Escaping to the magical seaside resorts of Mauritius with a collection of stylish travel accessories at hand, setting our wild spirits free in the heart of Rwanda’s majestic mountain ranges, indulging in utter opulence in Dubai or immersing ourselves in the bustling beauty of New York City – experiences such as these are fast becoming mere memories for globetrotters.
Whether you travel for work or pleasure, the novel coronavirus has made itself fiercely felt around the world. Tourism has become one of the hardest hit industries, with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) predicting global travel will drop by up to 30% in 2020, equating to a loss of up to A$77 billion in spending from international visitors.
Enduring long-haul business-class flights with hours-long international layovers, echoes of foreign languages and time zone disruptions may be distant souvenirs from a world we once knew, but in a few years’ time, so too will be a globe in lockdown.
While we safely lounge in the comfort of our homes, we can let our minds wander in anticipation of our next adventure. From heavenly travel accessories to the most superlative gadgets, these items will make our next trip as serene as the holiday itself.
Luxurious luggage
RIMOWA oversized trunk
Handcrafted in high-end anodised aluminium and engineered in Germany with longevity in mind, the RIMOWA Original Trunk XL luggage keeps the brand’s iconic trunk design but with an additional 25 litres of space added for those seeking an extravagant voyage.
Cost: A$2,840
Saint Laurent monogram passport case
Made in Italy, entirely from sheepskin, the crocodile embossed leather passport cover is sleek with its matte black metal YSL initials and boasts functionality with two passport inserts and four card slots.
Cost: A$590
Louis Vuitton tie case
Preserve the quality of your favourite tie with the French designer’s slim tie case, which holds up to five ties, and has a separate cufflinks compartment.
Cost: A$1,440
Cartier luggage tag
The Must de Cartier burgundy calfskin leather tag is as stylish as it is practical with gold-finished metal corners and embossed double C logo.
Cost: A$345
Prada Saffiano leather document holder
With one front pocket and seven card slots, the Italian-crafted document holder will keep all your travel documents organised without sacrificing style.
Cost: A$720
Burberry monogram leather travel pouch
Perfect for loose travel items, the compact travel pouch crafted from Italian calf leather with hand-painted edges makes for a practical addition to any suitcase.
Cost: A$1,020
Gucci carry-on duffle
Inspired by the 70s, the Gucci Ophidia GG medium carry-on duffle is fashioned by a material with low environmental impact complete with a detachable nylon shoulder strap and interior zipper and smartphone pockets.
Cost: A$2,685
Top tech
iBlockCube Nimble travel adapter
Gone are the days of lugging around several adapters thanks to this all-in-one universal travel adapter, which covers more than 150 countries in one cube – making it one of the most practical travel accessories you can find.
Cost: About A$75
Montblanc Summit 2 titanium sport edition
Although well versed in elegant writing instruments, Montblanc shines with its 42mm unisex timepiece that connects fine watchmaking with wearable technology.
Cost: A$1,740
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay charging pad
Whether you’re in need of powering up your iPhone, Android or Beoplay E8 2.0 headphones, this elegant yet compact wireless leather charging pad will effortlessly revitalise your devices.
Cost: about A$200
Apple AirPods Pro
With active noise cancellation, incredible audio quality and customisable fit with three sizes of silicone tips to choose from, AirPods Pro offer an exceptional seal all the while seamlessly connecting to your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Cost: A$399
Miu Miu crystal nappa Airpod case
Keep your AirPods safe in this splendid nappa leather case embossed in synthetic crystals and suspended by a metal chain.
Cost: A$615
Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones
Shut out the irritating hum of an aircraft flying 35,000 feet in the air with Beoplay H9 third generation over-ear headphones with touch interface and up to 25 hours of playtime. Cost: about A$800
Chic comfort
Giorgio Armani pure silk pyjamas
Who says air travel has to be uncomfortable? Sleep in elegance with a pair of sophisticated, lightweight matching unisex silk pyjamas from the Armani/Casa collaborative collection.
Cost: A$3,100
EXCLUSIVE: We sat down with Giorgio Armani to discover how he created a US$6 billion fashion empire.
Tiffany & Co. blanket and sleeping mask set
Inspired by a vintage Tiffany & Co. logo used on silverware in 1893, the luxurious Italian-made set includes a 100% silk pouch and eye mask as well as a 100% cashmere blanket.
Cost: A$2,100
Hermès traveller blanket and case
You may receive heated pyjamas when flying in first class, but nothing can compare to snuggling up to your very own handwoven 100% cashmere blanket.
Cost: A$4,145
Sumptuous skincare
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
Avoid the dreaded dry skin of flying with this replenishing Swiss cream. Going beyond what many lotions offer, the caviar nourishes and regenerates skin leaving it hydrated, lifted and firmed, ultimately creating a radiant glow.
Cost: A$745
La Mer Renewal Oil
Perfect for dry skin, the 30ml of multitasking liquid gold nourishes and softens dry skin, cuticles and even hair making for an overall ultra-smooth and soft appearance. Goodbye jetlag.
Cost: A$350
Chanel twist and spray parfum
Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum allows men to freshen up with a spritz of aromatic and woody notes while Coco Mademoiselle offers women an oriental fragrance of jasmine and rose. Both available in functional 20ml refillable bottles suitable for minimalist travel in style.
Cost: A$120 for Bleu de Chanel; A$195 for Coco Mademoiselle
In a world post-pandemic, be sure to explore some of the world’s most exotic destinations.