Is there any better gift than that of travel? Here we look at some of the hottest travel gifts for 2017.
Bose noise cancelling headphones
A few years ago I purchased my first pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones while on holiday in Hawaii. I was searching for lightweight headphones that were easy to use and store and were powerful enough to drown out the noise around me.
Bose headphones are available in two styles – over-ear headphones or earphone plugs. On long-haul flights I use my headphones for movies, music and sleeping too. Simply plugin, turn on and tune the surrounding noise off.
Tip: Consider purchasing in the USA if on your travel list. We found our headphones in a Bose store at a lower price then found in Australia. Just look out for the sales tax that is added on to the price (sales tax differs in each US state) and consider the exchange rate first.
Priced from: $249
Where to buy: Direct from the Bose store or available in Myer and other retail stores.
Belkin Valet Charger
This clever two-in-one portable battery charger can charge an Apple Watch and an iPhone at the same time. Simply drape your Apple Watch on top of the magnetic charging unit or plug in your iPhone USB charger.
Priced from: $149.95
Where to buy: Purchase online with Belkin direct, or from Officemax or Harris Technology.
Apple Watch
If you have the charger, then get the watch! The popular original time piece allows you to monitor your health, check your emails, social media, tap into your calendar and so much more. The recently released second version has all the original inclusions plus new extras such as a built-in GPS, water-resistance to 50m and a dual core processor and lighter display.
Priced from: $399
Where to buy: Purchase from the online Apple Store, or from any Apple store or retailer such as Myer, David Jones or other consumer goods shop.
Portable baggage scales
Ever arrived at the airport to find your baggage is overweight, when you are then asked to repack your suitcase in front of queues of people with your smalls visible to the world (not that this has happened to me before!). Then digital luggage scales are just what you (and me!) require. Avoid any nasty excess-baggage fees and keep your smalls where they belong – buried deep in the suitcase!
Priced from: $25
Where to buy: Purchase online from Kogan or various retailers.
Qantas valet parking passes
Everyone has a frequent flyer in the family. If their choice of airline is Qantas, then consider a book of valet parking passes that are valid at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airport. A thoughtful and convenient gift and maybe a subtle hint for them to come and visit more often.
Priced from: Four pack of passes are $240 for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane or $160 for Perth
Where to buy: Purchase online from the Qantas Shop with credit card or Qantas frequent flyer points.
A good old paperback book
Everyone loves a good book when travelling. From fiction to non-fiction, travel guides and puzzle books, there is no better way to make the hours of a long-haul flight disappear then being engrossed in a good book. Lonely Planet have an endless array of travel books and products and can be purchased online or from most retailers.
Where to buy: Purchase online from the Lonely Planet shop or most book retailers.
