With travel being so unpredictable, being prepared is key. Here’s our top list of travel gifts for those of us suffering unfulfilled wanderlust and also some unique experiences around Australia.
If the times of Covid-19 have taught us anything it’s not to take travel for granted. All those easy trips far and wide and near at hand seem impossible. But as quickly as it went away, travel will be back.
And that’s why these are the best gifts for the travel-hungry – to get ready for when we can all hop on planes, cross borders, board ships and seek adventure once again.
We’ve collected some of the best travel tools and accessories to bring you this guide. We’ve also found some incredible Aussie experiences to make the most of this amazing country and explore our backyard better.
These gift ideas are part of our more comprehensive gift guide Hint Magazine. Within its virtual pages, you’ll find all kind of gift ideas from drinks and books to and cosmetics and homewares.
You can view and download your own copy of Hint for free here:
Click here for your free copy of Hint 2020Travel gifts for the fashionable wayfarer
The Werks Traveller 6.0 Weekender Bag
Comfortable and practical, yet super stylish, the Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 fuses smart functions with elegant details.
It’s a perfect piece of hand luggage with a deceptively large capacity, and even has a drop-down expansion panel at the bottom that unzips to give an extra 13cm of space.
It also slides easily over the handles of larger wheeled luggage making it easier to transport before check-in and after the carousel.
Rado Captain Cook Bronze men’s watch
Bring out the explorer in your man with one of the most beautiful precision Swiss watches. State of the art mechanisms and ceramic-metal alloys bring this remarkable timepiece from its original 1962 design into the 21st Century.
Its sapphire crystal non-reflective case, rich bronze bezel and titanium back make the watch water-resistant to 300 metres, and Rado’s high-tech alloy – Ceramos – around the face of the watch delivers the scratch-resistance properties of ceramic with the lustre and strength of metal.
Rado True Thinline Anima unisex watch
This limited edition watch – one of 2,020 – is a superb example of Rado’s art. Set in a subtle olive green case and bracelet strap, the skeleton face shows the intricate workings of this magnificent yet discreet watch.
What’s more, the back case is also made of the same sapphire crystal to show the automatic mechanism that self-winds the timepiece.
The case and bracelet are made from Rado’s proprietary high-tech ceramic-metal alloy – Ceramos, which makes the watch light, yet incredibly strong and scratch resistant, while giving a soft, tactile feel to the piece.
Leatherman Charge+ TTI titanium multi tool
This is what a Swiss army knife would look like if were on creatine and protein shakes. Beautifully crafted with incredibly clever design, the Leatherman Charge+ TTI somehow incorporates some 19 tools including high-carbon steel knives and saws, pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers and files – all with lockable fixtures.
There’s something deeply satisfying about using this ultimate multitool, how everything fits so perfectly. The Leatherman also comes with a clip with a full selection of interchangeable screwdriver heads and handy case – it’s easy to see how it has a growing cult following.
This is the only tool the outdoorsy adventurer or DIY nut would ever need with them.
Tesalate towel – XL Checkerboard
Engineered to actually repel sand, Tesalate beach towels are amazing. They’re also incredibly absorbent, holding over two litres of water and dry in half the time of normal towels.
The new XL size makes this a handy towel for two at the beach (and makes that awkward beach change into swimmers easier) or a great picnic blanket for a group. When you’re on the move, these towels pack down really small.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 portable speaker
Compact, powerful and durable – in fact it’s waterproof – the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is the perfect companion on any trip away or party at home. It’s so small and light, it fits in hand luggage really easily and doesn’t compromise on sound quality either – it even has an outdoor boost button.
HPM wireless charger
For speed and convenience, being able to charge your mobile or headphones without having to plug them in is the best. HPM’s wireless charger pad is engineered to deliver super-fast wireless charging but is still light and very slimline, so it fits on a bag easily when travelling.
$34.98 RRP – available from hardware stores nationally, including Bunnings
Urbanista wireless headphones
For that extra level of convenience and sophistication, these wireless headphones are what the stylish traveller needs. Embodying its Swedish design, the sleek Stockholm Plus comes in four colours, including rose gold.
Even better, the compact and discreet London range has noise-cancelling and in-ear detection capabilities. Both have 3.5-4 hours’ play time with wireless cases that give an extra four charges.
The Shears 2.0 luxury nail grooming kit
From the excellent male grooming company Manscaped, this compact yet good-looking nail grooming kit comes with slick nail-clippers, nail file, blunt-nose grooming scissors and sturdy precision tweezers.
The set comes in a PU leather case to store the tools safely while you’re on the move.
$24.95 RRP – and use our code ‘MRANDMRSROMANCE’ for 20% off your order.
Experiences and destinations
Crooked Compass by Air
If you’re missing flying as much as we are, this truly romantic experience will fulfil your wanderlust.
Choose from a wide range of far-flung locations around Australia, then hop aboard your private plane, helicopter or jet and be whisked away.
From Mystery Flights and the ‘Lunch Club’ fly and dine experiences to a full multi-state extravaganzas, this is the only way to travel.
BridgeClimb Sydney
From the top of one of Sydney’s – if not Australia’s – most iconic structures, BridgeClimb offers unequalled views of the Harbour City.
But if climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge isn’t enough, check out these packages that include hotel stays and dinners at Sydney’s finest restaurants.
Bannisters and Chef Rick Stein
Synonymous with luxury, sea views and Chef Rick Stein, Bannisters in Mollymook south of Sydney and in Port Stephens to the north offer the perfect getaway gift.
Package ideas all include bubbles on arrival, breakfast and dinner, but adding in spa treatments or room upgrades make your stay at Bannisters even better!
Wine experiences at Passel Estate, WA
One of the Margaret River Wine Region’s most beautiful wineries, Passel Estate has a number of bookable experiences to show you the best of WA wines.
From guided tastings to wine and food pairing experiences to private tours of the estate and its conservation sanctuary with wine tasting and cheese platters – this is how to really get to know WA wine.
South Coast Experiences
The stunning reaches of the NSW South Coast is home to so many incredible places to see, do, eat in and stay – the problem is finding then choosing your experience.
South Coast Experiences makes selecting a perfect gift for your loved one really easy, curating all the best of the region in one place.
Experience Canberra’s spirits at their best
Over the summer, Canberra’s homegrown award-winning premium craft distillery – Underground Spirits – is offering two amazing gin-related experiences in the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
The Spirit of Canberra – Underground Experience shares the distillery’s history, a broader knowledge of the foundations of gin and a masterclass on everyone’s favourite summer drink: the noble gin and tonic.
45min $35pp
Underground Spirits Mixed Up! Tasting & Cocktail Masterclass is a longer session where you work with a mixologist on a cocktail making (and tasting) demo.
60min $65pp
Both experiences include sample tastings and drinks.
