Holiday Travel Tips and Toiletries Every Bearded Man Should Pack in Their Dopp Bag

December 11, 2025

Written by Shaylynn Marks

Any trip to the airport has the potential to be brutal during the holidays. You should do everything you can to be able to just sprint through security, and nothing is more embarrassing than being stopped by a TSA agent just because you decided to pack a Costco-sized body wash bottle. Avoiding that holiday travel stress all starts with making sure you’re prepared ahead of time by having a dopp kit filled with all your grooming must-haves for your upcoming trip. It’s okay if you have no idea where to start. Here’s all the holiday travel tips you need to keep you from being stuck with that flimsy hotel soap bar—including the best toiletries that every man should pack in their dopp bag.

What is a Dopp Kit and Why You Need One

A travel dopp kit is a compact grooming bag designed to keep your toiletries organized and ready when you’re on the go. Instead of tossing random bottles into your suitcase, this bag keeps everything you already like to use and all in one place, ready to go. It saves time, prevents leaks in your luggage, and avoids the last resort option of having to share soap with your grandpa.

Must-Have Toiletries Every Bearded Man Should Pack in Their Dopp Bag

A good beard doesn’t take a Christmas vacation just because you do. Traveling can dry your facial hair fast, especially thanks to a flight’s recycled cabin air and hotel water. Packing the right beard gear keeps you looking good for holiday group photos instead of looking wild. Before we get into the must-have toiletries for your next trip, you have to keep in mind the TSA regulations so you can stroll through those security lines without any issues.

TSA-Travel Rules to Remember

Follow these basics and you won’t get stopped or lose your favorite grooming toiletries:

All contained liquids must be no more than 3.4 fluid ounces (fl oz)
All liquids must fit inside one quart-sized bag (hello, dopp bag)
Solid products do not count as liquids: balms, bar soaps, and solid deodorants are all good-to-go.
Disposable razors are safe to travel with, but they aren’t always the best to use. You bring a safety razor with removable blades, but that would mean they need to go in checked bags.
Electric beard trimmers are okay to be in carry-on bags—just make sure to pack them so they don’t switch on in transit.

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Image provided by wolf Art via Pexels

Packing Tips for First-Time Flyers

If you’ve never flown with grooming products before, packing can often feel like guesswork. These packing tips for holiday travel simplify everything so you can breeze through security and keep your grooming gear intact:

Pre-pack your liquids bag before you reach security. No one wants a dripping carry-on.
Tighten every cap and add a small piece of tape over each one to prevent any possible leaks
Bring travel sizes instead of full bottles. Please don’t skip this because they will throw anything out that’s too large.
Opt for a structured dopp kit or a leather hanging dopp bag to keep any potential messes contained and surfaces clean.

Zeus (and TSA) Approved Dopp Bag Checklist

Beard Grooming Essentials for Travel for Your Dopp Kit

Travel-Size Beard Shampoo: Wash the gravy bits and crumbs out of your beard with some beard shampoo if you want that special someone to meet you under the mistletoe at the holiday party.

Travel-Size Beard Conditioner: Using beard conditioner avoids oils from stripping after washing and helps lock-in moisture.

1oz Beard Oil: Seal the deal with beard oil to keep your beard hairs protected from cold temps and harsh winter weather.

Beard Balm: Tame your beard with beard balm—it makes styling so easy.

Folding Comb: A mustache comb can easily fit in your pocket, making it easy for any needed touchups while you’re out and about.

Pocket Beard Brush: A beard brush helps distribute oils evenly and takes up minimal space in your dopp bag.

Skin and Hair Essentials for Travel

Hair Shampoo and Conditioner: Hotels tend to carry them, but they’re usually dollar store quality—it’s best you bring your own hair shampoo and conditioner.
Body Wash: If you don’t bring your own body wash, you’re stuck either running an errand to get some, or you’ve got a tiny plain soap bar that will probably break in half instantly.
Face Moisturizer with SPF: Yes, even in winter sun rays can impact your skin health. Having a daily moisturizer with SPF is non-negotiable.
Solid Cologne or Fragrance Wipes: An effective and easy way to stay smelling attractive throughout the day without worrying about TSA.
Face Wash: Even if your holiday trip is just for a weekend away, sweat and oil buildup will get acne popping up quickly. A charcoal face wash is a quick and easy way to prevent any potential pizza face.

Pro-tip: If your skin and hair faves don’t come in travel sizes, you can find affordable sets of empty travel size bottles to fill them in.

Other Toiletry Must-Haves

Travel-Size Pain Reliever: You’ll thank me later when the screaming baby behind you can be heard over your headphones and the headache starts rolling in.
Travel-Size Toothpaste: While this is a no-brainer, we have to throw it on the list—especially if you’re forgetful. Consider this a friendly reminder! It’ll save you an errand run.
Lip Balm: No one likes chapped lips, and with the unpredictable winter weather, it’s best to keep a stick of lip balm handy.
Mini Stain Remover: You’re only bringing a select amount of clothes, and if you spill wine on your last shirt you’ll want to be able to remove it instead of having to borrow your uncle’s itchy sweater.

Stay Groomed Wherever You Go

Holiday travel doesn’t have to leave you looking worn out. With a well-packed dopp kit, you’re guaranteed to stay sharp, organized, and prepared for whatever the trip (or airport chaos) comes your way. Keep your grooming routine simple. Stick to TSA-friendly sizes, and lean on tools that are built for the road. You’ll look effortlessly put together, leaving you feeling confident and able to enjoy your holiday plans with ease.