Konrad von Limpurg as a knight being armed by his lady in the Codex Manesse, courtesy of Wikipedia

Originating as idealistic code of conduct during the Middle Ages, thuggish warriors in the north of France were developed into refined knights in shining armor. The desired outcome exemplified virtues of gallant honor, courtly love and courtesy. Acquiring the strength and skills to protect the weak and defenseless wasn’t such a bad idea, either. This chivalrous code of conduct later inspired writers, artists, and philosophers to be quicker with their word than the sword. Noble gestures from speaking respectfully to exercising common generosity set the standard for mannerisms beyond the knight’s initial code of protection. My how things have changed. If the Knights of the Round Table sat across from us today, they’d likely chop off our fingers for allowing smart-devices to distract us during a meal.

George Hahn, founder and editor of the men’s lifestyle site George Hahn.com, is dedicated to keeping up your style without breaking the bank. As a keen observer on today’s style and etiquette, he shares, “I was born in the 70s where middle class wages weren’t going anywhere and mothers began going to work in order to help contribute. Certain things like learning to shave, do laundry etc. more or less fell away because both mom and dad were not home. I would hypothesize that chivalry sort of fell away at that time for my generation.”

Photo courtesy of Tumblr

In the southern part of the country is Texas native Chris Brown, founder and curator of Refueled Magazine, a lifestyle brand devoted to American heritage, community and craftsmanship. Brown feels southern hospitality is still alive and well, stating, “As a Southerner, I believe chivalry is still very present. Women deserve to be loved and treated well, but then again, I’m sort of old fashioned. I don’t feel it’s changed too much over the years—it’s a courteous gesture to anyone, really.”

Left: George Hahn of georgehahn.com, Right: Chris Brown of Refueled Magazine

Although chivalry’s presence may be spotty, one’s location may play an important factor in both action and reaction to classic gestures of good will.

“Living in Manhattan where some people can be a bit self absorbed, ‘or too busy,’ I’ve occasionally noticed poor behavior like not holding the door for someone or pulling the chair out—or even moving out of the way in a crowded elevator to let someone out,” says Hahn. “We tend to lean on our smart-phone devices too heavily and can be lazy in regards to courting someone. With the social/dating apps available today, people seem to have forgotten how to flirt—a wink or poke doesn’t count.”

Along with a blurred behavioral code of conduct, personal courtesies such as grooming habits follow suit. To shave or not to shave is up to the individual, (though one’s significant other’s opinion could weigh in). Either way, Askmen.com says, “As long as there are clear distinguishing lines between key follicular patches (read: beard to chest), you’re good.”

Scents can also play an intricate role in pursuing (or keeping) a mate. Hahn states, “To be blunt, don’t wreak!  Whether it’s body order or exercising restraint in cologne and fragrances.  No one two feet away from you should be able to smell you.”

If you struggle with the two-spray minimum, there are other options for grooming scents and techniques found favorable for the laws of attraction. Using products that contain essential oils, known for calming, relaxing and even evoking nostalgia in one another have been known to spark and keep our mates attention. Brown admits, “I have a full beard, and with that comes a certain responsibility not only to yourself, but to others—especially your wife or partner. I maintain my beard with products that happen to have ingredients such as cedar, almond oil, grape seed and pine needle. My wife loves to snuggle up in it; but I believe that’s because the scent not only reminds her of her favorite forest, but using proper beard products keep it soft.”

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.com

There’s no question that chivalry’s existence today is subjective, but ultimately has taken on a different form. In order to keep today’s interpretation fluent, Brown admits he’d like to see men get creative within their environment, “my hope is men will continue to open that door, pull out the chair, but also do something like plant your significant other an herb garden or cook a great meal.”

Along with creativity, Hahn feels men should not be afraid about putting in the extra effort. He states,” be the guy who takes the time and thought into sending thank you notes. Seeing a handwritten note is so extinct these days… and sending flowers is still a nice gesture. That’s how you should treat people today. It’s worth it because you want to end the day right with yourself.”

Beard And Shave Soap Trio	Jao Brand: Beard Scent	Hudson Made: Walnut Kitchen Board

Source: The Orchid Boutique

If what you wear says volumes about you, then how you port it ‘on the go’ can make an equally strong statement. A trunk is a large, structured heavy duty piece meant for the largest of hauls. Many luxury fashion companies made names for themselves crafting trunks for luxury travel. Louis Vuitton started in 1854 and by the end of the 1800s its signature check and LV monogram prints had been born to stave off imitators. While Goyard, started in 1792, is the oldest of the great Parisian trunk makers and still crafts customized luggage for the French elite. When ships were the main form of transportation, trunks were the obvious way to go.

A duffel bag, named after Duffel, Belgium where the particular canvas originally used originated, is a barrel-shaped bag with shoulder straps. It is still usually made of canvas (or sometimes nylon) for ease of care and transport in any weather. Duffels took off in 1950s surfer sub-culture, even taking on a certain “in-the-know” status symbol. Now ubiquitous, every man should at least once in his life toss a few things in a duffel for a quick, impromptu escape. The carefully curated options available on Hudson Made (from San Francisco-based Joshu+Vela) make a great grab and go.

If your travel plans necessitate more than toiletries and a quick change of clothes, a weekender is the perfect choice. Named for the amount of stuff you can carry in its small frame, the weekender is a more structured option for a weekend away. For an even more substantial option, a traditional suitcase is the most popular choice for its ideal build and convenience. Modern designs feature perks such as dividers, expansion panels and wheels. Gracie Opulanza, co-founder of online magazine Men Style Fashion, offers up one other option you may not think of: “Foldable bags are the way forward for maximum storage. I always find you end up buying another bag whilst travelling hence your foldable one can be stored away.” Now that’s packing smart.

Once you’ve committed to your luggage of choice (as well as a travel companion) what do you put in it? The key is versatility. Pack a wardrobe of easy T-shirts, sweaters and pants that can all work double duty and be layered. And never underestimate the need for a light jacket to pull it all together and weather the elements. I’m also a big fan of setting a clothing color story ahead of time. Pick up to three colors to add to black or khaki basics and weave a story with your wardrobe. Nothing is sharper, for instance, than a navy, brown and white vacation wardrobe. But how do you narrow down the selections from your closet?

Your best bet according to Australian GQ: “Be selective. Get together all the clothes you anticipate you’ll need for your trip and lay them out. Then put half of them back.” That’s a new riff on Coco Chanel’s famous ‘take one thing off’ rule. And when it comes to shoes, Travel + Leisure also believes in a less is more mentality: “Shoes are one of the heavier items you will have in your bag so give lots of thought to taking too many. Choose a pair that can be worn in a variety of situations. Along with the one you are wearing, you’ll have enough.” Finally, pack a stylish hat, as Men Style Fashion reminds us “a hat is a great way to cover the scruffy look once you’ve landed.” That’s using your head!

“The Art of Packing” from Louis Vuitton

But it’s not just clothes that make the well traveled man. You’ll need a collection of toiletries to keep yourself looking your best on the go. In fact, traveling comes with its own set of skin issues you’ll need to consider. Flying, for instance is extra hard on your skin with the drying cabin air. Make sure travel lotions are extra moisturizing. Australian GQ also suggests double-bagging your liquids in a TSA-approved plastic baggie inside your kit. “Put any liquids—moisturizer, sunscreen and the like—in plastic zip-lock bags to avoid them leaking through the rest of your luggage. Then place your toiletries bag at the top of your case to avoid putting extra pressure on it during the flight.”

And while most tech-savvy travelers may find themselves burrowed in their smartphones, consider bringing a notebook instead. I jot down stores, restaurants and bars I particularly like and meal ideas I will foolishly try to recreate later. I also allow myself to do the kind of free flow writing I never have the time to do in my everyday life.

And while a notebook is nice, don’t forget the last minute essentials: charging cords, power adaptors for foreign countries, passport and, of course, toothbrush. Slip them in and then slip off to your fantasy destination.

Once you’ve picked a bag and packed it with your get-out-of-town outfits and necessities, well, you’re ready to be that well-traveled man on the go. After all, a great piece of luggage is just the first step in a long lifetime love affair for travel. My vintage luggage collection is part of the romance of my world travels, this great marriage of man and his wanderlust. Every time I see one of those suitcases I think of where I’ve been and the world I have yet to explore and I’m ready to fall in love all over again. Bon voyage.

Black XL Boat Tote	Canvas Leather Dopp Kit	Navy Waxed Canvas Leather duffle

Mac Smith is a New York City based fashion writer who has never met a cat, coat or cake he didn’t love. itcantallbedior.blogspot.com twitter: @itcantallbedior