10 Things Every Gay Man Absolutely Must Pack in His Carry-On Luggage

Let’s be honest—while everyone else is out here stuffing their carry-ons with granola bars and socks, the well-prepared gay man knows better. For him, gay travel packing essentials aren’t just practical—they’re an art form. Travel is an event, not a chore. Whether you’re jetting off to Mykonos, Palm Springs, or just your cousin’s wedding in Des Moines (where you will be the best-dressed person in attendance), your carry-on is more than just a bag—it’s a survival kit for glamour, sanity, and shade.

Here’s what absolutely must make it on board with you—your ultimate list of gay travel packing essentials:

A man in a black mock turtleneck sipping from a black cup, sitting at a wooden table with a laptop.

1. Black mock-turtleneck (aka The International Gay Uniform)

It works for every climate, says I’m cultured but also mysterious, and lets you channel Audrey Hepburn and Steve Jobs at the same time. Bonus points if it’s cashmere. Extra bonus points if it makes TSA stop and compliment you.

A man sitting on a bed wearing eye patches — one of his go-to gay travel packing essentials — while looking at his phone.

2. Emergency Eye Gel

Because baggage claim isn’t the only place where bags show up. Whether you’re covering last night’s sins or pretending you’re not jet-lagged, the right miracle eye gel can spell the difference between “airport zombie” and “runway ready.”

A gay man with short platinum hair sprays cologne while looking upward in a bathroom.

3. Travel-Sized Scent That Screams “I’m Expensive”

We’re not doing Axe body spray in 2025. A good fragrance should enter the room five seconds before you do and leave three minutes after. You want people asking, “What is that divine smell?” not “How long has he been flying today?”

A young gay man in a green hoodie with sunglasses — a standout piece among his gay travel packing essentials — striking a thoughtful pose against a dark, colorful background.

4. Dramatic Pair of Sunglasses

Useful for hiding eye-rolls, blocking out haters, or just feeling like you’re escaping paparazzi—even if you’re only boarding a Spirit flight to Cleveland.

A person holding a handheld garment steamer on a green shirt hung on a wooden hanger.

5. Portable Steamer (Yes, Seriously)

Because wrinkles are for life experiences, not linen shirts. Nothing says “I gave up” like creased pants at a resort brunch. Be better than that. Be steamed.

A gay man with platinum blonde hair in a black sheer top, posing against an orange background.

6. One Absolutely Inappropriate Outfit Just In Case

Will you actually need a mesh crop top, sequined shorts, and thigh-high boots? Probably not. But will you regret not packing them when someone mentions an underground rooftop party? Every. Time.

A gay guy in a yellow hoodie holds a camera, reflecting in a glass surface at the airport, with a blurred background of other people.

7. Mini Ring Light for Airport Selfies

You never know when the lighting hits just right at Gate 32B. Stay ready. Even TSA will be like, “Okay slay, boarding pass please.”

8. Your Emergency Diva Playlist

Madonna, Beyoncé, Gaga, Rihanna, Grande—because flight delays are infinitely more tolerable when you’re dramatically staring out the terminal window to “Someone Like You” like you’re in a sad French film.

Various personal lubricants on a marble surface, including bottles and sachets — key items among gay travel packing essentials.

9. Travel-Sized Lube (Don’t Act Shocked)

You never know what the universe—or Grindr—has in store for you. Better to be the prepared queen than the panicked one whispering “is hand gel okay?” in a hotel bathroom.

10. Snacks You’d Be Proud to Share

Trail mix is cute. Artisanal dark chocolate and gluten-free rosemary crackers? That’s the move. If you’re going to offer someone a bite, make it fashionably edible.

So there you have it: the holy gay grail of essential carry-on contents. Travel light, but never boring. And remember—if it doesn’t spark joy, elegance, or mild jealousy from strangers, it belongs in checked luggage. Pack with pride, and who knows? Your next perfectly prepped carry-on might just lead you to your new favorite gay city.

About The Author

Best known as one of the cofounders of luxury gay vacation company, Zoom Vacations, Bryan has been a high school English teacher, personal trainer, freelance writer, and a hotel marketing and events sales manager. He grew up in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and his childhood was filled with outdoor adventures. His roots in the outdoors, coupled with his inquisitive teacher’s mind and his appreciation for health and fitness (as well as for fabulous hotels and resorts) have led him to adventures in every continent, including Antarctica. He has toured the ancient catacombs of Rome, swam with horses where Australia’s rainforest meets the reef, haggled with Hong Kong merchants, danced the Samba in Brazil, and has even studied ecology and group dynamics in a Scottish commune. In addition to his duties at Zoom Vacations®, Bryan also served on the Board of the Directors of the IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) for four years, and as Board Chair for two. He was one of nine travel experts featured on the Travel Chanel’s hit show, “Vacation Challenge” and was the South America Gay Travel Expert for four episodes on Logo’s Gay Travel show, Bump. In addition, Bryan has hosted gay travel shorts for Comcast, and he is the gay travel expert for several gay online and print publications worldwide.