Men Autostop —an easy, no-mix hair color in a compact brush that combs away grey for more natural-looking hair.

You should also consider having a travel carry-on bag packed and ready at all times to grab on the way out the door. Make sure it is a soft-sided bag so it can easily fit in an overhead compartment. It should be packed with a portable charger, travel pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, and a sleep mask. If you have both your dopp kit and carry-on ready in advance, your packing will go a lot smoother and faster.

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Skip Long Lines

Of course, you have heard about TSA PreCheck —a five-year, $85 membership program that lets you speed through security and saves you even more time by not having to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, or belts at security checkpoints. But did you know there are other options? For just $15 more, you can get pre-approved for Global Entry , which gives you PreCheck privileges and the ability to get through U.S. customs quickly. And at select airports, you can get through security lines even faster with CLEAR , an up-and-coming biometrics service that lets you skip to the front of the security line (sans ID checks) with a quick scan of your fingerprint.

Get On Board Faster and Enhance Your Flight

Another way to assist with the overall travel experience is to stick to one or two loyalty rewards programs to increase the chances of complimentary upgrades and discounted fares, as well as other perks like priority boarding.

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Be Prepared Upon Arrival

There are a few in-flight essentials you should have with you to help put your best foot forward when you land. Use a good facial cleanser and apply moisturizer to refresh and replenish your skin. And to maintain a soft, healthy looking beard, use Just For Men Beard Balm , made with soothing oatmeal, aloe, chamomile, and jojoba oil, which fights itchy, dry flaking skin that can result from a long plane ride.

It might be tempting to wear your favorite, worn-in jeans when you travel but you should always plan ahead, in case you encounter any unexpected delays. Be sure to dress in something that you wouldn’t mind wearing to your first meeting—this way you aren’t caught off guard. There are plenty of high-style, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that could be a good option. Just be sure to select a dark color so that any stains or dirt from your travels don’t show.

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Arrive Rested & Refreshed

Taking care of yourself during your flight is key. The first rule is to hydrate in order to combat jet lag and to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Drink plenty of water and get some rest. Book your flight at a time of day when you can sleep, or talk to a medical professional about safe and effective natural supplements that may help. And don’t forget a good book to read before dozing off. Just be sure it’s an actual paper copy. The artificial blue light from smart devices have been found to disrupt the sleep cycle.

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Always Be Prepared

Semper paratus! Charge your electronic devices well before your flight and make sure your portable chargers are in your carry-on. It is also a good idea to program key customer-service numbers (your travel agent, your IT department, car rental, airlines, hotel, etc.) into your phone if you need to make a last-minute adjustment to your travel plans. And finally, give a copy of your passport and/or license to a trusted family member or friend in the unlikely event you lose one of these important travel docs.

These tips will help you look and feel your best when you travel. For more information on achieving your best self, visit justformen.com .

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Business Travel Essentials For Men: What’s Worth Packing

Published on October 3, 2023 by TMM Staff · Travel May contain affiliate links ( what's this? )

An extensive guide to travel essentials for men, from toiletries to tech gadgets, that will make your trip free of excess, less stress, and thus more enjoyable!

Table of Contents

Travel Essentials For Men

What’s your packing plan? Are you heading out for a quick business trip? Embarking on a leisurely world tour? Or are you in for a laid-back weekend at the beach? 

Regardless of your travel destination, selecting the right travel essentials can be a daunting process. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions about what to take and what to leave behind.

Choosing the ideal set of travel accessories can be a complex equation influenced by factors such as your destination, mode of travel, and your planned activities. 

Also, how much you bring depends on your willingness to lug around your stuff on your trip. 

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the entire process, then you have come to the right place. 

I’ve assembled a curated list of travel essentials that every man needs to prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

For men traveling near or far, one absolute necessity that he should have is a Dopp kit . Alternatively referred to as a toiletry bag or grooming kit, it is a compact travel pouch for all your essential personal hygiene and grooming items. 

business man travelling

Dopp kits are great for men on the move, for business expeditions, leisure trips, or even for basic organization of grooming necessities at home. 

With a Dopp kit at our disposal, you can place all your core items in one convenient location. You can typically find the following essential items in a Dopp kit.

Razor and Cartridges

Razors are a must for men on the road to maintain a fresh, clean-shaven look as part of the grooming process. Or, if you keep a beard, a razor can help you keep your beard lined up and looking fresh.

Shaving Cream

To save space and weight when traveling consider getting small-sized tubes of shaving cream.  I’d suggest investing in shaving gel with moisturizer to maximize the effect to replace the oils you lose due to weather changes.

Shampoo/Body Wash 2-in-1

When traveling, sometimes you have to make compromises, and this is one compromise that most men can get behind. 

A 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash combination saves you precious space in your Dopp kit and reduces the amount of liquids you may have to bring through security scans.

After a nice, clean shave, the best complement is aftershave for that fresh feeling. Invest in a small bottle that is ideal for the climate.

Deodorant/Antiperspirant

Another absolute for any journey is deodorant to keep body odors at bay. Most brands have travel versions, so find your favorite and include it in your Dopp kit.

While some men prefer antiperspirants, know that the zinc and aluminum can cause yellow pit stains on light-colored shirts. 

Travel Shaving Brush

Keep you beard tamed with a travel-sized beard brush . You can choose one with its own container to keep it from getting damaged in your Dopp kit. 

Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste

A spare toothbrush and toothpaste for your Dopp kit is a must. Consider investing in a retractable one with its own case.

Hair Products

Whichever products you typically use on your hair, consolidate them into small vials and bottles and place them in your Dopp kit for on the road use.

Laptop Case

If you choose to bring your laptop on your journey, you want to ensure that it is protected from point A to point B. Most often, that means having a proper laptop case is essential. 

business man travelling

As one of the most expensive items you will bring on any trip, you want to be 100% assured it is safe from harm no matter where you go.

In the digital age, most people use headphones of one kind or another. With so many options out there, it’s ultimately up to you to decide which ones are essential for your travel plans. 

business man travelling

There are the regular wire headphones that can get the job done and those that come with noise cancellation. 

For many men, however, wireless headphones are the best bet to listen to everything from music to podcasts and audiobooks. AirPods are a favorite due to their premier sound and extended battery life.

Whether at home or on the road, no one wants to run out of precious energy for their devices; this is where a great power bank comes into play.

business man travelling

Invest in one that can efficiently charge up your devices to be always accessible. 

Oh yeah, and don’t forget the proper cord(s)!

Bluetooth Speaker

Another must-have (at least for me) while traveling is a trusty portable speaker for your hotel room or when enjoying the beach.

business man travelling

Take a portable Bluetooth speaker as part of your travel package and never miss a beat.

International Travel Adapter

For the true jetsetting men out there, owning an international travel adapter is a device that is crucial to keeping all of your devices up and ready for anything. 

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From your smartphone and laptop to your portable speaker and more, an international adapter will pay off in dividends no matter the country.

Another absolute while on the road is a cord organizer to make any remote work you do on your laptop as seamless as possible. 

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Having all your electronic equipment in a sprawling mess while traveling is quite easy, so bringing a tech kit along for the journey can make all the difference in the world. 

With one in your arsenal, you can easily organize all your tech gadgets in one convenient place and never have to worry about locating them while on the go!

Passport Cover

You definitely can’t leave home without it if you’re leaving your country, and a passport cover is the best way to ensure that one of your most precious documents is protected. 

business man travelling

Use one to store your identification and your visas, vaccination cards, and any other essential documents you may need on your journey.

Compression Socks

Now this one is going to be a bit controversial. I find that the support you get while traveling from a trusty pair of compression socks is immeasurable.

business man travelling

They are great for reducing swelling while on a long-haul flight and you can also use them while cycling, running, or any type of endurance sport.

Neck Pillow

Comfort is a much sought-after commodity while traveling, and a great neck pillow will ensure that your next vacation is as comfortable as possible. 

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Many versions are available on the market, all intent on maintaining proper posture and reducing cramps and swelling while seated in planes, trains, and automobiles.

Water Bottle

When traveling, whether on the road or in the air, staying hydrated becomes a top priority, necessitating a proper water bottle. Depending on how you travel, you will need one that is of a certain size and diameter in order to meet restrictions. 

business man travelling

Invest in a compact bottle that is lightweight enough to fit into a carry-on bag and in designated spots in public areas. A sturdy water bottle may wind up being your favorite new accessory for your travel adventures.

Noise-Blocking Earplugs

The hustle and bustle of traveling means you will be exposed to more noise than normal, so you should be prepared.

business man travelling

From the loud city traffic and roars of jet engines to the honking of cars and screeching of trains, noise-blocking earplugs help keep those volumes to a minimum.

This grants a respite from the elements as well as enhances your sleeping when you’re exhausted after a long day.

Tips for Buying Travel Accessories

Expert travelers understand the importance of being as prepared as possible when planning a journey. Organizational skills will allow you to thrive and enjoy your trip, making buying the right travel essentials a key component. 

business man travelling

Whether you are gone for a weekend or a fortnight, packing wisely and lightly will reduce your stress levels and increase the enjoyment of your trip. 

The following are some tips for maximizing your time:

Consider the Length of the Trip

The distance you travel will dictate what you need to bring along with you on your journey. Artful packing entails knowing what to bring as well as what you can leave at home. 

For a weekend trip, two jackets and an umbrella are not necessary. If you are not going to be using your laptop, then a tech organizer also may not be needed. 

Before you start packing, mentally note the absolutes versus the rest, and you will be one step ahead of the game!

Acknowledge Items With Purpose

If the items you bring on a trip don’t bring enough value to your overall experience, the best bet is to leave them home to make your trip more enjoyable and efficient. 

Depending on what your plans are for your stay is crucial to knowing what to bring along. 

Travel essentials may differ based on your activities, so if you are away on a camping experience versus a stay in a new city, you can adjust the necessities based on your agenda.

Multi-Purpose Essentials Can Fill the Gap

The more versatile items you have with you that provide multiple purposes, the better, as they will save you time and money while you are on the road. 

That means packing pants and shoes that work in the woods or on concrete jungles. The same goes for backpacks that can function in the wild or excursions to the grocery store.

Pack Lightly

Of course, no one wants to leave anything they feel they may need at home, but on the other side of the spectrum, you don’t want to pack too much either. 

The mission is to pack as lightly as possible, avoiding the urge to overstuff your bags. Bearing this in mind, you should select items that fit snugly in your suitcase and are compact enough for an entire trip. 

Comfort as a Priority

More often than not, when you are traveling, you don’t use the heavy things that you thought were “essential.” Take this into consideration to maximize your experience. 

Check all your essential travel items before taking off, and be prepared to update any pieces that don’t pass inspection. That extends from your Dopp kit and headphones to your razors and tech kit. 

Each plays a vital role in your overall comfort, and you want everything to be in alignment at the end of the day.

The Non-Essentials, aka ‘Things To Leave at Home

We have provided an extensive list of items deemed necessary for travel.

business man travelling

The following are the non-essentials you can leave at home so you can be as light as a feather while traveling.

Expensive Digital Camera

Who doesn’t want to capture those special moments with a great camera? Of course, you may want to have proof of your amazing experiences, but the truth is that unless you are a professional photographer, bringing along your expensive camera isn’t worth the risk. 

After all, the average smartphone can take high quality photos too. Besides, most expensive cameras are larger than most, taking up precious space in your travel bag. 

Leave it at home and save yourself the undue stress.

Excessive Toiletries

As a general rule of thumb, if it can’t fit in your Dopp kit then it’s probably best to leave it at home. That means leaving the nose trimmers at home since you only need them occasionally. 

Also, you can purchase face wash and body lotion once you reach your destination, so you don’t have to compromise your luggage space.

Expensive Watch

More than likely, you have more than one watch in your collection, so leave the expensive ones at home and swap it out for an understated one that gets the job done.  

Besides, your smartphone can tell you the time just as accurately.

Final Considerations

This is an extensive list of essential items, but it also serves as a base as varying trips dictate different needs. 

Embrace minimalism, and use these suggestions as a starting point and streamline it to your own travel objectives. The most important thing is to make a final list of travel essentials that get the job done most efficiently.

What one of your travel essentials did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives. If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review. Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff. Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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  • Business Travel: 14 Productivity Tips for the Traveling Businessman

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Business Travel: 14 Productivity Tips for Traveling Businessmen

(Photo by Tim Easley on Unsplash )

This article is approximately a 5-minute read.

In this article, you’ll learn:

  • How to prepare for a business trip so that you can be productive
  • What you can do on the plane to be productive
  • How you can be productive after you’ve reached your destination

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Productivity Tips for the Business Traveler

When it comes to traveling, there is a decided difference between traveling for business and traveling for pleasure and leisure. Even so, just because business trips are just that - for business - frequent travelers can still make those trips as stress-free and productive as possible, all while still getting their work done.

Before embarking on a trip, there are some things a businessman should keep in mind before the trip, while traveling to the destination, and while actually at the destination.

Here are some productivity tips for business travelers.

Business Travel

(Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash )

Before the Trip

Tip 1: keep toiletry items packed.

By keeping toiletries packed away and ready to go, travelers won't have to worry as much about making sure they have everything they need. This can eliminate the forehead-slapping realization that one has left his shaving cream at home and will have to hope the hotel has some available.

Keep everything you want to take with you packed away inside of a bag like a Dopp kit to grab and go when needed. In order to do this, just buy an extra set of everything and keep some in your bathroom and the rest of it in a bag by your luggage.

Tip 2: Portable Phone Chargers Are Crucial

When a businessman has an important business meeting to get to right after landing at his destination, he might not have time to run to the hotel and charge up his phone before getting there; chances are, the phone was used for emails and calls before getting to the airport, meaning the battery could be low if not dead.

Ensure that running from the airport to the conference room is simple and fast by always carrying a portable phone charger. These battery banks can plug right into the phone and keep it at top capacity all day long.

Tip 3: Book a Wi-Fi Enabled Flight

Making the most use out of your time on the plane is important. Having access to the internet while in transit is crucial if there is a desire to use that down time to catch up on work, respond to emails, work on spreadsheets, or do any other office-related tasks while enjoying the distraction-free environment of a plane ride.

When looking for a flight to take, there are options that explicitly state whether or not Wi-Fi will be available on the flight, either for free or for a price. Make sure that the flight that is chosen has this option.

Tip 4: Plan Out Any Meetings

It’s important to think about what sort of meetings and conferences you will attending before packing for the trip even begins. If the trip is a busy one - or is even just in a large city - the meetings might be spread out all over the place. When this happens, getting lost on the way to one or the next is commonplace.

Rushing around and showing up late because you didn’t know the way to a conference is unprofessional and makes a person seem ill-prepared for the task. Map out where the meetings are before arriving to find paths from the hotel and even from meeting to meeting.

Tip 5: Plan Outfits Accordingly

If a businessman has to get off of the plane and head straight to a meeting, he needs to be prepared to look the part, even if he’s been traveling all day.

It’s a good idea to find apparel that’s comfortable enough for travel, yet professional enough to look presentable on arrival. This often includes finding clothing that resists wrinkles and creases so they don’t occur while sitting down.

By planning these out ahead of time, businessmen can have some go-to business travel outfits that they can just grab and go before they leave. This will also save time on packing.

Business Travel - Airplane

(Photo by Eva Darron on Unsplash )

On the Plane

Tip 6: noise-cancelling headphones are a businessman's best friend.

You can’t expect peace and quiet wherever one goes, even on a plane. There are always going to be excitable tourists, a crying baby, or a chatty seat-neighbor who wants to talk about the family they are on their way to see or the vacation they are headed to.

Noise-canceling headphones can keep the noise out to allow better focus on work that is to be completed on the plane. Even if there is no desire to work and one simply wants to relax, noise-canceling headphones will offer plenty of silence for thinking.

Tip 7: Try to Relax

While it’s important to take care of urgent matters in downtime on a flight, it’s also important to go into a business trip with a clear head. If one's life has been too hectic where it might seem impossible to focus on work, then can be helpful to spend some time on the flight in quiet thought.

A flyer is tens of thousands of feet above the rest of the world when in a plane; he can leave his worries on the ground for a few hours, clear his head, and prepare for the busy week to come.

Tip 8: Be Sure to Eat

When stressed about work or the upcoming meetings, basic things such as eating may feel like they have to come in secondary to other aspects of traveling.

Forgetting to eat can pose more problems than just feeling hungry; when a person is hungry, it is hard to have energy to travel once he’s at the destination, and hunger makes it difficult to think about much of anything, let alone about the business that needs taken care of once they have arrived. Eat some of the food offered on the plane or bring snacks.

Tip 9: Make Lists

Sitting quietly in a plane provides plenty of time to think. If a person would rather not think about leisurely things and would instead prefer to stay on track, making lists is a good way to spend time.

Lists can be made about all of the things that need to be completed on the trip, or lists can be made about things that need to get taken care of once they get back home. In the quiet, things might come to a person that he might not think of in their day-to-day lives.

Business Travel Tips

(Photo by Ruthson Zimmerman on Unsplash )

At the Destination

Tip 10: think about the hotel room carefully.

When on a business trip, obviously you won't be spending every waking second in meetings and at lunches. There will be times that travelers find themselves in hotel rooms with nothing to do. Whether they hope to catch up on some work, prepare for that crucial meeting the next day or just get some rest and relaxation, having a quiet room to do that is key.

At the hotel or before you arrive, ask for a room that is on one of the higher floors--the top floor, if you can--and that is away from elevators to offer more quiet time.

Tip 11: Avoid Jet Lag by Adhering to One Time Zone

When traveling to a new place, it may seem like an exciting time to try and see the sights and enjoy the nightlife. But, at the end of the day, a man traveling for business is there for just that--business. If travelers want to be at their most productive, you may want to just stick to living in one time zone.

For instance, if they live in New York, when traveling to Los Angeles, they should still stick to back-home schedules, such as going to bed at nine and waking up early if they have to, such as at four or five. This will prevent fatigue and keep them on the top of their game, mentally and productively speaking.

Tip 12: Use City Transport

Trying to find a way around a city someone has never been to is tricky. It requires using up cell phone battery by depending on GPS, and having a dead battery in a strange place is never good.

Furthermore, in some places, driving is tough due to the traffic volume. For that reason, it's a good idea to rely on public transportation like buses, trains or even Ubers and Lyfts to get you where you need to go. It will also help to get the traveler familiar with the city he is calling home for a few days.

Tip 13: Tip the Staff

Staying at a hotel for more than a few days means travelers will be getting to know the hotel staff. Whether that means room service, the front desk or the housekeepers, get the best experience possible at your home away from home by tipping generously and being generally kind and patient. It can go a long way.

Tip 14: Enjoy Downtime

Last but not least, on this list of business travel productivity tips, it is important to stress that having a few quiet moments between meetings goes a long way. Travelers should take some time to collect their thoughts between meetings to go into the next one with a clear head.

Business trips don't always have to be stressful. There are ways for businessmen to optimize their time spent away at work to make it as close to a pleasurable trip as it can be without actually going on vacation. Hopefully these tips can set them on the right path.

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7 business class travel tips and tricks from one first-timer to another

Erica Silverstein

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I am an expert economy-class flyer.

I've got TSA PreCheck and Global Entry . When necessary, I can unpack and re-pack quart-size toiletry bags, shoes and laptop computers at a security checkpoint in seconds … even with a toddler in tow. I can get my carry-on bag into the overhead bins in a second flat, and I find my preferred inflight entertainment on my United app within moments of fastening my seatbelt.

Put me in business class, though, and apparently I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.

In fact, I hadn't flown business class in over 10 years — until a few weeks ago. When I learned I'd be flying between Washington, D.C. and London, England in business class on not one, but two different airlines, I was over the moon. "More legroom!" I thought. "Lie-flat seats!"

I thought I had everything covered — until I talked to my TPG colleagues, Zach Griff and Nicky Kelvin, about my planned flights in United Polaris and Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class .

They opened my eyes to the world of perks and amenities available to me as a business-class flyer these days — few of which I'd even had an inkling of, and even fewer of which the airlines had bothered to alert me to in my reservation.

Had I not talked to my coworkers, I probably would have missed out on key components of the business-class experience. Even so, I felt lost, shy and sometimes confused when flying up front.

If you're soon to embark on your first international business-class trip in a while, here are seven travel tips and tricks you should know to make the most of your experience, all of which were new to me on my recent transatlantic journey.

Pick your seats wisely — because they're not all the same

business man travelling

"All the business-class seats are aisle seats," I thought to myself when looking at the seat maps for both my flights, "so they should all be great."

Not exactly.

As I learned, the configuration of business-class seats can vary widely ( even on the same airline and on the same plane type). Not only were my United Polaris and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seats completely different from one another, but when looking at my various flight options on both carriers, I also found that different aircraft types had different kinds of seats on board. Plus, depending on the row, you could find slightly different seats even on the same flight.

To optimize your flying experience, you need to read up on which seats your specific flight will offer and find the best one for your preferences.

For example, the Boeing 767 I was on offered United's most up-to-date Polaris seats: individual pods with lie-flat seats next to small tabletops and a storage locker. On reading Zach's United Polaris guide , I learned that the window seats were best for solo travelers while the middle row had pairs of seats better suited to couples or friends.

Even among the window seats, the odd-numbered rows offer more privacy, with the seats closer to the actual window and the wide tabletop by the aisle, while the even numbered rows have the seats angled toward the aisle with the tabletop and locker by the window.

I had been assigned an even row seat, but I changed to an odd row based on that advice since I wanted the most privacy possible. (I admit that I took some pleasure in changing my seat assignment like I was a pro.)

Related: Top 5 business-class cabins in the sky today

On my Virgin Atlantic flight back, my seat looked fine and I lucked out. As I boarded the plane, I realized the Boeing 787-9 had the airline's older "herringbone" style of diagonal seats with their backs to the windows and angled toward the aisle. I had happily landed in what I would dub the "introvert section" along the port side of the aircraft, where the seats faced the backs of the middle row. However, the middle and starboard rows of seats faced each other, so those passengers ended up looking right at the person across from them. I suppose if you're there to make friends, you could choose these "extrovert seats."

Look for the dedicated airport check-in

business man travelling

Even before I got to the planes, though, I made some rookie mistakes.

When I arrived at Dulles International Airport (IAD), I saw signs for Economy and Premier Access check-in, but not Polaris. I asked an attendant in the Premier Access line where I should go but they simply had me check in there. It turns out that the official Polaris check-in was around the back at another set of counters — not that there were any signs pointing in that direction.

At Heathrow Airport (LHR), I knew that Virgin Upper Class had its own check-in hall in Terminal 3 … because my colleague, Nicky, told me. Since it's only accessible by car, and I was being shuttled to the airport by bus, I couldn't take advantage of that perk. However, there were no signs showing me where to check in for Upper Class in the normal departure hall, either. I had to waylay a staffer to find out that I should use the Delta premium check-in line.

The kind gate agent did direct me to the elevator that would whisk me to a private Upper Class security line. But when I got to the second floor, there were no signs pointing the way. I just assumed the security line I saw was the right one — but I was so flustered that I forgot to empty my water bottle and had to chug 16 ounces on the spot. Guess my mistake meant I was properly hydrated for my flight.

Moral of the story: Look at an airport map or otherwise determine where the VIPs get to check in so you can head confidently to the correct line and not have to own up to an airport representative that you have no clue where you're going. Agents at these dedicated counters are also usually better informed on which lounges you might have access to before your flight and how you can get to them through expedited security lines.

Arrive in time to enjoy access to fancy lounges with free food and drinks (and don't forget to tip!)

What secret do globe-trotting businessfolk keep from us economy-class peons? They get free access to swanky VIP lounges while we stand in long lines for expensive concessions or join the masses in the boarding areas.

Not once did any official United communication alert me to the existence of the Polaris Lounge at Dulles . Not when I got my confirmation number via email. Not when I checked in online. Nor when I showed up at the airport. So thanks again, Zach, for not only pointing me toward the exclusive hangout but recommending I get there early to enjoy its many amenities.

business man travelling

At least when I checked in for my Virgin Atlantic flight, the agent not only told me about the airline's famed Clubhouse , but also gave me directions to it.

These lounges are tricked out, so plan to arrive early to enjoy all the amenities. Both had enormous bars with plenty of complimentary drinks and all kinds of seating areas — some for comfy lounging and others geared for working, with loads of electrical and USB outlets.

The Polaris Lounge at Dulles had a separate, waiter-serviced restaurant where I assembled a delicious dinner by trying all the small plates: autumn squash soup, arugula and fennel salad, a quinoa samosa cake and a cheese plate (that really should have been on the dessert menu). I could have indulged in a glass of wine, but I was still nursing my strong cocktail from the lounge's bar. For dessert, I had a warm chocolate chip cookie that came out so piping hot that ice cream bubbled when it came into contact with the mini cast iron skillet the cookie was served in.

The Virgin Upper Class lounge had an online food ordering system where I could select the breakfast items I wanted and magically the staff knew where to deliver the food. Again, I admit to over-ordering, choosing the fruit salad and a full vegetarian English breakfast with fried eggs, baked beans and a vegan sausage. I probably should have ordered a mimosa to be fancy, but I stuck with tea.

The Upper Class lounge also has Peloton bikes and a pool table. Pre-pandemic, it offered massages and hair cuts in the dedicated salon and spa areas. You can even do some alfresco plane-spotting from an elevated outdoor garden. It's all included in the experience. Do your homework ahead of your flight to determine which lounge you can access and what fun awaits you — then get to the airport with enough time to enjoy it.

business man travelling

The only thing I wasn't sure about was whether I was supposed to tip all the lovely people bringing me free food and drink. I canvassed my coworkers on return who recommend tipping a dollar or two for drinks and $5-$10 for a full dinner in the U.S., but said to skip the tip in Europe or Asia, where there's less of a tipping culture.

Sorry, lovely lounge staff, for stiffing you. I won't make that mistake the next time around.

Related: The 7 do's and don'ts in an airport lounge

Swallow your pride and ask for a seat tour

business man travelling

Business-class seats are works of engineering genius. The best seats smoothly convert into beds, the tray tables and storage nooks are hidden ergonomically throughout your little pod area, and outlets and reading lights pop up in all the right places.

Repeat after me: You are not an idiot if you can't figure out how to work everything immediately upon taking your seat (though I certainly felt like one as I fiddled with the various seat and entertainment controls).

On my United flight, I was too shy to ask, but managed to work out how to get the seat into lie-flat mode myself. On Virgin, the flight attendants were friendlier, so I started with, "Can you show me how to work this seat?" The kind gent in charge of my section gave me the full tour. I swear to you, I would never have found the tray table or the USB outlet without his help.

Even should your jaded flight attendant cast a scornful glance your way, don't let their attitude stand in the way of you getting maximum enjoyment out of your business-class flight. By asking for a quick tour of the seat, you can also figure out if everything is working properly, such as the seat controls or power outlets, and do something about it before takeoff if they're not.

Don't order a special meal or feel a need to pack snacks

I don't trust that airlines will provide a standard meal that will accommodate my dietary restrictions, so I often order a special meal. Unless you absolutely need one, though, I would say don't bother when you're flying business class, especially if you can check the menu ahead of time.

Both United's and Virgin's business-class menus included a fish and vegetarian option, and the kosher meal I ordered for my United dinner was so sad that I asked the attendant to bring me the regular breakfast. That meant I got to choose which of the three breakfast options I wanted. I was in the mood for something light so I ordered the continental breakfast with a fruit salad, yogurt and a croissant, with orange juice and tea.

If it's your first Virgin Atlantic flight, you might want to revel in the lovely presentation, real cutlery and the cutest little airplane-shaped salt and pepper shakers, fittingly named Orville and Wilbur after the Wright brothers. (I really really wanted to take them as souvenirs, but I restrained myself.) That said, items do sometimes run out, so if you have your heart set on a particular dish, ask the flight attendant showing you to your seat to set one aside for you if possible.

business man travelling

I'm also told that if you want to rock a shorter long-haul flight like a pro, including those from the East Coast to London, you might want to consider eating dinner in the lounge then trying to go straight to sleep once the plane takes off. Up to you.

On day flights, you also won't go hungry outside of meal times. On Virgin Atlantic, flight attendants came through the cabin several times with snacks and even had a basket set up in the Upper Class bar (Yes, there's a bar on the airplane! How did I not know that?) for passengers to grab and go whenever they wanted. Plus, anytime after the main meal service you could order additional food items like cream tea or a salad.

Ask for all the amenities

business man travelling

I'm the type of person who doesn't want to make a fuss, but I'm told you really need to ask for all the available amenities when flying business class these days.

You want pajamas for your overnight flight? Ask. Want a cocktail instead of wine? Ask. Want to skip dinner and have your bed made up right away? Just ring the call button and ask your attendant. Though some of these things may be offered proactively, sometimes they are not, and you wouldn't want to miss out.

Sometimes you can access an arrivals lounge when you land in your final destination. Many are still closed due to the pandemic, but if you'd like to use one, just ask. I asked on my United flight, but Heathrow's are not yet open.

Typically, business-class seats come with an amenity kit, which is a little zippered makeup bag with socks, an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand and face lotion and earplugs. These weren't at our seats when we boarded the Virgin Atlantic flight, and the woman next to me was sad because she wanted to brush her teeth.

"Just ask," I told her, since I was now an expert business-class flyer with one flight under my belt. The flight attendant gushed his apologies for not having them out and set about giving everyone a kit.

Just enjoy the legroom

business man travelling

At the end of the day, the best part of the business-class experience for me was, in fact, the extra legroom.

Perhaps I'm a woman of simple pleasures. Perhaps I'm a hardy traveler who can deal with queues, crowds and mediocre meals. Perhaps it's just that I'm six feet tall and there is usually no comfortable place for me to cram my long limbs on a long-haul flight.

Despite the nice meals and the free drinks, my favorite aspect of this trip was that I could put my feet up and stretch my legs while I worked, watched movies and ate on board the plane. That — not the beverages or the fancy lounges — is why I'm trying to earn miles and elite status so I can have easier access to business class in the future.

At the end of the day, airplane food is fine but not necessarily blow-your-mind amazing. It can still be hard to sleep on a noisy, turbulent flight, even when lying flat. If you miss the lounge and never get that free cocktail, your business-class trip will be fine.

All that's true because at the end of the day, you will still have way more personal space than in coach. And that, in my mind, is all you need to have the best flight ever.

11 BEST Business Travel Backpacks (For Men & Women)

A complete list of the 11 BEST business backpacks for men and women!

You know that feeling when you’re about to travel and realize that your carry-on bag is too small to fit all of your clothes? It’s not fun, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Whether you’re planning a business trip to meet a client or going to open a new office abroad, these backpacks are exactly what you’re looking for.

From the best ones to carry your equipment to comfortable and padded ones, I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide.

business travel backpacks

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – BEST BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACKS

Business travel backpacks are not just about looks — they must be able to carry all the equipment that you need for your workday, plus any personal items that you want to bring along in case of delays or unforeseen circumstances.

The right backpack will protect your gear and keep it safe while you’re on the go, but also give you easy access when necessary.

These are the 3 absolute best business travel backpacks:

  • Nomatic Travel Bag 20L – Best Overall Business Travel Backpack – From $300 This bag features padded shoulder straps, reinforced stress points on the bottom panel, water-resistant lining, and a resistant laptop sleeve with an interior mesh pocket for quick access items such as tickets or passports.
  • Tortuga Setout – Best Laptop Backpack for Longer Trips – From $179 The Setout 45L Carry-on Travel Backpack is a feature-rich bag that helps you stay organized. With space for 7 days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, and traveling necessities, you’ll never be without what you need, when you need it.
  • KomalC Leather Briefcase – Best Business Messenger Bag – From $89 The KomalC Briefcase is mostly made from leather which is a nice touch if you’re coming from a nylon bag. It is an elegant and classy commuter bag for all business travelers.

Of course, this is only a short overview, so make sure to read until the end of this post to discover all the features of each of them in greater detail.

business travel backpacks 5

QUICK ANSWERS – BEST BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACK

Can business travel backpacks replace a suitcase.

Carry-on luggage typically measures 56 x 45 x 25 cm, but a suitcase can accommodate more than a backpack.

Yes, soft-sided backpacks are generally soft, but compressing a suitcase and securing everything with compression straps is something travel backpacks seldom enable.

Needless to say, a travel backpack can be a limitation depending on the number of clothes or items you plan to bring.

That said, it’s a great valid alternative if you plan to travel for a few days in or out of the country.

WHAT ARE THE TOP BACKPACK BRANDS FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL?

Other than the best daypack for travel, it’s important to consider the brands themselves.

Sure, while some brands may be unknown to you, some others are reputable and produce items for numerous years with outstanding quality.

These best backpack brands are:

  • Kenneth Cole
  • Tommy Hilfiger
  • American Tourister

There are dozens of quality brands on the market, however, these are the top backpack brands and you’re sure to get a quality product that will stand the test of time.

business travel backpacks

WHAT DO YOU NEED IN A BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACK? – THE KEY FEATURES

We’re focusing on the finest travel backpacks for business, which means they differ from other types of backpacks. But what should you consider before purchasing one?

There are several factors to take into consideration and we’ll go through them below.

Many business backpacks include hidden compartments, strong zippers, and hardy fabric that is difficult to cut through. When you’re transporting valuables, it’s critical to have a secure solution.

Having a hidden zipper, a secret compartment for your passport, credit cards, or other documents, and premium material hard to cut is essential for a smooth business trip.

IT SHOULD HAVE A LAPTOP COMPARTMENT

It goes without saying that having a laptop compartment in a business backpack is essential and is simply a must-have.

A laptop compartment is necessary to protect and secure your electronics while moving through the TSA line quickly.

The padding is very important since you don’t want to damage or even break your laptop. In general, virtually every well-designed backpack (except for hiking backpacks) comes with a laptop compartment.

ORGANIZATION & ACCESSIBILITY

The organization compartments are particularly crucial.

If you’re commuting with a laptop, several chargers, vital papers, clothing, and other items, you’ll probably want pockets to store them in. Of course, this implies you’ll need lots of pockets to accommodate everything.

My favorite backpacks have u-zip designs. This means that they can be opened fully on at least two sides for quick access.

business travel backpacks 6

STYLISH, CLASSY, & WEATHERPROOF

The greatest travel business backpacks are current and stylish, so you can go to the office and your vital meetings without looking like a hiker.

You may also want to consider how your backpack reflects your personality. Examine this list and see which travel company backpack fits your style the best.

If you’re going on business trips often, or if it’s going to rain a lot in the city you’ll be visiting, you might want to ensure that your bag is water-resistant or waterproof.

This isn’t necessary for work travel backpacks, but if you’re spending time outside or traveling to a city where it rains constantly, then it must be considered.

IT MUST BE COMFORTABLE & NOT HEAVY

Fit and comfort are critical elements in any backpack selection. A large or little backpack will be uncomfortable, clunky, and perhaps even painful if it’s not the right size for your frame.

This implies double-checking that the straps are comfortable and properly fit your body. Look for adjustable straps as well as waist straps to help distribute the weight of a bigger bag.

Hiking backpacks have more adjustable straps, whereas commuter bags have fewer of these features.

A USB CHARGING PORT WILL SAVE YOUR DAY

A USB attachment in a backpack is simply a long extension cable. The power bank is connected to the cable within the backpack.

Then you’ll need an electronic device and a supplementary charging cable, which connects from the outside of the bag.

When you don’t have access to a plug while on business travel, this may be a lifesaver.

business travel backpacks 2

THE 11 BEST BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACKS

If you’ve ever gone on a business trip, chances are you’ve carried your luggage in one of those ubiquitous black nylon backpacks.

But have you ever stopped to think about what makes the best business travel backpack?

If not, this is exactly what you’re looking for and we go into the 11 best travel backpacks for business to remain comfortable and secure on a business trip.

NOMATIC TRAVEL BAG 20L – $300

Nomatic, the company known for its packing cubes, has released one of the best backpacks ever made.

First and foremost, the bag is thing is water-resistant as well as super resistant to any situation.

As someone who travels quite a bit with only hand luggage, that’s important. Over time many bags wear down or start looking tatty.

It’s made of extremely durable material which does make the backpack feel slightly heavier than other comparable bags.

In addition, it’s very functional, and if you’re familiar with Nomatic products, this bag comes in the same size as their previous 20L daypack model (which was great).

They just made it less boxy and added a few extra pockets for good measure – basically, they turned what already worked into an even better product.

Lastly, it comes with a removable waist strap which is a huge selling point. With the waist strap, you can distribute the weight evenly and have a more comfortable carry even if it’s a bit heavier than usual.

All in all, the Nomatic travel bag is one of the most comfortable business backpacks.

The downside? It’s quite pricey – For $300, it’s an investment, albeit a good one as far as bags go.

TORTUGA SETOUT  – BEST CARRY-ON BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACK – $179

The Setout Tortuga backpack is a sturdy, lightweight, and versatile backpack that is perfect for all purposes from outdoor adventures to business trips and even going on a road trip .

The design features include the use of high-quality external fabrics with water-resistant coating, durable lockable zippers, and multiple compartments to keep your gear organized.

2 versions are available – the 26L expandable and the 45L fully expanded. They both open flat like a suitcase and it is a great advantage when looking for specific items and not wasting time on a business trip with colleagues or managers.

The backpack also uses dual foam padded shoulder straps that are ergonomic, breathable, removable, and adjustable.

Last but not least, it is cheaper than other backpacks but it is still an investment. The expanded 26L version costs $179 and the bigger expanded one will set you back $199.

While the Nomatic is, in my opinion, the most comfortable backpack, the Tortuga quality is very close and it’s surely one of the best on the market.

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY BACKPACK – $99

There are so many backpacks to choose from, but the Victorinox business backpack is one of the best because it features a padded laptop compartment and two large compartments with plenty of space for all your belongings.

With its classic style and sleek design, this backpack is perfect for all travelers who need to carry everything they might need on their business trip.

There are several models available to please everyone.

What I really liked about the Victorinox Swiss Army Backpack is the fact that it has multiple storage pockets to put anything you can think of from pens, notebooks, documents, and more.

It’s also classy which makes it one of the most attractive business backpacks I can think of.

OSPREY FARPOINT – COMFORTABLE BUSINESS BACKPACK FOR TRAVEL – $98

The Osprey Farpoint is a great backpack for those of you who are looking for a lightweight and durable carry-on that will fit into any overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.

It has plenty of padding and comfort features but also has a limited number of pockets and zippers which might be off-putting to some people.

The backpack also cannot be carried like a traditional backpack with straps, so it might not be best for those who don’t like the feel of carrying their bag on their back.

MATEIN TRAVEL LAPTOP BACKPACK – $29

The Matein Travel Laptop backpack is an awesome backpack for all your needs, including business trips.

It’s made out of water-resistant and incredibly durable polyester and has tons of great features – a charging pocket, a beautiful design, a padded laptop sleeve, and ultimately, a luggage strap.

It offers several capacities, being able to hold up to a 15-inch laptop and a tablet combined. This makes it ideal for businessmen who need their accessories at hand whenever they’re traveling or going to work.

On top of all these features, the backpack provides an outside pocket specially designed to charge your phone or your tablet.

As such, you won’t have to worry about your battery ever again when you’re either working or traveling.

On the flip side, the backpack might not be as resilient against water as other backpacks here.

AMAZON BASICS SLIM CARRY-ON LAPTOP – $71

This slim and affordable carry-on laptop travel backpack comes with a padded laptop sleeve made of durable fabric and also features a foldable water-resistant cover to keep your laptop dry.

It has plenty of room for other essentials like clothing, shoes, toiletries, and snacks.

For less than $100, the Amazon Basics Slim Carry-On Laptop Travel Weekender is perfect for all frequent business travelers!

On the other hand, one point to note is that the compartments only open on two sides. Small packing cubes would help, but likely not solve the problem.

KOMALC 16-INCH LEATHER BRIEFCASE – $89

The KomalC 16-inch leather briefcase is perfect for business professionals who want to stand out from the crowd.

The exterior of the bag is made from high-quality buffalo leather and has a beautiful design that will perfectly match your business trip.

The interior is divided into two separate compartments with an inside pocket for your laptop and tablet, as well as plenty of space for files and folders.

It also includes a removable shoulder strap that can be tucked away when not in use.

All things considered, it’s one of the best business travel backpacks, however, it’s essential to highlight the fact that it needs to be maintained since it’s real leather.

SAMSONITE CLASSIC LEATHER SLIM BACKPACK – $150

We all know that backpacks are a necessity when going on a business trip, but the problem is they’re not always stylish.

However, this is not the case with the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack.

This backpack is made of durable and rich-looking leather which makes it perfect for any professional looking to “spice up” their outfit.

With a sleek design, ample space, and more features than you can count on two hands, this backpack has so many advantages over other bags on the market.

It’s available in 2 colors – black and brown – to please everyone whether you’re going on a business journey or around town to meet friends.

KENNETH COLE REACTION MANHATTAN SLIM BACKPACK – $149

Kenneth Cole is a company that believes in the power of fashion to make your business trip more fashionable.

For this, they have designed backpacks with maximum functionality for today’s on-the-go lifestyle and the Manhattan Slim Backpack is the perfect example.

It has been made to fit laptops up to 16 inches and it’s great for going to the office or away for a few days.

This bag is a durable and stylish laptop backpack that will give you the ultimate protection for your most important belongings.

Made of an elegant Colombian genuine leather exterior with tear-resistant lining, it features RFID-blocking technology to keep all personal information safe from thieves as well as a trolley tunnel to fit over luggage handles so no more carrying heavy bags on wheels!

KROSER LAPTOP BAG PREMIUM BRIEFCASE – $39

This women’s black briefcase by Kroser is made from a soft, flexible material with extra pockets for organization.

It expands for greater capacity and is simply one of the best business travel bags.

In addition, its water-resistant exterior can withstand heavier rain or spills, preventing materials inside from being damaged by water.

There are compartments for your 17-inch laptop, iPad, pens, wallet, notebooks, and anything else you may need to bring with you when traveling.

The laptop compartment is padded which protects the items inside from accidental bumps or shocks that could potentially damage your items.

All in all, it’s one of the best bags to bring on a business trip abroad or around the country.

But, as constructive feedback, I’d say that the Kroser laptop bag doesn’t have enough padding on the sides and the bottom which is something worth considering.

EVERKI ATLAS BUSINESS LAPTOP BACKPACK – $159

The Everki Atlas is a compact, comfortable, and affordable business travel backpack that you can bring along anywhere you’re headed.

The first compartment is a special “checkpoint ready” pocket that will fit up to a 17.3-inch laptop and has been created especially for the ones with lots of equipment.

It has more pockets to place your accessories and small items such as a Kindle, phone chargers, cables, pens, and more.

It opens up 180 degrees which is convenient when going through a security checkpoint that accepts checkpoint-friendly bags.

Additionally, it includes wide, padded shoulder straps with a 5-point balance strap to distribute weight and wear it more comfortably.

The Everki Atlas comes in two different versions – the 15.6-inch and the 17.3-inch – with only a $10 difference between them and is definitely the best daypack for travel.

With this in mind, a point to mention is the weight. In fact, while the bag is greatly padded, it adds up weight and the Everki backpack weighs 4.01 lbs or 1.8 kilograms.

Needless to say, that’s quite some weight used and could be a disadvantage when traveling.

SUMMARY – BEST BUSINESS BAGS FOR TRAVELING

So there you have it, a list of 11 different business travel backpacks for men and women based on their size, weight capacity, price range, and more.

I hope that you were able to find the perfect backpack to take your business travel experiences from an average one to a great one!

If not, please leave a comment below this post so I can help provide some additional insight into which type may be best suited for your needs.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

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Charcoal birdseye suit, taupe flat front trousers - classic fit, blue sharkskin loro piana tasmanian suit, mint cashmere sunset jacket, sand loro piana super 150’s trousers, sage linen wool weightless jacket, the best business travel outfit ideas for men to wear.

When it comes to business travel outfits for men , it’s important to strike a balance between style and comfort. This allows you to confidently go from the plane to a client lunch, and then off to your next meeting, all in the same outfit. At the same time, you’ll also want to consider how you can reuse components of your outfits to create different looks while travelling light. 

You need clothing that moves with you, can be adjusted to accommodate the fluctuation of temperatures that are expected when flying, and gives you the confidence to have all eyes on you during that big presentation. 

It seems like a tall order, but we’re here to help by breaking down the best business travel outfit ideas for men .

Must-Haves for Business Trip Attire

Versatility is key when it comes to business travel outfits for men . Pack suits in neutral or complementary colourways so that you can easily mix-and-match pieces throughout your trip.

For example, this Blue Windowpane Wool Silk Suit jacket can be worn with its matching trousers or paired with these Light Grey Earth Care Loop Wool Suit trousers.

Dress Shirts

A fresh dress shirt not only enhances business travel outfits for men , but they quickly enable you to multiply your wardrobe options. Because they won’t take up much space in your bag, you’re free to splurge a little when it comes to your dress shirt selection. 

Here are just a few of our favourites:

  • Navy Stripe Cotton Semi Spread Collar Shirt
  • White Cotton Twill Euro Spread Shirt
  • Midnight Paisley Hidden Buttondown Cotton Shirt

Tip: To prevent wrinkles while packing your dress shirts, ensure they’re buttoned, fold the sleeves inward towards the middle of the shirt, fold in the sides of the shirt towards the middle by about three inches, and then fold the shirt in half from the bottom.

Dress Shoes

The best business travel outfits for men are completed with the right pair of shoes.

Once you’ve selected the outfits you’ll bring, make sure your shoes complement them–but don’t discount the importance of comfort! Your shoes will be a constant in your business travel wardrobe, and you’ll likely be in them all day.

Aim to pack two pairs that work with the tones in your outfits. A sophisticated brogue or oxford can instantly elevate your look and seamlessly transition from the office to cocktails.

Look for ones that have soft soles that will make them comfortable for hours of continuous wear. Or, consider a low-profile insole to help distribute your weight.

Ties can be truly transformative–so don’t discard their importance when packing.

They’re the perfect opportunity to let more of your personality shine through–without limiting your ability to mix and match pieces as much as a vivid suit jacket might.

Ties can be used to add a pop of colour to business travel outfits for men , introduce a unique pattern, or take casual business trip attire up a notch. The options are virtually endless, but of course, you’ll want to pack options that complement the other pieces in your bag.

Look for high-quality fabrics like 100 percent silk and pay close attention to the width and length. You don’t want a tie that’s either too wide or too skinny, as these quickly date your outfit. 

As a rule of thumb, aim for ties that are about 2 ½” to 3 ½” across. 

A bow tie signals confidence and helps you stand out from the crowd at formal events.

You probably won’t wear one daily, but it can be the perfect addition to business travel outfits for men when you need to elevate your look.

Like ties, a bow tie should be made of quality material, and its size and shape can date or limit an outfit. For formal business trip attire , we recommend a modern butterfly bow tie, a batwing bow tie, or a diamond tip bow tie.

Here’s the difference between them:

Modern Butterfly: This bow tie shape is easily the most common–and for good reason! Its simple, classic shape is suitable for any occasion. This makes it well-suited for business travel outfits for men . 

Batwing: This sleek, slim bow tie shape offers a clean look that’s often thought to be more casual than the butterfly shape. That said, it can still be worn with formal outfits.

Diamond Tip: This asymmetrical shape is less commonly seen, giving it a unique edge that supplies business travel outfits for men with a little more oomph.

Dress Socks

Dress socks don’t need to be flashy, although it’s important to invest in some that won’t detract from the rest of your business trip attire .

The right dress socks not only help you look put together, but are key to keeping you comfortable through long days. Consider options that use anti-odor technology to keep you feeling fresh. Ones with substantial cushioning will also help prevent aches and pains.

Adding a few colourful dress socks to your bag can also help you diversify business outfits for men . However, we recommend steering clear of novelty socks. Instead, opt for bright options that complement the neutrals in your outfit. For example, a deep purple dress sock to go with grey suit pants.

Trench Coats

Trench coats are the perfect layering piece for business travel outfits for men . They can be paired with a full suit, or used to lend some timeless sophistication to casual outfits.

business man travelling

Since a good trench coat is a staple piece you can wear for nearly any occasion, opt for a neutral colourway that won’t limit your style. We even offer reversible styles like the Tan Navy Reversible Tech Trench Coat and Black Burgundy Reversible Trench Coat to give you more options.

How to Accessorize Business Travel Outfits for Men

Accessories go a long way in rounding out business travel outfits for men and it never hurts to have a variety on hand.

Here are some we recommend for any business trip:

  • Tie Clips/Bars: In addition to keeping your tie in place, tie clips and bars can also function like a piece of jewellery.
  • Cufflinks: Also balancing functionality with fashion, cufflinks secure the cuffs of your dress shirts but come in all types of materials and designs.
  • Pocket Squares: These decorative accessories provide another avenue for you to show off your creativity. 
  • Watch: Apart from helping you stay on schedule, a great watch is a timeless accessory that not only signifies your fashion sense but carries the connotation that you’re punctual and reliable. 

Leisurewear for Business Trips

Once you’ve packed your business apparel, don’t forget to add a few pieces for your leisure time!

business man travelling

Our Vue Collection is perfect for business casual travel outfits . It includes an array of luxe-casual options that are comfortable yet polished. This makes the pieces ideal for sightseeing, date nights, catching a game at a bar, or just about anything in between.

Here are a few options from the collection that you can remix as you go:

  • Navy Button Front Short Sleeve Knit Shirt
  • White Button Front Short Sleeve Knit Shirt
  • Black Comfort Jersey Knit Shirt
  • Blue & Grey Stripe Seersucker Jacket
  • Brown Wool Knit Jacquard Sweater Jacket
  • Off-White & Grey Double Faced Pique Knit Jacket
  • Midnight Blue Knit Drawstring Pants
  • Black "Elite-Tech" 5-Pocket Pants
  • Grey Jersey Knit 5 Pocket Pants  

Travel Essentials for Business Trips

When planning business travel outfits for men , also consider how you’ll get to and from your destination. 

For example, noise cancelling headphones will make it much easier to concentrate on your work on the plane. Touching down with a classy set of luggage will also ensure you look meeting-ready even if you don’t have time to stop by your hotel. 

Here are some more of our must-pack items: 

  • Portable Battery Charger: Not all planes have chargers readily available, so don’t rely on them. Keep a portable charger on hand to ensure you’re not left stranded.
  • Eye Mask and Inflatable Travel Pillow: Nothing passes flying time like a nap. Bring what you need to make your seat more comfortable so that you can catch some shut-eye.
  • Travel-Friendly Grooming Kit: Face wipes, mouthwash, moisturizer, lip balm, and a battery-operated razor should all be a part of your toiletry bag. Keep them handy so you can quickly freshen up during or right after your flight.

More Tips for Business Travel

  • Pack Light: Business travel outfits for men are all about versatility. Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. (This means you’ll want to leave the statement shoes that only go with that one suit jacket at home.)
  • Carry On: Checking bags takes time and increases the likelihood that they’ll get lost. Always stick to carry-on bags when possible. You should also invest in bags with a stable structure to prevent damage to your items. 
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15 Must-have Things in Men’s Business Travel Wardrobe

business man travelling

Travel packing for men’s business travel wardrobe can be really fun if the right things are selected to be worn. Men’s business wardrobe styling has many items that can be mixed and matched to make an entirely new outfit.

In fact, it is good to shop for each piece individually. Doing this helps you to not get your mind stuck on a particular outfit. You keep mixing things and keep flaunting your outfits as if all of them are freshly worn. Listed below are a few things that will help you make such attires look flawless. Check out and see if you already have any such attire ready for yourself. Women can check out their professional travel packing info here.

Must-have Things in Men’s Business Travel Wardrobe

Nowadays men’s business travel wardrobe is all redefined. These days there is a trending business just based on the ‘business casual look’. This look is super comfortable plus you do not look like a dork. Casual yet classic.

If you really want a different look and want to flaunt your business travel wardrobe, go for this look.

Grab a plain white shirt, wear a dark-coloured cardigan (light coloured cardigan will also work if you are wearing a dark-coloured shirt inside) and over it wear a blazer that is a little shorter in length and is a little softer than a normal blazer fabric. White sneakers will look fabulous with them and you will look more handsome than usual.

Formal look for men's business travel wardrobe

2. Spread collar shirts with Cardigan

Men’s business travel wardrobes should be filled with these pieces. They are outfit saviours. Not only do cardigans make you look classy but you can also experiment with this attire. A spread collar shirt can be worn under a cardigan and sleeves can be folded upward so that the cuffs are visible and the collar can be taken out.

A good watch, chinos and loafers or derby shoes will make this attire more than just a professional outfit.

men's business travel wardrobe

3. Polo T-shirts/Mandarin shirts

Let’s not be a part of the crowd – wear something out of the blue! Maybe a polo T-shirt or a mandarin shirt under a contrasting coloured blazer. This can be matched with chinos and sneakers or even loafers.

This is the most untried attire and I do not see a reason why.

This is more than normal and the level at which this attire can be deemed classy cannot be explained.

men's business travel wardrobe

4. Shawl collar cardigan

Make a list of men’s business travel outfits and add jumpers or shawl collar cardigans to it. Have you ever seen anything as cosy and as stylish as this? Nope! Not possible. This will cost you style points – nothing else. The warmth provided by these is not even a point of discussion. Try a Button-up shirt with it or a T-shirt and chinos instead of jeans and Oxford shoes on top of it. You are winter ready, my friend! Since it is light in weight, carrying it on a business trip will not be a problem.

Men's business travel outfit

5. Chinos vs Trousers

If slim-fit trousers are a star for men’s business travel outfits but chinos are the superstar. Chinos are much more comfortable and the fabric is softer than normal trousers. Chinos look good with shirts and blazers, t-shirts and blazers, cardigans and shirts, Phew! Basically, there is nothing chinos do not go with.

Men's travel outfit for business

6. Suit up for men’s business travel wardrobe

If you ask me, what can look better on a man than a suit?! I will not have an answer to that, and also it’s rhetorical! There is nothing classier than a suit for someone who is planning a list of men’s business travel outfits. It is best if you buy a wrinkle-free suit for yourself because you will have to pack it eventually and you might not get time to iron it.

Or you can just wear it and grab all the eyeballs on your flight 😀

selection of suits - men's business travel wardrobe

7. Double-breasted suits

This coat has wide overlapping flaps which have on its front two symmetrical columns of buttons. The buttons are placed in a  parallel way. The overlapping flaps give it a royal look and soft and warm provide the required heat. If you find it difficult to pack this you can always wear it and take it with you or keep it in hand while travelling. The fabric is soft enough and you can’t just leave it behind. This is perfect wear for a formal professional meeting.

a plain white shirt - men's business travel wardrobe

Men’s business travel wardrobe has shirts as their basic attire. If you do not find anything to wear in your travel wardrobe, you can just wear a shirt and match it with good trousers with a loafer that is as classy as the shirt is and a trendy watch, not to forget the belt, which is not shiny. The belt should be subtle yet classy.

9. Sleeveless sweaters

A man in a sleeveless sweater - Men's business travel wardrobe

Sleeveless formal sweaters are the easiest form of outfit and the cutest looking men’s business travel wardrobe part. Every second guy has one sleeveless sweater with them because it is the easiest to carry along on a trip. It doesn’t take up much space in the luggage. You can always roll it and take it somewhere in the luggage which by the way will always have space for this one attire.

Man wearing formals - men's business travel wardrobe

If you are not a winter person and yet you want to look good in what you are wearing, just add one scarf to your attire. You have no idea what can this little piece of cloth do to your attire and make it look so exclusive. If you think, wool can make you feel bulky, you have misunderstood wool. Cashmere , Alpaca , and Pashmina are wool that can keep you warm enough in winter and aren’t too bulky. If you are looking for breathable fabrics, you should go for, cotton, linen, and jersey.

11. High-neck sweaters

Elegant gentleman wearing a high neck sweater - men's business travel wardrobe

An overcoat and a high-neck sweater with formal shoes and a pair of sunglasses are all you need to make your look as stylish as it can get. High-neck sweaters can usually be folded to provide a double layer of warmth around the neck.

tie for a formal look - men's business travel wardrobe

businessman fixing his tieYou can drape a tie in many ways to accessorise your formal attire. You can select which way you want to drape it and look like a professional and just see what a difference this one piece makes to your attire. The commonly used fabrics for neckties are silk, polyester, wool blends, rayon, nylon, cotton, linen, and ramie. These materials are soft and give a finish to the fabric.

13. Reversible belts

Because you are travelling, you can not take the entire men’s business travel wardrobe with you. So pack smartly so that you can utilize the luggage space as much as you can. Reversible belts give you dual colours in one belt. The buckle can be reversed and you have a belt of a different colour in your hand. Colour choices depend on your preferences.

reversible belts for two colours - men's business travel wardrobe

There is a list of formal shoes that can be worn with an outfit and can look amazing with each one of them.

  • Derby: Classic Derbies are plain leather shoes without any jazz elements in them. They are perfect for everyday wear or for formal attire.
  • Brogues: These are a style of low-heeled shoes characterized by sturdy leather uppers and decorative perforations.
  • Sneakers: These are for business casuals. The attire will look cool and professional at the same time.
  • Oxfords: An Oxford shoe is characterized by shoelace eyelets tabs. Unlike the Derby, these shoes have closed lacing, which means that the laces are attached under the vamp.

So select one for your outfits and you’re done! Style at its peak.

Classic polished men's brown oxford brogues

15. Laptop bags

Go stylish this year with stylish laptop bags that are sleek and completely affordable. Laptop bags are available on different websites and in different styles. Be different and choose something that you have never selected for yourself. Be different, be you! Grab one of these for your men’s business travel wardrobe list.

men's business travel wardrobe

Hopefully, you would have selected items for your men’s business travel wardrobe list now. Like and share the above style with your friends and family. Spread some love.

Also read: Must-have general Travel outfits for men

Amazing tips regarding the men’s wardrobe. The checklist helps a lot for the confused men and who usually forgets things and always end up with the new purchase!!! Thank you for sharing.

Sure this will help Dennis 🙂 Thank you so much. Try them and let us know about the experience.

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Man traveling for work, business travel gift ideas

75 BEST Gift Ideas for Men Who Travel for Work (2023)

It can be SO HARD to find a gift he’ll love. But, if you’re looking for the best gift ideas for men who travel for work, this MASSIVE list of business travel gifts for him is guaranteed to inspire you! 

So, I’m married to a former commercial pilot. He flew for more than 20 years before changing fields, so he got really good at prioritizing his packing list. But there were always a few luxuries that made his list. These travel gifts for men are inspired by him.

His #1 pro tip for the best gifts for someone who travels a lot for work is to keep it practical and physically small. Unless something is super important to man, he’ll likely leave the heavy bulky stuff at home. So, using my husband’s pro tip, here’s a carefully curated and frequent-traveler verified list to help you pick the best travel gifts for him.

*Post updated: August 2023*

Best gift ideas for men who travel for work, business travel gifts for him

Best BUSINESS Travel Gifts for Men

Now, I don’t want you to go cross-eyed looking through this massive list. So, all business travel gifts for men are organized into categories.

  • 11 Best ELECTRONIC Business Travel Gifts for Him
  • 14 TRAVEL BAGS (and Accessories) for Men’s Travel Gifts
  • 8 Best BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Gift Ideas for Men
  • 15 Best TRAVEL ESSENTIALS for Him

16 Best Business CLOTHING Travel Gifts for Him

  • 11 Best ENTERTAINMENT Business Travel Gifts for Men

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. This means that if you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

11 Best ELECTRONIC Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

1. the best laptop gifts for someone who travels a lot of work.

Business traveler laptop, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

When I asked my husband what his #1 most important business travel essential was, you know what he said? His laptop. There was no competition.

It’s tricky buying a new laptop as travel gifts for men. Does he just want something lightweight to catch up on news or sports? Or something to satisfy his gaming itch while he’s on the road? Does he care about brand?

Before buying him a laptop, ask for his dream list and must-have features. And confirm the return policy. Most electronics have a 15-day return policy from the date of purchase.

According to PCMag , the best laptops for business travelers are:

  • Frequent Business Travelers | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023) : Sturdy, lightweight and with enhanced security features.
  • Creators on the Go | HP ZBook Fury 15 G8 : 4K DreamColor screen, processing power and storage perfect for design pros.
  • Gamers on the Go | Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 7 : A bright display, plenty of configuration options, and sturdy build for work and fun! (I’m surprised Lenovo beats Alienware!)

2. Wireless TRAVEL MOUSE Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

A great accessory gift for men who travel for work is a wireless travel mouse. You can get an ultra-tiny travel mouse that takes up very little space, but some reviewers aren’t fans. If the man in your life is quite picky or has big hands, a better option might just be the highest-rated Bluetooth wireless mouse on Amazon .

business man travelling

3. Super-Small INSTA360 GO Video Camera Travel Gifts for Men

Portable video camera, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

This super-small, super-light hands-free video camera is a fun gift for men who travel a lot for work. It’s compatible with both Android and iPhones, and comes with a charge case small enough to fit in his pocket to charge on the go. Shoot 30- or 60-second clips, in hyperlapse, time lapse or slow motion. It has stabilization, is water-resistant and easily attaches by clip, magnet or the pivot stand to get awesome angles. Available on Amazon , with solid reviews.

You may also like: ROMANTIC Gifts for Him

4. XENVO PRO Lens Kit Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

Xenvo smartphone lens, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Another fun video camera as travel gifts for men is the Xenvo Pro Lens Kit. It turns your Android or iPhone camera into a 15x macro lens and 0.45x wide-angle lens, while also improving pictures in low-light environments with the warm and natural LED light. Clip the LED light to your phone, choose from three brightness settings and easily recharge it. It’s a fun, portable gift for someone who travels a lot for work! Check current prices and reviews on Amazon .

5. PORTABLE CHARGER Best Travel Gifts for Him

Travel power bank, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Backup power is ALWAYS a useful and welcome gift for men who travel for work. This is especially true if he travels to remote work locations and those working long hours away from an office.

Anker is the best-selling power bank on Amazon , with very strong reviews. Or for something a little more fun, check out these compact, personalized leather power bank from ShenDoah on Etsy . Both are compatible with Android and Apple.

6. Noise-Cancelling EARBUDS Gifts for Someone who Travels a Lot for Work

Bose noise-canceling earbuds, best business travel gifts for him

Noise-cancelling earbuds are among the best travel gifts for him, whether he travels for work or pleasure. Podcasts, audio books, video games or awesome 80s rock. Noise-cancelling earbuds turn idle travel time into quality personal time while taking up basically none of his minimal packing space.

Bose is the most recognized and respected brand of noise-cancelling technology. Check out the highest rated noise-cancelling earbuds on Amazon , including Bose Quiet Comfort .

Also featured in: Best Gift Ideas for Students Studying Abroad !

7. Noise-Cancelling HEADPHONES Travel Gifts for Men

Bose noise-canceling headphones, best business travel gifts for him

Even with the ultra-portability and awesomeness of noise-cancelling earbuds, some guys would rather have headphones. And these days, most headphones fold up pretty nicely and come with a handy travel bag, making them great travel gifts for men.

As with noise-cancelling earbuds, you can’t go wrong in gifting Bose headphones. Check out the highest rated noise-cancelling headphones on Amazon .

8. WALL CHARGER Business Travel Gifts for Men

Anker wall charger travel gadget, best gifts for men who travel for work

He’ll love this super practical business travel gift for him. Anker makes an ultra slim wall charger with two high-speed USB-C and two USB-A ports, so he can easily charge four devices at once. It supports Programmable Power Supply (PPS) for compatibility with Samsung Super Fast Charging, and has a 5-foot detachable power cord.

9. BLUETOOTH SPEAKER Gift Ideas for Men Who Travel for Work

Bose portable Bluetooth speaker, business travel gifts for men

Speakers on smartphones and laptops just aren’t very good. Make his business travel a lot more enjoyable with a quality Bluetooth speaker he can use in his hotel room.

Bose makes excellent speakers, including this portable Bluetooth speaker . It’s waterproof (it even floats!) and built to resist dust and debris, too. Use the built-in mic for calls or voice controls, as a perfect business travel companion.

10. CAR CHARGER Business Travel Gifts for Him

Road trip car charger, gifts for couples that travel together, business travel gifts

If he drives a lot for work, either in his own car or in a car rental, consider giving him a car charger as a business travel gift for men.

This fast-charging car adapter has four USB ports, making it easy to charge four devices at once while he drives.

11. Power ADAPTER and CONVERTER Business Gifts for Men Who Travel

Voltage converter for travel, techy travel accessories for women

If you’re looking for practical business gifts for men who just started traveling internationally, a power adapter and converter is a winner. (If he’s been traveling internationally for a while, he likely already has one.) 

Outside of North America, most outlets won’t be compatible with his electronics and electric appliances. And if he uses an electric razor, he’ll need a power converter to safely use it. 

I recommend just getting an all-in-one power adapter and converter, so he’s packing one thing that does it all. Here’s a 2000-watt travel adapter and converter on Amazon .

business man travelling

14 Best TRAVEL BAGS Business Travel Gifts for Men

12. rolling carry-on suitcase gifts for men who travel for work.

A carry-on sized suitcase with wheels is a pretty safe luggage gift for men who travel for work. Pay attention to his preference for soft-shell or hard-shell suitcases. If he’s a picky traveler, ask some not-so-subtle questions about brand preference, style preference, and feature preference. 

Renegade 20-Inch Expandable from Kenneth Cole is an awesome hard-shell carry-on suitcase. It has eight 360-degree spinner wheels and tons of interior pockets to keep him organized. 

Kenneth Cole carry-on suitcase, best business travel gifts for him

We love Samsonite softside carry-on suitcases, like the 20-inch expandable Samsonite Lineate with eight 360-degree spinner wheels, a zippered side pocket with USB port, and tri-fold suiter to keep clothes wrinkle-free.

Samsonite carry-on suitcase, best business travel gifts for him

13. Weekend DUFFEL BAG Travel Gifts for Men

Travel duffel bags, business travel gift ideas for him

A good weekend bag is another fantastic gift for men who travel for work. While a weekend bag is more casual than a rolling carry-on suitcase, you can get quite sophisticated weekend bags perfect for the suave business traveler.

For a great classic duffel travel bag gift for him, check out the Aspect Duffel from Hex . If you’re interested in a beautiful leather weekend travel bag, check out the duffel bags from Capra Leather on Etsy. They have a small zippered pocket inside and outside, and the shoulder strap is padded, adjustable and removable. You can also have it custom engraved.

business man travelling

14. Handsome GARMENT BAGS Best Travel Gifts for Him

Carry-on size garment bag, best business travel gifts for him

Men who travel for work will benefit from a quality garment bag. A good garment bag keeps shirts, pants and jackets pressed when they arrive at their destination, hopefully averting the need to re-iron them. (‘Cause no one likes re-ironing.)

Topping the list for carry-on size garment bags on Amazon is Travelpro Maxlite , with tons of interior pockets and a hanger bracket that holds everything in place. If you’re interested in a high-quality leather garment bag, you have to check out Time Resistance on Etsy. Their gorgeous handmade, full-grain and vegetable-tanned leather garment bag has lots of exterior zippered pockets and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap.

15. Small BACKPACK Gifts for Men Who Travel a Lot for Work

Small backpack, best business travel gifts for him

A small backpack is among the best travel gifts for him. He can use it as a personal bag on flights for carrying must-have electronics and business essentials. Comfortably haul stuff around at his destination. And even use it at home for commuting to and from work. Small backpacks can span the spectrum from quite casual (think hiking daypacks) to more stylish urban backpacks for men. 

A great casual backpack for business travel is the Supply Signal Backpack by Hex . It has a large padded exterior pocket for a tablet and padded main compartment, and is water-resistant. And you can’t go wrong with a classic leather backpack from Coach , like the Carriage Backpack. Coach also has some funkier options, if your man prefers something less classic.

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16. Crossbody MESSENGER BAG Business Travel Gifts for Him

Leather crossbody messenger bag, best business travel gifts for him

No matter what type of work your man does, a quality crossbody messenger bag will be a very welcomed business travel gift. The main considerations when looking for the perfect crossbody travel bag for him is obviously his style, how much he’ll likely carry, and whether he’ll need anti-theft and tear-resistant material. 

For a beautiful leather crossbody messenger bag, check out the gorgeous Messenger Double from Tuscany Leather . It has a wonderful soft structure, three compartments, and zippered pockets inside and outside. Cheaper options are available if you only want one compartment or a smaller size, but still with lots of handy pockets to stay organized.

If you’d prefer an anti-theft crossbody messenger bag for him, check out the highest-rated options on Amazon including the Travelon Urban Messenger Bag . It’s pretty style-neutral and has lots of zippered compartments and space, with two expandable exterior pockets for packing a water bottle and coffee. Beautiful and practical business travel gifts for him.

For unique crossbody messenger bags, visit Best HANDMADE Travel Daypacks for Men .

17. Small SLING BAG Daypack Gift for Men Who Travel for Work

Leather sling bag, best business travel gifts for him

A small slingback daypack is another fantastic gift for men who travel a lot for work. Smaller than a crossbody messenger bag, a slingback daypack works perfectly as a personal bag on flights to hold travel essentials like electronics. It’s also perfect for the minimalist traveler on day trips while keeping his hands free, too.

Check out the beautiful Martin slingback from Tuscany Leather . For a more casual and anti-theft sling bag gift idea, my favorite is the one from Zuk on Amazon . It has lots of features, including an anti-theft lock, back zippered pocket, USB charging port and shoulder slot. Plus, it’s water-resistant and tear-resistant.

18. PACKING CUBES Gifts for Men Who Travel

Packing cubes for luggage, best business travel gifts for him

Packing cubes can be the perfect gift for men who travel for work or play, whether he loves being organized or needs to be! When picking the best packing cubes, consider getting a variety of sizes and with mesh to see what’s inside.

You can find a ton of highly-rated packing cube gift ideas on Amazon . My favorite is the 5-piece luggage organizer from Travelizer, which includes a pouch for shoes.

19. TOILETRIES BAG Gifts for Men Who Travel a Lot for Work

Leather toiletries case for men, best business travel gifts for him

For a toiletries bag he’ll use AND love, head to Etsy for gorgeous leather dopp kits. Personalize them for that extra touch!

My favorites include the double-compartment leather dopp kit from tergusco and leather dopp kit from AGIOTAGE , which comes in three sizes and lots of beautiful colors. You can personalize both options.

Want MORE? Check out SMALL Travel Accessory Bags .

20. Practical ELECTRONICS ORGANIZER Best Travel Gifts for Him

Leather electronics organizer, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Here’s a final travel bag gift for men who travel for work: an organizer for his electronic accessories. I love this handmade leather travel storage pouch from SKIN and SKIN on Etsy. It has two inner pockets for power bands and chargers, five elasticized slots for cords and USB drives, and a zippered closure. Choose from two sizes, or upgrade to the full sized organizer for two pockets that fit a laptop, tablet or notepad for the best travel gift for him.

You may also like watch organizers for travel .

21. LAPTOP ORGANIZER Business Travel Gifts for Men

Leather laptop organizer, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

If you love an electronics organizer as a gift for men who travel a lot for work BUT want something that fits a tablet or laptop, check out Capra Leather on Etsy. Capra Leather sells beautiful handmade travel accessories made from full-grain leather.

For the laptop sleeve, you can choose from small, medium or large sizes to fit his device. All leather laptop sleeves include an interior pocket and pen holder, and some have a handle. Or, check out the leather laptop bags with a zippered interior pocket and lots of elasticized bands for storing cords, earbuds, USB drives and pens. 

22. HANGING STORAGE Gift Ideas for Men Who Travel for Work

Hanging luggage organizer, business travel gifts for him

One of the worst things about traveling for business is living out of a suitcase. With this hanging storage compartment , he can quickly and easily move his clothes from the suitcase to the closet. Pack it in the suitcase like a regular packing cube, and then hang it up in the hotel. I like the ones with zippered covers so stuff doesn’t fall out.

23. LUGGAGE TAG Business Travel Gifts for Him

Leather luggage tags, personalized gift ideas for men who travel for work

For a simple but sophisticated business travel gift for men is a quality leather luggage tag. As he’s wheeling his bags through the airport or into his hotel, he’ll be proud to show off these beautiful luggage tags from the PEGAI shop on Etsy.

24. COMPRESSION CUBES Gifts for Business Travelers

Compression packing cubes, business travel gifts for him

Luggage compression cubes are especially handy for business travelers who only fly with carry-on luggage. And they’re super easy to use. Simply pack your clothes as though they’re regular luggage cubes, and then use the extra zipper to compress them.

(Though he’ll likely want a portable steamer, too. See below for ideas!)

25. Small SACK Business Travel Gifts for Men

Drawstring bag, business travel gifts for men

A small travel sack is a very handy travel bag for men’s travel gifts. It’s a more economical gift idea compared to luggage, but your business traveler will love it. Depending on the bag, he can use it for heading to the hotel gym, a quick walk around the block, or as a laundry bag. We love this drawstring backpack from Hurley.

8 BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Best Travel Gifts for Him

26. business leather portfolio gifts for men who travel a lot for work.

Leather portfolio, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

If you’re looking for quality business travel gifts that he likely won’t buy for himself, it’s a leather portfolio. A high-quality, fine-leather portfolio is a gift that business travelers will use for a long time, for both work trips and everyday business use.

Check out both Tuscany Leather and Time Resistance for beautiful leather portfolios. Both have great options with a zippered closure and lots of interior pockets.

Wondering how to choose a meaningful gift? Check out our 5-step gift giving guide .

27. Business LEATHER FOLDER Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

Leather folder, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Another option to a traditional leather portfolio is a leather folder. Check out Major Leather on Etsy for a variety of beautiful handmade leather folder gifts for men who travel a lot for work. They vary in sizes, style and functionality. For example, some just have lots of handy pockets, and some have binder rings. Some have a handle and some don’t.

Note: If ordering from the United States, give yourself up to 25 days for delivery time.

28. LEATHER WALLET Best Travel Gifts for Him

Leather wallet, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

You’ll find a quality leather wallet on every list of best travel gifts for him, because he’ll use it for a very long time. A classy, classic option is the slim billfold wallet from Coach .

For a handmade leather wallet you can personalize, check out Script Leather on Etsy. My favorite one has one money slot, 5 card slots and 2 hidden slots. Personalize it on the front, plus a scripted message inside to make it extra special. 

29. BUSINESS CARD HOLDER Travel Gifts for Men

Leather business card holder, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Even if your business traveler already has a great wallet, he likely doesn’t have a classy business card holder. Check out these beautiful options from Etsy. I love the simple quality you get with Time Resistance . Have it personalized for an extra touch to your travel gift for him. 

30. Leather SUNGLASSES CASE Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

Leather sunglasses case, best gifts for men who travel a lot for work

Keep his sunglasses (or regular glasses) in good shape while he’s traveling with this gorgeous leather sunglasses case from Pegai on Etsy. It’s handmade with a full-grain leather exterior and soft suede lining inside, and has a magnetic closure. Fold it flat for storage. Available in dark and medium brown.

31. Leather VALET TRAY Business Travel Gifts for Him

Leather valet tray, best gifts for men who travel a lot for work

This beautiful leather valet tray is the perfect place for him to keep track of his jewelry and keys while in a hotel. Choose from three sizes and nine colors. Personalize it, too, for a thoughtful gift for men who travel for work.

32. Leather CORD ROLL Gifts for Business Travelers

Leather cord roll, personalized gift ideas for men who travel for work

A minimalist business traveler will love this gorgeous leather cord roll for organizing cords on the go. Available in two sizes, with either four or six cord loops, plus a pocket. And it rolls up nice and tight with the leather strap. Choose from nine colors, plus customization for the extra touch on your business travel gift for him. 

33. Leather NOTEBOOK COVER Business Travel Gifts for Him

Leather notebook cover, business travel gifts for men

A leather notebook cover is a simple but possibly one of the best gifts for men who travel a lot for work. Even for minimalist business travelers, a leather cover can make a simple notebook in the field look super sophisticated. Find lots of beautiful styles, colors and sizes on Etsy .

13 Practical TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

34. travel iron gifts for someone who travels a lot for work.

Travel iron, business travel gift ideas for him

Now, a travel iron might not be as fun as other travel gifts for men on this list. BUT it’s super practical. Especially if your business traveler is picky about properly-pressed business clothes and doesn’t always stay at hotels with nice irons. A great compact travel iron with steam is from Steamfast . It heats up quickly and comes with a travel bag.

35. ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH Travel Gifts for Men

Every dentist I’ve been to in the past 10 years recommends using an electric toothbrush. They’ve also told me that it’s the best option for traveling, even if the battery dies on the way.

So, while it isn’t all that sexy, an electric toothbrush is definitely a practical business travel gift for him! The Oral-B 1000 Cross-Action continues to get strong reviews, which is the one I have. My husband has tried both the round and long heads, and prefers the round head.

36. TRAVEL RAZOR Business Travel Gifts for Him

Travel shaver, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Most men with a beard who travel for work will appreciate a good electric razor. For portability, Amazon’s editorial reviews recommend the Panasonic Electric Travel Shaver . It’s good for both wet and dry shaves, light at only 6 ounces, and fits well in both hands. Most importantly, men rate it high and report that it gives them a close, comfortable shave. 

37. EARPLUGS Travel Essentials Gift He’ll Definitely Use

Silicone earplugs, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

On my husband’s top 3 list of business travel essentials is earplugs. When I rolled my eyes at posting this among best travel gifts for men, he was adamant that this saved him many a night’s sleep in not-so-quiet hotels. I’ve also met business travelers staying at hostels, where it could come in very handy.

So, is it possible to get not-so-uncool earplugs as travel gifts for men? Yes, it is! I found these highly-rated reusable silicone earplugs that come with a portable case. They work for any ear size, for those who sleep on their side, and reviewers love them. Plus, they’re a pretty blue. Perfect!

You may also like: How to Survive AFTER a Red-Eye to London with your Partner

38. Best TRAVEL PILLOW Business Travel Gifts for Him 

Best travel pillow, business travel gifts for him

While some business travelers love their travel pillows, some can’t be bothered with them. I suggest testing out this travel gift for him by asking pointed questions on whether he’d try it. And if he’s interested, choose a quality one that has a chance of working. Like the travel neck pillow from BCOZZY that supports the chin, unlike most. Reviews love it.

39. Best TRAVEL EYE MASK He’ll Use … and LOVE!

Best eye mask, business travel gift ideas for him

Gifting an eye mask is similar to a travel pillow. It’ll go over better with some men who travel a lot for work than others. But they’re pretty low-cost, and I found one you can just take a risk on.

A travel eye mask he might actually love is this wireless Bluetooth travel eye mask . It has 3D contours around the nose and eyes to keep light out and let his eyes move comfortably, and soft breathable fabric good for those with insomnia, migraines and dry eyes. He can be lulled to sleep listening to his favorite music or white noise through the Bluetooth speakers. I definitely think this makes the list of best travel gifts for him!

40. Personalized PASSPORT HOLDER Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

Leather passport holder, best gift ideas for men who travel internationally for work

There are SO many beautiful passport holders out there that make a great gift for men who travel for work. To make it extra special, get it personalized! If it’s for your significant other, add your favorite picture of you two and hide a few love notes in it, too.

When looking at the best passport holder travel gifts for him, you might consider one with RFID (radio frequency detection) protection. It protects against RFID skimming, or a type of digital theft that applies to passports and credit cards.

BUT, if you do a basic search on whether RFID protection is necessary, you’ll see strong arguments that it isn’t. RFID skimming just doesn’t really happen, and most passports and credit cards have encryption. So, take this with a grain of salt when gifting a passport holder.

You can find some gorgeous passport holders on Etsy . My favorites as gifts for men who travel a lot for work include the soft-leather passport holder travel wallet from AGIOTAGE and the travel wallet from Lovie Style , with a zippered closure and spots for his phone, power pack, and charging cord. Both can be personalized as best gifts for business travelers.

41. TILE ESSENTIALS Best Gifts for Business Travelers

Tile Mate, business travel gift ideas for him

Have you heard of Tile Mate? It’s your own personal tracker! Sync it to your smartphone via Bluetooth and attach or tuck it into things like wallets and travel bags. Then, if one goes missing, it’s easy to locate them. You can even use it to find your phone. Double-press the tile button and it’ll make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent mode. Talk about best travel gifts for him!

The most common version of Tile is Tile Mate, which has a small ring hole to attach to things like key rings and travel bag zippers. Tile Slim is super thin to fit inside a passport holder or wallet and works great bundled to important documents. And Tile Sticker is even smaller, which would be handy to use on things like your camera and TV remote control for when he’s back home. You can find them on Amazon .

42. MICROFIBRE CLOTHS Practical Travel Gifts for Men

Microfibre cloths are another great add-on gift for men who travel a lot for work. A quality microfibre travel cloth comes in handy for wiping down anything from glasses to camera lenses to electronic screens. Here’s a great option from Amazon .

43. COMPACT TOWEL Gifts for Men Who Travel a Lot for Work

Best travel towel, business travel gift ideas for him

Thinking mostly of business travelers who stay in hostels, a compact travel towel can be a great gift for someone who travels a lot for work. I honestly can’t say I’m a fan of microfibre towels, but they dry quickly and are antibacterial. So, they can be perfect travel gifts for men. 

This travel towel from Rainleaf is thicker and more absorbent than most, but still lightweight and folds into its compact carrying case. Measure your bath towel to pick which of the three sizes is best for you. Reviewers love it.

44. STEAM CLIP Small Business Travel Gifts for Men

Steam clip travel gadget, best gifts for men who travel for work

This small, lightweight travel gadget is a surprisingly versatile tool that he’ll love having with him on the road. Its main use is for hang-steaming wrinkled clothes in the shower, since it’s compatible with both small and regular-sized hooks and ball tip hangers, too.

But it’s also a bottle opener, smartphone stand, thread or tag cutter, and ruler. Use it at airport washrooms to keep his jacket off the floor. Check reviews and prices for this ingenious steam clip on Amazon.

45. TOILETRIES Men Will Love

Toiletries, business travel gifts for him

While we’re on the topic of washroom travel essentials for business travelers, let’s include awesome toiletries.

My favorite place to shop for this is The Body Shop. Their quality products, light fragrances and handsome packaging make for wonderful gifts he wouldn’t treat himself to. Like their shave gel and post-shave gel. Both are available in their toiletries gifts for men.

46. LUGGAGE SCALE Gifts for Someone Who Travels a Lot for Work

Luggage scale travel gadget, best gifts for men who travel for work

For frequent flyers, a portable luggage scale is a very handy tool to have on trips. He can easily make sure his bags are within the allowable limit, and move things between bags if they’re not. It’s much easier to do this at home or in the hotel room rather than at the airport.

47. Filtered WATER BOTTLE Best Travel Gifts for Men

Filtering water bottle, outdoors Gifts for travel lovers

Whether he’s flying or driving, a water bottle with filtration is a very practical business travel gift for men. He can fill it up in the airport or random backcountry streams and still drink safe, clean water.

48. TRAVEL PILL BOX Business Travel Gifts for Him

Travel pill box, best business travel gifts for him

Tylenol was another business travel essential for my husband. While I definitely draw the line at recommending such a boring business travel gift idea, I will find a great pill box!

There are SO many fun travel pill cases on Etsy. My favorites are the 7-day wooden pill cases from JTNlab , with plenty of styles to choose from, and the leather pill box cover from Mazova Store .

49. A Quality LEATHER JACKET Gift He’ll Love

Leather jacket, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

A high-quality leather jacket is another business travel essential my husband used all the time. (That is, when he wasn’t wearing a company jacket.) This might be a trickier gift for men who travel for work, as you really have to know his style to pick a good one. Some like bomber style and some don’t. And some prefer brown and others prefer black. But if you throw out some pointed questions to get a sense of what he’d like and then pick a high-quality leather jacket, this should be a pretty safe bet as a fantastic travel gift for him.

If you want a gorgeous leather jacket, take a look at the classic leather racer jacket from Coach . It comes in both black and rich brown, with a modern low-profile collar and zippered pockets. 

For a vegan-friendly imitation suede jacket, check out the stylish bomber jacket from Banana Republic . It has the knit bomber collar and cuffs, zippered closure, and two regular pockets plus a zippered exterior pocket. Reviewers love this jacket.

50. RAIN JACKET Gift for Men Who Travel for Work

Rain jacket, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

A good rain jacket is another solid gift for men who travel for work. If he already has a favorite brand, you could check out their options. Or, pick one of the best-rated and most respected brands. 

While The North Face is well-known for its quality hiking gear, the Dryzzle Futurelight rain jacket is subtle enough to work as an urban rain jacket, too. It’s waterproof, breathable and durable. And it looks fantastic. Men rate it high.

51. SPORT COAT Business Travel Gifts for Him

Sport coat, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

A man who travels a lot for work will appreciate a quality sport coat. A sport coat is a classic clothing piece that quickly turns a casual outfit into a perfect outfit for an evening out with colleagues.

One of my favorite stores for men’s business clothing is Banana Republic , but Old Navy also has very respectable, less expensive options.

52. New DRESS SHIRT He’ll Love for Work

Dress shirt, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

I love dressing my husband! Not that he lets me do it very often. But just look at these handsome button-up shirts from Frank and Oak . They’re classic collared, long-sleeved shirts available in slim or regular fit.

53. New DRESS PANTS Travel Gifts for Men

Dress pants, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Building from the beautiful dress shirts above, go shopping on Frank and Oak for new dress pants, too!

Choose from various fits, including skinny, slim, athletic, tapered and straight. They come in classic colors, like dark blues, greys, browns and black. Plus, dark greens and a “greige” … grey beige?

54. Comfy LEATHER SANDALS Best Travel Gifts for Him

Leather dress sandals, business travel gift ideas for him

If you’re not so sure about a jacket, quality sandals he can wear on business trips are great travel gifts for him. Check out these beautiful sandals from Steve Madden . The Gavinn Leather sandal comes in a gorgeous brown, black and white.

55. Special UNDIES Best Gifts for Men Who Travel

Best mens underwear, business travel gift ideas for him

Ready for a fun surprise? Men’s underwear with a hidden pocket! This is definitely among the best gifts for men who travel internationally for work or pleasure. It’s always a challenge for guys to find a secure spot to carry high currencies. And even for local business travel, they’re still pretty fun. 

Find this ingenious men’s underwear from Smuggling Duds on Etsy. You have lots of pattern options to pick from, with either a full-width hidden pocket or half-width hidden pocket and front opening.

Also featured in: 15 Best Gift Ideas for Students Studying Abroad !

56. Fun SOCKS Best Gifts for Business Travelers

Personalized socks, business travel gift ideas for him

Yeah, yeah. You knew this one was coming! But hear me out … Fun, personalized socks are an easy and low-cost gift for men who travel a lot for work, perfect as a stocking stuffer for guys. Spice up his wardrobe with some fun socks. Pick a funky sock pattern, or personalize your sock gift with a message hidden underfoot that’ll make him smile every time he thinks of them. 

Two of my favorite sock gift shops on Etsy are MyGift4U with so much inspiration for your secret message, and Sophia Co with lots of subtle but fun superhero socks. Or, how about some nice ones from Steve Madden ? Not so bad, right?!

57. Versatile Business TIE Gifts for Men Who Travel a Lot for Work

Best neck ties, business travel gift ideas for him

You just knew we had to have a tie on this list of best business travel gifts for him! While ties are definitely a personal style thing and are often a little stuffy, you can find some pretty fun ones, too. Keep it appropriate for business travel and something you think he’ll actually wear. But other than that, have fun with this! Ties make great compact travel gifts for him. 

Find tons of beautiful fun ties at The Tie Bar . Shop by color, material (like Italian wool!), pattern and what goes with your suit color. Awesome!

58. CAP Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

Hurley cap, business gift ideas for men

A quality cap can help him feel like a million bucks while he’s traveling for business.

We love the caps from Hurley, especially the H2O-DRI. It’s made with a stretch fabric and a moisture-wicking sweatband to keep him looking and feeling cool. Available in two sizes and eight color combinations.

59. SLIPPERS Best Travel Gifts for Men

Diesel flip flops, business travel gift ideas for him

Even for minimalist business travelers, quality slippers can make the hotel experience feel SO much nicer. He can use them in the hotel room itself or walking to the pool.

Diesel has simple and classy flip flops he’d be proud to wear to the pool . Kenneth Cole also has a variety of versatile slide sandals .

60. Business-Casual SHIRTS for Professional Men

Business casual shirt, business gift ideas for men

Keep him comfortable and looking good on his trips with a business-casual shirt. I love Hurley’s polo shirt and long sleeve top. And both are on their best-selling clothing list, so you know guys love them.

61. Best WATCH Gifts for Men who Travel for Work 

Leather watch, best gift ideas for men who travel a lot

While wearing a watch isn’t as common as it was before everyone carried a smartphone on them, having a really nice watch is now a sign of prestige.

You could get him a classy, timeless watch, like this gorgeous one from Kenneth Cole . Or, go with the beautiful, ultra-modern smartwatch from Diesel . It’s integrated with Google Pay, Google Assistant and Google Fit, and compatible with both iPhone and Android.

You may also be interested in watch organizers for travel .

62. Best SUNGLASSES Business Travel Gifts for Him

Best sunglasses, business travel gift ideas for him

Does your business traveler have a good pair of sunglasses? If not, this could be the best business travel gift for him! You can’t really go wrong with aviator-style sunglasses from Coach or Ray-Ban .

63. Handsome BRACELETS as Best Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

Personalized leather bracelet, best business travel gifts for him

I typically don’t recommend jewelry for men, but these leather bracelets from Forjd Leather in Georgia and Artizian in Canada are awesome travel gifts for him. They’re rugged and beautiful, and will remind him of you when he’s traveling for work.

64. Best KEYCHAIN Travel Gifts for Him

Personalized leather keychain, best business travel gifts for him

Keychains are another sweet travel gift idea for men that’ll bring a smile to his face when he’s out on the job. I love these personalized leather keychains from Iron and Grain USA and Cowhidea on Etsy.

11 Best ENTERTAINMENT Gifts for Men Who Travel a Lot for Work

65. guitar trainer business travel gifts for men.

Travel guitar trainer, thoughtful travel gifts for men

Does he love playing guitar? Check out this portable guitar trainer that packs small and light. This business travel gift for men lets him pursue his musical hobby, even on the road. Cool, right?

66. Leather BOOKMARK Travel Gifts for Him

Personalized leather bookmark, business travel gifts for men

A quality leather bookmark is a practical gift for men who travel for work, whether they love reading for pleasure or have to push through a stack of business paperwork. Make the job a lot more enjoyable with a personalized leather bookmark from Sugar Creek Lane on Etsy. It’s also a great gift topper for larger gifts.

67. Personalized CIGAR Travel Gifts for Him

Cigar gift set, personalized business travel gifts for him

If he enjoys a good cigar while he’s on the road, consider this elegant travel cigar case humidor and accessories from Magic Wood Shop on Etsy. This store has a variety of personalized cigar gifts for men.

68. Personalized WHISKEY Travel Gifts for Men

Whiskey cubes, personalized business travel gifts for him

While you’re visiting the Magic Wood Shop on Etsy, also check out their travel gifts for men who enjoy their whiskey. Their personalized whiskey cubes come with a wooden box and pouch, perfect for when he’s traveling for work.

69. AUDIO BOOKS Gifts for Someone Who Travels a Lot for Work

AudiobooksNow, business travel gift ideas for him

Audio books are a great way to pass the time when traveling for business. With AudiobooksNow , gift ideas include an audiobook so he can try it out, an annual plan that comes with 50% off one title each month, or gift certificates. He can stream or download books through the free app on both Android and Apple devices. And since bookmarks are synced across devices, he can continue where he left off no matter which device he has on him at the time.

70. VIDEO GAME as Best Travel Gifts for Him

Screenshot of Stream website, best gift ideas for men who travel a lot

Now, my husband likes his video games. I’ve learned over the years that his favorite thing to do in the evening is to relax back at the hotel while playing his favorite video game. (Yes, even in Maui or Scotland! Although a good pub is a close second.)

If this sounds like your frequent business traveler, consider getting him that new game he’s been eager to try. Steam makes it easy to gift an online game to a friend, or simply give him a Steam gift card. It’s an easy winner.

71. MAGAZINE Gifts for Men Who Travel for Work

Screenshot of SportsLine website, best gift ideas for men who travel a lot

Is your frequent business traveler an avid news guru or sports fanatic? Get him an online subscription to his favorite newspaper or to SportsLine ! Or, find a fun magazine like Retro Gamer and Classic Rock, to help him pass the down time while traveling for work.

72. Personalized DECK OF CARDS Travel Gifts for Men

Personalized deck of cards, best gift ideas for men who travel a lot

A deck of cards can be the perfect low-cost stocking stuffer travel gift for men. It’s an easy, compact accessory to help him pass the time with a colleague while waiting for flights or lounging after a long day, or for a relaxed game of solitaire.

And if you personalize them (fit for business travel, of course!), he can take a little taste of home with him. With Desogn’s shop on Etsy, you can personalize the front, plus every individual card, too!

You may also like: Best Business Travel Gifts for WOMEN

73. TRAVEL GAMES Gifts for Someone Who Travels a Lot for Work

Screenshot of Stream website, best gift ideas for men who travel a lot

Building off the personalized deck of cards, there are some really awesome travel games that make awesome gifts for men who travel for work. Check out chess/checkers travel game rolls on Etsy . Or the super-mini travel crib board in a beautiful leather roll-up pouch from Walnut Studiolo . 

74. Travel EXPERIENCES for Men Who Travel a Lot for Work

Tinggly experiences, thoughtful gifts for men, retirement gift ideas for him

Tinggly is an easy and inspiring gift for someone who travels a lot for work. It’s essentially a gift card for thousands of experiences around the world, including many in the United States and Canada.

Choose between gift cards like Bucketlist, Key to Europe, and Superman. He can use them on his own or with a friend. Seaplane and fishing tours. Train, foodie and historic tours. Canoeing, ziplining and whitewater rafting.

Awesome, right?!

75. ALCOHOL for When the Frequent Business Traveler Returns!

Craft beer tasting, best gift ideas for men who travel for work

Now, if the man in your life is anything like mine, he’d really appreciate a nice drink when he gets back home. The toughest decision is which type of drink he’d like most!

Give the gift of craft beer through the Craft Beer Club ! Craft Beer Club features 100% independent craft breweries from across the United States, and won’t repeat the same brand for at least two years. And they give you lots of ways to give. Choose from 1 to 12 shipments, and 12 or 24 beers per month (4 styles, and either 3 or 6 of each). You can send a shipment every month, every other month, or every three months. 

More awesome gift ideas are waiting for you at The Whisky Exchange . And no, it’s not just whisky! Choose from elegant gift sets and tasting sets with a variety of price-points and a variety of drinks, including whisky (of course), rum, gin and cocktails.

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Three surfers on a dream trip to Mexico were brutally killed. Here’s what we know

Photos of three surfers who disappeared in Mexico are placed on the beach in Ensenada.

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A trio of tourists on a surfing trip in Mexico were living an idyllic life. They were posting photos of themselves on the beach, on rooftops, drinking beer, listening to music as they explored the country’s scenic coastline.

Then, they disappeared.

Here’s what we know about what happened:

Who were they?

The men who were killed were Australian brothers Callum Robinson, 33, his brother Jake, 30 , and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30.

Callum was a high-level lacrosse player. He played Division III college lacrosse at Stevenson University in Maryland.

TOPSHOT - Rescue workers, forensics, and prosecutors work in a waterhole where human remains were found near La Bocana Beach, Santo Tomas delegation, in Ensenada, Baja California State, Mexico, on May 3, 2024. . The FBI said on Friday that three bodies were found in Mexico's Baja California, near an area where two Australians and an American went missing last week during a surfing trip. "We confirm there were three individuals found deceased in Santo Tomas, Baja California," a statement from the FBI's office in San Diego said without providing identities of the victims. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images)

World & Nation

Bodies found in Baja California during search for missing tourists, Mexican officials say

Mexican officials say three bodies are found in the Baja California area where two Australian brothers and their American friend went missing while on a surf trip.

May 4, 2024

“He lived an extraordinary life, but what is most impressive about Callum is what a loyal friend he was. Once you were his friend, you were friends for life,” said Stevenson University lacrosse team coach Paul Cantabene.

“My heart is shattered into a million pieces,” wrote Callum Robinson’s girlfriend, Emily Horwath, in an Instagram post.

His brother Jake was a doctor, and Jack Carter Rhoad founded an online apparel company in San Diego called Loma Apparel. He also worked for a consulting company called ITCO Solutions.

Rhoad had recently proposed to his girlfriend, and his final Facebook post, from July 2023, showed pictures of the proposal.

What were they doing in Mexico?

The three men were on a surfing trip in Baja California and were expected to check into an Airbnb in Rosarito on April 27 but never showed up, according to Debra Robinson, Callum and Jake’s mother.

The three arrived in Mexico on April 26 for their idyllic beachside trip. Callum Robinson posted photos of the trio drinking beer on a rooftop, as well as pictures of the men at the beach and in a rooftop Jacuzzi.

Locals march to protest the disappearance of foreign surfers in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)

3 bodies in Mexican well identified as Australian and American surfers killed for tires

Mexican authorities say three suspects killed two Australians and an American on a surfing trip in Baja California to steal tires from their truck.

May 5, 2024

Their disappearance triggered a manhunt and investigation by local Mexican police, the FBI and the Mexican marines.

What happened?

Mexican authorities have determined that the three men were killed by thieves who were looking to steal their white pickup truck in order to sell its tires.

The Chevrolet truck was posted in the first picture Callum Robinson shared when the men arrived in Baja California on April 26. It had a California license plate.

The bodies of the victims were found about 4 miles from where they were killed, just south of the city of Ensenada. A tent the men were staying in, as well as their burned-out truck, was found nearby.

María Elena Andrade Ramírez, chief state prosecutor of the state of Baja California, said investigators discovered their bodies 50 feet deep in a remote well.

Inside the well was a fourth cadaver as well, she said.

Three Mexicans are being held in connection with the case, the prosecutor said.

Haitian migrants camp out at the Giordano Bruno plaza in Mexico City, Thursday, May 18, 2023. The group was staying at a shelter in Mexico City on their way north but were forced to make camp at the park after the shelter closed. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

This gentrifying Mexico City neighborhood has a Soho House — and a migrant encampment

An encampment in the Juarez neighborhood of Mexico City shows how migration is impacting countries south of the U.S. border.

May 7, 2024

What does it mean for tourists?

The killings have set off pitched discussions over safety as well as the prioritization of solving the homicides of other tourists killed in Mexico.

On the Talk Baja Facebook group, concerned surfers and potential visitors to the Northern Mexico state have discussed whether they should still visit the area.

The U.S. State Department said in its 2023 report that Americans should “reconsider” travel to Baja California due to kidnapping and crime. The “reconsider” category is the second-worst category, after the department’s “do not travel to” recommendation.

More to Read

The photos of the foreign surfers who disappeared are placed on the beach in Ensenada, Mexico, Sunday, May 5, 2024. Mexican authorities said Friday that three bodies were recovered in an area of Baja California near where two Australians and an American went missing last weekend during an apparent camping and surfing trip. (AP Photo/Karen Castaneda)

Testimony details alleged motives in Mexico surfer slayings: ‘Money, devices and the pickup’

May 9, 2024

February 8, 2020 - Surfers enter the water on a calm morning at Cerritos beach, Baja California Sur. (Meghan Dhaliwal/For The Times)

Three friends drove from California to Mexico for a surfing trip. Then they disappeared

May 3, 2024

Relatives stand nearby as investigators from Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines stand aboard the yacht "Simplicity," which they say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people on board, now anchored at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Authorities in the eastern Caribbean said they were trying to locate two people believed to be U.S. citizens who were aboard the yacht that was hijacked by the three escaped prisoners from Grenada.(AP Photo/Kenton X. Chance)

U.S. couple likely thrown overboard by boat hijackers are dead, Grenada police say

Feb. 27, 2024

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Noah Goldberg covers breaking news for the Los Angeles Times. He worked previously in New York City as the Brooklyn courts reporter for the New York Daily News, covering major criminal trials as well as working on enterprise stories. Before that, he was the criminal justice reporter for the Brooklyn Eagle.

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Money blog: McDonald's changes iconic Happy Meal box; AI-powered mortgage lender cuts rates

The fast food giant has made the change to shine a light on mental health. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Tuesday 14 May 2024 21:00, UK

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation has been labelled "delinquent" in the US for failing to submit annual records.

A letter was sent to the charity on 3 May by by California's Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, saying it has been "listed as delinquent" for "failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees".

The letter said an organisation listed as delinquent is banned from "soliciting or disbursing charitable funds" and its registration may be "suspended or revoked".

It is understood that a physical cheque was sent by Archewell Foundation but not received, and a new one has been sent to resolve the issue.

It is believed the charity was only made aware of this when the delinquency notice was published.

Read more on this story below...

Shares of US video game retailer GameStop have soared again today, fuelled by the return of online influencer "Roaring Kitty" to social media.

Real name Keith Gill, the influencer's first online post caused shares to jump yesterday, with another surge reported today.

The retailer's shares rallied 132% in pre-market trading before falling back to about 80% up as US markets opened. 

Mr Gill shared a meme and more than 10 clips from movies including The Avengers and Tombstone. Though the posts didn't mention any company names, GameStop and US cinema chain AMC were the most-traded stocks by investors yesterday and today, according to data from JP Morgan.

He is credited with helping to fuel the "meme stock" craze during the COVID pandemic, which saw GameStop shares rise more than 1,000%. They later collapsed as interest faded.

Tesco's managing director has seen his pay deal more than double to almost £10m. 

That's 431 times the wage of the average £23,010 salary for a Tesco worker. 

Ken Murphy received a pay packet worth £9.93m for the year to February, the supermarket's annual report revealed.

His pay deal came to £4.4m in the previous financial year. 

The rise was driven by £4.91m from his performance share plan (PSP) after he helped lead the company to higher profits in the face of challenging inflation.

This PSP payment will be paid out in Tesco shares and is based on the company's performance since 2021.

It comes on top of an annual salary of £1.64m and an annual bonus of £3.38m. 

The group's chief finance officer, Imran Nawaz, also saw his annual pay package more than double.

He received a total £4.95m for the year, jumping from £2.27m in the previous financial year.

The retailer was criticised for revealing a £2.83bn profit for the year to February when many customers had been impacted by rampant food and drink inflation. 

Alison Platt, chairwoman of the Tesco remuneration committee, said the pay boost reflects the fact "Tesco has delivered for all of its stakeholders over the last year".

She added: "Tesco remains committed to a competitive and fair reward package for all colleagues and over the last two years we have invested more than £800m in colleague pay, as well as significantly enhancing the range of wellbeing benefits we offer."

Sony's operating profit  has climbed 5% this business year - even as it forecasts lower PlayStation 5 sales. 

The Japanese entertainment and electronics company said its operating profit is expected to come in at 1.28 trillion yen (£6.5bn) in the year ending March.

Sony, a major supplier of image sensors for smartphones, said its chips business is expected to book a 40% rise in operating profit on higher sales and lower costs.

At its gaming unit, revenues are expected to fall with the PlayStation 5 in its fourth year, but Sony said user engagement and cost control could drive future profitability at the business.

It predicted PlayStation 5 sales will fall to 18 million units from last year's 20.8 million. 

Cheaper energy deals for new customers could potentially return in October, with the industry regulator announcing a review of their ban. 

Ofgem is consulting on removing the block on acquisition-only tariffs in an attempt to encourage competition between suppliers. 

The ban was introduced as a short-term measure in April 2022 to protect consumers during the energy crisis, and was due to be lifted in March next year.

Now, the regulator has said that it is the right time to consider removing it as the energy market continues to stabilise.

MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis welcomed the consultation, saying: "We need anything possible right now to stimulate competition and bring prices down." 

"In normal times, I wouldn't call for firms to be allowed to offer new customers cheaper prices than existing, yet these aren't normal times." 

Melinda French Gates has left the charity she set up with her former husband, Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, after the couple's divorce. 

In a statement, she said she would step down from her position at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on 7 June. 

You can see her full statement below... 

The foundation was created in 2000 and it is one of the most influential charitable organisations in the world. 

It has spent billions working to tackle poverty and disease around the world. 

Bill and Melinda Gates announced they were divorcing three years ago after being married for 27 years. 

An AI-powered mortgage lender has cut rates for a second time this week. 

MPowered has reduced all its two and five year fixed deals, with rates starting at 4.37% down from 4.59%. 

"The swap markets are moving at pace at present, and it is important that as a responsible lender we are able to react and pass on any savings we can to borrowers," said Matt Surridge, sales director of MPowered Mortgages. 

"I'm therefore really pleased we are one of the first, if not the first, to cut rates this week, having already cut rates once in the past week." 

The company uses AI in its mortgage process and is a fully digital platform. 

McDonald's has decided to remove the iconic smile from its Happy Meal box in a bid to teach children about their emotions. 

Instead, a sheet of stickers depicting different moods will be placed inside, which children can use to express their feelings. 

A QR code for a mental health hub will also be placed on the red packaging to provide its younger customers with different resources about emotional wellbeing. 

The move comes as part of Mental Health Week, with research by the fast food chain finding nearly half of children feel pressure to be happy all the time. 

Football legend Rio Ferdinand has teamed up with the company to support the campaign, which runs until 19 May. 

The father-of-five said: "It's our job to empower our children to express themselves freely and support them every step of the way in understanding that it's okay to not be happy all the time." 

The Traitors' winner Harry Clark has revealed he's only spent some of his prize money so far, and it's gone towards clearing his relatives' debts. 

The 23-year-old won £95,150 after successfully convincing his fellow contestants that he was a faithful in the second season of the show. 

Speaking on the TV BAFTAs red carpet, the former British Army engineer said his dad has stopped him from spending the cash and has been looking after him. 

"He's got his head screwed on. He's been making sure I can get my first place," he told reporters.

"I've just given my family some dosh, just to pay off their debts and stuff like that, so they don't have to worry anymore. 

"That's all I've wanted to do in my life." 

Police are no longer interested in dealing with shoplifting and retailers are being forced to spend "a lot of money" on protecting themselves, the chairman of M&S has claimed. 

Archie Norman said stores have resorted to installing new camera systems and employing store detectives to try to keep crime rates down. 

"We get very little help from the police," he told LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.

"I think we have to accept that the police are not interested in this sort of crime any more. Whether we like it or not, that's the way it has gone." 

Shoplifting is at the highest levels since records began in 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics. 

It has risen by 37% since last year.

Mr Norman said thefts had surged since the pandemic, and the rising cost of living crisis was also causing problems. 

"When people are hard up, or particularly when there's a growth in other forms of crime, particularly drugs-related crime, then one way of financing it is to go and steal from shops… it's understandable given what we've been through in the last couple of years, we've seen more of that," he added.

A change to the law in 2014 now means shoplifting goods worth less than £200 is only a summary offence. 

This may have prompted police to pay less attention to it, and it has been on the rise since.

Home Office data also show the number of shoplifting charges has fallen in recent years. 

Taking further action wasn't considered to be "in the public interest" in most cases. 

Sky News has contacted the Home Office for comment.

By James Sillars , business news reporter 

The prospects for a Bank of England interest rate cut are almost 50/50.

That's according to the latest financial market expectations in reaction to this morning's employment figures.

They showed the pace of wage growth remaining stubbornly high - overshooting the expectations of economists.

Strong wage growth is not what the Bank wants to see, as it fears a surge in consumer spending power driving a new wave of inflation.

There is a further set of wage data before the Bank's next rate-setting meeting on 20 June.

That may not help those seeking a cut in borrowing costs, however, as it will reflect the impact of April's big rise in the National Living Wage.

Away from the interest rate cut speculation, the FTSE 100 has opened flat for a second day.

Currys is among stocks doing well on the wider stock market.

The electricals retailer saw its shares trading almost 8% higher in early deals after it raised its annual profit outlook.

Those of Greggs, however, were down almost 1% despite a leap in sales.

The bakery to fast food chain said its performance was in line with expectations and, as such, it had no impact on its forecasts for the full year.

Wages grew by 6% in the three months to March, excluding bonuses, according to the Office for National Statistics.

This is slightly above economists' expectations - bad news for the Bank of England, which wants to see wage growth fall to help ease inflation as it weighs when to cut 16-year-high interest rates.

The Bank is watching wages closely as it looks to bring inflation back to its 2% target, and cooling earnings growth is seen as being key to paving the way for it to begin cutting rates.

In real terms - taking Consumer Prices Index inflation into account - pay rose 2.4% across the period.

In March alone, that figure was 3% - the highest level of growth since July 2021, when it hit 3.9%.

"Earnings growth in cash terms remains high, with the recent falls in the rate now levelling off while, with inflation falling, real pay growth remains at its highest level in well over two years," said ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown.

Meanwhile, unemployment ticked up to 4.3% from January to March, compared to 4.2% in the previous three months, December to February. 

The number of job vacancies remains about pre-pandemic levels, but has been declining for 22 consecutive months, said Ms McKeown.

"With unemployment also increasing, the number of unemployed people per vacancy has continued to rise, approaching levels seen before the onset of COVID-19."

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Times of San Diego

Times of San Diego

Local News and Opinion for San Diego

Report: San Diego County Needs 134,500 More Affordable Housing Units

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San Diego Housing Federation headquarters in North Park

The San Diego Housing Federation said Thursday its latest research shows that the county is short 134,500 affordable housing units as wages fail to keep up with rising costs.

“The need for affordable housing in San Diego is greater than ever,” said Stephen Russell, president and CEO of the federation. “Today’s data shows that investment from all levels of government is helping, but now is not the time to back down.”

Russell called on the city to rework its latest budget to prioritize funding for more affordable housing.

The federation, a nonprofit organization that support affordable housing development in the region, released its annual Housing Needs Report . Among the other findings in the report:

  • Rents are stabilizing, a sign of the city’s pro-housing efforts at work. The average asking rent for a two-bedroom unit is now  $2,479 . 
  • However, wages have not kept up with increases in rent. On average, a single person needs to make  $47.67 per hour  to comfortably afford the average monthly rent.
  • There has been a  13% decrease  from the last year in state and federal funding for housing production and preservation.
  • For people experiencing homelessness in San Diego, there are  800 fewer beds  available than there were just a year ago. San Diego County is  9,226 beds short . 

During a morning press conference, housing advocates urged passage of  Assembly Bill 1657 , which would ask voters to approve $10 billion in bonds to fund rental housing and home ownership programs.

“The facts in this new San Diego County report underscore the need for state leaders to take immediate action to provide local governments with meaningful resources so that they can produce and preserve more affordable homes, which is the best solution to homelessness,” said Matt Schwartz, CEO of the California Housing Partnership , a private nonprofit created by the Legislature to advise on housing policy.

Chris Jennewein

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego. More by Chris Jennewein

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  18. 75 BEST Gift Ideas for Men Who Travel for Work (2023)

    If the man in your life is quite picky or has big hands, a better option might just be the highest-rated Bluetooth wireless mouse on Amazon. 3. Super-Small INSTA360 GO Video Camera Travel Gifts for Men. This super-small, super-light hands-free video camera is a fun gift for men who travel a lot for work.

  19. 12 must-have products for frequent business travelers

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  20. Indian Business Man Travelling Pictures, Images and Stock Photos

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  21. The Travel Hack You Should Know Before Travelling to Fiji

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  22. New Study Shows Strong Demand for Business Travel in 2024

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  23. The 20 Best Travel Gifts For Men 2024

    Best Accessory Travel Gift For Men: Aer Travel Pack 2. Best Tech Travel Gift For Men: Apple AirTag 4-pack. Best Luggage Travel Gift For Men: Halfday The Garment Duffel. Best Apparel Travel Gift ...

  24. 5,076 Indian Business Man Travelling

    Browse Getty Images' premium collection of high-quality, authentic Indian Business Man Travelling stock photos, royalty-free images, and pictures. Indian Business Man Travelling stock photos are available in a variety of sizes and formats to fit your needs.

  25. What to know about the three surfers slain on a surfing trip to Mexico

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  27. Report: San Diego County Needs 134,500 More Affordable Housing Units

    The San Diego Housing Federation said Thursday its latest research shows that the county is short 134,500 affordable housing units as wages fail to keep up with rising costs.