Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started on your cigar journey, one challenge unites us all: keeping those precious cigars fresh while on the road. Let’s dive into the essentials of maintaining cigar freshness and explore some handy tips and tricks to ensure your cigars remain in top-notch condition throughout your travels.
Understanding the Basics
Before we jump into the tips, let’s quickly revisit the basics. Maintaining the freshness of your cigars boils down to two key factors: humidity control and temperature. Ideally, cigars thrive in an environment with a relative humidity (RH) of around 65-70% and a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Enter the unsung hero of travel for cigar enthusiasts – the travel humidor.
Essential Tools for Traveling Cigar Enthusiasts
Let’s talk gear. Travel humidors are your best companions on the road. They come in various shapes and sizes, so choose one that suits your needs. Also, don’t forget the basics – a reliable cigar cutter, a trusty lighter, and a portable ashtray to complete your travel cigar toolkit.
If you want to go traveling and bring cigars with you, check out Northwoods Humidors. They have a travel humidor for everyone, with various materials, sizes and designs. Whether you want to bring one or two cigars with you or bring enough for all your friends, there are humidors that will create the perfect environment no matter where you’re going.
Tips for Maintaining Cigar Freshness
We’ve figured out that a travel humidor should be the first thing on your shopping list for your vacation. But, here are some tips that are going to help you ensure your experience is the best when you’re on vacation.
Preparing Your Cigars for Travel
Before embarking on your journey, take a moment to ensure your cigars are properly humidified. A well-humidified cigar travels better. Consider selecting sturdier, shorter sizes like robustos for added durability during transit. Another good tip is to carefully select how many cigars you want to take. It’s easier to use them up on your vacation so you can avoid traveling back with them. Think about the number you’ll smoke based on the days you’re going to be away from home.
Choosing the Right Travel Humidor
Size matters when it comes to travel humidors. Pick one that suits the length of your trip and the number of cigars you plan to bring. Remember, a snug fit is your friend – it helps prevent unnecessary movement and potential damage. Plus, you might not want to take a huge humidor if you’re trying to travel lightly. So, don’t jump at the first design you see. Carefully think about your needs and the best match.
Monitoring Temperature and Humidity
Invest in a reliable hygrometer to keep tabs on humidity levels. Adjust as needed based on your travel conditions – humidity can fluctuate more than you might think. Some travel humidors will have them built in, which can mean fewer accessories to bring with you.
Packing and Transporting Cigars Safely
Arranging cigars within your travel humidor strategically is crucial. Optimize the use of space, and consider adding a secondary container for an extra layer of protection. When it comes to luggage, decide whether to stow your cigars in your carry-on or checked luggage based on your preferences and the duration of your trip.
Check Airline Rules
If you’re getting on a plane, ensure that you always check the rules regarding cigars. Some might not want you to bring them into the plane cabin. Instead, you might have to pack them with your luggage. The rules can depend on the airline, as well as where you’re traveling to. Knowing the rules in advance means that you don’t have to throw away your cigars at the airport. We all know that this could be a huge expense that you won’t be happy about.
Pack an Ashtray
Yes, you want to ensure that you’re storing your cigars correctly for the journey. But, don’t forget about the accessories you’ll need when you reach your destination. In particular, an ashtray is going to be useful, providing you with a safe way to dispose of them. It keeps your apartment or accommodation clean, and it’s the responsible thing to do.
Conclusion
There you have it – a roadmap for keeping your cigars fresh and flavorful during your travels. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, and a well-maintained cigar enhances both. Safe travels, fellow aficionados, and may your cigars always be fresh and ready for the next adventure!
