How to Travel with Your Cigars
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a longer vacation, the last thing you want is for your cigars to be damaged or ruined while traveling. As a cigar enthusiast living in Erie, PA, you might already know how important it is to properly store and transport your cigars to ensure they stay fresh and ready to smoke. Whether you’re heading down to Presque Isle for a day of relaxation or taking a longer trip to a cigar-friendly destination, we’ve got you covered with practical tips on how to travel with cigars.
In this post, we’ll walk through the essentials for traveling with cigars, including the best storage options, packing tips, and advice on traveling by car, plane, or even across international borders. Let’s dive in!
Why Proper Storage is Key When Traveling with Cigars
Before we get into the specifics of how to pack and transport your cigars, let’s quickly cover why proper storage is so important. Cigars are delicate, natural products that are highly sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and physical handling. If cigars are not stored correctly, they can dry out, crack, or even become too damp, which will drastically affect the smoking experience.
As someone living in Erie, PA, you’re used to experiencing a wide range of weather, from snowy winters to hot, humid summers. Whether you’re heading to the lake for a summer getaway or catching some rays at a beach in Florida, you need a solid plan to keep your cigars safe and fresh on the go.
Best Ways to Pack Cigars for Travel
When it comes to transporting cigars, there are a few essential methods and accessories that will keep your cigars in pristine condition.
Travel Humidors
The most effective way to travel with cigars is by using a travel humidor. These compact, portable humidors are designed to hold cigars while maintaining optimal humidity levels. Most travel humidors come with a built-in humidification system that helps keep your cigars fresh for days or even weeks, depending on how many cigars you’re carrying.
What to Look For: Look for a travel humidor that’s made of durable material, such as hard plastic or metal, and is waterproof to protect your cigars from accidental spills or environmental moisture. Popular brands like Cedar Humidor, Xikar, and Cigar Caddy offer excellent travel humidors in various sizes.
Size Matters: Choose a travel humidor based on how many cigars you intend to carry. If you're just bringing a couple of cigars, a small 5-10 cigar humidor will suffice. For longer trips, you may want a larger case that can hold 20-30 cigars.
Cigar Tubes
If you're traveling with only a few cigars, cigar tubes are an excellent option. These single-cigar protective cases are made from sturdy materials like aluminum or glass and are designed to keep your cigars safe from physical damage, moisture, and air.
Bonus: Many cigar tubes come with built-in humidification, but even if they don't, they’re a simple, effective way to store cigars temporarily without worrying about them getting crushed or dried out.
Tupperware or Plastic Containers
For a more budget-friendly option, you can store your cigars in a sealed Tupperware container or other airtight plastic container. This method isn’t as advanced as a travel humidor, but it can keep your cigars protected for short trips. You can even add a small Boveda pack (a two-way humidity control pack) inside to regulate the humidity.
Tip for Erie Residents: Since Erie’s weather can shift quickly, consider carrying a Boveda pack with you during the transition between seasons to avoid humidity fluctuations, especially during the colder months.
Traveling by Car with Cigars
Traveling by car provides the most flexibility when it comes to packing cigars. The key is to ensure that your cigars are stored in a safe, stable environment, free from temperature extremes and moisture.
Temperature Control:
Erie, PA, experiences varying weather conditions throughout the year, so be mindful of temperature changes when traveling by car. During summer, the interior of your car can quickly heat up, and in the winter, it can become excessively cold. Extreme temperature fluctuations can dry out or damage your cigars.
Keep Your Cigars in the Car’s Cabin: Avoid placing cigars in the trunk or any other part of the car where the temperature may fluctuate drastically. The glove compartment or a well-insulated bag is ideal.
Air Circulation: If you’re traveling for an extended period, periodically check on your cigars and allow air to circulate in the container. This ensures the humidity stays balanced and prevents mold growth.
Best Practices for Storing Cigars in the Car:
Store your cigars in a travel humidor or airtight container.
Keep your cigars away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you're traveling in winter, be sure to keep your cigars in an insulated case to avoid freezing temperatures.
Flying with Cigars: What You Need to Know
Flying with cigars presents some unique challenges, particularly when it comes to airline regulations and security checks. However, with proper planning, you can transport cigars safely and hassle-free.
Airport Security and TSA Regulations:
Good news for cigar lovers! While you can’t bring open containers of liquids over 3 ounces through airport security, cigars themselves are not a problem. Just be sure to pack them properly in an airtight container or travel humidor, as cigars are often delicate and may be damaged if not properly protected.
Carry-On Luggage: The best place to store your cigars when flying is in your carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage. The cargo hold of an airplane can experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which could damage your cigars. A travel humidor or sturdy cigar tube is the best way to protect them during your flight.
TSA Guidelines: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you are allowed to bring cigars in your carry-on luggage or checked bags. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the current regulations before your trip to ensure there haven’t been any changes.
Humidification While Flying:
While flying, the low humidity in the cabin can dry out your cigars. To mitigate this, carry a Boveda pack in your humidor to help maintain the proper moisture levels. This will keep your cigars in top condition, especially during long flights or layovers.
Traveling Internationally with Cigars: Know the Rules
If you’re planning to travel abroad from Erie, PA, or purchase cigars during your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Customs Regulations:
U.S. Regulations: When returning to the U.S., travelers are allowed to bring cigars for personal use (typically up to 100 cigars), but you must declare them at customs. Be aware that if you exceed this limit, you may be subject to duties or taxes.
International Regulations: Different countries have different regulations when it comes to bringing cigars into their borders. Some countries, like Cuba, have strict regulations, while others may allow you to bring in a limited quantity for personal use. Always check the specific rules of your destination before packing cigars.
Storage Tips for Long Journeys:
When traveling internationally, it’s especially important to ensure your cigars are stored in a secure, climate-controlled case. While you may not be able to control the temperature or humidity of international flights or buses, packing your cigars in a high-quality travel humidor will give you peace of mind.
Cigar-Friendly Destinations in and Around Erie, PA
For Erie residents, a number of cigar-friendly destinations are within reach. A few notable spots for cigar enthusiasts include:
Erie, PA: The Brig Cigar Lounge is Erie’s best cigar lounge, offering BYOB alcohol, a walk-in humidor, wifi, a pool table, and a lounge large enough for you and all of your friends!
Pittsburgh, PA: With a growing cigar scene, Pittsburgh offers cigar lounges and cigar bars where you can relax and enjoy a smoke.
Cleveland, OH: Just a short drive from Erie, Cleveland is home to a number of cigar-friendly venues, including the The House of Cigars and Tuxedo Cigars, where you can enjoy a fine cigar and socialize.
Las Vegas, NV: If you’re planning a long-distance vacation, Las Vegas is known for its cigar-friendly hotels, casinos, and lounges.
Traveling with cigars doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning and equipment, you can easily transport your cigars from Erie, PA, to wherever your travels take you, whether it’s a quick trip across town or an international adventure. Invest in a good travel humidor, consider climate and temperature control, and be mindful of airline regulations to ensure your cigars remain in perfect condition. Safe travels and happy smoking!
