Traveling with cigars can be a bit tricky. Whether you’re taking a business trip, heading off on vacation, or simply spending the weekend away, you want to ensure that your cigars stay fresh and ready to smoke. Maintaining the right humidity and protecting them from damage while on the go is key. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips and best practices for traveling with cigars to ensure they remain in perfect condition.
1. Choose the Right Travel Humidor
One of the best ways to keep your cigars fresh while traveling is by using a travel humidor. These portable containers are specifically designed to maintain the ideal humidity level, typically between 65% and 72%, and protect your cigars from physical damage. Travel humidors come in a variety of sizes, from small cases that hold a few cigars to larger options for extended trips.
What to Look for in a Travel Humidor:
- Airtight Seal: Prevents humidity from escaping.
- Cushioned Interior: Protects cigars from bumps and jostling during transit.
- Built-In Humidification System: Maintains optimal humidity levels.
For short trips, consider using a simple cigar case with a small humidification device inside. For longer trips, a travel humidor is your best bet to keep your cigars in perfect condition.
2. Use Humidification Packs
If you don’t have a travel humidor or prefer to pack light, using humidification packs is a convenient solution. Brands like Boveda offer humidity control packs that can easily be placed inside a ziplock bag or standard cigar case. These packs help maintain the proper moisture level, preventing your cigars from drying out.
How to Use Humidification Packs:
- Place one pack in the container or bag holding your cigars.
- Choose a pack with a humidity rating around 69% to 72%.
- Replace the pack after a few weeks if necessary (depending on the length of your trip).
These packs are affordable, disposable, and require no maintenance—making them ideal for travel.
3. Protect Your Cigars from Temperature Fluctuations
Humidity isn’t the only concern when traveling with cigars. Temperature changes can also affect their freshness and flavor. Extreme heat can cause your cigars to dry out or become over-humidified, while cold temperatures can make them brittle. It’s important to store your cigars in a cool, stable environment while you’re on the move.
Tips for Temperature Control:
- Avoid Leaving Cigars in the Car: The inside of a vehicle can become very hot or cold, especially if left for long periods.
- Keep Cigars in Your Carry-On: When flying, place your cigars in your carry-on bag instead of your checked luggage to avoid extreme temperature changes in the cargo hold.
- Store Cigars in a Cool Place: Whenever possible, keep your cigars in an air-conditioned room or shaded area to prevent heat exposure.
4. Consider Vacuum Sealing for Long Trips
If you’re going on an extended trip and don’t have access to a humidor, vacuum sealing your cigars can be a great alternative to keeping them fresh. By sealing your cigars in an airtight bag, you prevent them from drying out and protect them from temperature fluctuations.
How to Vacuum Seal Cigars:
- Place your cigars in a ziplock bag, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Use a vacuum sealer to remove as much air as possible.
- Place a small humidification pack inside the bag before sealing (optional for extra protection).
Vacuum-sealed cigars can last for weeks or even months in this state, making it ideal for long trips or vacations.
5. Use a Cigar Tube for Single Cigars
If you’re only bringing a few cigars with you, consider using a cigar tube. These handy containers protect individual cigars from physical damage and can easily slip into your jacket pocket, briefcase, or travel bag. They’re particularly useful for day trips or short travel periods when you don’t need a full humidor.
Cigar Tube Benefits:
- Durable: Protects cigars from being crushed or damaged.
- Portable: Small enough to carry without adding bulk.
- Air-Tight: Helps maintain freshness for short periods.
Pair a cigar tube with a small humidification pack for extra freshness on trips lasting more than a day.
6. Be Prepared for Flights
When traveling by plane, there are a few specific considerations for keeping your cigars fresh. Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, which can negatively affect your cigars’ moisture content. Plus, the pressurized cabin and fluctuating temperatures in cargo can pose risks if cigars aren’t properly packed.
Air Travel Tips:
- Keep Cigars in Your Carry-On Bag: This avoids the potential temperature extremes in the plane’s cargo hold.
- Use a Travel Humidor or Cigar Case: To maintain humidity and protect cigars from bumps and pressure changes.
- Pack a Humidification Pack: Even for short flights, a humidification pack ensures the cigars stay fresh.
When you land, check your cigars to ensure they haven’t been affected by the dry cabin air, and adjust their storage as needed.
7. Post-Travel Care: Rehumidify if Necessary
After your trip, it’s a good idea to check your cigars to see if they need rehumidification. If they’ve been exposed to fluctuating temperatures or dry environments, they may need to be returned to a more stable setting for a few days. Place them in your humidor at home and monitor their condition.
Rehumidification Steps:
- Place the cigars in your humidor and ensure the humidity is between 65-72%.
- Allow the cigars to rest for a few days before smoking, especially if they’ve dried out.
- Check the humidity levels in your humidor and adjust as necessary.
Traveling with cigars doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools—such as a travel humidor, humidification packs, or even a cigar tube—you can keep your cigars fresh and ready to smoke no matter where your travels take you. By following these tips and being mindful of humidity, temperature, and proper storage, you’ll always have a premium smoking experience while on the go.