From odour-resistant clothes to noise-cancelling earphones, these are the no-brainer travel essentials men swear by. Think packing smarter, not heavier.

Travelling brings out a different side of people. Some thrive on it, squeezing in quick weekend getaways like clockwork. Others plan their trips with military precision, down to the last pair of socks. Either way, every trip teaches you something, often starting with what you should not have packed (or what you forgot altogether).

Men, in particular, tend to lean on the basics, but that does not mean you should skip the smart stuff. Packing light is a flex, but packing right is what makes or breaks your travel day. Whether you are heading for a quick domestic break or a long-haul adventure, here are seven travel essentials that are always in the backpack.

Here Are 7 Travel Essentials Men Never Must Always Pack:

1. Odour-Resistant Clothes

Let us face it – nobody wants to be that person on the road. Odour-resistant fabrics are a lifesaver, especially when you are trying to pack light and rewear without shame. Opt for lightweight, breathable materials that do not cling to smells. Fewer clothes, less bulk, no awkward situations.

2. Comfortable Shoes

If your shoes are wrong, your trip is over before it begins. A good pair of travel shoes should not just look sharp, but feel like they were made for long walks, last-minute detours, and inevitable delays. For treks or off-road days, pick shoes with a strong grip and water resistance. Your feet will thank you later.

3. A Proper Grooming Kit

No, a travel toothbrush does not count as a full grooming plan. A waterproof trimmer, a compact razor, and your go-to essentials are non-negotiable. Looking presentable, even halfway up a mountain or mid-road trip, is a vibe.

4. Neck Pillow That Works

Sleep is hard to come by on the road. A good-quality neck pillow can be the difference between a sore neck and a fresh face when you land. It is not just about planes-buses, cars, even long waits at the airport lounge can wear you out. Invest in one that actually supports your neck, not just looks cute on your suitcase.

5. RFID-Protected Wallet

A smart wallet is a travel hero. Look for something slim, with just enough pockets for your ID, cards, and cash. RFID protection is the cherry on top – it blocks digital pickpocketing and gives you one less thing to stress about.

6. Noise-Cancelling Earphones

Trains, buses, hotel lobbies… the soundtrack to travel is not always soothing. Good noise-cancelling earphones can block out chaos and help you unwind, nap, or zone into your playlist. If you are the type who cannot sleep with noise, these are as crucial as your passport.

7. Your Entertainment Fix

Solo travellers, you know the drill. There will be downtime, there will be delays. Whether it is your favourite podcast, a half-read book, or a playlist that keeps you sane, make sure you download it all in advance. Keep your phone charged, pack your charger, and make room for whatever keeps you from spiralling in a layover queue.

Last thought? Do not leave these out. You may not need all of them on every trip, but the one time you do not pack them, you will wish you had. Think of it as smart packing, minus the stress.

There’s something about stepping into a country that completely reshapes how you see the world—and yourself.

Not just in a touristy way, either. I’m talking about those places that crack you open a little. That show you how big the world really is, and how small your assumptions might have been.

Some countries shift your palate. Some reset your priorities. Others just leave a strange, magnetic mark on your memory—you don’t even know why, but they do.

Here are eight countries that, in my opinion, everyone should experience at least once. No two are alike, but each one expands you in a way that sticks.

Let’s get into it.

1. Japan

If you’ve ever felt overstimulated by the modern world, Japan somehow makes it all feel calm and intentional.

This is a place where vending machines offer hot meals and centuries-old temples sit quietly next to high-speed train lines. It’s sensory contrast done right.

What hit me hardest wasn’t Tokyo’s bright chaos or Kyoto’s old-world stillness. It was the attention to detail. A bowl of ramen. A handwritten sign. Even how people line up for the subway—it all carries a level of care that’s kind of humbling.

As cultural anthropologist Merry White has said, “In Japan, etiquette is less about rules and more about mutual respect.” You feel that. You become that, even temporarily.

Even small things feel sacred—like taking your shoes off before entering a home or handing over a credit card with both hands.

By the time you leave, your brain feels rewired—for precision, for presence, for noticing.

And if you’re a fan of design, food, or emotional quiet, Japan might just feel like a deep exhale you didn’t know you needed.

2. Mexico

There’s a vibrancy to Mexico that no photo or travel vlog really captures. It’s not just the color of the walls or the spices in the food—it’s in how people live.

I once spent a few weeks traveling through Oaxaca and Mexico City. Every day felt like a celebration of something—flavor, music, storytelling, ancestry. Even casual conversations had a kind of warmth that felt earned, not performative.

One of the best meals of my life was a street-side quesadilla made by a woman named Marta who told me, “We cook with our feelings here.” And you could taste that.

What makes Mexico a must-visit isn’t just the food (which is truly next-level) or the beaches or even the art. It’s the emotional palette you get exposed to.

Joy, grief, family, ritual—they’re all visible here. And you realize how muted some of our own cultural defaults can be by comparison.

3. Italy

Yes, Italy is beautiful. Yes, the pasta is actually better than you imagined. But what stays with you isn’t just the romance of the landscape. It’s the way Italians relate to time.

They slow it down.

Whether it’s a three-hour dinner or a lazy afternoon walk with no destination, you learn that life isn’t a race to optimize.

I’ve mentioned this before in another post, but Italy was where I finally understood what it means to savor. Not just food, but moments.

As noted by Carl Honoré in In Praise of Slow, “Italy teaches you that pleasure isn’t a guilty indulgence—it’s a form of presence.” That one stuck with me.

There’s this deep belief that life isn’t just about working hard and checking boxes. It’s about gathering. Laughing. Pausing.

And honestly, after a few days of doing just that, you remember how good it feels to exist without a to-do list running in your head.

4. India

India doesn’t just ask you to expand your mind. It demands it.

Nothing is linear here. Not the roads, not the conversations, not even time. You can experience 50 contradictions in the same street and somehow—it works.

From the spiritual pull of Varanasi to the tech buzz of Bangalore, India will stretch every part of you: patience, humility, curiosity, and your taste buds.

One morning, I joined a sunrise yoga class in Rishikesh that ended with chai and a spontaneous philosophy chat about the ego. That same afternoon, I was negotiating a SIM card in a chaotic phone shop. It was whiplash—in the best way.

Experts like Pico Iyer have said, “India is not a vacation. It’s a confrontation.” But that’s exactly why it belongs on this list. It wakes you up.

You’ll probably get overwhelmed. But you’ll also get perspective.

5. Portugal

Portugal is one of those places that feels both relaxed and deeply soulful at the same time.

Lisbon has this raw elegance—tiles, trams, steep hills, and music spilling out of tiny bars at night. But it’s the quieter parts—like Porto or the Alentejo countryside—that really work their magic.

There’s a gentleness to Portuguese culture that caught me off guard. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t yell for attention. But it lingers.

And then there’s fado, Portugal’s signature musical genre. As scholar Lila Ellen Gray notes, fado is “a melancholic longing for something lost, or never had.” You don’t need to understand the lyrics—you feel it anyway.

One night, I sat on a curb outside a bar listening to a local singer pour his heart out to maybe six people. It was raw and intimate and way more powerful than any concert I’ve ever been to.

Portugal reminds you that quiet things can have depth.

6. South Africa

Few places deliver contrast like South Africa does.

Mountains that drop into oceans. Cities bursting with energy next to wildlife reserves that feel like another planet.

Cape Town is easily one of the most visually stunning cities I’ve ever seen, but it’s the country’s complexity that sticks with you.

History here is not buried. It’s spoken, debated, healed—out loud. And there’s something powerful about that kind of collective truth-telling.

I visited Soweto on a guided walk and ended up in a living room drinking homemade ginger beer with a retired teacher who explained apartheid history better than any textbook ever could.

As Desmond Tutu once said, “True reconciliation exposes the awfulness, the abuse, the hurt… the truth.”

Travel doesn’t always have to be light. Sometimes the soul needs something heavier to grow.

7. Thailand

If there’s a place that teaches you to soften into joy, it’s Thailand.

There’s a reason so many people return here over and over again. It’s not just about budget beaches or epic street food (though both are excellent).

It’s the kindness.

“Thai people have a saying,” one local told me. “Sabai sabai—it means to be at ease, to feel relaxed and peaceful.” And it’s not just a phrase. It’s a lifestyle.

You feel it when someone hands you food with a smile. When you watch monks walk barefoot at dawn. When you’re stuck in traffic, and no one’s honking.

There’s an ease that seeps into your bones. Not lazy. Not passive. Just… gracious.

It’s the kind of place that reminds you to stop clenching so hard.

8. Morocco

Morocco feels like walking through a dream you didn’t know you had.

The sensory detail here is intense. Lantern-lit alleyways. Spices that punch you in the face (in a good way). Call to prayer echoing through pink sandstone medinas.

But beneath the aesthetics is a deep, layered culture that blends Arab, Berber, African, and European influences. It’s not just beautiful—it’s complex.

I’ll never forget drinking mint tea with a shopkeeper in Fes who insisted on sharing not just his wares, but his family stories, too.

Morocco teaches you that hospitality can be sacred. That stories are currency. That beauty isn’t polished—it’s woven into use.

You leave with your senses overloaded, your assumptions challenged, and your heart just a little fuller.

Final thoughts

This isn’t a list of the “best” countries in the world. It’s a list of the ones that do something to you.

Places that shift your inner compass. That remind you how big—and how intimate—the world can be.

And sure, there are dozens of other countries that could’ve made this list. But these eight?

These eight leave fingerprints on your soul.

Go. See for yourself.

Slow travel isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a mindset. Here’s why more people are ditching rushed trips for deeper, slower, more meaningful travel experiences.

Not every journey needs to be fast-paced. These days, more travellers are skipping the jam-packed itineraries and discovering something far more rewarding: slow travel. But here’s the truth, slow travel isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle.

It’s about choosing depth over speed, presence over pressure, and connection over convenience.

WHAT IS SLOW TRAVEL, REALLY?

Slow travel goes beyond a slower itinerary; it’s a mindset shift. Instead of rushing to see everything, you pick a few places, stay longer, explore slower, and immerse yourself in everyday life.

Whether it’s learning to cook with a host family or reading in a quiet corner of a coastal village, you travel at your own rhythm, not the one set by guidebooks.

Slow travel isn’t just a trend that popped up post-pandemic. It’s a lifestyle that values experiences over checklists, and memories over miles.

WHY IS THIS LIFESTYLE CATCHING ON?

The world hit pause during the pandemic. And in that stillness, many realised something important: they weren’t just tired from work, they were tired from the way they travelled too.

Now, slow travel offers something faster getaways don’t, recovery, meaning, and human connection.

People are embracing it because:

• They’re working remotely and can travel without time pressure
• They’re tired of returning from holidays more exhausted than before
• They want stories, not just social media reels

HOW SLOW TRAVEL CHANGES THE WAY YOU EXPERIENCE THE WORLD

Let’s break down why slow travel is a lifestyle, not a one-time experiment:

• You build real relationships: Long stays help you meet locals, not just other tourists.
• You cut costs smartly: Fewer cities = fewer flights = lower budgets.
• You travel greener: Fewer trips, less transport, lower footprint.
• You find meaning: Time gives you space to reflect, absorb, and enjoy.

The result? You don’t just see a place, you feel it. You return home fulfilled, not fatigued.

WHO’S THIS LIFESTYLE FOR?

Anyone. Whether you’re a 20-something solo traveller, a family of four, or a couple planning a sabbatical, slow travel fits all.

It especially resonates with:

• Remote workers who can set their own pace
• People recovering from burnout
• Anyone tired of hyper-curated travel
• Conscious travellers who want to make local impact

HOW TO LIVE THE SLOW TRAVEL LIFE?

Here’s how to start if you want to make slow travel a lifestyle, not just a one-off:

• Choose one destination and stay longer
• Book local homes instead of hotels
• Walk or bike instead of rushing by car
• Say yes to spontaneous conversations
• Learn a new skill like language, cooking, craft

5 MORE TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2025

Here are five additional travel trends shaping the landscape in 2025:

1. Sustainable and responsible travel

Travellers are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly tourism, choosing accommodation and experiences that minimise environmental impact.

Carbon offset initiatives, eco-certifications, and platforms catering to this are gaining traction, allowing travellers to make more conscious choices.

2. Immersive and meaningful experiences

There’s a growing demand for travel that goes beyond sightseeing. People want hands-on activities like cooking classes, conservation work, or learning traditional crafts that foster a deeper connection with local communities and cultures.

3. Off-the-beaten-path and ‘Detour Destinations’

With overtourism a concern, many travellers are seeking lesser-known destinations that offer authentic experiences without the crowds. This includes ‘destination dupes’, places that provide similar vibes to famous hotspots but are less crowded and more welcoming.

4. Nostalgia and retro travel

Nostalgia tourism is on the rise as travellers seek comfort and familiarity by revisiting destinations or experiences from their childhood. This includes adult summer camps, retro-themed events, and trips inspired by pop culture icons and music tours.

5. All-inclusive and personalised travel

All-inclusive resorts are experiencing a renaissance, especially amongst younger travellers who value convenience and curated experiences. At the same time, there’s a move towards more personalised travel, with custom itineraries and unique stays tailored to individual preferences.

Iceland has once again been crowned the safest travel destination in the world in HelloSafe’s 2025 Travel Safety Index. Here’s what makes this Nordic island a haven for travelers.

When planning a trip—especially for families, solo travelers, or those seeking a worry-free escape—safety ranks among the top concerns. And once again, Iceland, the land of glaciers, geysers, and the magical northern lights, has been officially named the safest travel destination in the world for 2025.

The Nordic island nation secured the top spot in the Global Travel Safety Index 2025, compiled by HelloSafe, a financial comparison site that evaluates destinations using 35 objective indicators. These include the prevalence of violence, risk of armed conflict, quality of health infrastructure, degree of militarization, and natural disaster frequency.

Why Iceland?

With its dramatic black-sand beaches, steaming lava fields, and cascading waterfalls, Iceland is a nature lover’s dream. But beyond the stunning scenery lies a society rooted in peace, resilience, and community.

Iceland received the lowest overall danger score on the index, meaning it poses the least risk to travelers across all the measured categories. It also consistently ranks high on other global safety reports, including the Global Peace Index, which reinforces its reputation as a peaceful, well-governed country.

So, what makes Iceland so safe?

1. Exceptionally low crime rates, even in urban areas
2. A high standard of healthcare and emergency response
3. Little to no involvement in global or regional conflicts
4. Strong infrastructure and disaster preparedness
5. A close-knit population with a strong sense of community

Adding to its appeal, Iceland was ranked the third-happiest country in the world earlier this year, showing that personal well-being and national safety often go hand-in-hand.

A Safe Haven for All Types of Travelers

Whether you’re road-tripping around the Golden Circle, hiking near active volcanoes, or soaking in a geothermal hot spring, Iceland offers adventure without anxiety. It’s especially ideal for:

• Solo travelers, who benefit from its welcoming and safe environment
• Families, who appreciate the country’s child-friendly activities and clean surroundings
• Outdoor enthusiasts, who can explore vast natural landscapes with peace of mind

Safety, Scenery, and Sustainability

Iceland doesn’t just promise safety—it delivers an entire travel experience that’s eco-conscious, culturally rich, and visually unforgettable. From the Aurora Borealis in winter to the midnight sun in summer, the island delivers beauty without compromise.

In a world where uncertainty often shadows travel decisions, Iceland stands out as a beacon of safety and serenity. With its blend of natural beauty, low crime, strong infrastructure, and a deeply rooted peaceful culture, it’s no surprise that this European island continues to lead the world as the safest destination to visit in 2025.